Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke was a trailblazing recording artist who helped shape the soul and pop scene with hits like “Cupid,” “Chain Gang,” and “Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha.” Forging a link between soul and pop, Cooke had a diverse repertoire that attracted both black and white audiences.

Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Cooke grew up in Chicago as the son of a minister. In 1948, just out of high school, he joined the gospel group the Soul Stirrers, and six years later began to branch out into secular music.

Cooke released his first number one single, “You Send Me,” in 1957 and continued to top the charts with hits like “Wonderful World,” “Twistin’ the Night Away,” “Bring It on Home to Me,” and “A Change is Gonna Come” (released posthumously). He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Cooke died in 1964 and left behind a tremendous musical legacy.