Early soul singers inspired a generation of artists. The legacy of artists like Etta James, Nina Simone, and Patti Labelle can still be seen in modern day soul and R&B artists like Beyonce, Adele and Amy Winehouse. Soul and R&B influenced a cultural movement, leading to the emergence of Hip Hop - a genre that helped many women find their voice. Early soul singers helped pave the way for future generations of women in hip hop from Queen Latifah to Lizzo.

On the last week of Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the women who changed the music industry. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from the women of Soul and R&B?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played:
Ann Peebles – I Can’t Stand the Rain
Betty Davis – He Was a Big Freak
Patti Drew – Hard To Handle
LaBelle – Lady Marmalade
Erma Franklin – Piece of My Heart
Gladys Knight and the Pips – Every Beat of My Heart
Etta James – Tell Mama
The Supremes – Baby Love
Mary Wells – My Guy (Bonus!)