Deep City: The Birth of The Miami Sound

South Florida has been home to several music movements throughout the years, from 2 Live Crew and Miami bass to the Latin sounds of freestyle. But there may be one you don't know about. When you think of R&B, you probably think of Motown in Detroit or Stax in Memphis. However, in the mid-60s, Miami had a burgeoning soul scene of its own. Started by producers Johnny Pearsall and Willie Clarke, Deep City Records was home to artists including Clarence Reid, Betty Wright, and Paul Kelly. While they may not be household names, all three had hit songs. Deep City holds historical importance as well, since it was the first black-owned label in the state of Florida. Unfortunately, disagreements over who should be the star eventually led to its demise. DEEP CITY: THE BIRTH OF THE MIAMI SOUND is a fascinating look at a forgotten portion of American music history. Now, several decades later, the label's inspiring story is finally getting the attention it deserves. —E.F.