Explore the music by era and scene
Two ways into the same story. The eras follow the sound decade by decade; the scenes zoom in on a label, a city or a radio format that shaped it.
Explore by era
Read these in order if you want the through line: gospel-rooted 60s soul becomes rhythm-first funk, funk and Philly soul feed 80s R&B, and the funk records themselves become the raw material of hip-hop.
- 60s1960s soulDetroit, Memphis, Chicago and Muscle Shoals: four ways to make soul records, and an album from each.
- 70s1970s funkFrom James Brown’s one to P-Funk’s mothership, with the big bands, New Orleans and the road to disco.
- 80s1980s R&BDrum machines and synths arrive; the Minneapolis sound, quiet storm and new jack swing split the decade.
- BronxEarly hip-hopBlock-party DJs, the first rap records and the funk breaks underneath them.
Genres & scenes
We only give a scene its own page when there’s enough to say about how it sounds and where to start. Disco, Southern soul and the Minneapolis sound are covered inside the era pages for now.
- DetroitMotownThe hit factory, its house band and the albums that go beyond the greatest-hits sets.
- PhillyPhilly soulGamble & Huff, Thom Bell and MFSB: orchestral soul with a dance-floor rhythm section.
- Late nightQuiet stormHow a Washington, D.C. radio show named a style of slow, grown-up R&B.
- NJSNew jack swingTeddy Riley’s fusion of R&B vocals and hip-hop drums, 1987 to the early 90s.
Play along
The Crate Digger Challenge turns these eras and scenes into a five-question music game, with a link back to the guide behind every answer.
Not sure where to begin?
The Start Here guide picks one album from each stop in the story. If you already know what you like, jump to albums & artists for full listening guides.
If you’re planning to play these records on vinyl, our vinyl & listening gear guides cover turntables, speakers and record care, starting with what has to be compatible.