Historical Figure
Sam Cooke
1931–1964
American singer and songwriter (1931–1964)
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Biography
Samuel Cooke was an American soul singer and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential artists of all time, Cooke is commonly referred to as the "King of Soul" for his distinctive vocals, pioneering contributions to the genre, and significance in popular music. During his eight-year career, Cooke released 29 singles that charted in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as 20 singles in the Top 10 of Billboard's Black Singles chart. In 1964, he was shot and killed by the manager of a motel in Los Angeles. After an inquest and investigation, the courts ruled Cooke's death to be a justifiable homicide. His family has since questioned the circumstances of his death. His legacy inspired the likes of Tina Turner, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Steve Perry. In 2015, Cooke was ranked number 28 in Billboard magazine's list of the "35 Greatest R&B Artists of All Time".
In Their Own Words (5)
The moon belongs to everyoneThe best things in life they're freeStars belong to everyoneThey cling there for you and for me.
The Best Things in Life Are Free , 1964
Yeah, come on & let the good times rollWe're gonna stay here till we soothe our souls.If it take all night long.
Good Times , 1964
Don't know much about history,Don't know much Biology.Don't know much about a science book,Don't know much about the French I took.But I do know that I love you,And I know that if you love me, too,What a wonderful world this would be.
Wonderful World , 1960
Folks say that you'veFound someone newTo do the things I used to do for you.Just call my name,I'm not ashamed,I'll come running back to you.Can't sleep at night,I can't eat a bite.When you were mine I didn't treat you right.Just call my name,I know, I know I'm not ashamed.I'll come running back to you.
I'll Come Running Back to You (1957) , 1957
Oh my baby's coming home tomorrowAin't that good news, man, ain't that news?Baby's coming home tomorrowAin't that news, man, ain't that news?
(Ain't That) Good News , 1964
Timeline
The story of Sam Cooke, told in moments.
Joins the Soul Stirrers, one of America's premier gospel groups, at 19. His voice is so smooth it fills church halls without a microphone. He tours the gospel circuit for seven years, selling records and filling pews.
Crosses from gospel to pop with "You Send Me." It hits number one and sells 1.7 million copies. The gospel community accuses him of selling out. He answers by founding SAR Records, one of the first Black-owned record labels.
Writes and records "Chain Gang" after seeing a road crew of prisoners working in North Carolina. It reaches number two on the Billboard charts. Unlike other pop hits of the era, it carries a social message disguised as a rhythm.
Records "A Change Is Gonna Come," inspired by hearing Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind." He's embarrassed that a white folk singer said what he hadn't. The song becomes an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. He won't live to see its release as a single.
Shot and killed at the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles by the manager, Bertha Franklin. He's 33. The official story says he broke into Franklin's office in a rage. Friends and family doubt it. The coroner rules it justifiable homicide. Muhammad Ali later says: "If Sam Cooke were alive, there wouldn't be no Marvin Gaye."
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