Soul music started coming around in the 1950’s and began to evolve in the 60’s and 70’s. Some viewed soul as rhythm and blues and others viewed it as rock and roll. Some of the first soul artist are Ray Charles, Etta James, Sam Cooke, Little Richard, and many others. These artists learned music through church and gospel groups.
In the 1970’s, soul music began to start funk and disco. Isaac Hayes, a Memphis musician and Curtis Mayfield, a Chicago singer-songwriter and guitarist, helped soul become a movement. They also incorporated different sounds and rhythms. James Brown was the first to actually make funk international and perform it in front of an audience.
As time passes, soul music has incorporated rock, jazz, and country music. Soul has become the foundation of new genres such as, hip-hop, disco, R&B, and smooth jazz.