Sam Cooke

Date of Birth: January 22, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: December 11, 1964

Biography

Sam Cooke, born Samuel Cook, was a pioneering American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, often referred to as the “King of Soul” for his distinctive voice and profound influence on the genre. He was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Cooke began his musical career as a gospel singer with the Soul Stirrers before transitioning to secular music in the late 1950s. His smooth, melodic voice and ability to blend gospel, pop, and rhythm and blues resulted in a string of hits, including “You Send Me,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Wonderful World,” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.” Cooke was not just a talented musician but also a trailblazer in the music industry. He founded his own record label, SAR Records, and publishing company, Kags Music, which allowed him greater artistic control and the ability to support other artists. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to civil rights made him a significant figure beyond his musical contributions. Tragically, Sam Cooke’s life was cut short at the age of 33 when he was shot and killed at the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California. His death remains a topic of controversy and speculation. Despite his untimely demise, Cooke’s legacy endures through his timeless music and the influence he had on generations of musicians.

5 Interesting Facts about Sam Cooke

1. Sam Cooke was one of the first African American artists to fight for and gain control over his own music rights and publishing.

2. His song “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.

3. Cooke was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1986.

4. He was a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 1999.

5. Despite his brief life, Sam Cooke had 30 U.S. top 40 hits between 1957 and 1964.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sam Cooke

1. “It’s been a long, a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come.”

2. “I love you for sentimental reasons.”

3. “I don’t want no one to cry, but tell ’em if I don’t survive, I was born by the river in a little tent.”

4. “You send me, honest you do.”

5. “I was born by the river in a little tent, and just like the river I’ve been running ever since.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Sam Cooke’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, which would be significantly higher when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Sam Cooke had three children: Linda Cooke, Tracey Cooke, and Vincent Cooke. Tragically, Vincent Cooke drowned in the family’s swimming pool at the age of 18 months.