U.K.-based writer Toby Walker began the Soulwalking music website "from an irritation within myself" to occupy his time between his freelance designing gigs. It turned into something much more and has become one of the great Soul Music resources on the web (his work was an inspiration for me when I started SoulTracks). Toby had been collecting Soul Music since the late 60s and wanted to create an online resource that would cover broad swath of Soul Music styles, from Ray Charles to Brass Construction to Jill Scott. "I also wanted to be provocative and have a political page, as Soul Music has always had a political voice. I positioned the place from a personal perspective regarding all aspects of Black Music. I wanted Soulwalking to feel as if a site visitor is hanging with a friend when they drop by." The creation of Soulwalking provided a European outlet for many classic and modern Soul artists. "One thing that has amazed me is how many of the originators of Black Music have been in touch. They have felt isolated by an industry that is preoccupied with the trivial side of R&B and look to places such as the U.K. for true recognition." While Toby modestly wrote to me "I am just trying to do my small part, that's all," his small part has meant a lot to many Soul Music fans and artists around the world.
