Welcome back to an age, where tenderness was the norm, the horn section of the band reigned supreme, and autotune wasn't invented. I'm talking about the 60s and 70s. More specifically I'm talking about soul music. Artists like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and much more.
Undoutedly you've heard of a few of these artists...I'm guessing Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and maybe the Temptations, but Redding and Cooke? Maybe not so much, but these respective artists pack a punch unlike anyone today. Franklin with her ability to belt out a song, but still convey tenderness and emotion, Wonder with his unique funk/soul sound, the Temptations performing in perfect harmony....it just doesn't get any better. But how about Otis Redding ever heard of him or one of his songs? If you've ever watched the movie Dirty Dancing, you've heard two of Redding's songs. "These arms of mine" and "Love man." When Baby dances for the first time with Johnny, "Love man" is playing in the background. More recently, a rendition of Otis Reddings song "Try a little tenderness", was featured on the Jay-Z and Kayne West song "Otis"...guess who the song was named after.
If you're the type who solely likes popular (pop) music and thinks you wont ever like anything else, think of it this way....all artist today were inspired by artist of the past. Hints the Jay-Z and Kanye West song, or Beyonce playing the legendary Etta James in the movie "Cadalliac Records" and famously covering Etta's songs, "At Last." Why not discover what inspired your favorite artist for yourself? It's worth it... to discover something new and potentially discover something you love.
A Few Songs To Get You Started
- Otis Redding "These Arms of Mine"
- Aretha Franklin "Natural Woman"
- Sam Cooke "A Change is Gonna Come"
- The Temptations "Ain't Too proud To Beg"
- Stevie Wonder "I Wish"
- Solomon Burke "Cry To Me"
I love discovering new music...I've offered my suggestions, now it's your turn, offer me yours!
