Sam Cooke - You Send Me (1957) Sam Cooke's "You Send Me," released in September 1957, marked a transformative moment in music, blending R&B with the emerging soul genre. This song, transitioning Cooke from gospel fame to mainstream success, features simple, heartfelt lyrics and Cooke's iconic, smooth vocal delivery. It struck a universal chord, climbing to the top of both R&B and pop charts, a rare feat that underscored Cooke's crossover appeal and hinted at the evolving American musical landsca