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.
How to Grow a Woman from the Ground strength, saying "it's the soul in Thile's voice and the heart and intensity of the musicianship that give the album its power." How to Grow a Woman from the Ground How to Grow a Woman from the Ground is a 2006 album by Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers. It was released on Sugar Hill on September 12, 2006. The album is named after a song on the album; a cover of the original by folk singer Tom Brosseau. The album debuted to positive reviews from major music critics, with critics calling the album “fantastic, eclectic”, and “genius”. The album