In this conversation, Dr. Nashay Lowe and Ric Stewart delve into the concept of Soul Country, a genre that blends the rich storytelling of country music with the soulful rhythms of R&B. They explore the historical roots of this genre, its cultural significance, and the challenges it faces in mainstream music. Ric shares insights from his documentary work and the importance of reclaiming musical histories, emphasizing how music can bridge cultural divides and foster unity. The discussion highlights the transformative power of music as a tool for healing and understanding.

Key Takeaways

• Soul country music honors the legacy of underrepresented contributions to country.
• The genre is a blend of rhythm and storytelling, moving beyond traditional country.
• Nashville's music scene has been slow to embrace the soul country movement.
• Reclaiming musical histories is crucial for both artists and listeners.
• Authenticity in music is key to its lasting impact.
• Music can serve as a powerful tool for healing cultural divides.
• The integration of different musical styles has historically brought people together.
• Challenges in the music industry often stem from commercial interests overshadowing artistic expression.
• Soul country aims to create a space for diverse voices in music.

About Ric Stewart

Ric Stewart is a DJ, award-winning filmmaker, music historian, and longtime radio host preserving roots music heritage for over four decades. He’s programmed at WAIF (Cincinnati), KALX (Berkeley), and WTUL (New Orleans), and was a pioneer in multimedia roots music publishing in the '90s. A media producer for Apple, EMI, Movielink, and more, he also taught marketing at Tulane and holds a JD-MBA/MSc in media marketing. In 2019, he launched Soul Country, blending Stax, Muscle Shoals, Delta blues, rockabilly, outlaw country, and modern Americana. The Soul Country podcast, launched in 2022, features icons like Bobby Rush, Ivan Neville, and Charlie McCoy. His origin story doc Blues Rock Hits Soul Country showcases rare performances and interviews with legends like Allen Toussaint and Tony Joe White. 

Website: https://www.soulcountry.com/

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