Nearer My God To Thee - Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers

[daddydj3121aa]

I Love this song and I start my day out in the morning listening to this song. With everything going on the world...we need Jesus..and I need to be closer to him. I found out about a year ago that my 22 year old son was on drugs. He has been to rehab but everyday is a struggle. But just listening to this song lets me know that everything will be alright. Thank you Sam Cooke for this song.

[ablessing1967]

@daddydj3121aa - I feel your heart where your son is concerned. I was disappointed with some of the decisions my 21 year old is making, but they are hers to make. Then I read this & I realize things could be worse. Hold fast to your faith! Our God is more than able. May the grace of our Heavenly Father abound upon your family richly in blessings! I touch & agree with you that surely it is well despite how it looks! There are some things that will push us nearer to Him! God bless!

[R0b1zzle137]

I feel goosebumps crawl up my skin. This is something realer than music. This is soul.

[Taoist111]

Words just can't express this talent............

[toeknee6]

what an awesome voice....im crying right now....just thanking God for his mercy.....thank u sam cooke for letting God use u....

[msval1962]

SAM COOKE IS THE GREATEST SINGER WHO EVER LIVED.

[wrobi89626]

I Love Sam Cook all of his music he left us to soon RIP

[catwoman19628]

Sing it Sam...its the truth that draw people

[joycerolle1]

I never knew gospel such as this was on youtube. Oh the memories...this is what touch the hearts of so many and draws them to Christ!

[JOCA208]

Love always Great SAM COOKE.

[Rudyauto]

My kind of singing; the way songs should be sung

[Darrel78]

Love this so much!!! Real gospel music.

[derrickbanes]

boy i would pay top dollar to see the live video of this. i know its out there somewhere.

[alfonzo907]

@derrickbanes Derrick, I know that back when Sam sung this song, there were not much videoing of church services but if you ever find a live video of this or any of their videos, please let me know. I' have never heard a greater song that describes a Christians desire to be in the presence of the Lord God and Jesus. It could not be sung any better. Ernest E. Johnson---ernie1961@gmail.com

[gilly5528]

Sang Sam!! Sang!!!!

[newaccountdebzbd]

My God what a voice. And what voices. Logic can't tell me there's a God. But my heart demands it, when I hear Sam Cooke.

[johnnylyncher]

We will never hear the likes of this ever again. Some of us might give out about technology and the digital age but this material will be stored forever so that way it will be heard forever!

[imknownwrldwide]

@johnnylyncher sometimes when i loose my way i listen to the Soul Stirrers and it takes me back to when times where simplier. and it inspires me. beleive it or not this troublesome time we live in, will be the "good ole' days" for our youth.

[iloveboobs45]

@johnnylyncher craig david is pretty silky smooth too. just sayin.

[mrs3441]

love this song

[ThePlayaskill27]

Thankyou Lord God for your word

[jme4jesus]

Jesus is splendorous. He is a King above all kings, and what a privilege to draw nearer to Him.

[everfamous]

What year was this?

[Mrvictorfernandes]

@everfamous

The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. July 22, 1955.

[walkingthrough56]

This song get right inside of me it make me know that God is real and watching over me this Sunday morning

[walkingthrough56]

This song get right inside of me it make me know that God is real and watching over me this Sunday morning

[bertraymon]

these guys wore singing like there would be no tomorrow they gave it all praise GOD for them

[pooltent111]

"SOMETIMES I HAVE TO STEAL OFF ALL ALONE" This was the "KING" of soul!!!

[mashshro]

tears, tears, tears, omg beautiful song!!!!!!!!!!!!However u died Sam Cooke, only God knows. Your songs will forever be in my heart because they are all very comforting.  Oh Lord

[23tuffgong]

"My God told me these trials would come, so I decided to let his will be done." When it come to soul, Sam Cooke wrote the book.

[EmpressMouse]

Nothing short of angelic. He sings for the heavenly host now.

Amen Amen Amen!!!

[hezziejanel]

Yes he has the same power in his voice. David of course could do the "Bird" with his voice better than Sam. listening to their music I see a similarity maybe because they both started out signing gospel. I love them.

