Sam Cooke

Samuel Cooke (1931-1964) was an American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, widely considered one of the most influential soul artists of all time. He is often referred to as the "King of Soul" for his:

Distinctive vocals: He possessed a powerful, smooth, and expressive tenor voice with a unique rasp.
Pioneering contributions to the genre: He played a crucial role in shaping the sound and style of soul music, blending gospel with elements of R&B and pop.
Significance in popular music: His music transcended racial barriers and influenced countless artists across various genres.
Here's a summary of his career:

Early career: Started singing gospel with the Soul Stirrers in the 1950s, gaining recognition for his powerful voice and charisma.
Solo success: Transitioned to a solo career in the late 1950s and achieved widespread success with hits like "You Send Me," "Twistin' the Night Away," and "A Change Is Gonna Come."
Entrepreneurship: Founded his own record label, SAR Records, becoming one of the first Black artists to control his own musical output.
Activism: Used his platform to advocate for civil rights, highlighting issues faced by the Black community.
Tragically, Cooke's life was cut short in 1964 at the age of 33.