Black History Month Music: Sam Cooke

Tweet

Wow, it’s amazing. I’m in Indiana (going to see my brother after lunch), so I had to cross the Ohio River. It’s mind-boggling to see the ice in it! I saw it in 1977, and to see it again is so fascinating…and bad, because that means it’s COLD! I’ll warm you up with some music as I celebrate Black History Month. Here’s another great. Sam Cooke Here’s a recurring theme: wow, what a voice. There are people who’ll tell you point blank that nobody in rock and roll ever had a better voice than Sam Cooke. “Best” is a matter of opinion, but nobody can dispute the beautiful clarity of his voice. His life ended tragically by gunfire in 1964. The circumstances, over 60 years later, are still disputed. The shooting was ruled self-defense; however, many people have said that was hogwash. Etta James said Cooke was badly beaten as well as shot. It most likely wasn’t racially motivated, but there are way too many things and conflicting stories that don’t add up. Despite his short life and tragic death, Sam Cooke’s impact on music was immense and continues to this day. Sam Cooke Born Samuel Cook, January 22, 1931, Clarksdale, Mississippi Died December 11, 1964, Los Angeles, California (shot) (age 33) HALLS OF FAME: Rock and Roll x2 (1986 as solo, 1989 with the Soul Stirrers); Songwriters, 1987; National Rhythm & Blues, 2013; Mississippi Musicians, 2022 How do you pick a Sam Cooke song to feature? Here’s one for the school teachers: