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- Birth name: Sam Cook
- AKA: Dale Cooke
- Born: January 22, 1931
- Birthplace: Clarksdale, Mississippi
- 4 R&B; #1 singles
- 1 Pop #1 single
- Died: December 11, 1964
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Background
Cooke started his career as a gospel singer, first singing in a quartet with his siblings, then as part of a group called the Highway QCs. He signed with Keen Records in 1957, and his first release, "You Send Me," went to #1 on both the Billboard Pop and R&B; charts.Cook's success continued with songs like "Chain Gang," "Wonderful World," "Cupid" and "Twistin' the Night Away." He established his own music label, SAR Records, and later his own publishing and management firm, establishing his status as both an accomplished musician and businessman.
He was at the peak of his fame when he was shot and killed by Bertha Franklin in 1964. Though she stated Cooke had threatened her life when she shot him, many dispute her claim.
He remains, however, one of the most influential soul and R&B singers of all time. Artists from all genres, from The Beatles to Marvin Gaye, have all listed Cooke as an inspiration.
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Hit Songs
- 1957: "You Send Me"
- 1957: "I'll Come Running Back to You"
- 1960: "Wonderful World"
- 1960: "Chain Gang"
- 1962: "Twistin' the Night Away"
- 1963: "Another Saturday Night"
- 1965: "Shake"
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Sam Cooke Questions
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What ever happen to Elisa Boyer of Sam Cooke infamy? 1 AnswerI haven't found anything about her, according to truTv she simply slipped to anonymity. http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/celebrity/sam_cook... read more -
Do you watch Sam Donaldson? 3 AnswersI have watched Sam Donaldson but I do get news from the internet as well as some of the cable news channels. I like to get viewpoints from different sources. read more
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