All articles tagged with #soul music
Memphis soul singer and songwriter Don Bryant, known for co-writing the Grammy-nominated hit 'I Can’t Stand the Rain,' died at age 83. Bryant had a prolific career as a songwriter and performer, returning to the stage in his later years after a focus on songwriting and supporting his wife Ann Peebles' career. His influence endures through his music, which has been covered and sampled by many artists.
Steve Cropper, a legendary guitarist and songwriter known for shaping the Memphis soul sound with hits like 'Green Onions' and '(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,' has died at 84. His influential career included work with Otis Redding, Booker T & the MG’s, and numerous other artists, leaving a lasting legacy in American music. His family announced his peaceful passing in Nashville, celebrating his profound impact on soul and R&B music.
Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist and key figure in Memphis soul music known for his work with Booker T & the MGs and numerous hits at Stax Records, has died at age 84. His influential guitar work and production helped shape classic soul and R&B tracks, earning him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
D’Angelo, a Virginia-born soul icon known for his profound influence on music and Black culture, has died at 51. His artistry, rooted in Virginia's rich talent scene, embodied love, vulnerability, and musical innovation, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends his physical presence.
Lou Donaldson, a renowned alto saxophonist known for his soulful jazz performances, has passed away at the age of 98. His contributions to the genre have left a lasting impact on the music world.
Dan Penn, a prolific songwriter, reflects on his career and the hits he wrote for iconic artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and the Box Tops. From co-writing classics like "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" to producing hits like "The Letter," Penn's influence on soul and pop music is undeniable. Despite missing out on the opportunity to have Elvis Presley record one of his songs, Penn's impact on the music industry is enduring, and he continues to write and record new music at his own pace.
Marlena Shaw, the renowned US soul and jazz vocalist famous for her hit ‘California Soul’, has passed away at the age of 81. Her daughter confirmed the news on Facebook, expressing the family's heavy hearts. Shaw's iconic song 'California Soul' gained popularity among rare groove collectors and was heavily sampled by various artists. Born in 1942, Shaw began her singing career in New York and achieved success with albums like 'Sweet Beginnings'. Tributes from fans and fellow musicians poured in following the news of her passing.
Rudolph Isley, founding member of the legendary soul group The Isley Brothers, has passed away at the age of 84. Alongside his brothers, Rudolph helped create timeless hits such as "Who's That Lady?" and "Shout." After leaving the band in the late 1980s, he pursued a life in the ministry. The Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame last year.
Rudolph Isley, a founding member of the Isley Brothers and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has passed away at the age of 84. Alongside his brothers, Rudolph contributed songwriting and backing vocals to numerous hits, including "Shout," "That Lady," and "It's Your Thing." Despite leaving the music industry in 1989 to become a Christian minister, Rudolph occasionally reunited with his brothers. In recent months, he was involved in a legal battle over the rights to the Isley Brothers name. With his death, Ronald and Ernie are the only surviving members of the Isley Brothers.
Soul icon Smokey Robinson has released a new album titled "Gasms," featuring a repetitive track of the same name that includes variations like gasms, eyegasms, eargasms, and mindgasms. The nine-track project features other sultry titles like "I Wanna Know Your Body," "Roll Around," and "I Fit in There." Robinson intended to cause controversy with his latest album, but he hinted that the meaning might not necessarily be as sexual as you think.
Otis Redding III, the son of legendary soul singer Otis Redding, has died at the age of 59 from cancer. Redding III and his brother formed the funk band The Reddings, which recorded six albums in the 1980s, but never matched their father's success. Redding III continued to play and perform after the band's final album in 1988 and was once hired as a guitarist for soul singer Eddie Floyd, under whose guidance he became comfortable performing his father's songs.
Otis Redding III, the son of the legendary soul singer Otis Redding, has died at the age of 59 due to cancer. He was a guitarist and singer who performed with the funk band The Reddings, which recorded six albums in the 1980s. Despite never matching his father's success, he continued to perform and was grateful for his father's enduring legacy. He also worked with his family's foundation to organize summer camps that teach children to play music and served as board president of the local chapter of Meals on Wheels.
Gabriels, a soul revival band fronted by gospel singer Jacob Lusk, was the surprise hit of the early hours at the 2023 Coachella festival. Their inspiring and uplifting set showcased the range of the human voice and air-tight instrumentation, and drew early arrivals to the Gobi tent. Despite being named the breakout artist of 2021 by KCRW and receiving a co-sign from Elton John, they remain relatively unknown to most listeners. Expect to see them on a much bigger stage next year.
Bobby Caldwell, the R&B singer and songwriter known for his hit song "What You Won't Do for Love," has died at the age of 71. The song became a career-defining hit for Caldwell, who also wrote it, and was covered by artists such as Boyz II Men and Michael Bolton, and sampled by Tupac Shakur. Caldwell's music was also sampled by hip-hop artists including The Notorious B.I.G., Common, Lil Nas X, and Chance the Rapper. Caldwell was a multi-instrumentalist who began performing professionally at 17 and got his break playing guitar in Little Richard's band in the early 1970s.