One of Chicago’s most well-known musical exports is its own brand of soul. Groups like The Emotions, The Chi-Lites, and singer Billy Stewart rocked Chicago record labels and concert venues.

Some records were so popular, they made their way to Jamaica and were covered by famous reggae artists. The soul-to-reggae conversion was so popular and easy that hundreds of songs were likely covered.

Ayana Contreras, host of Reclaimed Soul on Vocalo and a producer for WBEZ’s Sound Opinions, found some of her favorites.