Daptone Records‘ Sharon Jones has spoken out on the need for major awards ceremonies to recognise soul music as a genre, particularly in the wake of its resurgence, thanks in large part to labels such as Daptone. Soul artists usually feature in the pop or R&B categories of awards shows.
“When they’re giving out awards I want my label to be recognised, for me to be recognised,” Jones told Faster Louder. “Even if I don’t win anything, just let the world know there is soul music out here. That is my next goal before I retire – to be recognised, for awards to be given out for soul music.”
Soul music has been experiencing something of a revival in recent years, with artists such as The Bamboos and Charles Bradley introducing a new generation of listeners to the genre. Jones says it’s time for awards like the Grammys and the MTV Awards to properly recognise these artists.
“You look at them give out the awards, there’s nothing for soul music,” said Jones. “There’s R&B. But I see Justin Timberlake and Taylor Swift winning for R&B. Not saying they can’t sing, but that’s pop. Put them in the category where they belong. It’s pop music, baby. It’s not R&B and soul.”
“Not saying it’s bad on them, not saying it’s their fault, it’s all the music industry’s fault,” concluded Jones. Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings recently released the single Stranger To My Happiness from their long-awaited new album, Give The People What They Want.
