forerunner
fore•run•ner n /ˈfɔːrʌnə(r) / precursor
predecesor
~ (of sb/sth) a person or thing that came before and influenced sb/sth else that is similar; a sign of what is going to happen
Country music was undoubtedly one of the forerunners of rock and roll.
He is recognized as the forerunner of all modern-day British Prime Ministers.
An early penalty goal proved the forerunner of a disastrous performance by Scotland.
