Samuel Cook

Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 to 1911 in December 1964), known professionally as Sam Cooke, American gospel, R & B, soul, pop singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. It is considered one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He was known as The King of Soul for his incomparable vocal abilities and the impact and influence on the music of the modern world. Contribution Soul music pioneer, causing the emergence of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and popularize the likes of Otis Redding and James Brown.

Cooke had 29 top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1964. Big hits like "You Send Me, " "A Change Is Gonna Come, " "Chain Gang", "Wonderful World" and "Bring It On Home to Me" are some of the most popular songs. Cooke was also among the first black players of modern composers and to attend to the business side of his musical career. He founded both a record label and publishing house as an extension of his career as a singer and composer. He also took an active part in the American Civil Rights Movement.

On December 11, 1964, Cooke was shot by the director of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California at age 33. At that time, the court ruled that Cooke was drunk and depressed, and killed the leader of Cooke in what was later ruled justifiable homicide. Since then, the circumstances of his death has been widely disputed.
Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964
Sam Cooke - Greatest Hits
A Change Is Gonna Come
The Best of
Complete Recordings of Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers