DJ What’s What discusses the life, legacy, and lasting influence of soul legend Sam Cooke. From the early gospel days with The Soul Stirrers to his chart-topping hits, Cooke shaped the sound of soul and paved the way for future icons, while making his mark as a business man and civil rights advocate. Produced at KXCI Tucson, with help from the education team, this show is made possible thanks to listener support!
Transcript:
0:07: This is Bonus Tracks on 91.3 KXCI Tucson, and I’m DJ What’s What.
0:13: Today I’m going to talk about Sam Cooke and his legacy and influence in the soul music genre.
0:19: Sam Cooke is considered one of the greatest soul artists of all time.
0:24: Some even call him the king of soul.
0:26: He was one of the most influential black voices of his time and rose above all the rest in the genre of soul music.
0:34: Cook paved the way for artists like Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.
0:38: His career started with the gospel group Soul Stirrers.
Music Sample: (0:38 seconds) “Time Brings about a Change” from Joy in My Soul: The Complete SAR Recordings, ABKCO 1965
1:01: And when he turned his attention to pop music in 1957, he broke the mold.
Music Sample: (0:23 seconds) “You Send Me” from Sam Cooke, Keen Records 1958
1:27: Cook wrote many of his best songs, including You Send Me, which was his first big hit and shot to number one on all the charts, making him a superstar.
1:44: In his 8-year career, he released hit after hit, making it to the top 40 many times.
Music Sample “What A Wonderful World” (0:12 seconds) from The Best Of Sam Cooke, RCA 1962
Music Sample: “Cupid” (0:11 seconds) from The Best Of Sam Cooke, RCA, 1962
Music Sample: (0:28 seconds) “Chain Gang” from The Best of Sam Cooke, RCA, 1962
2:28: Cook made himself an independent businessman, leading his own record label and publishing company, SAR Records.
2:45: He was also involved in the civil rights movement.
Music Sample: (0:57 seconds) “A Change Is Gonna Come” from A Change Is Gonna Come, ABKCO, 1964
3:14: The tragedy of his death in 1964 is shrouded in mystery, but it doesn’t let it lessen his legacy and contribution to soul music.
3:27: Yes That’s all I have for you today.
3:30: I’m DJ Whats What and you just heard Bonus Tracks on 91.3 KXCI Tucson.
3:36: To hear more episodes, visit KXCI.org.
3:40: Now let’s get back to the music.
