Final answer:
Soul music emphasizes vocal expression and harmony, differentiating itself from blues, which focuses on soulful lead vocals and 'blue' notes, although both genres originate from African American spirituals and folk history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soul music differs from blues music primarily in that soul emphasizes vocal expression and harmony. This difference is rooted in soul music's blend of gospel, blues, and other musical traditions, contributing to a focus on the emotional delivery of the singer and harmonization among vocalists. In contrast, blues often conveys emotion through a strong, soulful lead vocal and is characterized by the iconic 'blue' notes and a steady, relaxed tempo. While blues can sometimes exhibit a faster tempo and more energetic instrumentation, soul music more consistently utilizes vocal dynamics, call-and-response patterns, and smooth harmonies to connect with the audience. The influences of African American spirituals and gospel music are evident in soul, just as the folk origins and heartache expressed in blues draw from the struggles and experiences conveyed in African American folk history.