Soul music open in acknowledging the influence of Pilgrim Travelers vocalist Jesse Whitaker on his singing style. Little Richard, who inspired Otis Redding, and James Brown both were equally influential. Brown was nicknamed the "Godfather of Soul Music", and Richard proclaimed himself as the "King of Rockin' and Rollin', Rhythm and Blues Soulin'", because his music embodied elements of all three, and since he inspired artists in all three genres. Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson also are often acknowledged as soul forefathers. Cooke became popular as the lead singer of the gospel group The Soul Stirrers, before controversially moving into secular music.
Welcome to My Living Room Welcome to My Living Room Welcome to My Living Room is a ballad written and sung by Carole King. It is featured on her 2005 album "The Living Room Tour". Aside from being a song, "Welcome to My Living Room" is the title to one of Carole King's concert DVDs. This DVD features songs that were performed during "The Living Room Tour". "Welcome to my Living Room" was filmed in Temecula, California in August 2005, with additional footage filmed in Sydney, Australia in November 2006. While Carole King is a famous singer, songwriter, and pianist, she also plays the guitar