Sam Cooke

Samuel Cook, known professionally as Sam Cooke, was a seminal American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, born on January 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. As the son of a Baptist minister, he began his musical journey singing gospel with his siblings in a group called the Singing Children. In 1933, his family relocated to Chicago, where his musical talents continued to develop.

The Soul Stirrers and Gospel Career

In his late teens, Cooke joined the gospel group the Highway QC's. His remarkable vocal abilities led him to become the lead singer of the renowned gospel group The Soul Stirrers in 1950, replacing the legendary R.H. Harris. During his six years with the group, they recorded several gospel hits on Specialty Records, including "Jesus Gave Me Water," "Nearer to Thee," and "Touch the Hem of His Garment." Cooke's emotive and soaring tenor voice brought a new, youthful energy to gospel music, attracting a wider audience.

Transition to Pop and Solo Stardom

In 1957, Cooke made the controversial decision to transition from gospel to secular music. To avoid alienating his gospel fanbase, he initially released his first pop single, "Lovable," under the pseudonym "Dale Cook". His true breakthrough came later that year with the release of "You Send Me," which became a massive hit, reaching number one on both the R&B and pop charts. This success launched a string of hit singles throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, including "Wonderful World," "Chain Gang," "Cupid," "Twistin' the Night Away," "Bring It On Home to Me," and "Another Saturday Night." His smooth, sophisticated vocal style bridged the gap between R&B and pop, earning him the title "The King of Soul."

Business Ventures and Activism

Cooke was not only a talented artist but also a savvy businessman. In 1959, he co-founded his own music publishing company, Kags Music, to retain ownership of his song copyrights. He also established his own record label, SAR Records, in 1961, which allowed him to produce and promote other artists, including Bobby Womack and Johnnie Taylor. Cooke was also an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement. He used his platform to advocate for racial equality and often refused to perform for segregated audiences. His powerful song, "A Change Is Gonna Come," became an anthem for the movement.

Untimely Death

Sam Cooke's life was tragically cut short on December 11, 1964, at the age of 33. He was shot and killed by Bertha Franklin, the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles. The courts ruled the death a justifiable homicide, stating that Franklin shot Cooke in self-defense after he had allegedly assaulted her. However, the circumstances surrounding his death have been disputed by his family and friends for years.

Legacy and Influence

Despite his short career, Sam Cooke's influence on music is immeasurable. He had 29 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1986 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987. Cooke's pioneering blend of gospel, soul, and pop, coupled with his business acumen and social consciousness, paved the way for future generations of artists.