A Chat with LO: The Women and Caribbean Rhythms That Shape Soul Music

While Soul music evolved from gospel and rhythm-and-blues, it was the women of this genre that enhanced its endurance.  Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, for example, admitted he studied Tina Turner while she performed in order to understand stage presence.  And during season one of The Masked Singer, Glayds Knight achieved third place in the finals as she constantly brought everyone to tears through her voice.  Why?  Soul music is the amalgamation of R&B and gospel that touches your soul.  Even pop singer-songwriter Bruno Mars confessed that he would not have a career if not for this form of African American music.   The women of Soul music not only informed a society, they personally impacted your Host in a capacity that I and my guests will chat about.  Soul music's characteristics induced a sense of freedom and expression on the generation that motivated change in American society.  And it was women that introduced the world to Caribbean rhythms such as Millie Smalls, My Boy Lollipop. And the Caribbean cha-cha backbeat and Hello Stranger, written and sung by Barbara Lewis. Join me and my special guests, storyteller, and communications strategist Adrena Ifill,  and my bestest gurlfriend Janice Lawrence-Clarke.

You Know My Theory:  Pop music’s midwife was the Chitlin Circuit; its father was rhythm-and-blues, and its’ mother was soul.