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.
The Godfather Effect The Godfather Effect The Godfather Effect is a 2012 critically acclaimed study of the "Godfather" films - as well as Mario Puzo's novel - and their effect on American culture. Written by biographer Tom Santopietro, the book demonstrates how "The Godfather" was a turning point in American cultural consciousness. With its emphasis on proud ethnicity, "The Godfather" changed not just the way Italian-Americans saw themselves, but how Americans of all backgrounds viewed their individual and national self-identities, their possibilities, and attendant disappointments. The "Godfather Effect" had a broader philosophical dimension, as well. As noted by Santopietro, "what Puzo delivered -