First off, if you love Soul Music, then you have to experience these yearly events, they feature truly amazing talent from across the united states and outside the states. In this article we will outline the festival’s history, facts, featured artists and where to get tickets.
Let’s get started.
About The Festival & History
The Southern Soul Music Festival was founded in 2010 by music producer and entrepreneur Tony Green.
The SSM festival is an annual event that celebrates the rich musical heritage of the southern United States. It was first held in 1995 in Macon, Georgia, and has since been held in cities throughout the south, including Atlanta, Nashville, and New Orleans.
The festival features a variety of genres, including blues, gospel, R&B, and soul. It also includes a variety of activities, such as dance lessons, workshops, and performances by local and national acts. The festival has become a destination for music lovers from all over the world and has been credited with helping to revive the region’s musical heritage.
Held in the historic city of Atlanta, Georgia, the festival brings together a variety of musical acts from across the region, from blues and jazz to gospel and soul. The event also features a variety of cultural activities, including dance performances, art exhibitions, and food vendors.
The Southern Soul Music Festival has become an important part of the city’s cultural landscape. It draws thousands of people from all over the country to experience the incredible music, food, and culture of the South. The event has become a popular destination for music fans, aspiring musicians, and those who simply want to experience the culture of the South.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a chance to experience the culture and music of the South, the Southern Soul Music Festival is the perfect place to be.
List of Featured Artists
Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who is best known for his soulful, gospel-tinged vocal style. He has released seven studio albums and has won two Grammy Awards.
Hamilton began his career as a backing vocalist for the likes of D’Angelo, Faith Evans, and even Tupac. In 2003, he released his debut album, Comin’ From Where I’m From, which included the hit single “Charlene”. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it earned him a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
In 2005, Hamilton released his second album, Ain’t Nobody Worryin’, which featured the hit single “Can’t Let Go”. The album was another critical and commercial success, and it earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.
Hamilton has continued to release albums over the years, including his most recent release, What I’m Feelin’, in 2016. His music has earned him multiple Grammy nominations and awards, as well as a large and devoted fan base. He has also collaborated with several other artists, including Al Green, John Legend, and Bruno Mars.
Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville is an American singer and musician from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known for his soulful, gospel-influenced singing style and his hit singles “Tell It Like It Is” and “Everybody Plays the Fool”. He is a member of the Neville Brothers, a group of four siblings who perform together, and has also released several solo albums.
Neville’s career began in the late 1950s when he joined his brothers in a band called The Hawkettes. He then began performing as a solo artist, releasing his debut single “Tell It Like It Is” in 1966. The song quickly became a hit and reached the top of the charts, making it the first time a black artist had topped the charts with a single.
Neville’s success continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with hits such as “Everybody Plays the Fool”, “Don’t Take Away My Heaven”, and “Ain’t No Sunshine”. He also collaborated with Linda Ronstadt on the duet “Don’t Know Much”, which was a major hit. In 1989, Neville was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In addition to his solo career, Neville has also collaborated with a variety of other artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, and the Rolling Stones. He has also been a member of the Neville Brothers since 1977, and the group has released several albums. Neville continues to tour and record music, and he is considered one of the most influential vocalists of all time.
Keb’ Mo’
Keb’ Mo’ is an American blues musician and singer-songwriter. He is a four-time Grammy Award winner and has been nominated for twelve. He is best known for his unique style of contemporary blues, which incorporates elements of folk, soul, and jazz.
Keb’ Mo’ was born Kevin Moore in Los Angeles, California. He began playing the guitar at the age of twelve and was influenced by blues legends such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King. He eventually moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and began playing in local clubs.
Keb’ Mo’ released his self-titled debut album in 1994, which featured his unique blend of blues, folk, soul, and jazz. The album was a critical and commercial success and was followed by two more studio albums, Just Like You (1996) and Slow Down (1998).
