Soul music is an important genre that set the tone for, and inspired, many of the popular songs we hear today. Soul music dates back to the 1950s and 1960s and is rooted in African American gospel as well as rhythm and blues. Pioneered by musicians such as Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, soul music started out with a distinct target audience but over time this lyrical storytelling eventually became popular with a very diverse crowd. In the beginning, soul was primarily a musical art form that served to shine light on the importance of African American culture. As time went on, the ballads presented in soul music resonated with a wide range of listeners and became popular with people of all ethnicities and races. This is still the case today as we see soul sensation Leon Bridges topping the charts and captivating a diverse audience with his smooth modern soul music.
Leon Bridges is a native of Atlanta, Georgia but grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. He started out in a unique way, as a self-taught musician playing at open-mic nights while simultaneously working at a Del Frisco’s. His determination and willingness to share his music at any given chance eventually paid off. Leon Bridges debut album “Coming Home” launched in 2015 and quickly put him on the map. Although he didn’t start out the open-mic nights as a soul musician, Bridges found his groove creating modern day soul music based on events from his life and family. He uses his very own real-world experiences and emotions in each of his songs as a way to personally connect with his listeners. Bridges has a distinct silky sound that draws you in with each note. His recent concert at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida was a full display of his musical talent and proved that soul music attracts a diverse audience. Fans young and old, across many demographics, gathered to enjoy the concert and support his music. With a mix of upbeat and slow-paced songs, there’s truly something for everyone in Leon Bridges setlist.
Some genres of music can be polarizing but soul music seems to be a uniting force. Despite the many different personal experiences within an audience, soul beats resonate across many cultures through the use of passionate, emotional lyrics. Soul can make listeners feel understood and accepted. Leon Bridges modern soul music brings the crowd together. The combination of his lyrics and beats creates a story that is relatable to many. Some of his top hits include “River,” “Texas Sun,” “Shy,” and “Beyond.” With 3 albums, multiple artist collaborations, and more than 40 songs, you can definitely find something to freshen up your playlist. This is your sign to go check out some Leon Bridges songs and rediscover your soul.
