Vault of Soul: Rick James
Each week of Black History Month, we open the 88.9 Vault of Soul with profiles of iconic pioneers of R&B and soul. To learn more, check out the biography of funkmaster Rick James, best tracks, and awards below!
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Vault Of Soul: Earth, Wind & Fire
Each week of June, we open the 88.9 Vault of Soul with profiles of iconic soul pioneers. To continue 2025’s June coverage, WERS recognizes the legendary band Earth, WInd & Fire, one of the most influential bands of all time, blurring the lines between funk, soul, and R&B music.
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Vault of Soul: Anita Baker
Each week of June, we open the 88.9 Vault of Soul with profiles of iconic soul pioneers. To continue 2025’s June coverage, WERS recognizes Anita Baker, one of the most recognizable voices in the American Jazz and R&B scene throughout the 80s, 90s, and well into the 21st Century.
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Vault of Soul: Luther Vandross
Each week of June, we open the 88.9 Vault of Soul with profiles of iconic soul pioneers. To continue 2025’s June coverage, WERS recognizes Luther Vandross, one of the most recognizable names and voices in R&B, through the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
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Vault of Soul: The Platters
The Platters, with their four number-one hits and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, did not merely persevere—they thrived.
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Vault of Soul: Stephanie Mills
“In our finale for February 2025, WERS recognizes a stirring artist who made waves from Broadway to the top charts: Stephanie Mills…”
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Vault of Soul: Teddy Pendergrass
“On this week’s Vault of Soul, ‘ERS is admiring the man who brought sexiness to the soul scene: Teddy Pendergrass…”
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Vault of Soul: Ruth Brown
Ruth Brown, the runaway girl, started her career by performing at local bars and clubs…
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The Vault of Soul: New Edition
“Each week of Black History Month, we open the 88.9 Vault of Soul with profiles of iconic soul pioneers…”
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The Vault of Soul: The Flamingos
“Each week of Black Music Month, we’ve opened the 88.9 Vault of Soul with profiles of iconic soul pioneers. Closing out this month is the Flamingos, a group often cited on other Vault entries as an inspiration for the greats, from Diana Ross to Smokey Robinson…”
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The Vault of Soul: Lionel Richie
“Lionel Richie is turning 75 this year (just like we are!) and we’re celebrating with a special birthday edition of the Vault of Soul…”
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The Vault of Soul: Chaka Khan
“Each week of Black Music Month, we open the 88.9 Vault of Soul with profiles of iconic soul pioneers. Continue reading to take a deep dive into Chaka Khan’s incredible legacy….”
