Soul is a popular genre that entered the mainstream in the mid-to-late 1950s. It developed from the rhythm and blues tradition but also combines elements of African American gospel music. The genre first started showing signs of fruition in the mid 50s with singers such as James Brown, Etta James and Ray Charles achieving hits; Charles’ I Got a Woman was particularly successful, and the singer is noted for his instrumental role in popularising the genre. Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson were also vital to developing the soul style and Cooke rose to fame leading the group the Soul Stirrers. Throughout the 60s, soul music became increasingly popular. Iconic figures such as Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin experienced great commercial success.