Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke was born the son of a Blues playing preacher man in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1931, and in 1933 Rev. Cooke moved the family to Chicago where he had found work at a church.
The Reverend turned Sam and his siblings into a gospel band, practicing during the week and playing anytime the church was open.
The group gained in popularity, eventually playing for other churches and revivals, but Sam was full of ambition and charm. He would go on to join other groups and become nationally known on the gospel circuit.
Cooke's talent and likability transcended the boundaries of race, age, and gender leading him to record hit songs in almost every genre.
Ever ambitious, He would also be one of the first African American men to own his record label and publishing company.
Cooke was also known for his political activism, refusing to play at segregated venues.
In 1964 Cooke was shot to death in his LA hotel room.
More than 40 years after his death, his impact and legacy can still be seen today, most recently, as the anthem for the inaugural celebration of the country's first African American President, Barack Obama.
The Reverend turned Sam and his siblings into a gospel band, practicing during the week and playing anytime the church was open.
The group gained in popularity, eventually playing for other churches and revivals, but Sam was full of ambition and charm. He would go on to join other groups and become nationally known on the gospel circuit.
Cooke's talent and likability transcended the boundaries of race, age, and gender leading him to record hit songs in almost every genre.
Ever ambitious, He would also be one of the first African American men to own his record label and publishing company.
Cooke was also known for his political activism, refusing to play at segregated venues.
In 1964 Cooke was shot to death in his LA hotel room.
More than 40 years after his death, his impact and legacy can still be seen today, most recently, as the anthem for the inaugural celebration of the country's first African American President, Barack Obama.