[chgoodson]

Sam Cooke is obviously a Legend because his voice has the ability to touch the soul of a person. His songs excite the spirit in you and brings forth your better side.

godson07

[KingRam33]

It's music like this that lets you know for a fact that the world would be a boring place if not for the African American input on mordern music, lets face it no white man or woman could have came up with this kind of rendition a gosple song. Some whites may get offened by that but this aint about racism it's about the truth.

[SixStringDeity]

@KingRam33 not offended, but, its not accurate. there are many white, non white, whatevers, that have "it" and many blacks that dont! :) I think the culture of the african americans lends to it, with the pain of the past, and the fact that THIS is thwir music, so of course, more blacks have this, this is what they grow up on every day. tho i will say, there seems to be a sound or feel that black singers have that is them. interesting as to why, who knows

[KingRam33]

@SixStringDeity I agree with what you'er saying but I don't want to wait for a white person to say(think god for the African American music experience in America) I'm from the south (ATL Ga)& I've seen what effect black music in America (Gospel&Blues) has had on the world. You'er right there are many blacks that don't have "it" and whites that do, I'm just aknowledging what my people gave to the world, great cool sounding music. My people taught the world how to have soul&feeling, that"s a fact.

[robshannon]

@KingRam33 Thank God for the African American music experience in America, and many other areas of American life.

[KingRam33]

@robshannon I agree totally, 100 percent.

[teresahen]

@SixStringDeity The Spirit Of LoRd!!

[bremob21]

@SixStringDeity LOL that's what he was SAYING. that "sound or feel" cannot be reproduced. it's singular to AA's only.

[drjimiboy69]

@KingRam33 I would extend that to other arts and disciplines as well, including science/medicine and most human endeavors. As a so-called white person, I revel in the high cultural achievement of African people because I am human first. As a human, it speaks to me. You are correct: No white person could come up with THIS Godly work, because the historical experience and material conditions are different. Under the same conditions, whites would produce something similar. This item DESTROYS!

[hezziejanel]

Sam sounds almost like david ruffin here who also sang with this group. Soulful!!

[KingMellow11]

@hezziejanel You mean David sound like Sam.

[MingoDeP]

Just beautiful and great gospel,Sam and the group.

[rdgroup0311207]

Everybody just shut up and listen....the song has lyrics

[Meneschea]

This is when they sang from the heart, with conviction. Sam was blessed with the gift of song and the Stirrers complemented that gift. R.R. Willie Stukes SSTVP NYC

[hazwewe]

No! No! U can't B an atheist and wish 4 A Heaven

[danitl1]

its wonderful !



[danitl1]

its wonderful

[danitl1]

its wonderfull

[sonnysaggese]

Sam Cooke has one of the nicest singing voices of all time

[parker17440]

This song helps me meditate on the Lord & I come away with a felling of renewal and encouragement...

[mjt1030]

This is the definitive version of this song. Classic Soul Stirrers!

[Sarah44296]

It's interesting how many of share the same lasting positive message

[kb420ps]

Reminds me of my childhood. Early Sunday morning my grandmother playing the Gospels on the radio.

[winsome1235]

So true, do you think the Almighty has the races separated in Heaven? I think not. We really need to learn to live in peace. God made one earth for us. I think if he wanted us to be separate he would have made a separate earth for each of our races. In addition, he would have made sure that we could not mate if he was against that. So people, please love and live. Stop the hate.

[myishtoobig]

that is not Sam Cooke...it is Johnny Taylor. He stepped in as lead after Sam went secular. Sam came back to sing every now and again. Take a listen again...Sam has in unmistakable rasp to his voice and pronounces his words to a tea. Also, listen to the " The Love of God" you can hear Sam and Johnny share lead.

-signed a SamStan

[KingMellow11]

@myishtoobig No, this is Sam for sure. I'll give you a clue . Listen to Sam Cooke's excellent diction. Sam did sing rougher live. Johnny Taylor had a little slur in his voice. I will say this, Johnny Taylor was the closest person at that time to Sam's voice.

