Who is the best male soul singer?

[gchs_uk9]

...but Otis is the greatest there ever was. Proof: performance at Monterey in '67. He blew the roof off the place.

 

His performance of "I've Been Loving You (For Too Long)" at Monterrey is absolute perfection. If anyone thinks he isn't the best, listen to that and see if it changes your mind.

[mcpapa]

No mention of Sam Cooke whatsoever? That cuts deep!

 

Love Sam Cooke; just not in my top 2.

[Alabama Larry]

Who is the "GodFather of Soul?" Thats my pick.

[Clyde]

Who is the "GodFather of Soul?" Thats my pick.

 

Ironically, I've read articles where James considered himself R&B.

[Mack The Knife]

Don't forget The Reverend.

[Clyde]

Is your #2 Cooke?

 

Tough call. I struggle with who is truly soul vs R&B.

 

I love Luther. Seen him many, many times but I lean towards R&B for him.

 

Marvin Gaye

Same Cooke

Ray Charles

David Ruffin

Rev. Al Green

Jackie Wilson

Teddy Pendergrass

 

If we add ladies then I add Aretha and Mary J Blige.

[Dlbdonn]

Tom Jones !

[Clyde]

Tom Jones !

 

Who doesn't love them some Tom Jones!

[rockmom]

Otis

Marvin

 

The rest. On that short list would have to be Levi Stubbs.

 

So glad you posted Marvin. I was about to post that it was a TRAVESTY that he wasn't even mentioned!

 

A

[Clyde]

If you are a big soul music fan as I am it is a MUST to do the Staxx tour in Memphis.

[Mack The Knife]

Otis would be my top pick. Then in no particular order, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Sam Cooke, and Stevie Wonder.

[Clyde]

Otis would be my top pick. Then in no particular order, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Sam Cooke, and Stevie Wonder.

 

Is Stevie "soul?"

[Mack The Knife]

I fail to see the difference in soul and rythym and blues. Billboard went from an R&B chart to a Soul chart in the 1970'sand the same artists were still on it.

[THEDUDEABIDES]

I'm not much of a soul listener, but for me it's hands down to my man Otis!!

[Clyde]

I fail to see the difference in soul and rythym and blues. Billboard went from an R&B chart to a Soul chart in the 1970'sand the same artists were still on it.

 

They can blend. Hard to put into words. It's sort of a feel thing for me. Luther is not soul in my mind. He's R&B. Stevie is R&B.

 

I know it when I hear it.

 

I fall into the side that says soul is "grittier" and R&B is more "polished."