Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke (January 22, 1931–December 11, 1964) was an American soul singer, record producer, dancer ^[source?] and songwriter. He was born Sam Cook but later changed the spelling of his name. He was very important and influential in the beginning of soul music.^[2][3][4] He had many hit songs in America. Some of his most famous songs were "You Send Me", "A Change Is Gonna Come", "Chain Gang", "Wonderful World", and "Bring It on Home to Me".

Sam Cooke
Background information
Birth name	Samuel Cook[1]
Also known as	Dale Cooke
Born	(1931-01-22)January 22, 1931 Clarksdale, Mississippi
Died	December 11, 1964(1964-12-11) (aged 33) Los Angeles, California
Genres	R&B, soul, gospel, pop
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active	1950–1964
Labels	Specialty, Keen, RCA

Cooke started his own record label and publishing company. He was an important part of the Civil Rights Movement, helping African-American people to get civil rights.^[5]

Murder

Cooke was gunned down by a hotel manageress named Bertha Franklin. She told the police that she shot Cooke in self-defense.^[6] Sam was buried in Glendale, California.

Other websites

• Hear Sam Cooke on the Pop Chronicles