It's a Soul Thang

Second the vote for Isaac Hayes and nominate Smokey Robinson, both with the Miracles and without. I just recently got a copy of Quiet Storm and it's a good one.

You must familiarize yourself with Stax if you want soul-Johnny Taylor,Otis Redding, Sam and Dave,Booker T.and the MGs were their headliners.

Motown, for all its strengths, unabashedly tried to reach the "wider" audience, while Stax, generally speaking, was, (in my opinion) way more soulful.

I will send titles and more later- I have to look through the albums.

Check out Eddie Hinton. Best blue eyed soul singer you will ever hear.
Second the Stax records recommendations. Try the Staple Singers as well.

All excellent nominations. Booker T has always been a favorite! I look forward to your titles Mknowles. Thanks to everyone so far. I generally find that Soul is very underappreciated and I'm glad to see some fans here.

Be sure to rent the film "Standing in the Shadows of Motown": a tribute to the "Funk Brothers"--the largely unacknowledged studio group that played on literally hundreds of classic hits, while being paid union scale. They literally defined the Motown sound, and it is quite remarkable to witness a small piece of their story. The bass player, James Jamerson, is one of the true masters of his instrument. This music makes my Meadowlark Blue Heron's jump for joy. On occasion, I've been known to join them!
Joe