Sam Cooke

NAME Samuel Cook, known professionally as Sam Cooke.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Sam Cooke was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is often referred to as the "King of Soul" and is credited with bridging the gap between gospel and secular music. His soulful voice and innovative songwriting techniques made him one of the most influential figures in popular music history.

BIRTH Born on January 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Cooke was one of eight children in a deeply religious family. His father, Rev. Charles Cook, was a minister in the Church of Christ (Holiness) and instilled in him a strong gospel influence. His mother, Huberta Cook, was a schoolteacher.

CHILDHOOD Cooke moved with his family to Chicago, Illinois, aged two, where he began singing in church with his siblings, nurturing his love for music early on.

EDUCATION Cooke's formative years were spent in Chicago's public schools. He attended Doolittle Elementary School and later graduated from Wendell Phillips High School in 1948, the same school that Nat "King" Cole had attended.

CAREER RECORD Sam Cooke began his career as a gospel singer with the group The Soul Stirrers in the early 1950s, quickly becoming a gospel star. 

He transitioned into secular music in the late 1950s, with hits like "You Send Me," "Wonderful World," and "A Change is Gonna Come," which cemented his influence in pop and soul.

APPEARANCE Cooke possessed a uniquely handsome visage. Described as having "white features" and a Grecian-like bone structure, he sported dark brown eyes, black hair, and a slim, boyish build standing at 5'10" (178 cm). His youthful good looks earned him nicknames like "that pretty child" and cemented his image as a heartthrob for many.

FASHION Cooke's fashion mirrored his career trajectory. Initially, he embraced a clean-cut, gospel-inspired look. Venturing into pop music, he experimented briefly with a trendy "hip cat" style.

However, Cooke's signature style was heavily influenced by Ivy League fashion. He donned V-neck sweaters and pleated, beltless pants for casual settings, transitioning to modestly elegant business suits and Italian suits for formal occasions. Notably, he opted for close-cropped hair, defying the popular straightened hairstyles of the time.

As his career matured, Cooke's style loosened up. Sports jackets, open collars, and casual slacks became more prevalent, showcasing his desire to stay comfortable without sacrificing sophistication. Notably, he often designed his own clothes, ensuring a unique and trend-setting look.

Cooke in Billboard, 1965, released posthumously

CHARACTER He was known to be ambitious, charismatic, and driven by a desire to bridge racial and musical divides, though he struggled with the balance between his religious roots and his pursuit of fame.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Cooke was known to have a warm, engaging sense of humor, often joking with friends and fans, which made him well-loved in the music community.

Sam Cooke incorporated subtle humor into some of his songs:

In "Wonderful World," he playfully showcased teenage naïveté with a humorous twist5. The song's lyrics humorously contrast academic struggles with confidence in matters of love.

"The Cha-Cha-Cha" demonstrates Cooke's attempt at writing a humorous story-song, albeit with mixed results. The song tells a corny tale of a guy teaching a girl to dance, ending with a somewhat forced punchline

RELATIONSHIPS Sam Cooke's personal life was as complex as his musical career. He was married twice and had several other relationships.

Cooke's first marriage was to Dolores Mohawk. They married in 1953 and divorced in 1957. Tragically, Dolores passed away in a car accident in 1959. Despite their divorce, Cooke generously paid for her funeral expenses.

Cooke's second marriage was to Barbara Campbell, a relationship that began when they were both young. They married on October 9, 1959 and the wedding ceremony was performed by Cooke's father in Chicago. Sam and Barbara had three children together: Linda, Tracy, and Vincent. Sadly, their youngest child, Vincent, drowned in a tragic accident in 1964. The marriage lasted until Cooke's untimely death in 1964.

Throughout his marriage to Barbara, Cooke was involved in multiple affairs. He fathered at least three children outside of his marriage, which caused significant strain on his relationship with Barbara.

After Cooke's death, Barbara's life took a surprising turn. Just three months after the funeral, she married Bobby Womack, Cooke's protégé. This marriage was controversial and seen as a betrayal by many. The marriage ended in 1970 when Barbara discovered Womack in bed with her daughter, Linda.

MONEY AND FAME Cooke was more than just a singer; he was a savvy businessman. He founded his own label, SAR Records, and signed promising talent like Bobby Womack and Johnnie Taylor. He also established a music publishing house and management fir

His fame brought both admiration and backlash, especially as he navigated between gospel and pop.

FOOD AND DRINK In "Having a Party," Cooke mentions Cokes and popcorn as refreshments at the party described in the song.

The song "Sugar Dumpling" uses a food-based term of endearment as its title, though the song itself is more about the woman than actual food.

MUSIC AND ARTS Cooke’s music was a revelation, a blend of gospel and secular soul that transcended racial boundaries. His songs, often drawn from his own life and the turbulent times of the Civil Rights Movement, struck a deep chord.

Raised in a devout family, young Sam and his siblings were encouraged to sing. By his teens, he was a fixture in gospel groups, his voice soaring with the Soul Stirrers, one of the most revered gospel acts of the era.

But Cooke yearned for something more. In 1956, he ventured into the secular world with “Lovable,” released under the pseudonym Dale Cooke, a nod to the potential backlash from gospel fans. His distinctive voice, however, was unmistakable. The Soul Stirrers soon dropped him.

Undeterred, Cooke released “You Send Me” in 1957. The song, penned by his brother L.C., topped the charts and established Cooke as a major force in popular music.

Like many Black artists of the time, Cooke toured the Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of segregated venues. He shared stages with legends like Jackie Wilson and LaVern Baker, honing his craft and growing his fanbase.

