Soulsville, U.S.A

by Robert M. J. Bowman

Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records tells the inside story of the landmark Stax label, its many famous acts, and the men and women behind its sound. Along with Motown, Stax Records was the premiere R&B label of the '60s and early '70s. Artists such as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, Albert King, and Booker T. and the MG's all recorded at the label's legendary Memphis-based studio, creating what became known as the "Stax sound." The Stax story is more than just the story of a successful record label. Stax was one of the first truly integrated studios, with black and white musicians, songwriters, and executives working together to create a unique sound. This book - based on years of first-person interviews, research, and detective work - reveals new information about how these seminal recordings were made and highlights the dark underbelly of the music business as it has been practiced in America.