Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke was an American singer-songwriter whose gospel background with the Soul Stirrers shaped a smooth, expressive tenor and emotionally direct vocal style. He transitioned into rhythm and blues and pop, blending gospel-inflected phrasing with concise songcraft and polished arrangements, and is credited as a key figure in the early development of soul music. He remained active in music and broader cultural matters until his death in 1964.