Soul music was born as a synthesis of the call-and-response traditions of gospel with the secular - and often sexual - appeal of rhythm 'n' blues. From its birth with Ray Charles's "I Got a Woman" to its ongoing and widespread appeal today, soul has spawned a huge number of America's most important popular figures.

Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Whitney Houston are just a few of the many soul stars who have become figureheads for American culture throughout the world.

Soul Music A-Z is an encyclopedia of close to 1000 names from the exciting, funky world of soul music: the singers, musicians, producers, writers, and labels. From the gospel and blues roots to the international modern sounds, from the famous to the obscure, here is an absolutely unparalleled wealth of information and reference.

Completely revised and updated with over 300 new entries, comprehensive discographies, and over fifty vivid photographs, this Da Capo edition of Soul Music A-Z will long remain the essential reference for anyone interested in the most vital American music of the last forty years.