I'm new to Soul music.
Is there an essentials chart of some sort?
What should I start with?
What's Goin' On by Marvin Gaye is an absolute must listen. Otis Blue by Otis Redding, You Got My Mind Messed Up by James Carr, I've Never Loved a Man Life I Love You by Aretha Franklin, Curtis by Curtis Mayfield, and Pastel Blue by Nina Simone are all excellent.
What the guy above me said, Otis Redding and Curtis Mayfield are gods
Get one of those best of Motown samplers then a Stax one if it exists.