Philadelphia-born singer and songwriter Barbara Mason is a pioneer of the Philadelphia soul movement. In the 1960s, she broke norms by writing and singing her own hits, including her breakout single Yes, I'm Ready, Oh, How It Hurts, and Sad, Sad Girl.
Formed in Southern California, War is an eclectic funk group merging soul, Latin, jazz, blues, and rock. Emerging in 1970 with Eric Burdon, they are best known for classic hits like Spill the Wine, The Cisco Kid, Why Can't We Be Friends?, and Low Rider.
Trish Toledo, from Harbor Area, is an Ecuadorian/Guatemalan soul artist with roots in her father's Cumbia band. Known for "Thee Only One," she has evolved from Ska/reggae to a celebrated solo career.
Formed in Chicago in 1959, The Chi-Lites are an influential R&B and soul vocal group known for their smooth harmonies and timeless sound. They achieved international prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, landing eleven Top-10 R&B hits between 1969 and 1974.
Formed in Philadelphia by brothers William and Wilbert Hart and Randy Cain, the Delfonics pioneered the smooth Philadelphia sound under producer Thom Bell. Best known for classic hits like La La Means I Love You and Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time), the soulful vocal trio also contributed notably to Quentin Tarantino's film Jackie Brown.
Born in Shreveport and raised in San Pedro, Brenton Wood, originally Alfred Jesse Smith, captured hearts with 1967 hits "The Oogum Boogum Song" & "Gimme Little Sign." Known for his unique pop-soul style, despite later career struggles, his early work remains R&B classics.
San Diego's Thee Sacred Souls deliver retro-soul, blending Latin R&B, Northern, and Southern soul with doo-wop. Drummer Alex Garcia, bassist Sal Samano, and singer Josh Lane craft hits like "Can I Call You Rose?". Their albums include "Thee Sacred Souls" (2022) and "Got a Story to Tell" (2024). They won Artist of the Year at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards.
Formed at Kentucky State University in 1976, technofunk/R&B group Midnight Star broke through with double-platinum No Parking on the Dance Floor (1983) and hits like Freak-A-Zoid, Operator, Midas Touch and Don’t Rock the Boat.
