# Sam Cooke

> American singer and songwriter (1931–1964)

**Wikidata**: [Q295919](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q295919)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Cooke)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sam-cooke

## Summary
Sam Cooke was an American singer-songwriter (1931–1964) known for pioneering soul and gospel music. He rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, blending gospel, rhythm and blues, and pop influences, and became a key figure in the civil rights movement through his activism and music.

## Biography
- Born: 1931 (exact date and place not specified)
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Pioneering soul and gospel music, activism, and civil rights advocacy
- Employer(s): Specialty Records (record label)
- Field(s): Music, songwriting, civil rights activism

## Contributions
- Released influential albums such as *Twistin' the Night Away* (1962) and *Ain't That Good News* (1964), which blended gospel and soul music.
- Wrote and performed iconic songs like "A Change Is Gonna Come" (1964), which became an anthem for the civil rights movement.
- Advocated for racial equality and social justice, using his platform to support civil rights causes.

## FAQs
- **What genre of music did Sam Cooke perform?**
  Sam Cooke performed soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues, blending religious and secular influences in his music.

- **What was Sam Cooke's most famous song?**
  "A Change Is Gonna Come" (1964) became one of his most famous songs, later adopted as an anthem for the civil rights movement.

- **Which record label did Sam Cooke work with?**
  Sam Cooke was signed to Specialty Records, where he released many of his most influential albums.

- **Was Sam Cooke involved in civil rights activism?**
  Yes, Sam Cooke used his music and public presence to advocate for racial equality and social justice.

## Why They Matter
Sam Cooke's music and activism shaped the soul and gospel genres, influencing generations of artists. His song "A Change Is Gonna Come" became a civil rights anthem, and his work helped bridge the gap between gospel and mainstream music. His legacy endures in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received posthumously in 1965.

## Notable For
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987).
- Received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1965, posthumously).
- Starred on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1970).
- Pioneered the fusion of gospel and soul music, influencing artists like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Sam Cooke was born in 1931 and began performing in church choirs as a child. He later joined The Soul Stirrers, a gospel group, before transitioning to secular music. In the 1950s, he signed with Specialty Records, where he recorded his first hit, "You Send Me."

### Breakthrough and Influence
Cooke's 1960 album *Twistin' the Night Away* marked a shift toward soul music, blending gospel with rhythm and blues. His 1964 album *Ain't That Good News* further solidified his place in music history, featuring the title track and "Wonderful World."

### Activism and Legacy
Sam Cooke used his platform to advocate for civil rights, performing at events like the 1963 March on Washington. His song "A Change Is Gonna Come" became a rallying cry for the movement. After his death in 1964, Cooke was honored with posthumous awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

### Influence on Music and Culture
Cooke's work influenced artists across genres, including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Beverley Knight. His fusion of gospel and soul laid the groundwork for modern R&B and soul music, ensuring his lasting impact on the industry.

## References

1. Carnegie Hall linked open data
2. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Bibliothèque nationale de France
8. Discogs
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. SNAC
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Find a Grave
13. Nederlandse Top 40
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Proleksis Encyclopedia
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. CONOR.SI
19. BBC Things
20. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org)
21. Quora
22. BMI Repertoire
23. [Sam Cooke at Singers.com - Songbooks, sheet music and Choral arrangements](https://www.singers.com/performers/Sam-Cooke/)