Detroit Soul
tagStarted 1959Peak 1964-1972Last big hit 1973From Detroit, United States
Located in 1 route
The harder, grittier side of Detroit's soul scene beyond pop polish: pounding backbeats, stinging guitar, full horns and impassioned shouting leads. Encompasses the independent labels and rougher cuts that ran alongside the city's hit factory, with more church-derived rasp and a heavier rhythm punch.
History
Detroit's soul ecosystem extended past its biggest label to scrappy independents and edgier sessions. Singers like Wilson Pickett and the Falcons came up in the city before national fame, while labels documented a tougher Motor City sound. The local club and revue circuit fed a steady stream of raw, gospel-rooted talent through the 1960s.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/edwin-starr-mn0000175325
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Falcons_(band)
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/soul-ma0000002748