Soul Voices
Soul with a Message 1960–1980
A richly illustrated book exploring how soul music became a powerful voice for justice, identity, and spirit. It dives into an era when music was more than entertainment, it was a way of speaking truth, building community, and expressing resistance.
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The book shows how every lyric is part of a larger story, one that speaks of a continent, of millions of lives, of hope, struggle, and joy. Individually and collectively, they offer a powerful window into African American life during some of the most transformative decades of the 20th century. Ultimately, these lyrics are both a time capsule and a teacher.
Soul Voices includes some of the most celebrated figures in soul music, such as James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone. But the heart of this book lies with the hundreds of lesser-known voices whose messages still resonate.
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This book invites readers to rediscover those voices. They deserve to be heard.
The first edition comes with an exclusive 7" vinyl single featuring rare and relevant tracks.
Exclusive 7" Single
Each first edition of Soul Voices includes a limited 45 with two tracks from a rare 1973 test pressing — "Peace, Love and Understanding" and "Get Out Brother." Restored in 2023, the single highlights soul’s role as resistance and cultural memory. Out of respect for the unknown creators, proceeds are held in escrow for two years; if no claims are made, they will be donated to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The first edition of Soul Voices – Soul with a Message 1960–1980 is now fully distributed.
For inquiries regarding the book, its research, or related archival material, please get in touch via email.
What readers say
Tommy Søvik is a historian, teacher, DJ, record collector, and writer based in Oslo, Norway.
Born in Bergen, he discovered soul music at the age of 15 and has been immersed in it ever since. While many are drawn to the rhythm, his lifelong passion has also embraced the blues, the side of the music that speaks of life, struggle, dignity, and resistance.
For decades, Tommy has not only collected and played records, but also listened closely to what they say. This focus on message and meaning forms the foundation of Soul Voices.
As a long-standing figure in the Norwegian soul scene, he has organized countless club nights, played at venues across Europe, and built a reputation for both musical taste and historical insight. He co-founded Oslo Soul Experience, a club that ran for over 15 years and became a global meeting place for soul enthusiasts.
Soul Voices: Soul with a Message 1960–1980 is his first book — a project where historical research meets musical devotion.
Credits
Translation & language review:
Tracee Lewis Meyn
(translation of major sections, language and cultural review)
Additional translation:
Helge Thornes, Matt Bagguley
Editorial assistance:
Nanna Baldersheim (BoldBooks)
Proofreading:
Antonia Reed (BoldBooks)
Get in Touch
For media inquiries, business collaborations, or questions about the Soul Voices project, please feel free to get in touch.