Digging Deep: An Introduction to the Heart & Soul of Southern Soul Music

Have you ever heard a song that just feels like it’s been simmering on a back porch on a hot summer night? A sound that’s equal parts heartache and joy, grit and groove? If so, you’ve likely stumbled upon the rich and resonant world of Southern Soul music.

More than just a genre, Southern Soul is a cultural touchstone, a musical tapestry woven from the threads of gospel, blues, and early rhythm and blues, all seasoned with the unique flavor of the American South. It’s a sound that speaks directly to the soul, and its legacy continues to thrive today.

The Genesis: Where Did This Feeling Come From?

Born in the turbulent 1960s, against the backdrop of civil rights struggles and profound social change, Southern Soul wasn't created in a vacuum. It was a potent musical alchemy:

• The Gospel Fire: The fervent call-and-response vocals, the emotional intensity, and the soulful cries of the Hammond organ owe a deep debt to the Black church. Many Southern Soul pioneers honed their voices in gospel choirs, bringing that spiritual fervor to secular themes.

• The Blues Truth: The raw emotion, the storytelling of hardship and love, and the often blues-infused melodies provided a foundational element. You can hear the echoes of Delta and electric blues in the very DNA of the genre.

• The R&B Rhythm: Early rhythm and blues provided the infectious rhythmic drive and the shift towards secular lyrical content. Southern Soul took this energy and imbued it with a deeper, more heartfelt feeling.

Key hubs like Memphis, Tennessee, with legendary labels Stax Records (think Booker T. & the M.G.'s and The Memphis Horns' raw, gritty sound) and Hi Records (home to Willie Mitchell's smoother magic), and Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with the iconic FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (where The Swampers laid down legendary grooves), became crucibles for this burgeoning sound. Smaller independent labels also played a vital role in shaping the genre's diverse landscape.

Despite the segregation of the era, Southern Soul studios often became melting pots where Black vocalists and white musicians collaborated, creating a powerful and unifying sound that transcended racial barriers.

The Sonic Signature: What Does Southern Soul Sound Like?

Southern Soul possesses an instantly recognizable sonic fingerprint:

• Deep, Driving Grooves: The rhythm section lays down a foundation that makes you want to move – think prominent basslines and steady, often syncopated, drums.

• Emotionally Charged Vocals: Forget technical perfection; Southern Soul is about raw feeling. Singers pour their hearts out, conveying pain, joy, and longing with every note.

• Punchy Horn Sections: Saxophones, trumpets, and trombones deliver iconic riffs, soulful melodies, and powerful accents that punctuate the emotion.

• The Soulful Swirl of the Hammond Organ: This instrument adds a layer of warmth and a gospel-infused depth that's instantly recognizable.

• Bluesy Guitar Licks: Often incorporating blues scales and techniques, the guitar adds a gritty and soulful edge, weaving in those signature melodic lines.

• A Raw, "Live" Energy: Many recordings capture a sense of immediacy, as if you're right there in the studio with the musicians.

• The Echo of Call and Response: Rooted in gospel tradition, the interplay between the lead vocalist and backing singers or instrumental phrases adds a dynamic layer.

Interestingly, while the classic era often featured a wealth of upbeat and energetic tracks fueling dance floors, some listeners might notice a tendency towards slightly slower tempos in much of contemporary Southern Soul. This shift can be attributed to several factors: evolving dance styles, modern production preferences for smoother and more deliberate grooves, a potential emphasis on more sensual or introspective lyrical themes, and the significant influence of the "trailride" subgenre with its characteristically steady, mid-to-slower tempos. The blending of Southern Soul with other genres like contemporary R&B, which often features slower tempos, and simply the evolving artistic preferences of modern musicians also contribute to this nuanced change in the genre's rhythmic landscape. Part of the unique charm of Southern Soul, particularly the classic recordings, lies in its often raw and unpolished production. This isn't about technical perfection; it's about capturing the genuine energy and emotion of the performance. You can almost feel the musicians in the room, and those little imperfections only add to the music's heartfelt authenticity.

The Voices That Defined and Continue to Shape the Genre:

Southern Soul boasts a legendary roster of artists whose voices and songs have become timeless. These are just a few of the giants who laid the foundation:

• Otis Redding: The King of Soul, whose raw passion was unmatched.

• Aretha Franklin: Her early Southern recordings are the epitome of powerful, soulful delivery.

• Al Green: His smooth, sensual voice brought a different shade to the genre.

• Wilson Pickett: "The Wicked" one, with his high-energy and unforgettable hits.

