Vintage SOUL Articles
The Marvelettes were Motown Record's second success after the Miracles and the label's first momentously successful girl group. The original lineup consisting of Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart and Georgia Dobbins would go through many changes over the years. Being successful was no easy task and making it as a Black Female group at that time came with even more barriers to entry.
Aretha Franklin was one of the most dynamic soul singers of all time. She passed away from pancreatic cancer August 16, 2018 but her legacy continues to shine. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in its original 1998 special. Know as the "Queen of Soul", Franklin held the record For Billboard Hot 100 singles by a woman for 40 years, was awarded 17 Grammys, was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, performed "My Country 'Tis of Thee" at the the first Inauguration of President Barack Obama and held honorary doctorates from Harvard and Yale amongst a mountain of other accomplishments.
Originally dubbed "Little Stevie Wonder", Stevland Morris was born May 13, 1950 in Saginaw Michigan. The middle of six children, Stevie Wonder was born with a dislocated optical nerve causing blindness.
Stevie Wonder is an unmatched pioneer of music who's SOUL continues to influence artists across all genres.
His first major success "Fingertips" catapulted his career early in his life. Years later at Crystal Studios he would begin to develop "Songs in the Key of Life". This 18th recording by Stevie Wonder would go on to be considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
OBITUARIES
Legendary R&B vocalist and 'Tell Him' hitmaker Patti Drew passed away on June 16, 2025, leaving a lasting impact on soul music.
When Roberta Flack was asked the question, “Who Is Roberta Flack?” by SOUL Illustrated in 1971, she replied, “Roberta Flack is a sensitive, loving, fallible, feeling person, I don't know where I'm going in terms of my career, I guess as far as I can go.” Today this legend passed away at the age of 88.
Her unique blend of soul, jazz, and R&B would continue on to be instrumental in shaping the music landscape during the 1960s, 1970s and beyond.
The profound influence of Flack on modern music is undeniable; countless artists across various genres have drawn inspiration from her work. Her most iconic song, "Killing Me Softly with His Song," released in 1973, became a monumental hit and has since been covered and sampled by numerous artists, including the Fugees in 1996, which introduced the song to a whole new generation. Another notable track, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," received widespread recognition and has been sampled in various songs, showcasing the ethereal vocal prowess that Flack possessed.
Jerry Butler, affectionately known as “The Iceman” for his smooth delivery and cool demeanor, and celebrated for classic hits such as “Moon River”, “For Your Precious Love” and “Only The Strong Survive,” has sadly passed away at the age of 85. - SOUL Newspaper
News of Angela Bofill’s recent passing in California at the age of seventy makes us think of just that: angels—of song.
Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five’s First Publication Covers — Ever
Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five were first introduced to the world by Diana Ross August 11, 1969 at a Hollywood style press conference at The Daisy in Beverly Hills. After gaining momentum from performances at the Apollo, contests, talent shows and local benefits, they now had found massive support from Miss Ross, Berry Gordy and Motown seeing their undeniable potential and talent.
Almost exactly a year later on August 10, 1970, SOUL Newspaper, the preeminent source for soul music news would feature a young Michael Jackson on its cover making it the publication's all time best selling issue. Today is the 52 Anniversary of that issue and thought it fitting to dive a little deeper in to the history of these iconic pieces of publication history.
In February 1967, SOUL is not reporting culture from the sidelines. It is documenting power on stage, on radio, and in politics. The music is expanding, and so is its influence.