Here's an observation:

Amy Winehouse

Joss Stone

Duffy

Nicole Willis

Sven Zetterberg

All white or/and European/British singers enjoying lots of chart success. (Whether you like their efforts or not is immaterial). I think it's fair to say that their music is based on the traditional 60s soul 'sound', even if you do think it's a pastiche of classic soul.

Recent top similar acts in the US (the traditional place of soul music)?

Sharon Jones.

Have we got more discerning lugs or have the US music buying public finally been swamped by the plastic ghetto orientated gangsta rap gubbins?

Did anyone see Winehouse on the Brits last night? Utterly deplorable. Couldn't understand a word she 'sang', she bumbled and tottered around the stage like some sort of pissed aunt and generally did herself no favours. In fact she thoroughly insulted a very good backing band with her crapness. The poor love.

'At this point I'd say "Let's hear it for Daptone!" for holding the torch for small indie labels in the states.'

Ab-soul-utely!