(1931 – 1964) Classic soul singer of the 1950s and early 1960s, Sam Cooke mixed sensuality and sophistication with movie-idol looks and gospel-singer poise. His warm, confessional voice won him a devoted gospel following as lead singer for the Soul Stirrers and sent “You Send Me” to the top of the pop and R&B charts. It was the first of twenty-nine Top Forty hits for the Chicago-born singer, including “Chain Gang,” “You Send Me,” “Another Saturday Nïght” and “Twisting the Night Away” each proving the singer’s versatility Cooke was also a pioneering black entrepreneur who started his own music publishing company and record label. He died mysteriously in a shooting in 1964.