Description
SOUL Magazine was the principal publication of SOUL Publications, Inc., a Los Angeles-based enterprise founded by Regina and Ken Jones
in 1966. Initially established to engender greater visibility for Black artists in the music industry,
SOUL ultimately provided a space for critical engagement with Black artistic expression as well as social issues. The collection
includes newspaper and magazine issues, research and clipping files on artists and public figures, audio cassettes of interviews
and performances, photographs, and administrative files.
Background
SOUL Publications was established in 1966 in Los Angeles by Regina and Ken Jones. The impetus for SOUL was the Watts Riots, which inspired local newsman Ken Jones to develop a vehicle for documenting and expressing the African
American perspective in a self-representative way. Equipped with his vision and the industrious drive of his wife, Regina
Jones, the company initially focused on providing promotion and recognition for Black musicians, who received scant publicity
at that time. Its publications grew to include other aspects of Black cultural production, including film, television, literature,
and the visual arts.
Extent
37.2 linear feet
(70 document boxes, 1 oversize box, and 6 shoe boxes)
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical objects belong to UCLA Library Special Collections. All other rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright
and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
Open for research. All requests to access special collections materials must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.