Soul President: The Funk and Soul Maestro

Soul President is the dynamic stage name of American singer, songwriter, and producer Marcus Johnson, a leading force in modern funk and soul. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, he has carved a distinct niche by reviving classic grooves for the 21st century, with his 2018 album "Motor City Revival" reaching number 12 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Early career

Born in 1985, Marcus Johnson grew up immersed in the rich musical heritage of Chicago's South Side. He began his professional journey as a session bassist and backing vocalist, forming the band Soul President in 2009 and self-releasing their debut EP, "The Prelude," in 2011.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2015 with their sophomore album, "Electric Slide," released on the independent label Groove Theory Records. The album's lead single, "Get On Up," became a staple on adult R&B radio, propelling the album to gold certification in the United States and establishing Soul President's signature sound.

Key tracks

Get On Up — This 2015 single provided the commercial breakthrough, earning heavy radio rotation and a gold sales award.

Motor City Revival — The title track from the 2018 album is a masterclass in modern funk, featuring legendary guitarist Dennis Coffey.

Midnight Oil — A smooth soul ballad that showcases Johnson's vocal range and songwriting depth, becoming a fan favorite at live shows.

Chicago Shuffle — This instrumental track pays direct homage to the artist's roots and highlights the band's impeccable tightness.

Following the success of "Motor City Revival," Soul President embarked on extensive touring and notable collaborations. They worked with vocalist Sharon Jones on the 2020 single "Stand Together" and contributed production to several tracks on emerging artist Laila Nova's 2022 EP.

Their most recent studio album, 2023's "The People's Funk," debuted to critical acclaim for its socially conscious lyrics fused with irresistible dance rhythms. The album solidified their reputation as consistent hitmakers within the genre, maintaining a loyal fanbase and strong streaming numbers.

For fans of Soul President's authentic blend of funk and soul, similar artists featured on our site include Sharon Jones for powerhouse soul vocals and energetic stage presence. The Budos Band shares a similar approach to instrumental, groove-heavy funk. Durand Jones delivers a comparable mix of classic soul revival with modern flair.

The music of Soul President maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic soul FM stations and contemporary R&B radio stations that champion live instrumentation. Independent music radio stations and online soul radio streams frequently feature his tracks, recognizing their timeless quality and dance-floor appeal.

Listeners can discover the vibrant catalog of Soul President and hear his latest hits on the funk and soul radio stations available on onairium.com, where his music remains a core part of the curated rotation.