The Sound of New Orleans Soul

"The Sound of New Orleans Soul" captures the rich and infectious groove of the Crescent City's soulful heyday. Featuring deep cuts and classics from legends like Professor Longhair, Irma Thomas, and Lee Dorsey, this playlist highlights the distinct rhythms, rolling piano lines, and brass-infused energy that define New Orleans soul. Tracks like "Mother-In-Law" by Ernie K-Doe and "Big Chief" by Professor Longhair showcase the city’s signature blend of R&B and funk, while hidden gems like "Gossip Gossip" by Diamond Joe and "I'm Just a Down Home Girl" by Alvin Robinson bring a fresh look at the scene’s depth.

With everything from the funk-inflected bounce of Betty Harris' "Ride Your Pony" to the laid-back, aching soul of Johnny Adams' "This Time I'm Gone For Good," this collection is a tour through the city's unmistakable sound. Whether it's the playful energy of "I Like It Like That" by Chris Kenner or the swagger of Jean Knight's "Mr. Big Stuff," the playlist flows with the effortless cool that New Orleans musicians perfected. It's a mix that feels just as at home blasting from a club on Bourbon Street as it does on a lazy afternoon at a backyard cookout.