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Memphis soul, also known as the Memphis sound, is the most prominent strain of Southern soul. It is a shimmering, sultry style produced in the 1960s and 1970s at Stax Records and Hi Records in Memphis, Tennessee, featuring melodic unison horn lines, organ, guitar, bass, and a driving beat on the drums.
- Chris Herrington
- “The Dark End of the Street” — James Carr (1967): In a city whose classic soul scene was dominated by two labels, Stax and Hi, is it possible the greatest song came from neither?
- “Love and Happiness” — Al Green (1973): Green is as associated with eros (romantic love) as any singer, but this visionary anthem could be read as a sermon on agape, its higher form.
- “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)” — Otis Redding (1965): Co-written with singer Jerry Butler, and it starts with a waltz-like rhythm similar to Butler’s “For Your Precious Love.”
- “Soul Man” — Sam & Dave (1967): Perhaps it suffers from overexposure. But try to listen with fresh ears: Steve Cropper’s guitar intro as an old friend walking through the door.
Memphis soul is a little more stylish, a little more uptown -- but unlike other uptown soul genres, like Chicago soul, it rarely makes concessions to pop. And, while it is certainly smooth, it's not as light as sweet soul.
Mar 28, 2024 · From the birthplace of soul music to its vibrant contemporary music scene, Memphis has been a city that effortlessly weaves together the threads of soul history and thriving modern-day musicians for generations.
Memphis soul is a little more stylish, a little more uptown -- but unlike other uptown soul genres, like Chicago soul, it rarely makes concessions to pop. And, while it is certainly smooth, it's not as light as sweet soul. It's stylish and funky, classy but soulful.
Jan 3, 2024 · Hi Records was a record label based in Memphis, Tennessee, and it played a significant role in the development of soul and R&B music, particularly during the...
The Sound of Memphis Soul · Playlist · 203 songs · 1.8K likes.
