Sam Cooke is one of the most remarkable musicians of all time! The King of Soul’s influence on popular music helped Black artists like Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder & Marvin Gaye prosper in the 1960s & 70s in the pop world.

What made Sam stood out as an artist was his distinctive voice! His voice was like no other other. As I previously stated, his impact on music is undeniable. The people LOVED them some Sam!

Sam was apart of the Soul Stirrers, a legendary gospel group as well!

Songs by Sam Cooke (1957):

Favorites: You Send Me, Tammy, Danny Boy, Moonlight In Vermont, So Long, That Lucky Old Sun, Around The World, Summertime, Canadian Sunset

Sam is a winner for his debut album! You Send Me is my favorite song of his. It’s a beautiful ballad period! With the Bumps Blackwell orchestra, Songs By Sam Cooke is a beautiful affair. 🙌🏾

Encore (1958):

Favorites: I cover the Waterfront, The Gypsy, Someday, Running Wild, My Foolish Heart, Mary, Mary Lou, Oh! Look at Me Now, Along the Navajo Trail.

The gospel influences are evident on Encore!

Tribute to the Lady (1959):

Favorites: God Bless The Child, Lover Girl, T’aint Nobody’s Business (If I Do,) Comes Love, Solitude, Crazy In Love with You, Good Morning Heartache, Lover Come Back to Me.

Sam’s tribute album to Billie Holiday is simply remarkable. His take on her hits are pure flames. 🔥

The Wonderful World Of Sam Cooke (1960):

Favorites: Wonderful World, Blue Moon, I Thank God, With You, Desire Me, Almost In Your Arms, Thats Heaven To Me, No One Can Take Your Place, You Were Made for Me.

AN ALBUM!

Cooke’s Tour (1960):

Favorites: The House I Live In, Sweet Leilani, Jamaica Farewell, Under Paris Skies, Far Away Places, Bali Ha’i, London By Night.

Sam’s first album for RCA Victor is one of the best albums released in 1960.

Hits of the 50s (1960):

Favorites: The Great Pretender, Mona Lisa, Venus, Secret Love, Cry, Unchained Melody, The Wayward Wind, The Song From Moulin Rouge.

Sam’s covers of 50s classics are lovely.

Swing Low (1961):

Favorites: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, They Call The Wind Maria, Chain Gang, Pray, You Belong To Me, Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair, If I Had You.

Swing Low is an album okay! Of course Sam came through with the good vocals.

My Kind Of Blues (1961):

Favorites: Little Girl Blue, Trouble In Mind, The Song Is Ended, I’m Just a Lucky So and So, Exactly Like You, Out In The Cold Again, Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home, But Not For Me.

Another underrated album from our king!

Twistin’ The Night Away (1962):

Favorites: Twistin’ The Night Away, Camptown Twist, Somebody Have Mercy, Sugar Dumpling, A Whole Lotta Woman, Soothe Me.

One of his best dance albums, Sam snapped with tunes like the title track and Soothe Me. 🙌🏾🙌🏾

The iconic “Having A Party” has to be mentioned! An A side to “Bring It on Home to Me,” the bop is an ultimate favorite to play at parties. It has been sampled and interpolated by artists like Luther Vandross, The Pointer Sisters & Rod Stewart.

Mr. Soul (1963):

Favorites: I Wish You Love, All The Way, These Foolish Things, Send Me Some Lovin’, Smoke Rings, Willow Weep for Me, Chains of Love, Cry Me A River.

Sam kept the momentum going with Mr. Soul. The title of the album is fit for a king, because he gives you just that on this album: SOUL!

Night Beat (1963):

Favorites: Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen, Mean Old World, Get Yourself Another Fool, Lost and lookin’, Please Don’t Drive Me Away, Fool’s Paradise, Shake, Rattle and Roll.

Being deemed one album you should listen to before you die, Night Beat has so many good tunes. 😩🙌🏾

Ain’t That Good News (1964):

Favorites: A Change Is Gonna Come, Good Times, The Riddle Song, Ain’t That Good News, Tennessee Waltz, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day, Home, Another Saturday Night.

Sam’s last album released during his lifetime (posthumous albums have been released following his death) is an automatic GEM. His signature song “A Change Is Gonna Come,” is an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. Haunting, but inspirational…& very important to Black History.

The rest of the album has great tunes like Ain’t That Good News! Overall one of my favorite albums from him.

Tragically Sam passed away at the height of his career. The circumstances surrounding his mysterious death is still a mystery to this day, but the music he left behind reigns supreme. ALWAYS.

The legacy of Sam Cooke lives on through his grandchildren being a singing group called “The Womack Sisters.” They’re on the rise to being great like Sam & their parents if they continue making boos like Darlin’!

Sam’s daughter Linda is also known for her music career. She was in a group with husband Cecil Womack titled “Womack & Womack,” writing songs for Teddy & Aretha…& also having a great career of their own.

Sam Cooke will forever be one of the best to ever do it. His music will forever stand the test of time. It’s something about Sam’s delivery, voice and charisma that will never be replaced by any musician period. The King of Soul will live on FOREVER! 😩🙌🏾