He has since released a total of nine studio albums, including The Door (2000), Suitcase (2006), and The Reflection (2011). Keb’ Mo’ has also collaborated with several other artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, and Robert Cray. He has also appeared in films, television shows, and commercials. He was also the voice of Lightning McQueen in the Pixar movie Cars.
Keb’ Mo’ has become an icon of modern blues music and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary blues artists. He continues to tour and perform and is a beloved figure in the blues world.
Bobby Rush
Bobby Rush is an American blues and soul musician, songwriter, and recording artist. He is best known for his unique blend of blues, funk, and soul. He has released more than 25 albums throughout his career and has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.
Born in Louisiana in 1933, Bobby Rush began playing music as a child, learning to play the guitar and drums. He moved to Chicago in the 1950s and began performing in clubs around the city. He was soon noticed by Chess Records, who signed him to a recording contract in 1960.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Bobby Rush released several singles and albums, including his most successful single “Chicken Heads”. The song became a hit and was later featured in the movie The Blues Brothers.
In the 1980s, Bobby Rush began exploring other genres of music, including hip-hop and rap. He released several albums in this style, including the critically acclaimed “Rush Hour”.In the 2000s, Bobby Rush returned to his blues roots and released several albums in the genre. He has also collaborated with a variety of artists, including B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, and Dr John.
Bobby Rush is considered one of the most influential blues and soul musicians of all time. His unique blend of blues, funk, and soul has been an inspiration to many artists and has helped to shape modern music.
Irma Thomas
Irma Thomas is an American singer and songwriter known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans”. She is one of the most influential female singers in the history of Southern soul music, and her career spans more than six decades.
Thomas began her professional singing career in 1957, and her first single, “You Can Have My Husband (But Please Don’t Mess With My Man)”, was released in 1959. She has since released more than 30 albums, including her most successful album, The Soul Queen of New Orleans, which was released in 1966.
Throughout her career, Thomas has been recognized for her powerful voice and her ability to capture the emotion of her songs. Her music has been praised for its combination of soul, gospel, blues, and R&B. She has been honoured with numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2007.
In addition to her musical career, Thomas has also been involved in humanitarian work. She founded the Irma Thomas Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students in the New Orleans area. She is also an advocate for the rights of women and children and has been involved in numerous charity events throughout her career.
Thomas is an icon in the music industry, and her influence can still be felt today. Her music continues to be beloved by fans around the world, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
The Staple Singers
The Staple Singers were an American gospel, soul, and R&B singing group. The group was founded in 1948 by Roebuck “Pops” Staples and included his children Cleotha, Pervis, and Mavis.
They are best known for their hits “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There.”The Staple Singers began their career as a traditional gospel group, performing spirituals and hymns. They later moved to a more contemporary sound, incorporating elements of blues, soul, and R&B into their music.
They also wrote and recorded original songs, many of which tackled social and political issues. In the 1960s, the group became a major force in the civil rights movement, performing at rallies and benefits.
The Staple Singers released multiple albums throughout their career, including their landmark 1972 album, Be Altitude: Respect Yourself. The album featured their biggest hit, “Respect Yourself,” which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
The Staple Singers have been cited as an influence by numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Prince. Their music has been sampled and covered by a wide range of artists, from Run-DMC to John Legend. The Staple Singers remain an important part of American music history.
Al Green
Al Green is an American singer, songwriter and record producer best known for his gospel-influenced, soul music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and has won numerous Grammy Awards.
Green’s career began in the late 1960s and he found success with the hit single “Let’s Stay Together” in 1972. His popularity grew and he released a string of successful albums throughout the 1970s, including I’m Still in Love with You, Call Me, and Greatest Hits.
He also collaborated with Willie Mitchell to create the classic album, Full of Fire, which featured the hit single “Take Me to the River”.Green’s music has been sampled by many artists over the years, including Kanye West, Jay-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G. He has also been featured in films such as The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000.
