Page de couverture de Soul Pod Classics

Soul Pod Classics

Soul Pod Classics

Auteur(s): Gail L. Nobles
Écouter gratuitement

À propos de cet audio

 Timeless tracks and unforgettable artists that have shaped the landscape of soul music. Each episode dives deep into the rich history, cultural impact, and emotional resonance of soul classics that have inspired generations.

By Gail Nobles © 2025Copyright Gail L. Nobles Musique
Épisodes
  • Global Icon-Berry Gordy 6:12:25 11.00 AM

    Global Icon-Berry Gordy 6:12:25 11.00 AM
    Jun 12 2025
    Photo: Wikipedia
    Usage: CC BY-SA 2.0
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Well, let's step back in time for a moment to December 26th, 1962. Detroit, Michigan, a city humming with the energy of the auto industry and a burgeoning music scene. And there, on page 16 of the Detroit Free Press, we find a fascinating glimpse of a local entrepreneur on the rise.

    Ken Barnard, a staff writer for the Free Press, profiled a man who was quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with: Berry Gordy. Now, the headline, in those big, bold newspaper fonts of the era, proclaims him Detroit's "Record King." And the story tells us he "sold 'n' soft rock" – perhaps slightly clumsy, but undeniably enthusiastic way of describing the sounds that were emanating from his little studio on West Grand Boulevard.

    What's so remarkable is that this wasn't just another local music story. This was a glimpse of something truly special, something that would reverberate around the world. It's easy to forget now, decades later, the sheer audacity of what Berry Gordy was doing. He was building a music empire, brick by brick, fueled by talent, determination, and a shrewd understanding of the power of music to transcend racial barriers.

    And here's the best part: we *know* how this story ends, don't we? We know that "Berry," as the article calls him, wouldn't just remain a Detroit "Record King." He would become a global icon. Motown, the label he built, would become synonymous with a sound, a feeling, a generation. The music, as you said, is still with us, filling the airwaves with its infectious energy and timeless appeal.

    Think about it: Ken Barnard, that Free Press staff writer, had no idea the magnitude of what he was witnessing. He was simply doing his job, covering a local story. But he was documenting the early days of a legend. And that, in itself, is a powerful reminder of the importance of journalism in capturing the moments that shape history, even when we don't realize it at the time. It's a wonderful little time capsule, this clipping from the Detroit Free Press, a reminder of the power of local talent, the enduring appeal of Motown, and the fascinating way newspapers can connect us to the past.

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    4 min
  • JB-His Record Label Empire 6:2:25 2.58 PM

    JB-His Record Label Empire 6:2:25 2.58 PM
    Jun 2 2025
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Wikimedia Public Domain

    JAMES BROWN!
    The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, the Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother Number One! He was a singer, he was a *force* of nature, a *movement*!

    He started out at King Records back in '56. King gave him the launchpad, and he blasted off! But the man was too big to be contained. He had a vision, a sound, a *funk* that needed to spread like wildfire!

    He started *Try Me Records* back in '63, under the watch of King honcho Syd Nathan. Named after his own chart-topper, it was meant to showcase the talent burnin' in his own revue. We're talkin' the Poets, Johnny and Bill from the Famous Flames, and even a young lady named Tammy Montgomery, who'd later become the incredible Tammi Terrell over at Motown! But that venture got sidelined when the big man had a tussle with King over his contract in '64.

    But JB? He don't stay down for long!

    Then came *Brownstone Records* in '70, a partnership with the sharp cat, Henry Stone. It was a place for his folks from the Revue that King wasn't giving a chance, like Bobby Byrd and the mighty Vicki Anderson. A quick shot of soul, but it was just a prelude to somethin' bigger!

    And then, BAM! The main event! *People Records* in '71! This was *his* kingdom! A platform to unleash the raw talent he was surrounded by: Lyn Collins, Bobby Byrd again, Sweet Charles, and the infamous J.B.'s! He even jumped in himself, layin' down organ licks and background vocals.

    It started out under King's wings, but Brown, he knew he needed more! So he signed with Polydor and took People Records with him. This was the real deal! A string of hit records, including the earth-shaking' "#1 R&B hit 'Doing It to Death!'"

    But, like all good things, People Records eventually folded in '76, right around the time the J.B.'s started slippin' away. Still, the music lived on! Polydor put out those *James Brown's Funky People* compilations, three CDs of pure, unadulterated funk.

    So, what's the moral of the story? James Brown wasn't just makin' records, he was buildin' an empire! He gave opportunities, he pushed boundaries, and he showed the world what raw, unadulterated soul was all about.

    And that, friends, is how James Brown built his funky legacy. Now go put on some JB and GET ON UP!

    I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to Soul POD Classics!
    Voir plus Voir moins
    4 min
  • Afia Mala 5:11:25 8.30 PM

    Afia Mala 5:11:25 8.30 PM
    May 12 2025
    Photo: Spotify Promo
    Intro: Gail Nobles

    Tonight, we're takin' a trip across the big pond, all the way to the vibrant heart of Togo, because I've got a story that'll have you boppin' in your seats!
    This is the story of the *one and only* – AFIA MALA!

    Now, back in '74, this young lady, she was *cookin'*! Straight outta Vogan, she was crowned the Best Togolese Singer of the Year! Yeah, you heard me right! You could feel the earth movin' under her feet, success written all over her!

    Life threw a curveball so hard, it almost knocked her right out of the park. A near-fatal traffic accident. Six long months in the hospital... talk about a downer! Her pops, bless his heart, thought her days of swingin' to a beat were done. He figured it was time for somethin' else, somethin' *safe*. Music was over!

    BUT DESTINY HAD OTHER PLANS!

    Fast forward to 1984. A decade later, the magic was still there! Radio France International, that's the big time overseas, was holdin' a talent competition called "Discovery." And guess who blew the roof off the place? Our girl, Afia Mala! Her song, "**Ten Homte (Black Earth)**", it connected with the people. I'm talkin' chills down your spine, tears in your eyes kinda stuff! The listeners voted it their *favorite*! That was her sign! That was the green light!

    And she took off like a rocket! Eight albums later, this "Princess from Vogan" (and that's what they call her!) she’s holdin' court with the queens of African music! She's standin' tall, singin' loud and clear!

    And let me tell ya somethin' else! In 1989, she dropped an album called "Desir" with a killer track called "**Koma**".

    I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Soul POD Classics.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    2 min

Ce que les auditeurs disent de Soul Pod Classics

Moyenne des évaluations de clients

Évaluations – Cliquez sur les onglets pour changer la source des évaluations.

Évaluations sur Audible.ca

Évaluations sur Amazon.ca
Il n'y a pas encore de critiques pour ce titre.