Chicago Soul (The Early Years)

Part of the 'History of Soul' series but a pleasure in its own right, this CD bears witness to the creation of a distinctive, smooth soul sound made in Chicago in the early 1960s that we associate with such legendary figures as Curtis Mayfield, Betty Everett and McKinley Mitchell. Black music was transitioning between R&B and soul at this time, and vocal groups were introducing a new gospel sensibility into their songs. The tracks include soul classics sung by artists you might not have heard before alongside better known singers performing less well-known numbers. The accompanying booklet is written by Robert Pruter, author of the acclaimed 'Chicago Soul'.