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.
Return to Soul Vol 1 Return to Soul Vol 1 Return to Soul Vol 1 (also stylized as Return to Soul Volume One) is the second album by American R&B singer Davina released on June 29, 2007 via her own label, Soul Line Associates. After a ten-year hiatus from music, Davina returned to the scene as a vocalist in 2007 with the independent release of "Return to Soul Vol 1"; utilizing her skills as a: singer, songwriter, producer, and engineer. With this album Davina has crafted an eclectic piece of work that spans hip-hop flavored neo-soul, dreamy electronica, and drum and bass. Norman Meyers of