SAM COOKE
Genres: RnB, Pop, Art Song, Folk, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Related Gospel • United States

Driven, daring and captivating, Sam Cooke was an artist who blended sensuality and spirituality, sophistication and soul, movie-star looks and indisputable musical singer-songwriter talent. The son of Reverend Charles Cook, Sr., a Baptist minister and Annie May Cook, Sam Cook was born on January 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi and raised in Chicago Heights. His early career was defined by his embrace of gospel music, joining The Soul Stirrers at the age of fifteen and serving as the group’s lead vocalist until 1957. Sam electrified the congregation with smooth, lilting vocals, thus establishing a devoted following who embraced tracks such as “Nearer to Thee,” “Touch The Hem of His Garment,” and “Jesus Gave Me Water,” among others. In 1957, Sam recorded his first solo record, “Lovable,” under the pseudonym Dale Cook in an effort to avoid jeopardizing his standing within the gospel community. Nevertheless, it was clear read more...