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.
Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues "Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues" is the debut single by Australian electronic music group Safia. It first appeared on the band's SoundCloud, and was officially released on iTunes in December 2013. In the annual Triple J Hottest 100 countdown in January 2014, the song came in at number 76. In March 2013, Safia won a competition to perform at the nationwide Groovin' the Moo festival. The group released three free download tracks on their SoundCloud page, "Stretched and Faded", "Mercury" and "Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues". "Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues"