To an outsider, it may seem like the Midwest is best known for its thick accents and cold weather, but insiders know it also happens to be home to many talented soul men. Inspired by Secret Stash Records' amazing lost funk and soul compilation, we decided we had to dig even deeper into the Midwestern soul sound. To introduce your earbuds to a couple gents, we challenged Secret Stash's general manager (and — full disclosure — my main squeeze) Will Gilbert to toss us a few of his favorites. 

What did Will do? Not only did he come through with five winners, but he delivered five guys that share his name. Will(ie)s gotta stick together...