Final answer:
James Brown is known for pioneering the transition from soul music to funk, revolutionizing the music scene with his unique rhythms and performance style in the 60s and 70s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The musician known for the transition from soul music to funk is James Brown. Often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown's innovative rhythms, energetic performance style, and bold funk grooves revolutionized music in the 1960s and 70s. His influential tracks like "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)" played a foundational role in the development of funk music. Brown's work not only changed the musical landscape but also influenced the direction of African American music during a crucial period of cultural evolution.