(ThyBlackMan.com) Al Wilson remains one of the most distinctive voices in the golden era of soul music. Known for his dynamic vocal control, emotive delivery, and compelling storytelling, Wilson rose to prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s with a catalog that blended romantic ballads, socially conscious themes, and energetic ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Patrice Rushen isn’t just a footnote in R&B history—she’s a full chapter. A classically trained pianist who effortlessly blended jazz, funk, soul, and pop, her music goes far beyond her most famous hit, “Forget Me Nots.” With intricate arrangements, warm vocals, and emotional intelligence that cuts through decades, Rushen ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When most people think of Curtis Mayfield, they think of the big ones—“Move On Up,” “Superfly,” or maybe “People Get Ready.” And for good reason. Those songs are legendary, stitched into the fabric of soul, funk, and protest music. But if you only stick to the hits, you’re missing ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) The recent passing of Cavin Yarbrough at age 72 has hit many music lovers hard. For fans of soul, funk, and timeless R&B, it feels like we’ve lost more than a musician—we’ve lost a heartbeat from an era that shaped how we love, groove, and express ourselves. As one-half ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Solomon Burke’s contributions to American music are often underrepresented in mainstream discussions of soul, yet his influence is undeniable. Known as the “King of Rock ’n’ Soul,” Burke was a powerhouse vocalist whose work seamlessly blended gospel, R&B, country, and blues. His recordings throughout the 1960s—and well into the ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When we think of the voices that built soul music from the ground up, Jerry Butler—affectionately known as The Iceman—rises near the top of that list. His voice wasn’t just smooth—it was wise, weathered, and full of heart. He had that rare ability to make you feel like he ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Ronald Isley’s voice is more than a melody—it’s a feeling. It’s the slow drop of a bassline in a smoky lounge. It’s the sweet ache of falsetto drifting over candlelight. For over six decades, Isley hasn’t just sung soul—he’s defined it. Whether serenading hearts with The Isley Brothers or ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Cab Calloway remains one of the most influential figures in 20th-century American music. Known for his charismatic stage presence, distinctive vocal style, and groundbreaking contributions to swing and jazz, Calloway carved out a space where music, theater, and cultural commentary intersected. As a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Few artists have had a more significant influence on both funk and soul music than Larry Graham. As the pioneering bassist of Sly and the Family Stone and the dynamic frontman of Graham Central Station, Graham didn’t just play music—he redefined how the bass guitar could drive a song. ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When it comes to pure, effortless falsetto and emotional storytelling, few voices in R&B stand out like El DeBarge’s. Whether leading the family group DeBarge or stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, El had a way of making you feel every lyric. His songs weren’t just about ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Charlie Parker didn’t just play jazz—he flipped it inside out and painted it with fire. Known as “Bird,” he soared through the bebop revolution with lightning-fast lines, harmonic daring, and soul-stirring emotion. His alto sax wasn’t just an instrument—it was a voice that cried, laughed, and preached the blues ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When I think about the roots of blues music—the raw honesty, the pain wrapped in poetry, the joy carved out of hardship—I think of Ma Rainey. Her voice was more than a sound; it was a declaration. Long before it was fashionable or even safe, Ma Rainey was singing ...