St. Lucie Cultural Alliance | Member Spotlight – Southern Soul Society Featuring Will Vaughn
Contributed by Dorothy Kamm
Member Spotlight – Southern Soul Society
Will Vaughn, the founder of the nonprofit Southern Soul Society and lead vocalist in the Soul-Tyme Band, has been involved with music his entire life. At 3 years old, he was singing for money to the fruit pickers in Fort Myers, and he realized this was his calling.
Later on, he sang in the church choir and also sang harmony on street corners, which was popular when he was growing up. He was known for his musical versatility.
Throughout his life, says Will, “I was in the right place at the right time and was able to take advantage of opportunities to collaborate with a variety of people in the music industry.” Despite rubbing shoulders with well-known recording artists and producers, Will has never had a major record deal. “I never wanted one,” says Will, “because I wanted to maintain ownership and be free to create my own music.” To date, he has released four albums as an independent artist, which can be purchased online through all music outlets. His first album, produced 30 years ago, featured blues songs. It was followed by a jazz album, a soul album, and another blues album. He’s currently at work on a new jazz album.
Prior to moving to the Treasure Coast eight years ago, Will lived in the Tampa Bay area.
During that time, he was on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club. Buoyed by his ability to make a difference in the lives of children, he founded the nonprofit Southern Soul Society to preserve the genre of soul music and to pass this music to the youth of Florida. Its goal is to provide music lessons, instruction in music theory, help youth attain musical instruments, and offer recitals. “Arts are vital in child development, and music is a universal language,” says Will.
“I’m thankful for all the doors that have opened. I found my purpose in life. I want to share skills and knowledge, being able to reach and to teach, and doing it out of love,” he adds.
Soul-Tyme Band, which is seven years old, consists of local musicians who are part of the Southern Soul Society. These phenomenal musicians also have shared the stage with recognized music legends, such as Bo Didley, Celine Dion, Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, Earth Wind & Fire, and more. They will be launching the Cultural Alliance’s new musical series with “Marvelous: The Music of Marvin Gaye” this Thursday, January 13, at 7:30 pm at 500 Orange Event Center in Fort Pierce. “I’m focusing on Marvin Gaye right now because May 2021 was the 50-year anniversary of the release of Gaye’s album What’s Going On,” says Will. “It is the number five album of all time according to Billboard magazine. The music is as relevant today as it was in 1971 when it was released,” he states. For tickets, visit artstlucie.org or call 772-462-2783.
As a member of the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, the Southern Soul Society seeks to expand music programs and performances. “I love this area,” says Will. “It’s beautiful, and there’s a lot of talented people. I see an artistic renaissance happening and creative juices flowing, making this area more vibrant.”
To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: info@artstlucie.org or call 772-462-2783.