Soulsville Research Paper

Good old Soulsville U.S.A, also known as Stax Records is where it all began. Stax Records was the creation of a brother and sister by the names of Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. “Stax was a political and social phenomenon. As its ownership passed from being white, to half-white/half-black, to one hundred percent black, it became important as an innovative black business enterprise” (Bowman, 4). Stax is not only known for its incredibly, talented recording artists, but also for the bonds and relationships within the record company. Soulsville started on a microscopic level in the city of Memphis, Tennessee and who knew it would prosper and become one of the most famous, bodacious, and most memorable recording companies in America. Stax gave …show more content…
Soul music was simply created to touch one’s soul. For example, Marvin Gaye wrote a song titled “Save the Babies”. “When he sang about saving the babies he was not only talking about the babies whose mothers were on welfare, but the babies were being killed not by the hands of strangers but also by their family members, and those that were suffering abuse from the hands of society” (Davis). Music written at Stax always had a message. “The music and the words did more than entertain. They educated, motivated, strengthened, and provided hope for a race who was in turmoil and transition” (Davis). “Of all the musical styles on which soul music is built, the two most prominent are gospel and blues. Both are expressions from the human heart of love, pain, and longing. Gospel is church-based and sung to God, while the blues is secular and often sung to another person-often a spouse or lover, present or former. Both musical forms release the participants from their immediate confines, offering refuge for the spirit” (Stax Museum …show more content…
also known as Stax Records has made a tremendous amount of contributions to the history of African American literature, religion, social acceptance, and of course music. Without the origination of Stax who knows how the music or any of Soulsville’s great additions to society, would be to this day. Because of Stax, people of no matter what background, even during the Civil Right Movement, came together for their devotion and fondness of music. Stax will forever remain the memories and hearts of those who experienced the greatness of what Stax did and of those who appreciate Stax. Soulsville U.S.A. may no longer be operating but because of the future Stax Academy students and those who keep Stax in their hearts it will forever be retained in the great history of African Americans. Soulsville U.S.A, gone but never