[joesims1961]

I have never heard a song so beautifully and it is done totally acapella, no key boards ,filters, or synthesizers. Just pure Sam leading the Mighty Clouds in a virtual symphony done in the most respectful manner. I can feel the Lord when listening to this how can anyone doubt that there is a God

[monlynn510]

Deeply sublime and heartfelt. The perfection of Sam Cooke's gospel recordings will never be replicated. His vocal has always represented the yearning of all souls for God made into music to me. I thank God for the technology that allows it to be shared for the ages. Thank you so much for posting this.

[drjimiboy69]

Sam Cooke is the standard bearer of lead tenor voices in both gospel and r&b, as well as pop. When you consider the numerous superior talents who have contributed to these genres of music, it puts his career and abilities in perspective. This is an excellent post, a live extended rendition no less. Real thanks for posting this rare find.

[berrybigdaddy200]

i must make a correction someone said that Sam Cooke was born in clarkville Ms. that's not true but he was born in clarksdale Ms.

[andrewmckayja]

Tears though flowing unreservedly are inadequate to express ....

[Stockboy7304]

3:30 I'll never give up! Eeeehvery day. Love the song; it touches my soul.

[hayesjennife]

Bless You I've been searching for years for this version.

[indure08]

HELP! Does anyone know where one can hear (if it even exists) the performance Sam did with the Soul Stirrers for New Years Eve 1962????

[ahmidis74]

The best ever recorded singer. This voice will stand the test of all time thru the ages.

[DENNISBURTON50]

I LIKE GOOD OLD GOSPEL MUSIC . THIS SONG HELPS ME WHEN IM NEEDING TO RELASE PRESSURE INTO GODSHANDS.1ST PETER5:7 MATT.11:28-30 ISAIAH26:3

[CityGirl0821]

OMG...This song is truly awesome...Makes me feel something as I'm listening and doing my homework...Spirit filled song!!!

[charii89]

I love his voice

[opalzone]

Sing it!

[BLAKMARINE]

OMG !!! God bless my Mom for introducing me to soul music...so many difficult nights in Harlem, USA and Brooklyn, NY

[Sweet2871]

Wonderful, Great to hear such a great gospel singer. He left too soon. It does not matter that I am elderly white person because I agree that it's no big deal.

[theurbanmusicologist]

transcendental.

[theElgenia]

i luv it

[theElgenia]

i luv it

[10853sandra]

The best Gospel you will ever hear..we are blessed to have Sam Cooke memories

[rodney1238]

sam was truely bless with a special ability to sing with vocal of an angle and thanks to a old friend topcat form dogpatch I fould a respect for this artis he is a one in a million. thanks for posting this also

[memfisman]

I am an atheist now. When I think of my mom I wish there were a heaven just for her! I remember catching her in the kitchen crying and praying for better days. Love this song for bringing back those memories.

[avilahugo]

Great music, spiritual should you believe spirits, moving in any case. A nice rest-bite in our simple or not so everyday existance. The fog liftsand we see just oursleves, just our world and those that inhabit it & just for a short while.

[TREBOR4275]

i want to get nearer to God

thanks for posting this..

thank you Jesus.

[Myra58]

I want a copy of this song!!

[10853sandra]

Nobody moves the soul like Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers.If you think you cant be moved just listen..I was 10 when Sam Cooke died and it was like we lost family..So sad

[10853sandra]

Nobody moves the soul like Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers.If you think you cant be  moved just listen

[theElgenia]

thas writye



[Brandonzuela]

In all my years of living, I have never stop praying and believing that God and only God makes the difference in a person life and only God can save and keep us, I love to hear Sam, he was touched by Gods angels I truly believe that, because when I hear him sing, my soul feel like it touches heaven for a moment. praise him Sam I always want to be nearer to thee God . From Sister Diane

[eddie486us]

That was Sam's nich he new how to appeal to everyone.

[Snowhill3]

whoa...dat's THE sam cooke gettin gritty wit it?!?!?! Go 'head boy!!!

[elm495f3]

If you going to church all you have to do is listen to this song! Church is inside us, in our hearts. With all of the hyrocrites in church now, it 's discouraging to keep the faith; I thing I try to remember is I try to live by the Golden Rule, and know that things will work in due time.

[amd77j]

This song and performance define the words "classic" and "legendary". Thanks for posting!!!

