(July 22, 2017) Sometimes a combination comes along that is one that is just made in heaven. And for adult soul lovers, it would be tough to come up with a musical combo that is more golden than Will Downing and Avery Sunshine. Between them they have armfuls of SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards, and everything either of them records is a big deal with us. And them recording together? Now that’s something to cheer about.

(July 21, 2017) During the early days of soul music, there was no more prominent family than the Cooke family, led by the legendary Sam Cooke, and his younger brother, L.C. Cooke. They helped transform Gospel music, adding smoother touches and secular lyrics of love that developed an international and interracial audience to the music. We are sad to inform SoulTrackers tonight of the death of L.C. Cooke.

July 20, 2017 -- Every Monday, on my way to the office, earbuds in place and iPhone tucked in my inside suit pocket, I listen dutifully to the “New Release Radar” that Spotify somehow specially curates for me weekly. Usually I swipe left after 15 or 20 seconds of most tracks, but every so often, Spotify nails my tastes exactly. And this week, the new release “Truth” by Goldie and SoulTracks’ favorite José James fell right in my sweet spot. 

July 20, 2017 – We first introduced you to the talented soulstress and comedienne Jade Novah back in January, when we recommended her humorous holiday music video, “Slay Bells,” in which she performs spot-on imitations of Beyoncé and Toni Braxton, among other R&B divas.  Since then Jade has been busy working as an in-demand backup singer and has made several YouTube videos in which she performs covers of her favorite contemporary hits. 

(July 19, 2017) The thirteenth Ponderosa Stomp Concert will bring the forgotten heroes and heroines of rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm & blues, blues, garage rock, soul, and rockabilly to New Orleans for a two-night concert October 6-7 at New Orleans’ Orpheum (129 Roosevelt Way).

It will feature many performers who rarely grace the stage:

+ Roky Erickson performing the music of his legendary psychedelic ‘60s band the 13th Floor Elevators

+ late ‘80s/early ‘90s garage rockers The Mummies

+ “Quarter To Three” hitmaker Gary U.S. Bonds

(July 19, 2017) Soul music fans were spoiled in the 1980s by an incredible generation of female song stylists such as Anita Baker, Phyllis Hyman and Patti Austin. And while it is difficult to find those kinds of high quality adult soul singers on broadcast radio today, they exist, just waiting to be found.

(July 18, 2017) Bobby Taylor has been a legend in the annals of Motown for two reasons: He was the lead vocalist of the group Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, which scored with the hit “Does Your Mama Know About Me” in 1968; but perhaps more importantly, Taylor has been credited by many for discovering The Jackson 5, one of the most important soul music groups of all time. Sadly, Bobby is reportedly suffering from cancer and is need of prayers as he prepares for more treatment.

"People who shut their eyes to reality simply invite their own destruction, and anyone who insists on remaining in a state on innocence long after that innocence is dead turns himself into a monster." #JamesBaldwin