Chicago Soul

Chicago soul is a genre of soul music characterized by its lush, orchestral arrangements, soaring vocal harmonies, and socially conscious lyrics. Emerging in the 1960s, Chicago soul drew from the city's rich musical heritage, blending gospel, R&B, and blues influences with a distinctly Midwestern sensibility. The genre's signature sound featured sweeping strings, percussive horns, and inventive instrumental textures, often anchored by a strong, emotive lead vocalist. Chicago soul's heyday spanned the late 1960s to early 1970s, with artists crafting songs that addressed issues like love, social justice, and community empowerment. This genre not only played a pivotal role in shaping the soul and R&B landscape but also intersected with funk, psychedelic rock, and gospel, leaving an indelible mark on American music.

Latest Chicago Soul Release
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Suicide Blues b/w Steppin'
Single - Released September 16, 2024

RecentMusic users are tracking 24 Chicago Soul artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 408 releases .

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Betty Everett
Curtis Mayfield
Dee Clark
Donny Hathaway
Fontella Bass
Gene Chandler
Jackie Wilson
Jerry Butler
Leroy Hutson
Major Lance
Mel & Tim
Mitty Collier
Otis Clay
Otis Leavill
Syl Johnson
The Artistics
The Chi-Lites
The Dells
The Emotions
The Five Stairsteps
The Impressions
The Staple Singers
The Vibrations
Willie Clayton
The Emotions
Curtis Mayfield
Donny Hathaway
Jackie Wilson
The Staple Singers
The Five Stairsteps
Fontella Bass
The Impressions
The Chi-Lites
Syl Johnson
Betty Everett
Gene Chandler
The Dells
Jerry Butler
Leroy Hutson
Otis Clay
Major Lance
Mel & Tim
Willie Clayton
Dee Clark
Mitty Collier
The Vibrations
The Artistics
Otis Leavill