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

Biography

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

Cooke began his musical career as a member of a quartet with his siblings, the Singing Children, followed by a turn as a teenager as a member of the Highway QCs, a gospel group. In 1950, at the age of 19, he joined The Soul Stirrers and achieved significant success and fame within the gospel community.

His first pop single, “Lovable” (1956) was released under the alias of “Dale Cooke,” in order to not alienate his fan base; there was a ... read more »