A comprehensive overview from 1927 to 1963, History of Soul Records’ 3CD anthology covers the genesis of soul music, tracing connections between R&B, jazz and blues and gospel, the secular and the sacred. As popular black musical genres were adopted by white teenage audiences in the 1950s, black music reverted to more authentic, gritty styles. By 1960, black popular music had turned away from the driving, largely uptempo rhythm and blues that had been appropriated by the mainstream, towards a more emotionally poignant style. The term ‘soul’ popped up here and there, but only became common parlance after Ray Charles’ I Believe To My Soul hit the charts in January that year.

This collection of breathtaking, soulful blues and spiritual music brings you some of the most impassioned, compelling vocal performances ever to be recorded. The accompanying illustrated booklet sets out the historical background and explains some of the technical features that make these beautiful songs the precursors of soul music. The 24 page booklet includes extensive notes, recording dates, composer and original catalogue numbers.