Sam Cooke was born Samuel Cook in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1931 (he added the "e" to his last name in 1957 to signify a new start to his life). [11] [12] He was the fifth of eight children of Rev. Charles Cook, a Baptist minister in the Church …

Sep 29, 2024 · Though Sam Cooke's death at the hands of motel manager Bertha Franklin in Los Angeles on December 11, 1964 was ruled a "justifiable homicide," lingering questions remain. Cooke's close friend Etta James didn't believe he'd been killed in a simple case of self-defense.

Apr 2, 2014 · Sam Cooke was a trailblazing recording artist who helped shape the soul and pop scene with hits like “You Send Me,” “Chain Gang,” and “Sad Mood.”

Sam's most memorable songs. Perfection. That man and his voice changed generations of singers. Gone too soon, gone too soon.

Jan 18, 2025 · Sam Cooke, American singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, was a major figure in the history of popular music and one of the most influential Black vocalists of the post-World War II period. His songs ranged from the ethereal ‘You Send Me’ to the anthemic ‘A Change Is Gonna Come.’

Nov 13, 2009 · On December 11, 1964, in response to a reported shooting, officers of the Los Angeles Police Department are dispatched to the Hacienda Motel, where they find musician Sam Cooke dead on the...

Jan 3, 2024 · Uncover the timeless appeal of the best Sam Cooke songs! Check out this list of 14 best songs of all time from his repertoire.

For other people named Sam Cooke, see Sam Cooke (disambiguation). Samuel Cooke [ 5 ] ( né Cook ; January 22, 1931 [ 6 ] – December 11, 1964) [ 5 ] was an American singer and songwriter . Considered one of the most influential soul artists of all time, Cooke is commonly referred to as the " King of Soul " for his distinctive vocals ...

Feb 25, 2007 · Sam Cooke has been described as one of the most influential rhythm and blues singers to emerge in the 20th Century. Cooke could exude soul-stirring sensuality that went from the sacred to the profane in the same breath.

Sam Cooke (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964) was a popular and influential American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, as well as songwriter and entrepreneur. Indeed, musicians and critics today recognize him as one of the originators of soul music and among the most influential singers in postwar American popular music.