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Soul Music In African American Communities In The 1950s And 1960s

1897 Words8 Pages

Unit 3 Assignment

In music, soul describes a style that gained popularity within African American communities in the 1950s and 1960s. Soul, according to Portia K. Maultsby, is a combination of gospel, rhythm and blues, and popular music that emphasizes emotional expression and the unique experience. Musicians like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and James Brown combined these musical genres to produce soul music, which had a distinctive tone and was popular with listeners. However, due to its connection to the Civil Rights movement and opposition to the societal and cultural norms of the time, soul music was divisive. Some people objected to the use of soul music in protests and marches because they thought it encouraged violence. Additionally, some …show more content…

Seeking to end the societal injustice, police brutality, and systemic racism that Black people in America experience was something that BLM was trying to obtain. Popular music has been huge for the BLM movement as it has shined a light on it and given more artists a voice and many artists have created songs that speak on the beliefs and goals of the BLM movement. Beyoncé's "Formation," which discusses problems affecting Black Americans and the BLM movement, is one such song (Smith). The song's lyrics and music video honor Black culture and identity while also questioning societal norms. Another song, "Alright," by Kendrick Lamar, encourages fortitude and optimism in the face of the violence and racial injustice that Black Americans experience (Lena). For those who work to advance the rights and equality of Black people, the music serves as an anthem of inspiration and optimism. For Black Americans, music has always been an essential tool for expressing their struggles, culture, and political action. The African American fight for civil rights and Black liberation is where genres of popular music like Soul and Funk got their start (Maultsby). Soul music has been used to convey the Black American experience and the fight for social justice, according to Maultsby, who calls it "a musical and lyrical expression of African American culture and identity." Funk music, in a similar vein, captures the Black American fight for social and political liberation. The BLM music excerpts examines the BLM movement and its connection to contemporary music. The excerpts make the case that music is an essential instrument for the activism and mobilization of the BLM movement. Hip Hop and Rap, which have always reflected the experiences of Black Americans, echo the movement's message and ideals. The BLM movement has

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