Sam Cooke
Two beginnings on Specialty: Cooke’s first record with the Soul Stirrers and the secular single issued under the name Dale Cook.
ListenJesus Gave Me Water · 1951
The Soul Stirrers featuring Sam Cooke — “Jesus Gave Me Water,” 1951.
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1951 · Specialty Records
Peace in the Valley / Jesus Gave Me Water
Sam Cooke stepped into the Soul Stirrers as a young singer replacing his idol, R. H. Harris. “Jesus Gave Me Water” introduced that new voice on record: light, assured and unmistakable within the group’s close harmonies. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0055 |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Soul Stirrers featuring Sam Cooke |
| Release | 1951 · United States |
| Label | Specialty Records · SP 802 |
| Format | 10-inch shellac disc · 78 rpm |
| Issue | U.S. commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | VG− |
Release history and significance
Specialty owner Art Rupe initially doubted the newcomer. The first session with Cooke in March 1951 changed his mind. On “Jesus Gave Me Water,” Cooke led the group; on “Peace in the Valley,” he shared the lead with Paul Foster. Both performances appeared together on Specialty SP 802. [1] [3]
The sweetness of Cooke’s singing matters as much as its power. His flowing phrases and high, delicate turns brought a different character to gospel at a time when rougher voices were prominent. These qualities would remain audible in his later pop records. [2]
Market context
Discogs records sales for this 78 edition from US$5 to US$49.33, with a median of US$12.25, as listed on 13 September 2026. The latest recorded sale was 4 December 2025. [3]
Physical Description
A ten-inch shellac 78 on Specialty, coupling “Peace in the Valley” with “Jesus Gave Me Water.” Catalogue number SP 802 identifies this issue. [3]
Condition
The disc is graded VG−.
Provenance
Acquired on 20 November 2025 through eBay from Trainwreck Records, using the seller name rockined.
Sources
- Concord, Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers. Early sessions, the group’s dual leads and the move into secular recording.
- Scott Billington, The 2 Sides of Sam Cooke, Craft Recordings. Cooke’s gospel voice, the Dale Cook pseudonym and the transition to popular music.
- Discogs, the Soul Stirrers, release 5478712. Specialty SP 802, May 1951 ten-inch 78 and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.
ListenLovable · 1957
Dale Cook (Sam Cooke) — “Lovable,” 1957.
Listen on YouTube ↗
1957 · Specialty Records
Lovable / Forever
Before “You Send Me,” Sam Cooke tried a pop record under another name. Specialty’s “Dale Cook” single could conceal his name on the label, but it could not conceal the voice gospel audiences already knew. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0018 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Dale Cook (Sam Cooke) |
| Release | 1957 · United States |
| Label | Specialty Records · 596 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | U.S. commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | NM |
Release history and significance
In June 1956, Cooke wrote to Art Rupe about making pop records under a pseudonym while remaining with the Soul Stirrers. Rupe kept the project at Specialty, and producer Bumps Blackwell took Cooke to J&M in New Orleans. “Wonderful,” a gospel song, became “Lovable.” [1]
Cooke’s father, a pastor, supported the move into secular music. The label nevertheless used “Dale Cook” to avoid alienating gospel listeners. Released in 1957 with “Forever” on the reverse, the single marks Cooke’s first secular release. [2] [3]
Listeners recognized Cooke. The Soul Stirrers’ Roy Crain asked Specialty to stop issuing pop records; Cooke left the group. [1]
Market context
Discogs records sales for the referenced 1957 seven-inch edition from US$4.49 to US$50, with a median of US$24.16, as listed on 13 September 2026. The latest recorded sale was 8 July 2026. [3]
Physical Description
A seven-inch Specialty single credited to Dale Cook. “Lovable” is paired with “Forever”; the catalogue number is 596. [3]
Condition
The disc is graded NM, also described as M− in the acquisition notes.
Provenance
Acquired on 28 May 2024 through Discogs from Phases.And.Stages.
Sources
- Concord, Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers. Early sessions, the group’s dual leads and the move into secular recording.
- Scott Billington, The 2 Sides of Sam Cooke, Craft Recordings. Cooke’s gospel voice, the Dale Cook pseudonym and the transition to popular music.
- Discogs, Dale Cook, release 5713718. Specialty 596, 1957 U.S. seven-inch reference edition, track pairing and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.