[geoggapeach]

HAVE MERCY MY DEAR USE SAY

[ditimy]

This is one of my all time favorite hymns to sing. I am a Latter-day Saint with a soul music background just as Gladys Knight and I know that God truly appreciates the praises of all of His beloved children. God bless you Mr. Sam Cooke for blessing our lives. May peace be unto you and yours throughout eternity! :)

[dgraylouis]

To everyone who enjoy (and in some circumstances have enjoyed) hearing the Soul Stirrers. please understand the families of these men still carry on the singing of the Soul Stirrers. I have love them for over 30 years. Understand that God will continue to bless thier families because of the road laid by these sainted gentlemen. They may not have know that someone like us will be stilling listening to their song this long. May God Bless the sister of Sam Cooke.

[blatinostallion]

And this is what I grew up listening to....I remember my mom playing this everytime we got in the car!

[slice39]

That ladies and gentlemen is the great Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers "RAW"!!!

[konerak9]

There is no one like him and there never will be. I think thats why he was taken away from us.

[andros1984]

It doesn't matter at all what sort of background you come from, or what race/preference/religion/ethni­city... whatever.

This music is universal to humans. We all seek redemption and peace.

We are brothers and sisters on earth and we need to learn to get along.

[csway]

@andros1984 You are so right!!

[margi52able]

@andros1984 Tell it like it is.We need to love our felow man.

[ninebar1]

amen brother 

[MrMultiThrillhouse]

@andros1984 they're brothers? thats so racist, you mean afro american

[DutchKalhoun]

Amen. Peace.

[Utubeblows]

@andros1984 Damn right! Except for those damn Norwegians.

[MisterGee7]

@andros1984

Amen & Amen!

[vizpop]

@andros1984

Absolutely true

[loveisapinkcake]

YAY....SOUL!!!

[diane2651]

Just awesome, Oh my God this is real Gospel, go boys praise him, praise him only Jesus does this, he touches the soul of man with his love and only an anointed voice of praise can touch the soul of the truly blessed to know Jesus for who he is, from Sister Diane.

[jddrew1000]

Can anybody name everybody. I can see Roy Crain, Sam Cooke, and JJ Farley. Anybody know the others?

[1572498]

@jddrew1000 the names of the soulstirrers that are singing this song is Sam Cooke,Paul foster,J.J Farley,S.R Crain,R.B. Robinson and T.L Bruster playing the guitar.

[jddrew1000]

@1572498 Which ones ar R.B Robinson and T L Brewster

[1572498]

@jddrew1000 T L Brewster is to the left of Sam Cooke and R.B. Robinson is to the right of Paul Foster.

[jddrew1000]

@1572498 OK

[Tre326]

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!

[cogic911]

I love the version of this song!!! Sing it Sam.

[sophisticated1920]

Sang Sam!!!! U better minister in song Mr. Cooke!!! Yes!!!

[Codycole80]

I wish someone would post the live performance if they have it.

[belovers4ever]

WHAT AN AMAZING CONCERT!!!

i truly believe that those last couple of verses was improvised and was strictly spirit-led...especially the verse when sam talks about "bad company makin' a good child go astray"....i know that poor lady @ 5:54 had to be carried out and eventually resuscitated!!!  lol ...the energy was off-the-chain!!!!

[averystaffordtv]

What a blessing. This find makes YouTube totally worth it in my opinion. Thank you so very much for posting this.

[pettis06]

They are having CHURCH. Y'all go ahead!!!

[HappyTia07]

Love it!!! Classic!!! One of My favorites!!

[saucerblock]

OMG what a find, thank you sooo much

[gabrielaaron]

When was this recorded?

[MrSoulSamCooke]

This Was Recorded At The Great Shrine

in 1955 A Concert Which Featured

Other Gospel Artist (Groups)

Of That Time

Soul Stirrers Tore The House Down

There

[memfisman]

I found this song 20 years ago by accident on tape (remember cassettes?). In that time I have lost it and found and lost it again.  It strikes a chord with me. I know mom would love this.

[Silam81]

This is one great performance.

I've just added this to my playlist.

Thank you, and Happy Holidays, and Merry Christ-mas.

[MrJadam11]

GOD BLESS YOU for posting this!!