(ThyBlackMan.com) When you think about soul and funk legends of the ‘70s and ‘80s, certain names dominate the headlines — but true music lovers know Carl Carlton belongs firmly in that conversation. His voice, brimming with warmth and swagger, helped shape an era defined by unforgettable grooves, heartfelt ballads, and ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When we look back at the evolution of soul, doo-wop, and classic R&B, few groups embody the genre’s enduring spirit quite like The Dells. Formed in 1952 and enduring lineup changes, label shifts, and shifting musical eras, The Dells carved out a singular place for themselves in American music ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When you think of Sam Cooke, you probably think of that satin-smooth voice gliding through classics like “A Change Is Gonna Come” or “Cupid.” But if you dig deeper — really listen beyond the big radio hits — you’ll find an artist who was never afraid to share the ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When we talk about Janet Jackson, it’s tempting to focus only on her solo milestones — the groundbreaking visuals, the boundary-pushing albums, the iconic choreography that redefined pop stardom. But to truly understand Janet’s range and timeless appeal, you have to look at how she connects with others. Janet ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Few voices in gospel music have ever soared quite like Rance Allen’s. Known as the lead singer of the groundbreaking Rance Allen Group, he fused traditional gospel with soul, funk, and R&B long before it was fashionable, helping shape contemporary gospel music as we know it today. His powerhouse ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Ashford & Simpson are the husband-and-wife powerhouse whose songwriting defined an era of soul, R&B, and disco. Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson didn’t just pen hits for Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, or Chaka Khan — they built entire sonic universes around love’s highs, lows, and everything in between. From ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) If you grew up in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, you probably remember Ralph Tresvant as the smooth, boyish voice behind some of New Edition’s sweetest moments. But the beauty of revisiting Ralph’s solo catalog is realizing just how timeless his sound really is. He wasn’t just the ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When it comes to soul music that never goes stale, The Chi-Lites are a name that deserves a spot in every vinyl crate, playlist, or midnight radio session. Hailing from Chicago, these harmony kings didn’t just ride the wave of the ‘70s soul boom — they helped shape it. ...