• Etta James: Her bluesy soul was both powerful and deeply moving.

• Percy Sledge: His iconic ballad "When a Man Loves a Woman" remains a soul classic.

• Sam & Dave: The dynamic duo who brought infectious energy to the Stax sound.

• Isaac Hayes: His sophisticated arrangements added a unique dimension to the genre.

• Carla Thomas: The "Queen of Memphis Soul," a vital early voice at Stax.

But the story doesn't end there! A vibrant contemporary scene keeps the spirit of Southern Soul alive and evolving. Artists like:

• King George: A modern leader in the genre, captivating audiences with his soulful voice.

• Tucka: Known for his distinctive sound and popular tracks.

  

• Sir Charles Jones: A consistent hitmaker with a classic Southern Soul feel.

• Pokey Bear: Famous for his unique style and popular songs.

• Nellie "Tiger" Travis: A powerful female vocalist carrying the torch.

• J-Wonn: Blending traditional elements with a contemporary edge.

• And many more!

These modern artists, while often incorporating contemporary production techniques, stay true to the core elements of the genre: the deep groove, the heartfelt vocals, and the relatable storytelling. They often find their audience through dedicated regional circuits and online communities, keeping the flame of Southern Soul burning bright for a new generation.

The Road Less Traveled: The "Chitlin' Circuit" and Beyond

For many Southern Soul artists, both past and present, the "Chitlin' Circuit" – a network of smaller venues, clubs, and independent radio stations primarily in the Southern states – has been a vital lifeline. This grassroots ecosystem has allowed artists to connect directly with their core audience, build a loyal following, and sustain their careers, often outside the glare of the mainstream music industry. It underscores the deep connection between the music and its community. Furthermore, the genre itself isn't always neatly defined, often blurring lines with blues-soul, deep soul, and even the contemporary "trailride" sound, showcasing its rich and evolving nature.

The Enduring Legacy: Why Southern Soul Still Matters

Ultimately, Southern Soul endures because of its profound emotional honesty. It taps into universal human experiences – the highs and lows of love, the struggles and triumphs of everyday life – with a sincerity that resonates deeply, regardless of background.

This is just a starting point on your journey into the soulful sounds of the South. We encourage you to seek out the music of the artists mentioned, explore the different eras and styles within the genre, and let the raw emotion and irresistible grooves of Southern Soul speak for themselves. You might just discover a whole new world of deeply moving and authentic music.

Find Your Flair: Exploring the Art of Dance Styling in Swing and Carolina Shag

Whether you're tapping your toes to the infectious rhythms of swing or gliding across the floor with the smooth grace of Carolina Shag, you know that these dances are more than just steps. They're a vibrant form of expression, a way to connect with music and a partner, and a whole lot of fun!

But have you ever wondered what truly sets different dancers apart? It's often in the subtle nuances, the personal touches that elevate basic movements into a unique and captivating style. This is the world of dance styling, and it's a fascinating journey for dancers of all levels.

From the energetic bounce of Lindy Hop to the intricate footwork of Carolina Shag, each swing dance form boasts its own distinct aesthetic. Understanding the elements that contribute to this styling – body posture, arm movements, footwork variations, and musicality – can significantly enhance your own dancing and appreciation for these rich traditions.

Our in-depth research delves into the heart of dance styling within the swing dance family, with a particular focus on the smooth and soulful Carolina Shag. We explore:

• What exactly is dance styling? Unpacking the elements that go beyond basic steps.
• A tour of key swing dance forms: From the foundational Lindy Hop to the cool Philly Bop, examining the signature styling of each.
• The unique charm of Carolina Shag styling: Delving into its posture, footwork, and partner connection.
• Comparing and contrasting: Highlighting the distinct differences in styling across various swing dances.
• The historical roots: Understanding how music and culture have shaped these dance styles.
• Detailed breakdowns: Examining the specifics of body movements, posture, and footwork in each dance.

As you delve into the world of swing and shag, remember that while mastering the fundamentals is key, the true magic lies in weaving your own personality into the dance. Personal expression doesn't happen overnight; it's a journey of building competence and confidence in the basic style before your unique flair can truly shine.

Ready to deepen your understanding of dance styling in swing dance and Carolina Shag?

Click here to download our comprehensive research report and unlock the secrets to finding your own unique groove on the dance floor!

We hope this exploration inspires you to further your dance journey and discover the joy of expressing yourself through movement. Happy dancing!

Dreaming of Swing and Carolina Shag in Our Community: Join the Vision!

