Southern Soul

Southern soul is a genre characterized by its emotive, heartfelt sound, marked by slow-burning rhythms, rich instrumentation, and deeply expressive vocals. Emerging in the 1960s, it evolved from the intersection of blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues, with artists from the southern United States creating a unique blend that emphasized raw emotion and authenticity. Reaching its peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s, southern soul became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the struggles and triumphs of African American life during the Civil Rights era. Its impact was profound, influencing the development of funk, disco, and contemporary R&B. Notable for its use of horns, keyboards, and driving basslines, southern soul distinguished itself from other soul styles with its more subdued tempo and a focus on storytelling through lyrics. The genre's poignant, soul-stirring quality continues to resonate with listeners, making it a beloved and enduring part of music history.

Latest Southern Soul Release
undefined album image
Sunshine (Live in 2024)
Ep - 6 Tracks - Released August 22, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Otis Redding
Aretha Franklin
Tammi Terrell
Al Green
The Emotions
Ole 60
Top Playlists
Blues, Jazz and Funk 12 Southern Soul artists
Echoes of the Ages: A Melodic Voyage Through Time 8 Southern Soul artists
Dr. John Top Radio 8 Southern Soul artists
Rolling Stone Magazine - 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2024) 6 Southern Soul artists
Whisky Blues 🥃 The Best Slow Blues | Blues Rock | Americana by Don's Tunes 5 Southern Soul artists
70s HITS - 100 Greatest Songs of the 1970s 4 Southern Soul artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 144 Southern Soul artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 2,704 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Southern Soul artists you love!

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. August 22, 2025
  2. August 3
  3. July 30
  4. July 25
  5. July 20
  6. July 11
  7. June 27
  8. June 13
  9. May 25
  10. May 23
  11. May 23
  12. May 22
  13. May 19
  14. May 17
  15. May 9
  16. May 9
  17. May 2
  18. May 2
  19. May 2
  20. April 27
  21. April 25
  22. April 25
  23. April 25
  24. April 18
  25. April 18
  26. April 11
  27. April 11
  28. April 11
  29. April 10
  30. April 5
  31. April 4
  32. April 4
  33. April 4
  34. April 4
  35. April 4
  36. April 3
  37. April 2
  38. April 1
  39. March 28
  40. March 28