Scoreload

American singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and pioneering force in soul music whose velvety voice and innovative style bridged gospel, R&B, and pop.Born in Mississippi, Cooke rose to fame as lead singer of The Soul Stirrers gospel group. He revolutionized popular music by transitioning to secular pop in 1956, achieving 29 Top 40 hits. Founded SAR Records and music publishing companies to protect Black artists' rights. Died under disputed circumstances at age 33.

• Cooke's gospel crossover sparked controversy; some churches boycotted his music after he released the secular hit 'You Send Me' (1957).
• He pioneered artist ownership, establishing SAR Records (discovering artists like Bobby Womack) and Kags Music to combat music industry exploitation of Black performers.
• His death remains shrouded in mystery: Cooke was shot by motel manager Bertha Franklin who claimed self-defense. Key evidence was mishandled, no police investigation occurred, and witnesses disputed the official story. Many believe he was murdered due to his civil rights activism.