Genres: R&B: Soul

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.

For the best in upbeat '60s soul, whether it's from Detroit, Spanish Harlem, Memphis or Muscle Shoals, look no further than these stone classics and deep cuts.

While icons like Otis Redding and James Brown brought the soul, their legendary backing bands brought the stank. Listen to these funky instrumental grooves and you'll be deep in the pocket.

In 1955 Cosimo Matassa opened Cosimo Recording Studios in the French Quarter ushering in the "New Orleans Sound" (R&B heavy on the guitar and vocals). Cosimo fostered and attracted remarkable talent including Ray Charles and Allen Toussaint.

Slow-rolling, passion-packed R&B slow jams came into their own in the '80s and '90s, but their sonic fingerprints can be found in sweet '60s Chicago sounds, '70s Philly soul and more.

The uplifting, happy-making, fun-to-dance-to R&B songs from the 1960s and '70s will help you make sure you're raising your kids with love and plenty of soul.

In the '60s and '70s, the Memphis-based Stax/Volt label family cranked out some of the hardest-hitting deep soul anywhere. These slamming Stax sides -- from the iconic to the esoteric -- will get you in the groove.

Relax and unwind with these smooth soul and R&B songs, hand-selected by music aficionado, and NBA star, Baron Davis.

You can never have too much soul; foot it to these rare soul and funk grooves from the late '60s to mid-'70s, plus some newer cuts indebted to that original soul sound.

What becomes of the brokenhearted? They console themselves with these classic soul songs about love and loss.

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

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.

All of the greatest, uptempo songs from Motown's 1959-1970 Golden Age, digitally remastered from the mono master tapes. Listen to these classics the way they were meant to be heard.

From socially-conscious Black Power soul to slick disco, Motown was at the forefront of 1970s soul. From all-time classics to rare grooves, these gems will help you shimmy onto the dance floor.

Motown first exploded in the 1960s, breaking down the boundaries between pop and R&B. But the label continued evolving throughout the '70s, as shown by these classics and deep cuts from Motown's second golden era.

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.

At the dawn of the 1980s, blue eyed soul began to expand in new directions as ex-punks and rockers discovered the joys of Motown and Stax singles. The resulting blend of pop and R&B was one of the defining sounds of the era.

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 Northern Brits would dance to all night long.

Get down with these soul and R&B classics -- many of which are about food -- at your next barbecue.

Coined in the early '90s, neo-soul describes the fusion of soul and contemporary R&B. While following the tradition of classic soul, neo-soul artists frequently incorporate elements of jazz, funk and hip hop into their music.

Home to The Swampers, one of the greatest house bands in American R&B history, Muscle Shoals Studio in Alabama remains the go-to destination for artists seeking that iconic, soulful sound. These are the essential songs recorded there.

Soul music re-emerged and took on many forms throughout the 90's and 00's, often referred to as Neo Soul or Soul Revival. Here’s an eclectic collection of songs from the men that captured that spirit.

Soul music re-emerged and took on many forms throughout the 90's and 00's, often referred to as "Neo Soul" or "Soul Revival." Listen to the greatest songs from the women that captured that spirit.

An eclectic mix of sultry soul, funk and R&B from throughout the years that all sounds best in the midnight hour.

Aretha Franklin is the undisputed Queen of Soul. Listen to songs by her greatest influences, closest contemporaries, indebted followers, and Aretha herself. http://arethafranklin.net

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.

Did Adele turn you on to the current soul-revival scene or the older artists who inspired her? Get deeper into these soulful, sometimes danceable songs by Adele's peers and those who came before them.

As blue-eyed soul matured beyond its '60s roots, elements of funk, fusion and even disco beats started to percolate through the music. Come back to the decade where blue-eyed soul expanded its mind.

Beginning in the mid-60s, R&B changed as much as rock did, adding experimental sounds, mind-expanding moods and political consciousness. Explore over four decades of psychedelic soul and black rock.

Amy Winehouse drew on the rich history classic soul and R&B, but her honest lyrics and stunning vocals made the genre feel vital for a whole new generation. Celebrate her tragically short life with the best songs from her catalog and from the influences she lovingly referenced.

Known for its distinctive vintage sound and house band, Daptone Records has become one of the world's premier independent record labels. Listen to highlights of the best soul, funk, gospel and afrobeat released by this Brooklyn-based label.

The best in romantic soul and R&B, from the Motown era through the quiet storm years to today's neo-soul superstars. Turn out the lights... or don't.

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.

Luther Vandross was undeniably one of the most significant vocalists of our time. Listen to the songs of Luther Vandross, his contemporaries, and other artists he influenced. http://luthervandross.com

Urban Gospel maintains all the soul of earlier gospel while adding passion, humility and an electrified joy of praise that exceeds all boundaries. It'll make you shout Hallelujah!

Praise is at the heart of the south's black gospel tradition. Spirituals blend with blues and jazz, sung with soul as solos, trios, and quartets. Testify!

Welcome to the world of Ray Charles, where you'll encounter not only monumental cuts from the man who melded blues, soul, country, jazz, and gospel into a harmonious whole, but also some titanic tracks by Brother Ray's influences, peers, and disciples.

Let the cool breezes of these laid-back R&B classics put you in a place where stress evaporates on contact and you drift off into an otherworldly plane of sweet soul music from every era.

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.

Whether you're in love, excited for a big breakfast, or just happy to be alive, you woke up with a smile on your face and plan on keeping it. Let these feel-good songs from the '60s and '70s be your morning soundtrack.

From '73 to '81, the Wigan Casino in Lancashire, England helped to define the northern soul sound. DJs, armed with ultra-rare soul singles that featured stomping, mid-'60s-style beats, would spin from 2 a.m. to the "three before 8" that ended the night.

If you're in a Beatles kind of mood, here's a hearty helping of the Liverpool lads' best tracks, along with an abundance of cuts from solo albums, side projects, and the output of Fab Four followers to entertain you and your guests.

We've all wished we could hang with Ron Burgundy in his mahogany-lined bachelor pad. Settle for the next best thing with this playlist of smooth, musky '70s-era cuts, a glass of Glenlivet and a leather bound book. Stay classy.