Podcast interview: William Bell, an architect of Memphis soul

This week on accessAtlanta, we’ll hear from one of the architects of Memphis soul
Atlanta resident William Bell, songwriter and soul singer, and one of the first artists signed to the Stax record label in the 1960s, has been named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment of the Arts. Photo: Ginette Callaway

Credit: Ginette Callaway

Credit: Ginette Callaway

Atlanta resident William Bell, songwriter and soul singer, and one of the first artists signed to the Stax record label in the 1960s, has been named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment of the Arts. Photo: Ginette Callaway

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This week we’ll hear from one of the architects of Memphis soul.

While many of the Stax Records originators are gone, William Bell is still here. And the soulful, horn-driven Stax music and the Memphis sound are still here, too. Now Bell, 81 and an Atlanta resident, is being honored as a creator of the soul that put Memphis in the pantheon of American music. Bell is one of nine artists and craftspeople who have been named as National Heritage Fellows, recipients of the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.

The AJC’s Bo Emerson recently spoke with the R&B legend and, on this week’s podcast, we’ll bring you that conversation.

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