News

Sam Cooke: African-American Singer Known as the “King of Soul”

Samuel “Sam” Cooke was a Black American recording artist and singer-songwriter, generally considered among the greatest of all time was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in Clarksdale, MS, on this date in 1931.

Influential as both a singer and composer, he is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocals and importance within popular music. His pioneering contributions to soul music contributed to the rise of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Billy Preston and popularized the likes of Otis Redding and James Brown.

All Music biographer Bruce Eder wrote that Cooke was “the inventor of soul music”, and possessed “an incredible natural singing voice and a smooth, effortless delivery that has never been surpassed.”

Cooke had 30 U.S. top 40 hits between 1957 and 1964, plus three more posthumously. Major hits like “You Send Me”, “A Change Is Gonna Come”, “Cupid”, “Chain Gang”, “Wonderful World”, and “Twistin’ the Night Away” are some of his most popular songs.

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 Civil Rights Movement.

On December 11, 1964, at the age of 33, Cooke was fatally shot by Bertha Franklin, the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California. After an inquest, the courts ruled Cooke’s death to be a justifiable homicide.

Since that time, the circumstances of his death have been consistently called into question by Cooke’s family and his wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

Related Posts

Diana Ross’ 5 Children: Everything to Know

Get to know Diana Ross’ five kids: Rhonda, Tracee, Chudney, Ross and Evan Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage Diana Ross’ biggest fans are her five 𝘀𝘩π˜ͺ𝘭π˜₯ren. The “Ain’t No Mountain…

Lauryn Hill’s 6 Kids: All About Her Sons and Daughters

Lauryn Hill has four sons, Zion, Joshua, John and Micah, and two daughters, Selah and Sara Lauryn Hill celebrates her 𝐛𝐒𝐫𝐭𝐑day with her sons John Marley and Zion…

Terrence Howard’s 5 Kids: All About His Daughters and Sons

‘Crescent City’ star Terrence Howard is a father to five 𝘀𝘩π˜ͺ𝘭π˜₯ren: Aubrey, Hunter, Heaven, Qirin and Hero Terrence Howard, Mira Pak and sons Hero Howard and Quirin Howard…

Lena Horne Biography Timeline – The Most Famous African-American Entertainer of the 20th Century.

Lena Horne is known as one of the most popular African American entertainers of the twentieth century. A woman of great beauty and commanding stage presence, she performed…

Pamela Suzette “Pam” Grier (May 26, 1949), such an iconic actress of the 70s.

Pamela Suzette Grier (𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 May 26, 1949) is an American actress, singer, and martial artist. Described by Quentin Tarantino as cinema’s first female action star (although, many believe…

Black Excellence: Eartha Kitt – Transracial Journeys

Eartha Kitt is known for popularizing the iconic Christmas song, β€œSanta Baby,” as well as her role as Catwoman in the 1960s tv show, Batman. But she was…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *