Soul records are a genre of music that emerged in the United States during the late 1950s and 1960s. They combine elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz, characterized by emotive vocals and strong rhythms. Artists like Aretha Franklin and James Brown played significant roles in popularizing soul music, which often addresses themes of love, struggle, and social issues. These records are typically produced by independent labels, with Motown and Stax being two of the most influential. Soul music has had a lasting impact on various genres, including funk, hip-hop, and R&B, shaping the sound of modern music.