Genres: R&B: Soul

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.

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

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.

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.

What becomes of the brokenhearted? They console themselves with their favorite classic soul tunes about love and loss.

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

An eclectic mix of sultry soul and funk throughout the years that sounds best in the midnight hour.

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.

Aretha Franklin is the undisputed Queen of Soul. Listen to songs by her greatest influences, closest contemporaries, indebted followers, and Aretha herself. Request songs at https://www.facebook.com/arethafranklin

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 1964-1971 Golden Age. Digitally remastered from the mono master tapes, listen to these classics the way they were meant to be heard.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.