Hey everyone,

Roger & Denise Underhill here, and we wanted to share something we've been dreaming about: bringing the joy of swing and Carolina Shag dancing back into the heart of our community. Like many of you, we miss the days when partner dancing filled our parks, bars, and community centers with laughter and rhythm.

Although there are dance studios, dedicated clubs, competitions, and dance event weekends that keep the dancing spirit alive, the spontaneous enjoyment of social partner dancing seems to have disappeared from the public eye. However, whenever we partner dance in public, we see that spark of interest and desire to learn and connect from people who approach us and ask, "Where can we learn to do that?" This is what has driven our vision of establishing the Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective.

A Vision for the Future:

We envision a community where swing, Carolina Shag, and other partner dances are a regular part of our social scene, where we can gather and dance together in public spaces, creating moments of pure joy. To make this happen, we've been thinking about:

• Building a community of passionate instructors: A network of teachers who love to share their knowledge.

• Empowering Dance Ambassadors: People who can bring the dance to the people, wherever they are.

• Creating a resource hub: A website (swingandshagdancecollective.com) with information on instructors, events, and learning materials.

• Organizing public dance opportunities: Finding and creating venues for social dancing.

Please Note: These are currently plans and dreams. This collective is not yet fully formed, and these resources are not yet fully available. But we wanted to share this vision with you and see if others share the same passion.

Join the Dream!

If you're a dancer, instructor, or simply someone who loves the idea of bringing swing, Carolina Shag, and any other partnered dance back to our community, we'd love to hear from you. Let's connect and see if we can make this dream a reality.

Here's how you can get involved in the early stages:

• Share your thoughts: Let us know what you think of this vision.

• Connect with me: Reach out if you're interested in helping to build this collective.

• Spread the word: Tell your friends and family about this idea.

Let's Build This Together!

We truly believe that partner dancing has the power to bring people together and create something special. While these are just plans right now, with your help, we can turn them into a reality.

Visit swingandshagdancecollective.com to learn more about the idea, and feel free to reach out to me at w.roger.underhill@gmail.com.

Let's start building this community together!

Whose Dance Is It Anyway? The Lead, the Follow, and the Magic of Partnership

The Misunderstood "Push": A Lesson in Dance Language

The room buzzed with energy, a mix of nervous laughter and determined footwork. I have noticed many beginner couples with the same frustration when I work with them one-on-one. I hear "He keeps pushing me," or "And when I push her, she just stands there!"

A familiar wave of realization washed over me. This wasn't just a physical misunderstanding; it was a linguistic one. The word "push," so common in everyday language, has no place in the vocabulary of partnered dance. It conjures images of force, of resistance, of a battle rather than a graceful exchange.

"Let's talk about that word 'push'," I interjected. "In dance, we don't push. We suggest. We indicate. We lead." I demonstrated, placing my hand gently on my partner's back, a feather-light touch guiding her into the turn. "It's a conversation, not a command. You're not forcing your partner; you're inviting them to move with you."

The lead will usually go quiet, a sense of understanding settling in. "Think of it like this," I continued. "Imagine you're guiding someone through a crowded room. You wouldn't shove them; you'd gently place your hand on their arm and direct them around obstacles. In dance, it's the same principle, just with more artistry."

That little linguistic shift, from "push" to "suggest," transformed the atmosphere. Suddenly, the tension eased, and the students began to explore the subtle nuances of leading and following. They discovered that true connection wasn't about force, but about a delicate balance of intention and responsiveness. And it was that moment that reminded me, and I hope will remind you, that partnered dancing is a conversation, not a conquest. And as we explore in the blog post above, whose dance is it anyways? It's ours.

The Lead, the Follow, and the Magic of Partnership

Partnered dancing: it's a beautiful, intricate conversation played out with bodies, not words. But within this dialogue, the question often arises: whose dance is it, really? Is it the lead, dictating the moves? Or the follow, adding their own flair? Let's unpack this fascinating dynamic.

The Traditional View: The Lead's Domain

Traditionally, the lead holds the reins. They initiate the steps, guide the direction, and set the overall tone. Think of it as the choreographer in real-time, using subtle cues and physical connection to communicate their intentions. This structure provides a framework, a roadmap for the dance to unfold.

For many beginners, this concept is crucial. It provides a clear structure and a sense of security. The lead learns to communicate with confidence, while the follow learns to interpret those signals with precision.

Beyond Control: The Follow's Essential Contribution

However, to see the follow as merely a passive recipient is a grave misunderstanding. A skilled follow is an active participant, a vital component of the dance's magic. They interpret the lead's signals, adding their own style, musicality, and expression.

