Who's behind the notes? Discover Sam Cooke: The King of Soul
Sam Cooke was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, often referred to as the "King of Soul." Here are some interesting facts about him:
Early Life: Sam Cooke was born on January 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and later moved to Chicago with his family.
Gospel Roots: Cooke began his musical career in the church, singing gospel music with his siblings in the group called The Singing Children.
Soul Stirrers: He joined the renowned gospel group The Soul Stirrers in 1950, where he gained fame for his distinctive voice and innovative singing style.
Crossover to Pop: In the late 1950s, Sam Cooke transitioned from gospel to secular music, achieving success with hits like "You Send Me," which became a crossover success and topped both the R&B and pop charts.
Prolific Songwriter: Cooke was not only a remarkable singer but also a prolific songwriter. He wrote many of his own hits, including "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "Bring It On Home to Me."
Business Ventures: Sam Cooke was a savvy businessman. In 1959, he founded his own record label, SAR Records, which helped promote the careers of other artists.
Civil Rights Advocate: Cooke was an advocate for civil rights and used his influence to challenge racial segregation. His song "A Change Is Gonna Come" is considered an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.
Tragic Death: Sadly, Sam Cooke's life was cut short when he was shot and killed under controversial circumstances at the age of 33 on December 11, 1964, in Los Angeles.
"Bring It On Home to Me" is one of his classic hits, showcasing his soulful voice and his ability to blend various musical genres seamlessly.