‘Dusty In Memphis’: How A White British Singer Made A Landmark Soul Album

Dusty Springfield’s crowning achievement, the ‘Dusty In Memphis’ album allowed her to realise her full potential as a soul singer.

‘First Take’: Why Roberta Flack’s Debut Album Demands Repeat Listens

‘Sweet Soul Music’: Arthur Conley’s Taste Of Sweet Soul Success

Recorded with Otis Redding’s guiding hand, Arthur Conley’s ‘Sweet Soul Music’ album was an all too brief entrée from a shoula-been soul icon.

‘Green Onions’: Behind Booker T And The MGs’ Sizzling Soul Stew

Establishing the Stax Records’ sound, Booker T And The MGs’ debut album, ‘Green Onions’, remains a totemic release in soul and R&B music.

How Ray Charles’ Genius Debut Album Birthed Soul Music

Ray Charles’ self-titled debut album may not have delivered the bundle of joy singlehanded, but it represents the birth of soul music.

‘The Exciting Wilson Pickett’: An Explosive Southern Soul Album

Stuffed with killer soul songs, ‘The Exciting Wilson Pickett’ was a perfectly named album from the ‘Wicked’ soul icon.

‘Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul’: Behind The Timeless Masterpiece

Some albums are stuck in time. Some don’t fit any time. A few suit their era yet transcend it. Such is ‘Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul’.

‘Soul ’69’: How Aretha Franklin Expanded Soul Music’s Borders

For the ‘Soul ’69’ album, Aretha Franklin recorded blues, jazz, pop and country songs, unifying them with the power of her own soulful vision.