Soul was the most successful among all crossover styles, primarily aimed at the African-American community, which evolved from gospel, jazz, and blues. It achieved remarkable popularity in the pop markets of both the US and Europe during the mid-1970s, until its partial decline with the advent of disco. The success of soul can be attributed not only to individual singers or songwriters but also to a number of labels, such as Motown and Stax, along with lesser-known studio bands.

Motown, in particular, can be regarded as the most successful independent label of its time. Situated in the industrial heartlands of Detroit, it substantiated its claim through its remarkable creative autonomy throughout the 1960s. On the other hand, Stax, later known as Stax/Atlantic, operated in the deep South and was responsible for producing what could be considered the perfect rustic, racially diverse alternative to the showbiz glamour of Motown soul.

Soul, exemplified by exceptional singers like Sam Cooke, successfully made the transition from gospel to the secular market. It set the tone for independent artists, presenting a suave lover man persona and an energetic performance style.

Otis-Redding-Ive-Been-Loving-You-Too-Long-1965

Summertime

Song by Janis Joplin

Summertime, time, timeChild, the living’s easyFish are jumping outAnd the cotton, LordCotton’s high, Lord so high

Your daddy’s richAnd your ma is so good-looking, babyShe’s a-looking good nowHush, baby, baby, baby, baby, babyNo, no, no, no, don’t you cry, don’t you cry

One of these morningsYou’re gonna rise, rise up singingYou’re gonna spread your wings, childAnd take, take to the skyLord, the sky

Until that morningHoney, nothing’s going to harm you nowNo, no, no no, no no, no, no, no, no, noNo, no, no no, no no, no, no, no, no, noNo, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, don’t you cry

My introduction to this song came about while reading James Michener’s novel, “The Drifters.” As the characters in the book arrived in Portugal, they encountered a music enthusiast who played Janis Joplin’s “Summertime” for them. According to Michener, this song echoed through bars across Europe and America. Intrigued by the novel, I sought out the song and have been captivated by it ever since. Janis Joplin’s voice may not possess the purity of an opera singer, but it exudes a raw emotion and a unique depth that resonated deeply with me. Her music delved into themes of pain and the individuals who caused it, and her delivery drew me in completely. I admire the way she poured her heart and soul into her music. Alongside her, I would place Amy Winehouse, who similarly channeled and transcended that pain.

Initially, when my friends hear Janis Joplin, they may not immediately appreciate her. However, I hope that as they mature and broaden their musical tastes, they will come to recognize and value her artistry.