IU Soul Revue

America’s first and finest collegiate Black popular music ensemble

Since 1971, the IU Soul Revue is famous for dynamic performances of R&B, soul, funk, and contemporary Black popular music delivered by its commanding vocalists, powerful horn line, and tight rhythm section.

Students in the IU Soul Revue learn from the best in the business—from Bootsy Collins to Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds—and perform at venues around the country. Alumni of the Soul Revue are award-winning recording artists, world-class musicians, accomplished producers and directors, and much more.

IU Soul Revue is a course offered for academic credit through the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies instructed by James Strong and a unit of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Indiana University.

Learn how to join the IU Soul Revue

James Strong, Director

Professor James Strong, Director of the IU Soul Revue

James Strong is an accomplished musician, producer, musical director, songwriter, and bassist. Throughout his 30+ years in the entertainment industry, he has worked with prominent artists and entertainers, including LL Cool J, Toni Braxton, and Tupac.

Read Strong's full bio

Performance Resume

IU Soul Revue has opened for renowned artists including:

  • Bootsy Collins
  • James Brown
  • The Emotions
  • Con Funk Shun
  • Booker T. Jones

Notable Alumni

  • Crystal Taliefero, multi-instrumentalist with Billy Joel
  • Kevon Edmonds and Keith Mitchell of the group After 7
  • Isaiah Sanders, former keyboardist with Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson
  • Donna Taylor, backup singer with Burt Bacharach
Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds speaks to students at IU

The talent was amazing. It’s cool to see young kids doing R&B music…I was very impressed. I thought I was going to be impressed, but I was more impressed than I’d imagined.

Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, award-winning singer/songwriter/music producer, recipient of honorary doctoral degree from Indiana University