New Orleans was not just the cradle of jazz but its racy atmosphere and fusion of cultures were instrumental in the development of American popular music and soul in particular. This 3 CD set with detailed illustrated booklet charts the historic metamorphosis of Negro spirituals, blues, zydeco and rock into pure New Orleans soul thanks to such a legendary artists as Irma Thoma, Lee Dorsey, Professor Longhair, Mac Rebennack (Dr John) and many more.