
As Motown icons the Supremes and Temptations battled for chart dominance in 1966โ67, psychedelic soul and funk pioneers like Sly Stone and James Brown began reshaping the sound of Black musicโwith drum breaks, distortion, and fire.

From jump blues and Ray Charlesโs boundary-breaking โWhatโd I Sayโ to the polished hits of Motown and gritty grooves of Stax, this sweeping history traces soul musicโs riseโand discoโs rootsโin a racially and musically transformative America.

From du Prรฉโs iconic Elgar to Stravinskyโs riotous Rite of Spring, this list highlights five stunning classical recordingsโeach a sonic and emotional powerhouse, perfectly suited for seasoned collectors or curious newcomers alike.