The Soul Stirrers

Year:
1989
Inducted by:
Al Green
Category:
Early Influences

JJ Farley
RH Harris
SR Crain
EA Rundless

Introduction

The trailblazing vocal group that set the tone for gospel music.

The Soul Stirrers took gospel from its jubilant style to a more rhythmic, emotional incarnation, providing the blueprint for doo-wop and R&B in the process.

Hall of Fame Essay

1989

Dan Nooger

Had The Soul Stirrers done nothing more than launch the career of Sam Cooke, they would have more than earned their place in rock & roll history.

But for nearly half a century the Soul Stirrers set the pace for both gospel and pop vocal groups with their blend of full, mellow harmonies and sexy, crooning leads delivered by a magnificent succession of singers.

Cooke's replacement, Johnnie Taylor, went on to Top Ten pop and R&B success, and the group’s original lead singer, R.H. Harris, “simply created the entire gospel quartet tradition,” as Tony Heilbut wrote in The Gospel Sound.