Various Artists

Save A Seat For Me - A Soul Chronology Volume 3 1955-1957

Image of Various Artists - Save A Seat For Me - A Soul Chronology Volume 3 1955-1957
Record Label
History Of Soul

About this item

History of Soul Records presents the third of a series of anthologies covering the genesis of soul music. Part of the History of Soul series, this double CD presents 56 breathtaking blues and spiritual tracks and some of the most impassioned, compelling vocal performances ever to be recorded. The accompanying illustrated booklet sets out the historical background and explains some of the technical features that make these beautiful songs the precursors of soul music. The Five Blind Boys’ Save A Seat For Me, Dorothy Coates’ righteous 99 And A Half, the Soul Stirrers’ pop-infused yet impassioned Touch the Hem Of His Garment and the Staple Singers’ glowering Uncloudy Day are not mere stylistic affectations. The uncompromising emotional fire of these records directly reflects the struggles of their times. Similarly, the declamatory exuberance of Ray Charles’s call and response classic I’ve Got A Woman, the lived-through resilience of BB King’s Ten Long Years and the forthrightness of Bobby Bland’s It’s My Life Baby all speak directly of a new-found African American boldness, the boldness of the self-validated and the determinedly free spirited. These are the sounds and soul of those reclaiming their seat of choice on the bus. Exuberance and rebellion, individuality and community, pain and joy, nature and spirit: this is the music of people who refused oppression.

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