Sam Cooke (1931–1964) was an American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of soul music. Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and raised in Chicago, Cooke began his career as a gospel singer with the Soul Stirrers before transitioning to secular music in the late 1950s. Known for his smooth, emotive voice and timeless hits such as "A Change Is Gonna Come," "You Send Me," and "Cupid," Cooke became a trailblazer in blending gospel, pop, and R&B.
Beyond his music, Cooke was a pioneer for Black artists in the industry, founding his own record label (SAR Records) and publishing company to gain greater creative and financial control. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 33, but his legacy as the "King of Soul" endures, inspiring generations of musicians and civil rights advocates.
