American vocalist Sam Cook is considered one of the founders of soul music. He was awarded a posthumous Grammy Award. The singer is among the greatest performers included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The authoritative publication "Allmusic" spoke of Samuel Cook as the ancestor, the inventor of soul. He was named the most important singer and most popular performer.
The path to glory
The biography of the future celebrity began in 1931. The child was born in Clarksdale on January 22 in the family of a priest. He became one of eight children. When Sam was five, his parents moved to Chicago. There the boy went to school, sang in the church choir. Sam's musical talent was noticeable from an early age. He also performed in the gospel ensemble "The Singing Children" with two sisters and brothers.
As a teenager, Sam did not abandon the genre of church music. He became part of the Highway QC's group. As part of the group, the boy's vocal abilities have developed noticeably. Gradually, the aspiring singer became interested in the secular song genre. With The Soul Stirrers, who played gospel in an innovative manner, he replaced the lead singer. In this team in the early fifties and started the studio career of a musician.
Despite the fact that thanks to the magnificent voice of the performer, even compositions recognized as not at all secular were popular with the public, the vocalist himself dreamed of expanding the repertoire. The first attempt was the song "Loveable". It was impossible to include it in the group's repertoire due to the inconsistency with the format of the songs performed. The singer decided to take the risk.
The performer on the minion was Dale Cook, but it was not possible to deceive the fans: the vocals were too recognizable. After the termination of the contract with the gospel label and the departure from the group, a solo career began under his own name.
Confession
The promising vocalist was produced by Bumps Blackwell. Now the scope of creativity was not limited to one genre. The new songs perfectly combined rhythm and blues, gospel and pop music. Sam made a signature repetition of the main lines and intonation nuances. This delighted critics.
In 1957, the song "You Send Me" went to the right place on the Billboard Hot 100, having sold over 2 million in the United States. Its sales in the United States have exceeded a circulation of 2 million. It is with her that the soul genre begins.
The performer was invited to The Ed Sullivan Show. However, due to the fact that his turn reached him only at the end of the program, the number was cut off due to the end of the broadcast. After a real hurricane of audience indignation, the management again invited Cook to the program. This time, no bills were provided for the transfer.
Until the late fifties, listeners enjoyed the performance of romantic ballads. The songs aimed at teenage audiences were recorded at Keen Records. With each new single, Cook's skill became more and more perfect. His songs reached high charts.
New successes
Despite the fashion for singles, Sam decided to record a longplay. He staked on songs dedicated to Billie Holiday. The album was called "Tribute to the Lady". After his presentation, Sam began working with RCA Records. It was distinguished from the previous one by an amazing variety of genres. The singles "Cupid" and "Bring It on Home to Me", which have become the hallmark of the compositions of soul and Sam himself, are recorded in a deeply emotional and light manner. A year later, Cook founded his own label, SAR Records.
The success of "You Send Me" was almost completely repeated by the ballad "A Change Is Gonna Come". With her, Cook opened his major career. The new albums were a success. In 1960, the hit parades were conquered by a new single, created with the participation of Sam, "Wonderful World". In it, the vocalist sang about what teens especially care about: love makes the world more wonderful than education.
Since the sixties, Sam has recorded new hits less and less. He started producing his own recordings and sought independence in the choice of repertoire. The vocalist realized himself as an excellent composer and poet. Most of the singles he performs were created by him. About half of the songs became hits.
In 1963 the album "Night Beat" was released. He was distinguished by a blues orientation. Cooperation with businessman Allen Klein began on the release of CDs and singles for the singer. 1964 saw the release of a new disc, "Is not That Good News".
The vocalist passed away in 1964, on December 11.
Summarizing
The vocalist twice tried to establish a personal life. His first marriage in 1959 was concluded with Dolores Mohawk in 1953. The marriage lasted until 1957. The new chosen one of the singer was actress Barbara Campbell. She and Sam became husband and wife in 1959. In union with her, two children were born, daughters Linda and Samona. Linda chose a musical career by becoming a singer.
Part of the vocalist's repertoire after his death was performed by Otis Redding. Cook's songs were sung with success by Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Animals. Bobby Warmack became one of the creative heirs. Sam's daughter Linda later married his brother.
The name of the musician is called among the most titled performers in the world. When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was formed in 1988, the original members were Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Sam Cooke. For his enormous contribution, the composer and singer was awarded the Grammy Award in 1999. In the five of the most outstanding performers of the era of rock and roll, he was included in the "Rolling Stone" magazine.
Sam's singles are often heard at special events in African American society.
