Soul is a popular music genre that originated in the African American community in the United States in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz, characterized by its emphasis on emotion and vocal expressiveness. Soul music became a significant force for social change, associated with the civil rights and anti-war movements. Notable artists include Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown, whose works have profoundly influenced contemporary R&B and pop music.
