Reggae, Soul, and Funk: Defining Sounds of 20th Century Music

Reggae Music: Origins and Characteristics

Reggae Sound Characteristics

• Slow, chilled-out tempo with a distinctive offbeat feel.
• Strong emphasis on the backbeat (beats 2 and 4).
• Other percussion instruments play syncopated rhythms.
• The electric guitar plays short, choppy chords (known as the skank).
• The bass guitar provides highly syncopated, prominent riffs.
• Simple harmonic structure, often repeating only two or three chords per song.
• Frequent use of call and response vocal patterns.

Lyrical Themes

• Themes include poverty, politics, social beliefs, and religion.
• Strongly influenced by the Rastafarian religion, originating in Jamaica.

Ska Music

• Originated in Jamaica in the 1960s.
• A fusion of traditional Caribbean mento and American Jazz/R&B.
• Features a walking bass line and rhythm emphasis on the upbeat.

Bob Marley: The King of Reggae

• Renowned musician and songwriter.
• The most famous reggae star in history, selling over 20 million albums worldwide.
• Considered the first international superstar from the developing world.
• Died tragically at the age of 36.

Soul and Funk Music: Motown and Atlantic Sounds

The Motown Sound

Motown Records was founded in 1959 in Detroit, Michigan, and quickly became the most popular company producing soul music. From 1961 to 1971, Motown produced numerous songs that reached the Top 10 charts.

Motown Characteristics

• Doo-wop: Style backing vocals using nonsense words.
• Orchestral Instruments: Strings, brass, and timpani are used for a fuller, sophisticated sound.
• Hooks: Catchy, repeated lines or phrases designed to stick in the listener's mind.
• Dancy Feel: Supported by set dance routines performed by artists on stage.
• Complex Structures: Song structures are often complex; ABABCC is a common form.

Diana Ross & The Supremes

• One of the first major acts signed to Motown Records during the 1960s.
• America's most successful vocal group of the era.
• Achieved twelve number-one singles on the American music charts.
• The Supremes disbanded in 1977 after an 18-year run.

Atlantic Soul (Southern Soul)

• More bluesy and rough-edged than the polished Motown sound.
• Lyrical themes often include heartbreak, dancing, and good times, sometimes featuring suggestive or 'risky' content.

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul

• Known universally as The Queen of Soul.
• Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis.
• Her parents were a Baptist preacher and a gospel singer.
• In 1987, she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• She won 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career.

Funk Music

• Generally features a faster tempo than traditional Soul.
• Rhythms are often clipped, highly percussive, and dance-focused.
• The bass guitar utilizes slapping and popping techniques to create a percussive sound.
• Heavy reliance on polyrhythms.
• The rhythm guitar plays short, rhythmic riffs, often utilizing the blues scale.

Etymology of "Funk"

The original meaning of the word "funk" was related to a strong, often unpleasant, smell.

James Brown: The Godfather of Soul

• Born in South Carolina on May 3, 1933.
• Began his singing career with a band called The Flames.
• He rose to prominence, dominating Funk and R&B music and influencing countless artists.
• Known for iconic hits like I Got You (I Feel Good).