Soul music, also called R&B or Rhythm and Blues, has its origins in the United States, originating from gospel and other church-related music. It seems to have its roots in the African American culture, especially when related to gospel and revivalist meetings, where the energy and excitement often came through in the music of the day. Some of the greatest female soul singers started in their church choirs.
The Queen of Soul is Aretha Franklin, who may be the greatest of all time in this genre of music. She has been performing for many years and has had 20 number one hits and 20 Grammy awards. Her most recognizable song is "Respect", which was initially meant for Otis Redding, but Franklin recorded and made it a mega hit. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, but raised in Detroit, she was an integral part of the Motown sound that influenced many artists of today.
Another singer who is also a Motown legend is Gladys Knight. Originally the lead singer for Gladys Knight and the Pips, she was called the Empress of Soul, for her smooth voice and warm lyrics, espousing love and feelings. Her most popular hit single was "Midnight Train to Georgia", which made her famous all over the world. She is still active today and inspires many new up and coming singers.
Etta James had a career that spanned many years, many generations and many musical genres, including gospel, pop and jazz. She kept people guessing and reinvented herself several times to revive her career. Her most popular song, "At Last" was iconic and performed by Beyonce at the presidential inaugural ball for President Obama and First Lady Michelle, who danced to it. That performance brought Etta's music, as well as other women of the era back into focus.
Probably one of the most well known and easily recognizable women in this type of music remains to be the former Anna Mae Bullock, known as Tina Turner. Originally in an act with her then-husband, Ike, called the Ike and Tina Revue, her extremely high energy and powerhouse voice drew in the crowds. Once she left the abusive Ike, Tina's career took off, and she became one of the most popular artists around, and she has also acted in a few movies to her credit.
One of the most notable modern day singers was the late Amy Winehouse, whose quirky looks, smoke-filled voice and personal lyrics brought her many fans across the world. She won 5 Grammy awards for her album Back to Black in 2006, but died at the age of 27 after battling substance abuse for several years.
Another modern vocalist who has taken the world by storm is the London born and raised Adele. She was discovered through social media, through a My Space video, and became an iconic superstar practically overnight. Her voice has been described as "flawless" and her lyrics expressive and real. Her appeal is widespread, spanning many generations and social classes. She is only 24 but has won many awards and apparently has a long career life ahead of her in the world of music.
The era of female soul singers is doing anything but waning, with the previous generations opening the doors for the up and coming singers of the future. By paving the way with their trials and tribulations, these soulful women have set the bar high for today's young women desiring a musical career.
The Queen of Soul is Aretha Franklin, who may be the greatest of all time in this genre of music. She has been performing for many years and has had 20 number one hits and 20 Grammy awards. Her most recognizable song is "Respect", which was initially meant for Otis Redding, but Franklin recorded and made it a mega hit. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, but raised in Detroit, she was an integral part of the Motown sound that influenced many artists of today.
Another singer who is also a Motown legend is Gladys Knight. Originally the lead singer for Gladys Knight and the Pips, she was called the Empress of Soul, for her smooth voice and warm lyrics, espousing love and feelings. Her most popular hit single was "Midnight Train to Georgia", which made her famous all over the world. She is still active today and inspires many new up and coming singers.
Etta James had a career that spanned many years, many generations and many musical genres, including gospel, pop and jazz. She kept people guessing and reinvented herself several times to revive her career. Her most popular song, "At Last" was iconic and performed by Beyonce at the presidential inaugural ball for President Obama and First Lady Michelle, who danced to it. That performance brought Etta's music, as well as other women of the era back into focus.
Probably one of the most well known and easily recognizable women in this type of music remains to be the former Anna Mae Bullock, known as Tina Turner. Originally in an act with her then-husband, Ike, called the Ike and Tina Revue, her extremely high energy and powerhouse voice drew in the crowds. Once she left the abusive Ike, Tina's career took off, and she became one of the most popular artists around, and she has also acted in a few movies to her credit.
One of the most notable modern day singers was the late Amy Winehouse, whose quirky looks, smoke-filled voice and personal lyrics brought her many fans across the world. She won 5 Grammy awards for her album Back to Black in 2006, but died at the age of 27 after battling substance abuse for several years.
Another modern vocalist who has taken the world by storm is the London born and raised Adele. She was discovered through social media, through a My Space video, and became an iconic superstar practically overnight. Her voice has been described as "flawless" and her lyrics expressive and real. Her appeal is widespread, spanning many generations and social classes. She is only 24 but has won many awards and apparently has a long career life ahead of her in the world of music.
The era of female soul singers is doing anything but waning, with the previous generations opening the doors for the up and coming singers of the future. By paving the way with their trials and tribulations, these soulful women have set the bar high for today's young women desiring a musical career.
About the Author:
To discover more about female soul singers like Pauline Newman go to http://www.paulineenewman.com. This site contains a lot of info and also links to her music.
