If you’re a fan of soul music, you’ve probably come across the phrase “holy soul music” at some point. So what exactly is it, and why is it such a significant factor?
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the history and significance of holy soul music, analyzing its beginnings, as well as its cultural and societal impact, as well as some of the most influential musicians who have contributed to this ageless genre.
What is Sacred Soul Music?
R&B, funk, and jazz are all present in the musical genre known as “Sacred Soul Music,” which has its roots in gospel music. It is a genre of music that features upbeat lyrics, soulful vocals, and spiritual undertones.
Sacred Soul Music’s fundamental goal is to help us reach out to something more than ourselves while also encouraging us to explore and embrace our spirituality. The Staple Singers, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Mahalia Jackson, Al Green, and Mavis Staples are a few of the most well-known performers in this genre.
Sacred Soul Music has been mostly ignored by mainstream media despite its rich history and potent messages; however, there is a growing movement to highlight this genre and make it more widely accessible.
The History of Sacred Soul Music
The early 20th century is the beginning of the long history of Sacred Soul Music. Gospel music was employed in African American churches as a way to express spirituality and religion, giving rise to the genre.
With singers like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke adding gospel themes and components into their music during the 1950s and 1960s, Sacred Soul Music started to gain popularity outside of the church.
This blending of R&B and gospel paved the way for the development of soul music, which would go on to become one of the most significant musical subgenres of the 20th century.
With performers using their music to address concerns of social justice and civil rights, Sacred Soul Music grew more politically and socially concerned in the 1960s.
African American communities’ struggles were addressed in songs by artists like Sam Cooke and The Staple Singers, and their music grew to be an effective weapon for activism and social change.
As Al Green and Aretha Franklin incorporated funk and jazz into their music during the 1970s, Sacred Soul Music continued to develop. These musicians were renowned for their deep vocals and inspirational lyrics, and the music they created appealed to a generation looking for direction and meaning.
Despite its influence and appeal, Sacred Soul Music started to lose ground in the 1980s as popular music gravitated more and more toward electronic and synthesized sounds.
Yet, the genre maintained a devoted fan base, and it lives on in the music of modern musicians like Leon Bridges, who are striving to preserve the essence of Sacred Soul Music.
How Important Sacred Soul Music is?
An important musical subgenre that has deeply affected culture and society is Sacred Soul Music. It is a genre of music with roots in spirituality, religion, and social justice, and it has given generations of musicians and audiences a potent outlet for expression.
Sacred Soul Music has been a weapon for social and political change, which is one of the main reasons why it is significant. Sacred Soul Music has been a potent voice for advocacy and activism, from the civil rights movement of the 1960s to the Black Lives Matter movement of today.
A Change Is Gonna Come and We Shall Overcome have become anthems for social justice, and audiences all around the world are still moved by their themes. The ability to connect with something bigger than ourselves is another benefit of sacred soul music.
Generations of listeners have been moved by the genre’s positive sentiments and spiritual themes to delve deeper into their faith and build stronger links to their communities. Sacred Soul Music has also offered consolation and peace in trying times, acting as a source of inspiration and hope for people all around the world.
Famous Sacred Soul Artists
Over the years, Sacred Soul Music has given birth to a large number of brilliant and important musicians, many of whom are now well-known figures in their fields. The most well-known Sacred Soul musicians are listed below:
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s powerful voice and passionate delivery served to define the Sacred Soul genre, which led to her being known as the “Queen of Soul.” The songs “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “I Say a Little Prayer” are among her most famous successes.
Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke is widely regarded as one of the most popular Sacred Soul performers of all time thanks to his smooth and soulful singing style as well as his songwriting abilities. The songs “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “You Sent Me,” and “Cupid” is among his most successful.
Mahalia Jackson
One of the most notable individuals in the history of gospel music, Mahalia Jackson was a performer who was active in the 20th century.
Her commanding presence and fiery performance style served as an inspiration to several generations’ worth of Sacred Soul and gospel musicians. Her most successful songs include “How I Got Over” and “Take My Hand, Dear Jesus.”
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was one of the most well-liked Sacred Soul performers of the 1970s thanks to his smooth and seductive voice as well as his socially conscious lyrical content. The songs “What’s Going On,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “Sexual Healing” is among his most successful.
Al Green
The silky smoothness of Al Green’s voice and the soulfulness of his delivery helped him become one of the most popular Sacred Soul performers of the 1970s. Hits such as “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone,” and “Love and Happiness” are among his repertoire of songs.
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s groundbreaking fusion of Sacred Soul, funk, and R&B was a significant factor in shaping the musical landscape of the 1970s. The songs “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” and “I Wish” are among his most successful.
The Legacy of Sacred Soul Music
Inspiring many performers and touching the hearts of millions of fans worldwide, Sacred Soul Music has left a lasting impression on the music business. Because of its roots in gospel music and spirituality, it has a distinctive and strong voice that enables it to speak out on significant social and political concerns while also providing consolation and hope to listeners.
Modern musicians that are inspired by the concepts and messages of Sacred Soul Music can also hear the heritage of the genre in their music. Sacred Soul Music has been infused into the works of musicians like Leon Bridges, Andra Day, and John Legend, keeping the essence of the genre alive and appealing to new audiences of listeners.
Ultimately, Sacred Soul Music left behind a legacy of inspiration, optimism, and social transformation. It has given the silent one, the distressed one, and the oppressed one power. The genre will keep inspiring and uplifting audiences for years to come as long as there are musicians ready to perpetuate its history.