<back - SAM COOKE - From a tender age Sam Cooke knew his destiny was inextricably bound with his voice. One of the most influential Soul artists ever, his popularity would exceed even that of Ray Charles. Fabulous songs would reveal themselves through one of the most captivatingly voices to bless an individual. Their enduring memory is etched into the public's consciousness: You Send Me, Chain Gang, Another Saturday Night, A Change Is Gonna Come, Cupid, countless others. His Gospel foundation was his bedrock, yet Cooke flattered other genres with his charismatic pipes. In the Pop realm, his distinctive phrasings enraptured listeners, with classic gems like Wonderful World and You Send Me.

His Soul legacy is writ in granite, thanks to memorable nuggets like You Send Me, Win Your Love For Me, Good Times, and Bring It On Home To Me. There were thrilling renditions of Blues classics too, such as Willie Dixon’s Little Red Rooster and Little Walter’s Mean Old World. Born 1931 in Clarksdale Ms, his early years saw Sam performing with The Singing Children, along with several siblings from his musical family. Climbing the Gospel ladder with rapidity, by 19 he was lead singer of the Soul Stirrers, replacing the legendary R.H. Harris. During his Soul Stirrers phase, he distinguished himself by setting standards for Gospel expression, lifting millions with spirituals like Nearer To Thee. His 1957 release, You Send Me, hit #1 on Pop charts, followed by a succession of hits on the Keen label. Another milestone was the 1958 formation of KAGS publishing, which still controls rights to Cooke’s 152 classic compositions. In 1959, his SAR record label was formed, and Cooke's production oversight helped popularize such gifted artists like Bobby Womack, Billy Preston, Valentinos, Johnnie Taylor, and brother LC Cooke. In 1960, Sam signed with RCA, and the magic continued with irresistible offerings like Chain Gang, Cupid, Bring It On Home to Me, Sad Mood, Another Saturday Night, and Having A Party. Moreover, Sam Cooke could unleash unbridled excitement when the spirit took hold. Shake, Good News, and Twistin’ The Night Away will always cast their rhythmic spells. Sam Cooke placed 29 songs on the Top 40 Pop charts, and many more on the R&B charts. In 1963, he released the critically acclaimed Night Beat LP, featuring immaculate interpretations of Blues and Jazz standards. Another classic and essential LP is The Rhythm & The Blues. In 1964, his live At The Copa album showcased Sam Cooke’s performing gifts, providing notice he was ready for superstardom heights associated with Frank Sinatra. However, his death by gunshot in Dec 1964, precluded that eventuality. Sam Cooke is among the 10 original 1986 inductees into the Rock&Roll Hall Of Fame. In 1999, further honored with both Pioneer Award from the R&B Foundation, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. - Gary Tate/ MP3 - A Change is Gonna Come |