In a world where music touches hearts and evokes memories, soul music holds a special place. This genre, filled with emotion, history, and the undeniable passion of its artists, is at the core of Hans Blok’s life. A dedicated soul music lover and radio host, Hans shares his journey—from his first encounter with soul to creating his own radio show. In this interview, he reflects on the experiences, insights, and stories that have shaped his deep connection to soul, jazz, and funk.
Meeting Hans: A Shared Passion for Soul Music and Vinyl
Hans’s show, *The Soul of 794*, airs every Tuesday at 9 PM, inviting listeners on a musical journey through the rich world of soul. Episodes are also available online for those who miss them. https://rds.rtv794.nl/shows/tso794/gemist.html Let yourself be transported by his stories of iconic artists who inspired him, unforgettable moments from his radio career, and the rare vinyl that fills his collection. This isn’t just about music; it’s a tribute to the community and connection soul music brings. We hope Hans’s passion for these timeless melodies will inspire you, too.
At a record fair in Den Bosch, I bought the album *On My Way* by Gwen McCrae and met Hans next to me. His enthusiasm helped me decide on the price, and we quickly struck up a conversation about our shared passion for soul music.
A few months later, I ran into Hans again at a record fair in Deventer. He mentioned he wanted to sell some albums from his collection and invited me to his home. There, I found beautiful and rare albums I was looking for, like *Portraits* by Side Effect, *Changes* by Keni Burke, *It Takes Two* by Juicy, and *Wynd Chymes*. Hans also introduced me to new music, making it a fantastic day. I’m sure I’ll visit Hans again, as there’s always more to say when it comes to music.
What sparked your love for soul music?
I’ve always had a passion for music. At some point, you naturally come across various genres, including soul. From that moment on, I became a true fan.
Can you recall a specific song or artist that made you fall in love with soul?
Although Elvis Presley himself wasn’t a soul artist, I was fascinated by his voice, especially with the song *Suspicious Minds.* That song intrigued me and inspired me to dive deeper into soul, funk, and jazz.
What was the first vinyl record you ever bought?
The first single I bought myself was by Elvis Presley. Shortly after, I discovered Ray, Goodman & Brown, an American trio. Their beautiful harmonies, especially in their hit *Special Lady,* inspired me and really ignited my love for soul music. From then on, I visited the record store every week to buy new LPs.
Did you grow up in a household that listened to soul music, or did you discover it on your own?
I discovered soul music with my brother. I shared my passion with him, and we spent a lot of time in record stores, like the one on Walstraat in Arnhem. We even had large boxes of American records shipped to us. My parents mostly listened to Dutch music, so our love for soul really came from within us. I also often entered radio contests, winning CDs regularly.
How did you start your soul radio program?
An old colleague from our pirate radio station helped me start the program, and later, I started it with Leo, my reliable supporter. A few years back, I felt I just had to come back to it.
In Epe, someone who knew I was knowledgeable about soul music asked if I might want to do radio. Along with some friends and my brother, we began a pirate radio station with professional equipment. It was a big risk since not everyone had experience presenting, but our passion for music drove us. We bought a transmitter and started broadcasting. Through a video store in Epe, which had music industry contacts, we often got the latest singles. We even made our own Top 40, and my brother and I each had our own shows. I presented a soul show, which was well-received.
The station’s illegal nature brought risks. One day, police officers came in during a broadcast. They thought it was a shame to arrest us but gave us a hefty fine and made us hand over our equipment. Fortunately, I could keep my music. After that, we stopped
Later, I was invited to Radio 794 to talk for an hour about my passion. What started as something small grew into a regular show. Soon after, I had my own show, *Soul 794.* I took a break for a while, but thanks to a loyal listener, I returned. I’ve been doing this with Leo for quite some time now.
What can listeners expect every Tuesday on your show?
You can expect a lot of soul, jazz, and funk. There are regular segments, like an ‘Earth Wind & Fire moment,’ a ‘Motown moment,’ and special features on the label Philly International Records. I try to recreate the feeling of classic radio with many stories about soul music. I play music from my collection, often on vinyl or CDs.
What equipment and software do you use to produce your show?
I use a professional studio setup with an Accem mixing console, two Technics SL-1200 turntables, a dual CD deck, and MD players for ads.
Have you had special guests on your show? If so, who were they, and what did they bring to the show?
Yes, I’ve had many special guests. I was also invited to do interviews, which I later used in my radio program. A highlight was Bluey from Incognito and the group Shalamar. Originally, I was only supposed to have five minutes for an interview, but we ended up talking for an hour. They appreciated my knowledge of the music, which led to a very special conversation.
Are there soul artists or personalities you would love to interview on your show?
Sadly, many of my favorite soul artists, like Marvin Gaye, have passed away. It would have been amazing to interview him.
Do you have heartwarming or interesting stories from listeners who have been touched by your show?
Yes, one of the most moving moments was when a listener contacted me shortly before he passed away. He asked if I would play a certain song at his funeral and dedicate it to his wife. He also invited me to attend the service. It was a very special moment
What makes soul music so special and timeless to you?
Soul music touches you deeply; it flows through my veins. The beautiful compositions and arrangements make it unique. It came from a time when everything was pure, with real instruments and authentic artists. It wasn’t about appearance, just about talent.
Who are your top three soul artists of all time, and why?
Phyllis Hyman is at the top for me. Her voice touched me so deeply it made me sad, it was so beautiful. Sharon Bryant from Atlantic Starr also has a wonderful voice. Howard Hewett is special to me because I’ve personally spoken with him. His song *This Is for the Lover in You* remains special to me.
Are there lesser-known soul artists who you think deserve more recognition?
Yes, absolutely. James Robinson deserves more recognition. He was Luther Vandross’s successor in the band Change, which wasn’t easy as Luther is considered one of the greatest soul singers, alongside Donny Hathaway. James had it tough in the industry, but he has a powerful voice and thankfully is still active, though he’s now more focused on his faith.
Are there new trends or emerging artists in soul that excite you?
Certainly. A group that excites me is Another Taste from Rotterdam. This band, with members Bobby van Putten (keys), Bob Roche (bass), Barend Lippens (keys), and Teun van Zoggel (drums), brings back the classic sound of soul, boogie, and rare grooves from the ’70s and ’80s. Their album is a must-have for any soul lover; it’s hard to believe it was made in 2024.
Is there a specific soul album you consider a must-have for every vinyl collection?
*I Want You* by Marvin Gaye. The production on every track is phenomenal. Marvin Gaye truly is one of the greats. Also, Barry White is well-known, but he produced an album for Gloria Scott, which I highly recommend. Another obscure yet fantastic album is by Tom Brock, with its characteristic sound and organ.
