Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke on vinyl: from gospel to soul

In short: Sam Cooke (1931–1964) became known as a gospel singer with the Soul Stirrers and brought that voice into pop music – “You Send Me” became a hit in 1957. He is regarded as one of the inventors of soul. “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1964) became an anthem of the civil rights movement. The Vinyl Room currently has 6 Sam Cooke records.

What makes Sam Cooke special?

Cooke sang softly, clearly and with a lightness that is deeply moving at the same time. “Sam Cooke” is his first album on the Keen label, “Tribute To The Lady” a bow to Billie Holiday, and “The Wonderful World Of Sam Cooke” a collection of his Keen recordings.

“Shake / A Change Is Gonna Come” pairs two of his late songs on RCA Victor. And “I Thank God” leads back to his gospel roots.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Sam Cooke

→ Keen · RCA Victor · Billie Holiday · Soul

FAQ

What made Sam Cooke known? “You Send Me” from 1957.

What is “A Change Is Gonna Come”? A 1964 song that became an anthem of the civil rights movement.

Where are his musical roots? In gospel – he became known as the singer of the Soul Stirrers.

Which records do you have? Mostly editions from the sixties – 6 records in all.