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.
Brown dijuluki "Godfather of Soul Music" (bahasa Indonesia: Bapak Baptis Musik Soul), dan Richard memproklamasikan dirinya sebagai "Raja dari Rockin' dan Rollin', Rhythm and Blues Soulin'", karena musiknya mewujudkan unsur-unsur dari ketiganya, dan karena ia mengilhami para seniman di semua tiga genre tersebut.