Activities: Casual Dinner Party

Perhaps the most important record label in history, Motown gave us a wealth of smooth and funky soul hits. From The Temptations to The Supremes to Marvin Gaye and beyond, these are the classic songs from Hitsville, U.S.A.

Northern Soul is the British label given to a specific sound: the heavy-hitting backbeat and lush production epitomized by Motown's glorious mid '60s heyday. These are the songs energized Northerners would dance to all night long.

The retro sounds of '60s soul music have made a comeback. These contemporary artists are updating classic soul sounds for the 21st century.

In the early 1960s, young fashionable Londoners, or "mods," danced all night to the uptempo sounds of African-American soul, Jamaican ska, and British rock & roll. Put on your sharpest suit and celebrate the original mod scene's best songs.

Also known as "white soul" or "pop soul," blue-eyed soul is a term that's commonly applied to white artists whose sound is influenced by classic soul and R&B.

A retrospective of Chicago's legendary Chess Records, America's greatest blues label. Chess was the home of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Little Walter, and many more.

This is the heartfelt sound of the South -- the intersection of country, soul, rockabilly and R&B in the '50s, '60s and '70s; songs of drinkin', cheatin', and lovin' with Louisiana brass and Nashville strings.

Teen longing, sweet harmonies and walls of sound, from the songwriters at the Brill Building to Motown's hit factory.

Starting in the mid '00s, the line between indie and mainstream pop started to get blurry. These are the songs that have helped bring "indie" music to the masses.

An offshoot of hard bop that flourished in the '60s and early '70s, soul jazz fed on the bluesy passion of R&B. Most associated with hard-driving organ trios and honking, bluesy horns, it's jazz with groove, grit and soul.

A new brand of country music emerged in the '70s that sought to bring raw honky tonk emotion and authenticity back to the genre, which had become increasingly pop-oriented. These are the outlaw country songs that mattered.

Ever watch TV and ask yourself "what song is that?" Here are all the songs by upcoming, emerging artists whose music is reaching a wider audience through TV commercials and other ad placements.

Many of the solo artists that emerged in the 1970s became widely referred to as "singer-songwriters." These artists wrote and performed songs that were personal, sincere, introspective, and, most importantly, timeless.

Get a taste of Jamaica with these sun-kissed reggae jams.

In 2005, rock legend Tom Petty began hosting "Tom Petty's Buried Treasure," an XM radio show featuring favorite tracks from his personal record collection. The "treasures" on this mix include songs from garage to soul to blues.

This playlist encapsulates the entire career of "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business," from his earliest influences to the artists that have followed in his funky, funky footsteps.

The Beatles are arguably the most important group in the history of recorded music. This playlist features essential songs by The Beatles, solo recordings by individual members, as well covers from their friends and indebted followers.

Don't fight it, feel it! In the 1960s, gospel music met secular lyrics describing the black experience in America, and soul music was born. '60s soul singers demanded respect, begged for love, and told it like it was, changing popular music forever.

Accessible indie tunes that should be the soundtrack for your favorite local coffee shop.

Classic Jamaican reggae songs, plus newer songs from reggae artists in the U.K., U.S. and Africa.

Characterized by its lush vocal harmonies, "doomph, doomph" bass lines, group snapping, and high falsetto, doo-wop was one of the most popular musical styles of the '50s and '60s.

During the 1058 days between Jan. 14, 1967 (the Human Be-In) and Dec. 6, 1969 (Altamont), rock became the voice of a generation. This fertile period yielded more iconic songs than ever before or since.

Tie a sweater around your neck and set sail for the high seas with these smoother than smooth yacht rock classics.

A collection of classics and lesser-known gems from the beginning of rock & roll, with an emphasis on country-leaning "hillbilly rock," or rockabilly

Roy Orbison pioneered a new brand of rock & roll in the early 1960s with his distinctive baritone voice and orchestral arrangements. Listen to songs by The Big O and his greatest influences, contemporaries, and followers.

British reggae for lovers, along with its romantic Jamaican predecessors. Share it with someone you fancy.

Songs by indie artists that are strongly influenced by traditional roots rock, bluegrass, and country. Rootsy and rough around the edges.

Even as they approach retirement age, the classic rockers of the '60s, '70s and '80s have continued making exciting and intriguing music over the last two decades. Check out these old dogs' new tricks.

The term "indie" may conjure up thoughts of a scrappy aesthetic, but as these exceptional acts prove, there's plenty of room for a more refined sound as well.