Soul Voices
Soul with a Message 1960–1980
A richly illustrated book exploring how soul music became a powerful voice for justice, identity, and spirit. It dives into an era when music was more than entertainment, it was a way of speaking truth, building community, and expressing resistance.
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The book shows how every lyric is part of a larger story, one that speaks of a continent, of millions of lives, of hope, struggle, and joy. Individually and collectively, they offer a powerful window into African American life during some of the most transformative decades of the 20th century. Ultimately, these lyrics are both a time capsule and a teacher.
Soul Voices includes some of the most celebrated figures in soul music, such as James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone. But the heart of this book lies with the hundreds of lesser-known voices whose messages still resonate.
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This book invites readers to rediscover those voices. They deserve to be heard.
The first edition comes with an exclusive 7" vinyl single featuring rare and relevant tracks, available only with this pre-order.
Exclusive 7" Single
Each first edition of Soul Voices includes a limited 45 with two tracks from a rare 1973 test pressing — "Peace, Love and Understanding" and "Get Out Brother." Restored in 2023, the single highlights soul’s role as resistance and cultural memory. Out of respect for the unknown creators, proceeds are held in escrow for two years; if no claims are made, they will be donated to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Pree-order
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Soul Voices – Soul with a Message 1960–1980
Hardcover book + exclusive 7” vinyl single
Pre-order price, book + 7": €60​​
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Shipping
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Norway: €14
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EU: €21
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UK: €28
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USA, Japan & Australia: €43
Order 2 books and pay no extra shipping – worldwide!
For 3 or more books, please contact me for shipping options.
Shipping starts: late October 2025
Tommy Søvik is a historian, teacher, DJ, record collector, and writer based in Oslo, Norway.
Born in Bergen, he discovered soul music at the age of 15 and has been immersed in it ever since. While many are drawn to the rhythm, his lifelong passion has also embraced the blues, the side of the music that speaks of life, struggle, dignity, and resistance.
For decades, Tommy has not only collected and played records, but also listened closely to what they say. This focus on message and meaning forms the foundation of Soul Voices.
As a long-standing figure in the Norwegian soul scene, he has organized countless club nights, played at venues across Europe, and built a reputation for both musical taste and historical insight. He co-founded Oslo Soul Experience, a club that ran for over 15 years and became a global meeting place for soul enthusiasts.
Soul Voices: Soul with a Message 1960–1980 is his first book — a project where historical research meets musical devotion.
Boklansering: Soul Voices – Soul with a Message 1960–1980
Velkommen til lanseringen av Soul Voices – Soul with a Message 1960–1980!
Kvelden åpner med et kort foredrag og utvalgte soul-låter, etterfulgt av en samtale mellom musikkritiker Audun Vinger og forfatteren Tommy Søvik.
Baren er åpen.
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Deretter fortsetter kvelden med Oslo Soul Experience til 03:30.
Leiligheten, på taket av Rockefeller
Mariboes gate 3, Oslo
Lørdag 25. oktober
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19:00–21:00 Boklansering (gratis inngang)
Inngang Oslo Soul Experience etter kl. 22 – 50 kr
Book Launch: Soul Voices – Soul with a Message 1960–1980
Welcome to the launch of Soul Voices – Soul with a Message 1960–1980!
The evening opens with a short talk and selected soul tracks, followed by a conversation between music critic Audun Vinger and the author Tommy Søvik.
The bar will be open.
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The night then continues with Oslo Soul Experience until 03:30.
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Leiligheten, on the top of Rockefeller
Mariboes gate 3, Oslo
Saturday, October 25
19:00–21:00 Book Launch (free entry)
Entry to Oslo Soul Experience after 22:00 – 50 NOK
Get in Touch
For media inquiries, business collaborations, or questions about the Soul Voices project, please feel free to get in touch.