The ten episode series of documentaries, "The History of Rock & Roll" continues with a foray into the world of R&B and Soul with the fourth episode "The Sounds of Soul". There are certain purists that won't consider this particular episode relatable to the rock music form, however given prior episodes' discussion of the roots of rock music as well as significant black performers such as Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino the similarities should be recognizable. Here the discussion is on artists such as James Brown (the godfather of Soul) and the motor city sound of the Motown artists, as well as the other R&B movements simultaneously occurring in Philadelphia, Memphis, and other major cities. The discussion of the independent nature of many of the record labels, who worked tirelessly to get this music out to listeners, is quite fascinating. The historical significance of this music to the civil right's movement makes this one an especially interesting and important installment in the series.
Review of Plugging In
