The Unforgettable Sam Cooke

This compilation features tracks recorded by Sam for RCA prior to his tragic passing. It’s not your typical greatest hits album, but it surpasses the usual posthumous releases often found in these circumstances. Arrangements are by Stan Applebaum, Jimmie Haskell, and Rene Hall. Some of the titles included are “Feel It”, “One More Time”, “Soothe Me”, “I’m Gonna Forget About You”, “That’s All”, “I Ain’t Gonna Cheat On You No More”, “Sugar Dumpling”, and “Wonderful World”.

Sam Cooke, born on January 22, 1931, was an influential American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Renowned for his smooth and soulful voice, Cooke rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits like “You Send Me” and “A Change Is Gonna Come.” He played a significant role in shaping the sound of soul music and became one of the first African-American artists to achieve crossover success on both the pop and R&B charts. Beyond his musical talents, Cooke was also a trailblazer in the music industry, founding his own record label and publishing company to maintain creative control over his work. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 33 in 1964, but his legacy endures as one of the greatest voices in the history of popular music.