• Ken Jones

    Publisher

  • Regina Jones

    Publisher

  • Bruce Talamon

    Photographer

  • Howard Bingham

    Photographer

  • Judy Spiegleman

    Journalist/Asst. Editor

  • Steve Ivory

    Journalist

  • Nikki Wine

    Journalist

  • G Fitz Bartley

    Columnist

  • Carol Deck

    Journalist

  • Helen Honeyman

    Executive Secretary

  • Joe Flowers

    Photographer

  • Roland Charles

    Photographer

  • Tsuyoko Sako

    Photographer

  • Bernie Rollins

    Art Director/Illustrator

  • Steve Kopstein

    Circulation Manager

  • James Brown

    James Brown

    Contributing Writer

  • Walter Burrell

    Journalist/Columnist

  • Win Muldrow

    Photographer

  • Leroy Robinson

    Journalist/Columnist

  • Rochelle Reed

    Journalist

  • Erik Whitaker

    Photographer

  • Chuck Miller

    Illustrator

  • Bobby Holland

    Photographer

  • Leonard Pits Jr

    Journalist

SOUL Beginnings

In the mid‑1960s, Los Angeles was a city in the midst of profound change and tension. The Watts Rebellion of 1965, which erupted following long‑standing racial and economic inequalities, became one of the most defining moments of that era. During the uprising, communities were pushed to their limits by frustration over systemic neglect and police brutality. Amid this turmoil, everyday heroes emerged—one of whom was Regina Jones. As a 911 operator, she received the very first call reporting the unfolding rebellion and, in a moment of concern and urgency, reached out to her husband, Ken Jones, a local news reporter. Ken’s firsthand experience covering the riots would later inspire him to channel the raw energy and resilience of the moment into something transformative.

Motivated by the need to celebrate Black achievement—especially in music, which had become a powerful vehicle for cultural expression—Ken Jones used his expertise in radio broadcasting and print media to found SOUL Newspaper in 1966. This publication was a pioneering effort; it was the first soul music news publication and played a crucial role in documenting and promoting the vibrant musical culture that emerged from the African American community during that turbulent time. This endeavor not only provided coverage of a musical revolution that included Motown, Stax, and a host of soulful voices, but it also served as a counter‑narrative to the prevailing news cycles that often overlooked Black voices and experiences.

The founding of SOUL Newspaper is deeply intertwined with the events of 1965. The Watts Rebellion didn’t just spark an outcry—it ignited a cultural renaissance. Music became both a form of protest and a celebration, and leaders in the Black community, from civil rights icons to emerging musical talents, provided inspiration and hope during the struggle for equality. Organizations and movements such as the Black Panther Party (founded shortly after in 1966) further underscored the importance of self‑representation and empowerment during this era. In this context, Ken Jones saw an opportunity to create a publication that would not only cover the news but also highlight the artistry, resilience, and innovative spirit of the Black community.

The story of SOUL Newspaper is a powerful reminder of how historical events, personal experiences, and cultural expression can converge to spark change. Regina’s quick thinking during a crisis, Ken’s determination to tell a story that mattered, and the soulful soundtracks of the time all contributed to a legacy that continues to influence how we understand and celebrate Black culture and achievement today.

The following is an adaptation of Judy Spiegelman’s article in SOUL from 1972 “5 Years of SOUL”

When SOUL Newspaper launched in 1966, the majority of the country was just discovering soul music. On the cusp of an emergence for years, this music was to pour out from deep inside. Giants like James Brown, Little Richard, Lou Rawls, Wilson Pickett and Sam Cooke had established followings. Michael Jackson had about a year of experience under his belt, Aretha Franklin was beginning to gain recognition and the Supremes had risen to international stardom…

These artists sold millions of records each year, but the public knew little about them beyond their singing. Most of the powerful executives were white and often worked to keep the identities of these Black entertainers hidden. Album covers usually showed artwork that didn't reveal their faces. TV appearances were mainly given to white artists with similar sales. It was thought that there was no profit in print and TV targeting Black audiences. Existing magazines like Ebony seldom featured soul artists, and when they did, the articles felt dull, safe, and impersonal.

SOUL Co-Publisher and Founder Ken Jones

Aerial view of two buildings on fire on Avalon Blvd. between 107th and 108th Streets during Watts Riots, Los Angeles - George R. Fry, Los Angeles Times

The First Issue

Ken Jones already had a career in local radio and knew exactly how much material was available on the Beatles and other idolized white groups.

