Author(s): Peter Shapiro

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"The Rough Guide to Soul and R&B" is the definitive guide to the genre's greatest singers, musicians, songwriters and record labels, encapsulating the entire history of soul music from gospel and doo-wop, through funk and disco, to hip-hop and R&B. The guide includes detailed profiles of more than 300 artists, from such legends as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke to contemporary stars like Prince, Mary J. Blige and Destiny's Child. There are reviews of hundreds of landmark albums, from James Brown's Live At The Apollo to Missy Elliott's Supa Dupa Fly. The guide includes recommended playlists for the key performers and sub-genres and comes complete with plenty of unforgettable photos from top music photographers and picture libraries.