A roundup of great soul music singers and artists

Killing Me Softly With His SongRoberta Flack

Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly With His Song (Official Audio)

Singer Roberta Flack, born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Raised in a musical environment from childhood, she began playing piano at age nine and studied music education with the goal of becoming a concert pianist.

Since her 1969 debut, she has been active primarily in soul music.

Her 1972 hit “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was chosen as the theme song for the film Play Misty for Me.

In 1973, “Killing Me Softly with His Song” reached No.

1 in the U.

S.

and won two Grammys, including Record of the Year.

She is also known for duets with Aretha Franklin—celebrated as the “Queen of Soul”—and Donny Hathaway.

Her refined R&B sound, grounded in exceptional vocal ability, piano, and classical training, continues to transcend genres and be loved by many.

For everyone who wants to experience the essence of music.

If You Want Me To StaySly & The Family Stone

Sly & The Family Stone – If You Want Me To Stay (Audio)

This soul number is captivating for its comfortable bass-and-drum groove and uniquely languid vocals.

In June 1973, the American group Sly & The Family Stone released it as a single and included it on the album Fresh.

With a lineup that transcended racial and gender boundaries, the band made major contributions to the development of funk and soul music.

Their sound, both meditative and brimming with live energy, went on to influence many later musicians.

The song was also featured in the films Made in Heaven (1987) and Talk to Me (2007), and it continues to enchant a wide audience.

It’s a perfect track for relaxing and enjoying music at an easy pace.

I Can’t Stand the RainAnn Peebles

Ann Peebles – I Can’t Stand the Rain (Official Audio)

A shining masterpiece in the history of beautiful soul music was born from American artist Ann Peebles.

Released in July 1973, this Memphis soul classic opens with an inventive intro that takes the sound of falling rain as its motif.

The droplet-like rhythm played on electric timbales and the melody woven by a vocal that is both powerful and delicate sink deeply into the listener’s heart.

Later covered by numerous artists, including Missy Elliott and Tina Turner, it remains beloved around the world.

Enthusiastically praised by John Lennon, this gem of a ballad is an eternal classic that overlays the ache of unrequited love with the image of rain.

Give it a listen on a rainy-day drive or during a quiet night of reflection.

Before I Let GoFrankie Beverly And Maze

Frankie Beverly And Maze – Before I Let Go

A gem of a soul number about the sweet ache of a breakup has arrived from America’s Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

Based in San Francisco, their signature track was included on the 1981 album Live in New Orleans.

Within a light, dance-floor-ready rhythm, it beautifully captures the complex feelings of a man wavering over the decision to part ways.

Gratitude and lingering attachment to a loved one, along with the strength to move forward, make a powerful impact.

The song has become a staple at weddings and family gatherings, and Beyoncé’s 2019 cover brought it renewed attention.

Blending happy memories with the poignancy of farewell, this love song is perfect for a calm night drive or for those moments just before saying goodbye to someone important.

Clean Up WomanBetty Wright

Clean Up Woman – Betty Wright (1971)

Betty Wright is an American R&B singer known for her powerful vocals and soulful expressiveness.

Released in November 1971, this gem of a love song tells a poignant story of a sad ending brought on by a lack of affection in a relationship.

Its lyrics, which portray a woman losing her lover to another woman, emphasize the importance of everyday communication and expressing gratitude.

Featured on the album “I Love the Way You Love,” the track weaves funky rhythms with a memorable guitar riff, while her voice—just 17 at the time—strikes straight to the heart.

It reached No.

2 on Billboard’s R&B chart and No.

6 on the Hot 100, and was certified Gold.

A song that resonates with anyone struggling with love.

Keep on TruckinEddie Kendricks

Eddie Kendricks – Keep on Truckin

Released in August 1973, the solo debut by Eddie Kendricks, one of America’s quintessential soul singers, is a classic that fuses a groovy rhythm with the captivating sound of the clavinet.

Created by the former member of Motown’s legendary group The Temptations, this track is a disco-oriented tune made for the dance floor, and it reached No.

1 on both the Billboard Pop chart and the R&B Singles chart.

Its brisk beat and smooth melody have been featured in numerous film and television soundtracks, making it a historic song that helped pioneer disco music.

It’s a perfect pick when you want to elevate the mood with up-tempo music, whether at a party or on a drive.

Stone RollinRaphael Saadiq

Raphael Saadiq – Stone Rollin’ (Video Version)

A quintessential American soul singer, Raphael Saadiq delivers a heartfelt cry of the soul that grips the listener from the first note.

This is the powerful title track from his album Stone Rollin’, which revives the classic soul sound of the 1960s through a modern lens.

It was released by Columbia Records in March 2011.

The commanding rhythm infused with blues and funk, the groovy bassline, and the weighty sonics woven by vintage Mellotron keys are truly stunning.

Meticulously crafted over the course of a year at his own studio in Los Angeles, this track is highly recommended for anyone who loves soul music.

It’s sure to satisfy listeners seeking the deeper flavors of music.