The 1957 song Art Garfunkel “must have sang 1,000 times”
Art Garfunkel says Sam Cooke’s 1957 song ‘You Send Me’ stayed with him for decades, recalling that he sang it to himself on stairwells at least a thousand times. His admiration highlights Cooke’s influence on Garfunkel and the enduring appeal of a song that helped establish Cooke as a major soul voice.
Released as Cooke’s debut single on the Keen label, ‘You Send Me’ topped the US pop and R&B charts. Garfunkel praised Cooke’s vocal control, rhythmic lightness and tasteful use of extra notes, while the song has since been covered by artists including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Supremes and Whitney Houston.
- Garfunkel says he sang ‘You Send Me’ to himself at least a thousand times.
- Sam Cooke’s 1957 debut single topped US pop and R&B charts.
- Garfunkel praised Cooke’s control and effortless delivery.
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Sam Cooke was an American singer whose smooth, expressive voice helped bring soul music to a wide audience. “You Send Me”, released in 1957 as his first single for Keen Records, reached the top of both the US pop and rhythm and blues charts.
The song’s gentle rhythm and vocal style made it a lasting reference point for other singers. Artists including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Supremes and Whitney Houston later recorded their own versions, showing how Cooke’s work travelled across generations and musical styles.