Imagine a jazz improvisation: the lead provides the melody, but the follow adds the harmonies and embellishments, creating a richer, more nuanced experience. They can anticipate, respond, and even subtly influence the direction of the dance.

A truly great follow elevates the lead, making them look and feel better. They bring life and vibrancy to the dance, transforming it from a set of steps into a living, breathing expression of connection.

The Dance as a Dialogue: A Shared Creation

Ultimately, the best partnered dances are a dialogue, a give-and-take, a true partnership. It's not about control, but about collaboration. The lead initiates, the follow responds, and together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Think of it as a conversation between two musicians. One proposes a musical phrase, and the other responds with a counter-melody, creating a beautiful harmony. This dynamic exchange is the heart of partnered dancing.

Modern Interpretations: Blurring the Lines

In contemporary dance styles, the traditional roles of lead and follow are often blurred. There's a growing emphasis on fluidity, equality, and shared creativity. Some dances even feature equal roles, where there's no defined lead or follow.

This shift reflects a broader cultural trend towards greater equality and collaboration. It acknowledges that both partners bring unique skills and perspectives to the dance floor.

The Takeaway: It's Our Dance

So, whose dance is it anyway? The answer is: it's ours. It's a shared creation, a testament to the power of connection and collaboration. Whether you're a lead or a follow, remember that you're both essential to the magic of partnered dancing.

Embrace the dialogue, celebrate the partnership, and enjoy the beautiful conversation that unfolds on the dance floor. Because ultimately, the best dances are the ones we create together.

An update on a New Dance Floor for Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club

Exciting News! We're thrilled to announce our plans to purchase a Snaplock portable dance floor for the Colonial Heights community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we're one step closer to making this dream a reality.

Our Vision

Our goal is to create a valuable asset for the local dance community by establishing the Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club as a 501c(7) nonprofit organization. This will enable us to:

• Own the dance floor: The floor will become a club asset, ensuring its long-term availability.
• Manage club finances: We'll establish a board and a checking account to handle business transactions efficiently.
• Offer rentals: The dance floor will be available for rent to the public for private events, dances, parties, and more.

How Rental Income Will Be Used:

1. Reimbursing Donors: If requested by our donors, our top priority is to repay the generous individuals who have contributed to this project.
2. Funding Club Activities: Once initial funds are reimbursed, we'll allocate remaining income to support club events, trips, and the search for a dedicated dance facility.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your continued support is essential to the success of this project. Together, we can create a vibrant dance community and provide a top-notch facility for everyone to enjoy.

Make Your Donation Today

Let's dance together! 

Dancing on Concrete - A Swing Dance Club's Plea

We are the leaders of Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club, and we are passionate about bringing the joy of swing dancing to our community. However, we are currently facing a challenge that is hindering our ability to provide a safe and enjoyable dancing experience for our members.

Our current dance floor is made of concrete or tile-covered concrete, which is a very hard and unforgiving surface, this can be further complicated when the floor is not well maintained and becomes sticky. This surface can cause injuries, such as ankle sprains, knee problems, and hip pain, especially when dancing for extended periods of time. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable dancing experience for all of our members. To achieve this, we are raising funds to purchase a Snaplock portable dance floor. This dance floor is made of polypropylene base with various commercial grade laminate top surfaces that look like wood that is designed to absorb shock and reduce stress on dancers' joints. It is also easy to set up and take down, so it can be used for a variety of events.

The cost of a 21’ x 21’ Snaplock portable dance floor is about $4,300. We have a generous donor that has offered to match donations up to $5,000 which would result in our ability to get a 30' x 30' floor! Let's make it happen! We are asking for your help to raise this money so that we can provide a better dancing experience for our members. It also allows us to set up on a myriad of other indoor or outdoor flat surfaces of dirt, sand, grass, asphalt, etc.

How You Can Help

There are many ways that you can help us to raise funds for our Snaplock portable dance floor. Here are a few ideas:

• Donate to our spotfund campaign: We have set up a spotfund campaign to collect donations for the dance floor. Please visit our page and donate whatever you can.
• Attend our events: We hold a variety of events throughout the year, such as classes, workshops, and social dances. By attending these events, you will be supporting our club and helping us to raise funds for the dance floor.
• Spread the word: Please tell your friends and family about our fundraising campaign. The more people who know about our cause, the more likely we are to reach our goal.

With your support, we can create a space where dancers of all levels can come together to enjoy the music, connect with friends, and move their bodies without fear of injury. Your contribution will help us build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant dance community.

Donate Today!