Sam Cooke

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Chicago, United States (1950 – 1964)

Samuel Cooke (born January 22, 1931 in Clarksdale, Mississippi; died December 11, 1964 in Los Angeles, California) was a popular and influential American gospel, R&B, soul and pop singer-songwriter and entrepreneur recognized as one of the true founders of soul music. Often referred to as The King of Soul, Cooke had 29 Top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1964 including major hits You Send Me, A Change Is Gonna Come, Chain Gang and Wonderful World. Cooke was also among the first modern black performers and composers to attend to the business side of his musical career, he founded both a record label and a publishing company as an extension of his careers as a singer and composer. He also took an active part in the American Civil Rights Movement.

On December 11, 1964, Cooke was allegedly shot to death by the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California at the age of 33. At the time, the courts ruled that Cooke was drunk and distressed, and the manager killed Cooke in what was later ruled a justifiable homicide. Since that time, the circumstances of his death have been widely questioned.

Sam Cooke (he added an “e” onto the end of his name because he thought it added a touch of class) was one of eight children of Rev. Charles and Mrs. Annie Mae Cook. The family moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1933.
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  • iameclectic

    Dear Sam, just enjoyed your music tonight. Thanks.

    10 hours ago

  • Vi_Nguyen1901

    @liquidnature Agreed, his influence is enormous on those who came after. His voice was perfect and effortless and so much soul. As a songwriter, I think he was really overlooked, if only he lived on - he was headed into a interesting direction. He probably would've done what Marvin did with What's Going On. Oh and yes! Live at Harlem is too good! Would kill to have been there.

    10 days ago

  • VS-1

    IT AINT LEUKEMIA THAT AINT IT

    last month

  • liquidnature

    Possibly the most overlooked artist ever, no one will ever touch his voice. And Live at the Harlem Square Club is one of the greatest albums of all time, live or otherwise.

    last month

  • artgriswald

    A CHANGE IS GONNA COME!!!

    last month

  • SWAGIITHEMAX

    nice

    last month

  • Gitoor

    In my opinion the greatest voice of all time..

    last month

  • mondscheingasse

    so, so good ..damn, i love his voice

    last month
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