New Orleans soul is a style of soul music that originated in the city of New Orleans. It is characterized by its use of brass instruments, gospel-inspired vocals, and a strong rhythm section. The genre gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s with artists such as Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, and Lee Dorsey. New Orleans soul has since influenced a variety of other genres, including funk, R&B, and hip-hop.