In addition to his music career, Green has also been an active advocate for social justice and civil rights. Green’s influence on music is undeniable and he continues to be an inspiration for many aspiring musicians. His timeless music has stood the test of time, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Booker T. Jones
Booker T. Jones is an American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer, arranger, and bandleader. He is best known as the leader of the band Booker T. & the M.G.’s, which had a major role in the creation of the Southern soul and Memphis soul music genres.
He has also worked in the genres of rock, R&B, blues, funk, jazz, and country. Jones is a four-time Grammy Award winner and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
He is considered to be one of the most influential and important figures in the history of soul music. He is credited with writing and arranging hits such as “Green Onions,” “Time Is Tight,” and “Hip Hug-Her.” He has also produced and arranged for a variety of artists, including Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Willie Nelson, and Bob Dylan.
Jones has been active since the 1960s and continues to work as a performer, producer, and arranger. He has released several solo albums, including the critically acclaimed Potato Hole, which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album in 2009.
He is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been nominated for several Grammy Awards.
JJ Grey & Mofro
JJ Grey & Mofro is an American blues and rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. The band is led by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist JJ Grey. The band has released eight studio albums and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe.
The band’s music has been described as a mix of blues, soul, funk, and rock. Their sound is heavily influenced by classic soul and R&B, with a hint of Southern rock. The band has been praised for their live performances, with critics noting their energy and enthusiasm on stage.
JJ Grey & Mofro have been featured on NPR’s World Cafe, and their songs have been featured in television shows and movies. They have performed at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, and All Good Music Festival. The band has also performed at the prestigious New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
The band has been praised for their songwriting, with critics noting their ability to craft memorable and heartfelt songs. Their songs often focus on themes of love, loss, and redemption. They have achieved a loyal following throughout the years, and their fan base continues to grow. Their music has been praised for its authenticity and raw emotion, and their live performances are known for their energy and passion.
Bettye LaVette
Bettye LaVette is an American soul singer who has been active since the 1960s. She is best known for her powerful and emotive singing style, which has been described as a combination of blues, soul, gospel, and rock and roll.
Throughout her career, LaVette has released several critically acclaimed albums, including her Grammy-nominated 2005 album I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise.
LaVette began her career as a teenager in the early 1960s, when she released her first single, “My Man—He’s a Lovin’ Man”. She went on to release several more singles throughout the decade, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that she found success with the albums Souvenirs and Tell Me a Lie.
In the 2000s, LaVette began to receive more recognition for her work, and she released many acclaimed albums, including The Scene of the Crime, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2008. She continued to tour and record in the 2010s, and in 2018 she released her latest album, Things Have Changed.
Throughout her career, LaVette has been praised for her powerful and soulful singing style, and she has been described as one of the greatest soul singers of all time. She has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, and she has been honoured with numerous awards and accolades.
Sir Charles Jones
Sir Charles Jones is an American soul and R&B singer and songwriter. He is best known for his soulful, romantic ballads, which have become staples of soul and R&B radio. He has released nine studio albums and several compilations and has been nominated for several awards, including a Grammy Award. Sir Charles Jones has been singing since childhood and began his professional career in the early 1990s.
He gained recognition with his debut album, My Heart Is Crying, which was released in 1995. The album featured the hit single “Love Machine,” which became a Top 10 hit on the US R&B charts.Sir Charles Jones has since released several more albums, including It’s Party Time (1998), Love Machine 2 (2000), and My Heart Is Still Crying (2006).
He has also released several compilations, including The Best of Sir Charles Jones (2003) and The Ultimate Collection (2009). Charles has performed at a variety of venues, including the Apollo Theater in New York City and the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. He has also been featured in several films, including the 2006 movie Dreamgirls.
Sir Charles Jones has been praised for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. He has been nominated for several awards, including a Grammy Award and a Soul Train Music Award. He is also a member of the prestigious Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
Tickets & Festival Dates
We recommend you that follow the festival on the social media links below and check for all the current dates, locations and ticket details. The tickets sell out very quickly, which is understandable, considering the quality of the talent performing at each festival.
Here’s where you need to go.
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Finally, enjoy and love Soul Music, it’s just too good to miss.
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