10. Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke’s velvet-smooth vocals and heartfelt songwriting made him a trailblazer in both gospel and pop music. With timeless hits like “You Send Me”, Cooke achieved crossover success, bridging cultural divides and influencing generations of artists. His elegant delivery and emotional depth helped lay the groundwork for soul and pop’s evolution. Find out more about his impact at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
