A roundup of great soul music singers and artists
Soul music is a wonderful genre born in the United States, evolving from blues and gospel into a form of popular music that produced legendary singers, artists, and countless big hits that have gone down in music history.
Since the 1990s, genres like neo-soul have emerged, and the influence of soul music continues to flow strongly even now in the 2020s.
For those—especially beginners—who have become interested in soul music, we’ve put together an introduction to some of the most representative singers and artists.
If you want to experience the “soul” of great vocalists, be sure to check it out!
Great Soul Music Singers and Artists (1–10)
Sexual HealingMarvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye is one of the most important figures in the history of soul music.
Born in Washington, D.
C.
in 1939, Gaye began his career in the 1960s as a Motown session drummer and later became known as the “Prince of Motown.” After making his solo debut in 1962, he released numerous classics, including “Ain’t That Peculiar,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” His duets with Tammi Terrell were also major hits.
With the landmark 1971 album What’s Going On, he broadened his musical scope by addressing social issues.
Gaye continued to have a profound impact on the music scene throughout his life, and his legacy remains undiminished to this day.
I Say A Little PrayerAretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, the great American singer known as the “Queen of Soul.” While her musical roots run deep in gospel and blues, her range spans soul, R&B, and pop.
She made her recording debut in 1956 at the age of 18, and from the mid-1960s, after moving to Atlantic Records, she released signature works such as “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).” Timeless hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” remain beloved classics to this day.
With her powerful, emotionally rich vocals and superb piano playing, she won 18 Grammy Awards, and in 1987 she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
A towering figure in soul music and a shining diva in 20th-century popular music history—essential listening for any music fan.
A Change Is Gonna ComeSam Cooke
Sam Cooke, the great singer known as the Father of Soul.
With his urban, sophisticated vocal style and handsome looks, he was a legendary soul singer who enjoyed immense popularity from the very start.
Born in Mississippi in 1931, Cooke originally made his mark as a gospel singer, but in 1956 he made his full-fledged debut as a pop/soul singer with “Lovable.” The following year’s release, “You Send Me,” became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts and catapulting him to stardom.
He went on to create numerous classics, including “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “Wonderful World.” Beyond his musical achievements, he is also known for working to elevate artists’ rights, including founding his own record label.
Though his life ended tragically far too soon, he remains an enduring figure who profoundly influenced generations of musicians.
If you start listening in your sensitive teenage years, you’ll surely feel the depths of music.
I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston
Whitney Houston, known as “The Voice,” is a legendary songstress whose name is etched in music history.
Born in 1963 in New Jersey, USA, she was raised by a mother who was a gospel singer.
She made a stunning debut with her 1985 album Whitney Houston, followed by the blockbuster success of Whitney in 1987.
The theme song of the 1992 film The Bodyguard, I Will Always Love You, helped the soundtrack set a monumental record with 42 million copies sold.
With her overwhelming vocal prowess and a sound rooted in gospel and soul, Whitney continued to captivate listeners worldwide.
As an eternal diva, her voice will never fade and will continue to shine.
SuperstitionStevie Wonder
Despite the challenge of blindness, Stevie Wonder blossomed from a young age as a multi-instrumental talent.
As a singer-songwriter, he has created numerous timeless masterpieces over many years.
Truly deserving of the title “genius,” since making his debut in 1963 at just 13 years old, he has released a string of hits including “Uptight” and “Superstition.” Owing to his wide-ranging musicality, Stevie has influenced a broad spectrum of genres, from pop and rock to jazz.
He has also amassed a remarkable record of achievements, including winning an impressive 25 Grammy Awards.
A rare, genius artist whose work every music lover should experience at least once.
Never Too MuchLuther Vandross
Luther Vandross, hailing from Kips Bay in Manhattan, New York City, was a highly acclaimed master stylist in the soul and pop music scenes, known as a singer who truly embodied “soul.” From his 1981 debut album, Never Too Much, through the 1990s, he produced numerous hits; among them, Dance with My Father has earned overwhelming support as a classic tribute to his father.
His musicality, which moves fluidly among soul, R&B, and pop, is richly diverse, and the songs born from his passionate approach—learned from female vocalists—and his superb songwriting have garnered numerous awards, including Grammys.
Luther Vandross’s music is a collection of masterpieces recommended to anyone who wants to understand the very essence of soul music.
(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding
Hailing from the state of Georgia, Otis Redding is one of the indispensable singers who helped define the genre of soul music.
So influential that Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead publicly said he wanted to be like Otis, Redding released numerous hits from the early to mid-1960s with his extraordinary voice shaped by gospel and blues.
He rose to prominence with his 1962 debut single These Arms of Mine, and songs like Respect and I’ve Been Loving You Too Long remain timeless classics beloved to this day.
His legendary live performances—such as his electrifying set at the Monterey Pop Festival—testify to the depth of his musicality.
It is truly tragic that he left us at the young age of 26, but his music and voice will never fade.
If you want to feel soul, I highly recommend Otis’s work.