SKF NOTE: During the 1960’s the word soul was used to define a style of music (soul music), but also to name a quality musician’s either had or didn’t have. Having soul was – and still is – a good quality.
In response to something said in Down Beat, letter writer Frank Jones came up with this thoughtful definition of soul.
“Anytime a musician reaches to the depths of his heart and imparts his message thusly, this is soul. When this message reaches the heart of the listener, this too, is soul.”
Source: Frank Jones of Winnemuccca, NV, Chords and Discords, Down Beat, January 19, 1961