Over the years, R&B, soul, and gospel music have transformed the world and helped to make it a more integrated and accepting place. Artists in these genres have pushed at the boundaries of the form and integrated new styles. Modern pop music would certainly not exist in its present form without these innovations. In this detailed examination, you will learn how gospel influenced R&B and soul, the ways these genres have changed over the past century, and how these innovations shaped the modern music you hear today. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.