Soul Singers Research Paper

Soul music is one of the most interesting and complex genres of music. Like the genre, soul singers are often complicated people who express themselves through their voices and melodic phrasing. The best soul singers inspire people - whether it be to cry, to smile, or to love, soul singers make people feel. Here, we present our comprehensive list of the top 10 best soul singers of all time. Ready to take a little trip back in time? Here we go!

Number Ten: Luther Vandross

Vandross might seem like the underdog on this list, but there's no denying that the man was a total powerhouse. With the help of the late, great David Bowie, Vandross got his big break in 1974 when he sang backup on Young Americans. He continued on with huge hits like "Never

Robinson worked closely with Motown founder Berry Gordy, and he was responsible for many of the label's biggest hits. Robinson achieved new heights in the 1980s when he released hit singles "Being With You" and "Just To See You." Robinson is now 76 years old and amazingly, he's still touring!

Number Eight: James Brown

James Brown is one of the most iconic soul singers of all time, and his name is instantly recognizable. Brown released his first hit, "Please, Please, Please," in 1956, and he continued to please the masses as he became known as "the hardest-working man in show business." Brown devoted his entire life to his music and his admirers, seemingly always on tour somewhere. Brown churned out innumerable classics, but some of his most notable works include "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag," "It's A Man's Man's Man's World," and "I Feel Good."

Brown often ignored his own health so he could perform, and it eventually caught up to him in 2006. He visited his dentist on the morning of December 23, but he was late to the appointment, and his dentist noticed that Brown looked extremely groggy. Brown was admitted to the hospital and was optimistic he would get out in time to perform at New Jersey's Count Basie Theatre on New Year's Eve; however, he died on Christmas

Franklin got her start in her father's church, and she released her debut album, Songs of Faith, at the tender age of 14 years old. However, it would be another decade or so until her talents were recognized by the masses. After Franklin signed to Atlantic, she churned out hit after hit, including "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman," and "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)." She's been named the greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone, and she's undoubtedly inspired thousands of young girls to go after their dreams. The Queen of Soul is now 73 years old and continues to perform for her adoring fans.

Number One: Otis Redding

Finally, the best soul singer of all time is Otis Redding. Redding was born and raised in Georgia, and he got his start in music when he joined The Pinetoppers (Johnny Jenkins' band) in 1958 after leaving school at the age of 15. Redding landed his first contract quite fortuitously after an unscheduled appearance on a Stax recording session. He then went on to release "These Arms of Mine" - his first single.

Redding died tragically in a plane crash when he was 26 years. Just months earlier, he had recorded "(Sittin' On The) Dock Of The Bay" - his most popular song of all time. Redding continues to be recognized as a legendary soul singer and is nearly synonymous with the genre of soul music. Thanks for