His Earliest Recordings

• Artist: Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1991
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Rhythm & Blues

Review

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

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Peace in the Valley	Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:43)
It Won't Be Very Long [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:35)
How Far Am I From Canaan?		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:51)
Just Another Day		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:44)
Come and Go to That Land		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:37)
Any Day Now	Jean Butler, Faidest Wagoner	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:28)
He'll Make a Way [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:39)
Nearer to Thee	Sam Cooke	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(3:03)
Be With Me Jesus		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:29)
One More River		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(3:12)
I'm So Glad (Trouble Don't Last Always)	Sam Cooke	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(3:14)
Wonderful	Herb Alpert, Sam Cooke, Lou Adler	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:21)
Farther Along [*]	Sam Cooke	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:28)
Touch the Hem of His Garment		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:03)
Jesus Wash Away My Troubles [*]	Sam Cooke	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:07)
Must Jesus Bear This Cross Alone?		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:49)
That's Heaven to Me [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:24)
Were You There? [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:33)
Mean Old World [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:35)
Lord Remember Me [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(3:00)
Lovable [*]	Sam Cooke	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:25)
Forever [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:58)
I'll Come Running Back to You [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:14)
That's All I Need to Know [*]		Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:21)
I Don't Want to Cry [*]	L.C. Cook	Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers	(2:44)

Credits

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