Artist of the Week: Sam Cooke

Who is Sam Cooke?

According to Wikipedia:

Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. Cooke had 29 Top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1964. Major hits like "You Send Me", "A Change Is Gonna Come", "Chain Gang", "Wonderful World", and "Bring It on Home to Me" 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 American Civil Rights Movement.

So Why is he the Artist of the week?

First off Sam Cooke was one of the first Black artists to gain success on the Pop charts on his own terms. Sam Cooke still evoked the gospel influence that he grew up singing in his song and used this to connect to both the White and Black audiences. 

With Sam Cooke's success on the charts and in the business realm, he opened up several doors for other Black artists to take their gospel voices to the pop charts.

Some live videos and recordings of Sam Cooke:

"Bring It On Home To Me":

"Old Man River":

"A Change Is Gonna Come":