Soul
Sound
&
spirit
Soul emerged from belief, emotion, and the power of communal sound.
The rise of soul
Soul music emerged from gospel, blues, and rhythm and blues, carrying the emotion, faith, and urgency of Black experience in the mid-20th century. Through powerful vocals, layered harmonies, and deep groove, soul became a space for truth-telling, release, and collective expression.
rooted in the church
rooted in the church
rooted in the church
rooted in the church
rooted in the church
rooted in the church
rooted in the church
rooted in the church
Voice and Community
Beyond its musical impact, soul carries histories of struggle and triumph, celebrates collective identity, and connects generations through storytelling and empowerment.
Enduring Influence
Soul music continues to resonate across genres, shaping the sound of modern music and the ways artists convey emotion, identity, and cultural memory.
groove
Jazz &
The Blues
Reggae &
Calypso
Samba &
Cumbia
Soul
Genres to explore
Gospel
Roots
The Rise
of Soul
Voice of a
Movement
1940s–1950s
Soul emerged from Black church traditions, where powerful vocals, call-and-response, and gospel harmony shape the foundation of the genre. These elements carried emotion, faith, and storytelling into secular music.