Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers - His Earliest Recordings

For fans only familiar with Sam Cooke's later secular blockbusters, this fine Specialty disc of classic Soul Stirrers sides is essential listening. Taking over for powerhouse lead R.H. Harris in 1950, Cooke proceeded to take gospel singing to new heights with the Stirrers, showing a level of grace in his phrasing and tone not often heard before. He also penned many of their most popular songs, including such standouts as "Mean Old World," "Touch the Hem of His Garment," and "Nearer to Thee." And while his pop hits ("You Send Me," "Having a Party," "Chain Gang," etc.) are incredible, it's these early gospel sides that many believe to be his best. While the debate goes on, do yourself a favor and check out this amazing collection. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alicia Adams Overdubs Alicia Adas Vocals (Background) Art Rupe Producer Billy Vera Supervisor, Reissue Producer, Compilation, Compilation Producer Bob King Vocals, Guitar Bumps Blackwell Producer Clark Yocum Overdubs, Vocals (Background) Earl Palmer Leader, Drums Eddie Robinson Piano Edgar Blanchard Guitar Evelyn Gay Piano Faidest Wagoner Piano Frank Fields Bass Georgia Gillfillan Producer Gordon Skene Digital Transfers, Mastering I.C. Cook Drums J.J. Farley Vocals James W. Alexander Producer Joe Tarantino Remastering, Digital Remastering L.C. Cook Drums Lee Gotch Vocals (Background), Overdubs Lee Hildebrand Liner Notes Loulie Jean Norman Vocals (Background) Marni Nixon Overdubs, Vocals (Background) Paul Foster ?, Vocals R.B. Robinson Vocals Ralph Brewster Vocals (Background), Overdubs Roy Crain, SR. Producer, Arranger, Vocals Sam Cooke Arranger, Vocals The Soul Stirrers Performer Thomas E. Williams Design Warren Myles Piano Willie Webb Organ, Programming