Sam & Dave - Soul Man

Year Released: 1967
Genre: Soul / R&B / Funk

Description:
Released on Stax Records in 1967, “Soul Man” stands as one of the most iconic soul anthems ever recorded. Written and produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, and performed by the explosive duo Sam & Dave, the record encapsulates everything that made Memphis soul legendary — fiery vocals, tight horn arrangements, and that unmistakable groove from Booker T. & The MG’s.

The song’s inspiration came from the civil rights movement — specifically, the sight of homes marked with the word “soul” during the 1967 Detroit riots to signify Black pride and resilience. That message of identity and strength, paired with its irresistible rhythm and call-and-response energy, helped “Soul Man” reach #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #2 on the Hot 100, earning Sam & Dave a Grammy Award in 1968.

Beyond its chart success, “Soul Man” became a cornerstone of popular culture. It gained new life when The Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) covered it as Jake and Elwood Blues on their 1978 debut album Briefcase Full Of Blues — transforming it into a rock-and-soul revival anthem for a new generation. Their version reintroduced Sam & Dave’s legacy to mainstream audiences, and the song’s inclusion in their sets cemented it as one of the defining tracks of both soul music and American pop cinema.

Also covered by artists such as Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, and Wilson Pickett and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (1999) and Library of Congress National Recording Registry for its cultural significance

With its blend of spiritual fire and irresistible groove, “Soul Man” remains a timeless celebration of Black pride, musical unity, and unfiltered soul power. From the Stax studios of Memphis to the silver screen, it continues to define what it means to have — and to be — soul.