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This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources. Find sources: "New Orleans Soul" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (March 2023)

New Orleans Soul is a musical style originating from soul music, with significant influences from Gospel music. It incorporates elements of pop and soul, infused with the rhythmic patterns of boogie-woogie. Typically featuring piano and saxophone accompaniments, this genre gained prominence in the postwar era within the Crescent City.

This genre is characterized by its pop foundation, evident in its structural elements, and its incorporation of rock rhythms influenced by the popular "second line" beats typical in the city. The influence of Caribbean and Latin music from the 1960s was significant, inspiring the development of more exotic rhythms within this soul genre, although mid-tempo rhythms also exist. Musicians prioritize melody and tone over lyrical content. Background vocals typically feature one or two female voices.

Origins

The initial songs in this soul style emerged from the talents of songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint in 1960. Subsequently, this musical style gained significant traction among other local and regional artists. By the 1990s, New Orleans Soul had captured the interest of many singers from various soul music genres. Originally cultivated in New Orleans, its influence remained relatively contained within the city boundaries.

However, some musicians from Memphis have acknowledged the genre as a significant influence on the development of their own style of soul. Moreover, it left an imprint on Northern Soul and British soul. Around 1965, just five years into the emergence of New Orleans Soul, Toussaint, a pivotal figure in this genre, produced a slower variation that played a crucial role in the birth of Funk.

Notable artists

• Irma Thomas
• Dr. John
• Harry Connick, Jr.
• Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino
• Walter "Wolfman" Washington
• Jessie Hill
• Mahalia Jackson

References

1. ^ Robert Fontenot (November 26, 2008). "New Orleans Soul Music – What is New Orleans Soul Music?". Thought.com. Retrieved September 25, 2010.

External links

• Top picks in New Orleans music.

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