Occupying a sturdy middle ground amidst down-home Southern soul and the pop inclinations of Motown and Chicago soul, Memphis soul rose to prominence behind Hi Records and its impressive roster of singers in the 1970s, which included Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson, and the label's biggest star, Al Green. Hi Records honcho Willie Mitchell co-produced many of the imprint's sides, including Green's cavalcade of chart smashes ("Let's Stay Together," "Love and Happiness," "Livin' For You") during the first half of the '70s. Elsewhere in town, over at Stax Records, Carla Thomas (daughter of Memphis soul legend Rufus Thomas) earned the crowned distinction "Queen of Memphis Soul" with a slew of classics such as "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" and "B-A-B-Y." With its classy production, meaty horn arrangements, skittering guitar/organ interplay, and easy, yet undeniably soul-soaked backbeat, Memphis soul was the upscale nightclub to southern soul's juke joint. If anything, the music of Green and company proved that soul could retain a smooth veneer without succumbing to slick pretensions.

Notable Artists: Al Green; Carla Thomas; Syl Johnson; Ann Peebles