The Soul Stirrers were first recorded in 1936. Within those recordings, the group took their own approach to the modern gospel by creating their own rhythmic inventions and harmonies. Less than ten years after those recordings, the group performed live for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British prime minister Winston Churchill at the White House lawn. The group began to flourish and began to receive even more recognition once member Sam Cooke joined. One of the famous songs that Cooke was featured on was “Jesus Gave me Water”. His lead vocals contributed to the new style of the modern gospel and the song, like many others they produced, included sustaining melodies in order to create “syncopated tension” . By the 1940s the group was known nationally and toured around different parts of the country. The Soul Stirrers gained success for over three decades while creating four separate albums throughout the journey.