Final answer:
James Brown, known as the 'Godfather of Soul', is commonly considered the progenitor of funk, laying the foundation for the genre with his innovative rhythms and dynamic stage presence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recording artist commonly thought of as the progenitor of funk is James Brown. Known as the 'Godfather of Soul' and the 'Hardest Working Man in Show Business', James Brown's influence on music was profound. His energetic performances and innovative rhythm patterns laid the foundation for funk, and his presence and style continue to be celebrated in the music industry today. While artists like Elvis Presley blended various musical styles to create unique sounds and Sam Cooke was celebrated as the 'King of Soul', especially with implications for the civil rights movement, it is James Brown who is most closely associated with the creation and evolution of funk music.