Many music genres originated, grew, or settled in the city of Memphis. Soul music is one such type that originated in Tennessee in the first half of the 20th century. The roots of soul music is said to have originated with the black experience in America and it was brought to the mainstream by Stax Records, a label known for finding Memphis singers from 1957 to 1975 fitting the musical styling of the region, as well as Hi Records and early Sun Records.
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Memphis music history, soul declined in popularity during the American disco era in the late 1970’s, but its influence can be heard throughout other musical genres past and present, including Motown soul, Southern Rock, R&B, Hip Hop, and Country. It also influenced several British singers and groups, such as Sade and Soul II Soul, in the 1980’s.
Stax Records was founded in 1957 and was an innovative leader in recruiting talented black Memphis singers to ultimately aid in the creation of the Southern Soul and Memphis Soul music types. Other types of music that naturally coordinated with these grassroots styles were gospel, funk, jazz, and blues, also popular during the era.
Stax Records, which predominantly produced African American music, was known for such Memphis artists as Booker T and the MG’s, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding. Currently, the Stax label has been reactivated to release earlier catalogue material and some new recordings by up and coming soul artists. Memphis’ Hi Records created musicallegends like Willie Mitchell and Al Green.
Memphis music history also notes that this particular music type was not simply a means of entertainment, but also used for political commentary and community activism. Soul music was popularized in the 1960’s and served as a peaceable outlet to express the turbulence of the times.
The place to go for a more detailed chronology of soul music and other Midwest music genres is the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Get an inside look at Memphis soul music at this Memphis museum.
