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

Melania Trump sues Hunter Biden for over $US1 billion over ‘defamatory’ Epstein comments

Melania Trump has demanded Hunter Biden “retract the false, defamatory, and lewd” statements he made about her that referenced her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, according to Fox News. Lawyers…

BBC News reported: 30 minutes ago! Trump orders Whoopi Goldberg deported from the US — “The View” host fires back: He knew I had secrets that could hurt the midterm elections

President Trump’s Demand for Whoopi Goldberg’s Departure Sparks Firestorm. In a stunning development, President Donald Trump issued a provocative statement today at a White House press conference, demanding…

BREAKING NEWS: 30 minutes ago, Aidan Hutchinson sends 5-word message to NFL that shocks Roger Goodell, after Detroit Lions fined $50 million for refusing to post Pride Month message on social media…

The hot news has just been released from the National Rugby Federation (NFL) when Aidan Hutchinson, the defensive star of the Detroit Lions team, sent a brief message…

“YOU DEFAMED ME ON LIVE TV — NOW PAY THE PRICE!” — Country music powerhouse Carrie Underwood has filed a $50 million lawsuit against *The View* and Whoopi Goldberg, accusing them of “vicious, calculated defamation” after Whoopi Goldberg insulted Carrie Underwood live on air, causing her to lose multiple contracts and damaging her reputation

Carrie Underwood, one of country music’s most celebrated artists, has taken legal action against The View and its co-host Whoopi Goldberg, filing a staggering $50 million lawsuit over what she…

BREAKING: Texas has APPROVED a new redistricting map that adds five Republican seats, removes five Democrat seats, and ELIMINATES Jasmine Crockett’s position

Texas has recently approved a controversial new redistricting map that significantly alters the state’s political landscape. The decision, finalized by the Texas legislature, introduces changes that are set…

BREAKING: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro will personally investigate “Shifty” Adam Schiff. President Trump has just unleashed the “perfect weapon.” The very first target of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is none other than Adam Schiff. This is the same Schiff who LIED to the American people, smeared President Trump, and pushed FAKE investigations for years

In a stunning turn of events that has captured national attention, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is set to personally lead an investigation into Representative Adam Schiff, a figure…

Leave a Reply

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