Best Soul Music Books of 2026

If you are a beginner guitarist, and are struggling to make progress, "Guitar Exercises for Beginners: 10x Your Guitar Skills in 10 Minutes a Day" could be just what you need. This book offers a structured, systemized, and disciplined approach to practicing, with well-crafted exercises that cover finger independence, chords, scales, chord progressions, picking methods, strumming patterns, and more. With just 10 minutes of practice each day, you can make incredible progress in your guitar skills. This independently published book is a great resource for beginners looking to enhance their guitar playing.

Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks is a unique guide that combines music and cocktails. The book features 70 great records from the 1950s through the 2000s, with each entry having liner notes that underscore the album's musical highlights and accompanying "Side A" and "Side B" cocktail recipes that complement the music's mood. The book is organized by mood, making it easy to find the perfect cocktail and album pairing for any occasion. The photography throughout the book is stunning and adds to the overall experience. Booze & Vinyl is a must-read for music and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

The Rap Year Book by Shea Serrano is a must-read for any hip-hop fan. This book takes readers on a journey from 1979 to present day, discussing the most important rap song year by year. Serrano provides an in-depth look at the history and culture of rap music, covering everything from artist backgrounds to issues of race, the rise of hip-hop, and the struggles among its major players. The book is complete with infographics, lyric maps, and short essays by other prominent music writers. Serrano's witty and humorous writing style makes this book an enjoyable and informative read for anyone interested in the most influential genre of music to come out of the last generation.

The "How To Play Acoustic Guitar" book is the ultimate guide for beginners who want to learn how to play the guitar. With 130 pages of superbly explained guitar lessons, 100 beautifully illustrated guitar chords, and rhythm patterns, this book is better than a guitar teacher. It also includes over 100 easy-to-play guitar songs and step-by-step lesson videos, live, and email support. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to play acoustic guitar quickly and efficiently without any prior knowledge of music.

The biography "Chuck Berry: An American Life" by RJ Smith is a comprehensive and compelling portrait of the legendary performer who invented rock and roll. Through extensive research and interviews, the author sheds light on the complexities of Berry's life, including his groundbreaking music, his reckless personal behavior, and the racial and political implications of his success. The book does not shy away from exploring troubling aspects of Berry's life, but ultimately celebrates his achievements and the social and political resonance of his music. This is a must-read for fans of rock and roll and anyone interested in the cultural history of America.

The Birth of Rock 'n' Roll: The Illustrated Story of Sun Records and the 70 Recordings That Changed the World by Peter Guralnick and Colin Escott is a captivating book that tells the story of Sun Records, the label that started Rock n’ Roll, through 70 of its iconic recordings. The book takes readers on a journey through the label’s history, from the early days with blues artists like Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King to the studio sessions with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. Accompanied by rare images from the Sun archives and fascinating “Sun Spot” sidebars, this is a must-read for music lovers and anyone interested in the history of American music.

Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson is a must-read for any music lover. This guitar book is a tribute to the behind-the-scenes Motown that explores the life and musical brilliance of James Jamerson, the embodiment of the Motown spirit and groove. The book includes transcribed musical scores, all-star performances, and rarely seen photos. The unique code inside each book provides access to 120-minutes of audio, including a multi-functional audio player that allows slowing down audio without changing pitch, setting loop points, changing keys, and panning left or right. A comprehensive and insightful book that provides a glimpse into the life of one of the greatest musicians of all time.

The Mixtape Potluck Cookbook is a unique combination of music and food, with Questlove inviting over 50 chefs, entertainers, and musicians to contribute their favorite recipes to the ultimate potluck dinner party. Alongside the delicious recipes, Questlove pairs each cook with a song that captures their creative energy, resulting in an entertaining cookbook that illustrates the fascinating relationship between culture, food, and music. With its tinfoil-like cover material, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves to entertain and wants to add some musical flair to their dinner parties.

Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly is a powerful and disturbing account of R. Kelly's actions and their consequences, spanning two decades. Jim DeRogatis, a Chicago journalist, tells the story of his investigations and the world in which he crossed paths with Kelly. Despite breaking the story of Kelly's alleged sexual abuse of young girls, the music industry, culture, and parents seemingly turned a blind eye. DeRogatis's tenacious journalism and cultural criticism make this book an outrageous and darkly riveting account of Kelly's life and actions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the R. Kelly saga and asks why the culture was so slow to catch up.

The Carpenters Anthology Piano, Vocal and Guitar Chords songbook features 43 of the most popular songs from the beloved sibling duo. The book includes classic hits like "We've Only Just Begun," "Yesterday Once More," and "Close to You." It also includes two tables of contents for easy navigation by song title or album release date. Guitarists, pianists, and vocalists alike will appreciate the accurate arrangements of these timeless tunes. Overall, this book is a must-have for any fan of the Carpenters and their music.