'The Soul Stirrers' were an American gospel music group founded in 1926. In 1950 Sam Cooke replaced R.H. Harris as lead singer. Their first recording under Sam Cooke's leadership was the song "Jesus Gave Me Water" in 1951. They also recorded the gospel songs "Peace In The Valley", "How Far Am I From Canaan?", "Jesus Paid The Debt" and "One More River", among many others. 'The Soul Stirrers' and all of it's members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 as one of rock's early influences, and into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000. Cooke was the inspiration for nearly every soul singer you will ever hear. On December 11, 1964, at the age of 33, Sam Cooke was shot and killed.