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 received significant airplay on Triple J and became the band's first iTunes release in December 2013. A music video to accompany the release of "Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues" was first released on YouTube on 6 July 2013. The video was directed by Jimmy Ennett. Hannah Galvin from Purple Sneakers said: "Through the dreamy vocals accompanied by simplistic piano and a whirlwind of beats that is soon harpooned by a wave of dubstep, the contrasting elements combined deliver a soulful slow jam by the electronic trio." Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues "Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues" is