Sam Cooke
10x10in
2025
Sam Cooke was a legendary singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur who is often called the “King of Soul.” With hits like “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “You Send Me,” and “Cupid,” Cooke blended gospel roots with smooth pop melodies, creating a sound that influenced generations of artists. His voice was warm, expressive, and instantly recognizable, helping to shape the foundation of soul music in the 1950s and ’60s.
Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1931, Cooke moved to Chicago as a child but always carried the spirit of Mississippi’s rich musical heritage with him. He began singing in church and rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the gospel group the Soul Stirrers. His Mississippi roots were evident in the emotional depth of his music, rooted in the Southern Black church tradition and the storytelling power of the blues.
Beyond his musical success, Cooke was a trailblazer in business and civil rights. He founded his own record label and publishing company at a time when few Black artists had control over their work. His song “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the civil rights movement, capturing the hope and pain of a pivotal era. Though his life was tragically cut short in 1964, Sam Cooke’s legacy endures, and his Mississippi beginnings remain a vital part of his story.