Classic soul is a radio format that focuses on the more raw types of soul music from the 1950s-1970s that draw from certain rhythm and blues and soul music influences, after 1980 is generally considered “contemporary R&B” with the smoother and more sophisticated styles, the split is mostly indicated by Michael Jackson's 1979 album Off the Wall, which is considered to sit at the nexus of disco, funk, pop, soul, classic R&B, and contemporary R&B. Genres the 1950s Rhythm and blues - artists such as Fats Domino and Ray Charles Motown - artists such as The Temptations and Smokey Robinson 1960s soul music - artists such as The Delfonics and James Brown doo-wop - artists such as Little Anthony and the Imperials and The Shirelles funk - artists such as Kool & the Gang and Rick James disco - artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire and Donna Summer 1970s soul music - artists such as Marvin Gaye and Barry White In media The film The Commitments is about some Irish young people starting a band who sing Classic Soul Example Songs See also Urban oldies The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show External links Classic Soul Network Radio formats Soul music