Soul Pod Classics Podcast By Gail L. Nobles cover art

Soul Pod Classics

Soul Pod Classics

By: Gail L. Nobles
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About this listen

 Timeless tracks and unforgettable artists that have shaped the landscape of soul music. Each episode dives deep into the rich history, cultural impact, and emotional resonance of soul classics that have inspired generations.

By Gail Nobles © 2025Copyright Gail L. Nobles Music
Episodes
  • JB-His Record Label Empire 6:2:25 2.58 PM

    JB-His Record Label Empire 6:2:25 2.58 PM
    Jun 2 2025
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Wikimedia Public Domain

    JAMES BROWN!
    The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, the Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother Number One! He was a singer, he was a *force* of nature, a *movement*!

    He started out at King Records back in '56. King gave him the launchpad, and he blasted off! But the man was too big to be contained. He had a vision, a sound, a *funk* that needed to spread like wildfire!

    He started *Try Me Records* back in '63, under the watch of King honcho Syd Nathan. Named after his own chart-topper, it was meant to showcase the talent burnin' in his own revue. We're talkin' the Poets, Johnny and Bill from the Famous Flames, and even a young lady named Tammy Montgomery, who'd later become the incredible Tammi Terrell over at Motown! But that venture got sidelined when the big man had a tussle with King over his contract in '64.

    But JB? He don't stay down for long!

    Then came *Brownstone Records* in '70, a partnership with the sharp cat, Henry Stone. It was a place for his folks from the Revue that King wasn't giving a chance, like Bobby Byrd and the mighty Vicki Anderson. A quick shot of soul, but it was just a prelude to somethin' bigger!

    And then, BAM! The main event! *People Records* in '71! This was *his* kingdom! A platform to unleash the raw talent he was surrounded by: Lyn Collins, Bobby Byrd again, Sweet Charles, and the infamous J.B.'s! He even jumped in himself, layin' down organ licks and background vocals.

    It started out under King's wings, but Brown, he knew he needed more! So he signed with Polydor and took People Records with him. This was the real deal! A string of hit records, including the earth-shaking' "#1 R&B hit 'Doing It to Death!'"

    But, like all good things, People Records eventually folded in '76, right around the time the J.B.'s started slippin' away. Still, the music lived on! Polydor put out those *James Brown's Funky People* compilations, three CDs of pure, unadulterated funk.

    So, what's the moral of the story? James Brown wasn't just makin' records, he was buildin' an empire! He gave opportunities, he pushed boundaries, and he showed the world what raw, unadulterated soul was all about.

    And that, friends, is how James Brown built his funky legacy. Now go put on some JB and GET ON UP!

    I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to Soul POD Classics!
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    4 mins
  • Afia Mala 5:11:25 8.30 PM

    Afia Mala 5:11:25 8.30 PM
    May 12 2025
    Photo: Spotify Promo
    Intro: Gail Nobles

    Tonight, we're takin' a trip across the big pond, all the way to the vibrant heart of Togo, because I've got a story that'll have you boppin' in your seats!
    This is the story of the *one and only* – AFIA MALA!

    Now, back in '74, this young lady, she was *cookin'*! Straight outta Vogan, she was crowned the Best Togolese Singer of the Year! Yeah, you heard me right! You could feel the earth movin' under her feet, success written all over her!

    Life threw a curveball so hard, it almost knocked her right out of the park. A near-fatal traffic accident. Six long months in the hospital... talk about a downer! Her pops, bless his heart, thought her days of swingin' to a beat were done. He figured it was time for somethin' else, somethin' *safe*. Music was over!

    BUT DESTINY HAD OTHER PLANS!

    Fast forward to 1984. A decade later, the magic was still there! Radio France International, that's the big time overseas, was holdin' a talent competition called "Discovery." And guess who blew the roof off the place? Our girl, Afia Mala! Her song, "**Ten Homte (Black Earth)**", it connected with the people. I'm talkin' chills down your spine, tears in your eyes kinda stuff! The listeners voted it their *favorite*! That was her sign! That was the green light!

    And she took off like a rocket! Eight albums later, this "Princess from Vogan" (and that's what they call her!) she’s holdin' court with the queens of African music! She's standin' tall, singin' loud and clear!

    And let me tell ya somethin' else! In 1989, she dropped an album called "Desir" with a killer track called "**Koma**".

    I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Soul POD Classics.
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    2 mins
  • Sir Mack Rice-Muhammad Ali 5:6:25 7.23 PM

    Sir Mack Rice-Muhammad Ali 5:6:25 7.23 PM
    May 6 2025
    Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia

    Today, we’re talking about a real soulful brother who had a pen and a voice that could move mountains: Sir Mack Rice! Yeah, that's right, the man behind "Mustang Sally," that scorchin' slab of soul that gets everyone swingin' their hips! AND, he co-wrote "Respect Yourself," a message we ALL need to hear.

    But hold on, there's MORE to the story! Seems like our Sir Mack dug deep into the heart of another legend: Muhammad Ali! That's right, The Greatest of All Time, gets the soul treatment on a record put out on the May Day label back in the 70s.

    Let's break down some of the lyrics. Sir Mack ain't just singin' about a boxer. He's preachin' about a MAN:

    “Muhammad Ali known world Wide. For his prediction. No turn aside..."*

    He knew his worth! The man could see the future in the ring and wasn't afraid to tell the world about it! No hesitation, no backin' down.

    “He would look into a man’s eyes. He got a whole lot of pride..."*

    Those eyes saw straight through you! Ali carried himself with a power and a confidence that was undeniable. Pride in himself, pride in his people.

    “Every time he step into the ring he got power on his side. He’s a warrior for the people. He’s a champion..."*

    This ain't just about knockouts. This is about standin' for somethin'! Ali was a warrior for his beliefs, for his community. He was a champion in the ring AND outside it. Sir Mack's capturing that spirit, that fight, that raw, untamed POWER!

    A soulful tribute to a legend, written by another legend, Sir Mack Rice. This tune's more than just a record! It's about the power of pride, the strength of conviction, and the undeniable soul of the one and only Muhammad Ali! Now go out there and be a champ yourself! Keep those records spinnin'! Keep those songs playing.

    Gail Nobles, podcasting off! Thank you for listening to Soul POD Classics.
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    3 mins
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