Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings "Naturally"

DAP-004 / Daptone 2005

2005’s Naturally was a pivotal moment in the history of soul music. It was the first Daptone album tracked at the renowned "House of Soul,” a recording studio handbuilt by Sharon and the rest of the Daptone family in a two story rental in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The album has gone on to sell over 200,000 records, with hit singles “How Long Do I Have to Wait ?” and “This Land is Your Land” streaming in the hundreds of millions—staggering figures for a wholly independent release.

Up to this point Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings had yet to reach an audience outside of dingy, hole-in-the-wall clubs, dive bars, and underground DJ parties, attended by only the most in-the-know. This was the scene where the band began to flourish, developing the sound that would forever alter the musical landscape and set a lofty new bar for what could be considered real-deal soul music. It made Daptone a household name and opened doors for countless musicians and record labels to come. Naturally sparked a renaissance that is still vibrating today—a testament to Sharon Jones’ legacy as the undisputed, reigning Queen of Heavyweight Soul.