In 1961, Cooke signed with RCA Records and produced a string of hits, including “Chain Gang,” “Sad Mood,” and “Another Saturday Night.” His crossover appeal was undeniable, breaking down barriers and opening doors for other Black artists. His triumphant performance at New York’s Copa club in 1964 cemented his status as a mainstream star.

His untimely death in 1964 cut short a brilliant career, but his legacy lives on. Sam Cooke’s music continues to inspire and influence. 

LITERATURE Sam Cooke was an avid reader. His reading material was diverse, including newspapers, magazines, history books, and classic works of philosophy. Cooke was so passionate about reading that he installed an airplane swivel light in his car, allowing him to read while traveling

Cooke was highly interested in civil rights and social justice literature, which influenced his songwriting, especially in songs like "A Change is Gonna Come."

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Cooke enjoyed the company of fellow musicians and was known to spend time in clubs and music scenes. His primary hobby was deeply tied to his music career.

Cooke enjoyed amusement park and would take his nieces and nephews to predominantly white amusement parks. He rode roller coasters with them, despite societal disapproval at the time

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Cooke’s roots were firmly planted in the fertile soil of the American South’s religious fervor. Raised in a devout Christian household, his father, a preacher in the Holiness Movement, instilled in him a deep love for gospel music. This early exposure shaped Cooke’s musical sensibilities, imbuing his performances with a raw, emotional intensity.

He cut his teeth in the gospel circuit, his voice soaring with groups like The Singing Children, The Highway Q.C.’s, and most notably, The Soul Stirrers. His reputation as a gifted storyteller, capable of weaving tales of faith and redemption, grew with each performance.

However, Cooke's ambitions extended beyond the confines of the church. His decision to venture into secular music was met with fierce disapproval from his religious community. Some saw it as a betrayal, a sin akin to apostasy. Yet, Cooke persisted, blending the sacred and the secular in a way that was both innovative and controversial.

While his music evolved, it retained the essence of gospel. His soulful vocals and emotive delivery remained constant, bridging the gap between the church pew and the nightclub stage. Cooke believed in the power of music to uplift and inspire, regardless of genre.

His lyrics, often imbued with social consciousness, reflected the turbulent times of the Civil Rights Movement. “A Change is Gonna Come,” a powerful anthem of hope and resilience, stands as a testament to his commitment to justice and equality.

Beneath the surface of the flamboyant performer and savvy businessman, Cooke wrestled with profound spiritual questions. His lyrics hint at a certain disillusionment and uncertainty, as evidenced by the quote: "It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die. 'Cause I don't know what's up there, beyond the sky."

POLITICS Cooke was an advocate for civil rights, using his music to address social issues, particularly with his song "A Change is Gonna Come," which became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.

SCANDAL In 1964, Sam Cooke, the once-beloved gospel singer, returned to his roots, joining his former group, The Soul Stirrers. Yet, instead of a hero's welcome, he was met with a chilling silence. The audience, once filled with adoration, now regarded him with disdain. His transition to secular music had alienated his gospel following. The once-reverent figure was now a pariah, a "blues singer" who had forsaken his faith.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Cooke maintained a relatively healthy lifestyle nd he was known for his vibrant and energetic performances.

HOMES Born in the heart of Mississippi, Sam Cooke's journey to musical stardom began in the bustling streets of Chicago. At the tender age of two, his family relocated to the Windy City, initially settling near 33rd and State Streets.  However, the family soon found a more permanent home in the vibrant Bronzeville neighborhood, a hub of African American culture and music. They resided on the top floor of the Lenox Building at 3527 South Cottage Grove Avenue.

Though his music career eventually took him to Los Angeles, where he resided with his family, Chicago remained a significant part of his life. He purchased a home at 4742 South King Drive, a testament to his enduring connection to the city.

As a tribute to his legacy, a portion of 36th Street in Chicago was renamed "Sam Cooke Way," a fitting honor for a musical icon whose roots ran deep in the city.

TRAVEL Cooke’s career took him across the United States, performing in various venues, but there are few records of extensive international travel.

Cooke released an album called "Cooke's Tour" in May 1960, which was described as an "adventurous travelogue" exploring various territories around the world.

DEATH On December 11, 1964, Cooke, accompanied by a young woman named Elisha Boyer, checked into a Los Angeles motel. A dispute arose, and Boyer fled the room, taking Cooke's clothes with her. In a desperate attempt to retrieve them, Cooke, half-naked, stormed into the motel manager's office. The confrontation escalated, and the 55-year-old manager, Bertha Franklin, fatally shot Cooke. His last words were reportedly, “Lady, you shot me.” His sudden death shocked the music world.

The first service, held in Chicago, drew an estimated 200,000 mourners who lined up for blocks to pay their respects. The second service, held in Los Angeles, featured a poignant performance by Ray Charles, who stood in for the grief-stricken Bessie Griffin.

Cooke was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California. However, the circumstances surrounding his death have been shrouded in controversy. Singer Etta James, who attended the funeral, claimed to have witnessed severe injuries on Cooke's body that were not consistent with the official account. While the autopsy report did not mention these injuries, James's account has raised questions about the true nature of Cooke's demise.

Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Cooke's musical legacy lives on. In the months following his passing, several posthumous releases further solidified his place in music history.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Cooke’s life and music have been featured in numerous documentaries and films, with his influence felt in various biographies and civil rights retrospectives.

ACHIEVEMENTS Cooke’s achievements include hit songs across gospel, R&B, and pop genres, pioneering control over his music rights, and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. His song “A Change is Gonna Come” remains an enduring anthem for social change.