This comprehensive biography honors the incomparable Sam Cooke's musical genius, and shows us the complicated man
behind his ability to grasp the changing music scene of the late 1950s and early '60s. The extensive account of
his childhood and his background in gospel music is fascinating. African-American musicians touring the South faced
a host of racial realities that musicians of later eras did not, and Sam's personality may have been shaped by the
problems he faced as a youngster. Peter Guralnick conducted many interviews with his family, friends and colleagues
to reveal the real Sam Cooke.
His talent and energetic vocal style coupled with his ability to cross over from one type of music to another
gave him near-superstar status. He started with gospel music after the war and then moved over into rhythm and blues,
signing with RCA in 1960 and releasing the catchy pop singles that we most remember him for: You Send Me,
Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha, and (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons.
Cooke suffered many personal problems in the marriage to his former childhood sweetheart, family tragedy, and
professional rancor with record companies, but the public loved his marvelous, unforgettable voice and his vivid
stage persona. The sordid events of Cooke's violent death; unexpectedly shot down at thirty-three years old may
have overshadowed his musical contributions. The public forgets so quickly... but this extensive biography summons
up an entire era with great poignancy and drama and reveals a fascinating American artist.
Guralnick, in his enthusiasm and determination to bring us the whole story, may have included more information
than we really needed to know. I found the many music gigs in Cooke's early days somewhat repetitive, and found
myself tempted to skip pages and get to the more relevant segments. The book, however, did tempt me to go on a hunt
for Sam Cooke's music... how could I have forgotten how great he was?