The best Southern soul songs are delivered by true superstar musicians. These are the legends of soul and rhythm and blues music, and these songs reflect an era when nearly every tune was powerful, emotional, and memorable. This style became popular in the 1960s and '70s, when gospel merged with R&B to create a one-of-a-kind sound.
You probably know these top Southern soul songs by heart: “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge, “I Got a Woman” by Ray Charles, and “Cry to Me” by Solomon Burke. Any playlist of good Southern soul songs should start with these. And that's not to mention the incredible influence of famous female artists like Aretha Franklin - just listen to "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).
Contemporary music still shows the influence of Southern soul. Bands like St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Alabama Shakes are bringing this classic sound to a whole new generation. Do they deserve to be among the top spots on this list? You decide, with your votes!
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Southern Soul Songs
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