Working as reporter in Los Angeles, Ken could truly see what was missing in these white publications when it came to simple news reporting. He began to envision a newspaper that would feature Black entertainers, the good news and the bad, but based in fact and without the yellow journalism headlines.

There was enough drama in the real life struggles of Black artists to be news-worthy. He partnered with Cecil Tuck and they convinced KGFJ radio to be the first station associated with SOUL.The paper was designed to come out weekly assisted in promotion by KGFJ radio, Los Angeles.

SOUL would provide advertisements for KGFJ’s sponsors, print station news and more. The station would pull strings and connect Ken and his staff with record company promotion men who could set up interviews with the artists which in turn, would sell more records.

The first issue had a press run of 10,000 copies and sold out in under a week. Its first story was a look at white artists singing Black soul.

Regina Jones, SOUL Co-Publisher speaks to Leroy Hamilton on the history of SOUL

Filling the PR Void

Record companies had little information on or photographs of their Black artists and had no real desire to get them. It was up to SOUL to seek out this information. SOUL was fortunate to catch the attention of Howard Bingham, an already establish black photographer at the time and hired on Carol Deck, Nikki Wine and Rochelle Reed to investigate the world of SOUL.

In its first year, SOUL published in-depth interviews of The Supremes, The Temptations, Sidney Poitier, Ray Charles, James Brown, The Four Tops, Joe Tex, Jackie Wilson, Brenda Holloway, Martha and the Vandellas, Brook Benton, Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls and a slew of lesser known groups. Most of the artists came from Motown and Stax.

Their record companies actually knew the artists the signed and could set up interviews. There was very little P.R. around black artists at white companies. They didn’t see them as worth the trouble. Their methodology around selling records were to reach out to white audiences and hide the race of the black artists. SOUL introduced the concept of P.R. to a number of black entertainers.

National Expansion

SOUL initiated its first advertising partnership with KGJF Radio in Los Angeles, facilitated by Cecil Tuck and Carl Milner, under General Manager Arnold Schorr.

By 1967, SOUL expanded to collaborate with radio stations in 30 cities, launching a National Edition that circulated nationwide and had a strong subscription base both domestically and in countries like England and Vietnam. Each station had customized editions featuring their call letters and local content.

As the publication grew from 8 to 16 pages, it shifted from weekly to bi-weekly releases due to the rising interest in soul music, which made production increasingly challenging.

Ultimately, SOUL streamlined its partnerships, focusing on four primary stations: KDIA in Oakland-San Francisco, WVON in Chicago, WWRL in New York, and KGFJ in Los Angeles, while the rest of the country received the National Edition.

SOUL Illustrated

In SOUL’s second year other publications like Ebony and Jet began to notice the increase of interest in soul music and would begin to put more of them on their covers often quoting SOUL as the source of their information.

SOUL continued to be the undeniable leader in soul news reporting. Ken began SOUL Illustrated a magazine style extension of SOUL Newspaper. It featured full color pages, even more in-depth stories and ran around 60 pages. The publication looked at the overall implications of the events on the Black entertainment scene rather than the day to day events that SOUL covered. It served as a de-facto “Hall of Fame” of SOUL. Record companies and P.R. firms were now really seeking out SOUL pushing for their artists to be featured.

The success of SOUL was a reflection of the growing importance of soul music in the world. PR firms seeking out SOUL meant that Black artists were gaining more strength. Soul was on the rise and SOUL was in demand. James Brown was an early supporter and even had his own column in SOUL for a few years. The demand for SOUL was tremendous.

After the print edition was ceased in 1982, decades of dormancy were witnessed by SOUL. In the early 2000s, an interview with Michael Jackson for VIBE Magazine prompted Regina to recover the archives of SOUL. Thousands of magazine clippings, research materials, photographs, slides, negatives, and original issues were discovered.

In 2008, their eldest grandson, Matthew Barron-Jones, recently graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, advocated for the preservation of much of the collection. Instead of being discarded, the collections were compiled and donated to UCLA’s Special Archives and Indiana University, while a select archive of photos, negatives, slides, and issues was retained.

A project was initiated by Matthew to create an online presence for SOUL, develop a website and digitally archive and catalog the collection. In 2022, the SOUL Publications site was launched with the intention of providing digital access to the entire collection of SOUL Newspaper and SOUL Illustrated.

The archive, supported by family, friends, fans, and soul music lovers globally, continues to move closer to completion, underscoring the significance of preserving and archiving Black history.

1982 - Present

Issue Details

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