Sam Cooke | Vibepedia

Sam Cooke, born Samuel Cook in 1931, rose from gospel choirs to become a pioneering soul icon with timeless hits like 'You Send Me' and 'A Change Is Gonna Come.' He shattered racial barriers in music by blending sacred roots with secular pop, while launching his own record label amid the Civil Rights era. Tragically cut short at 33, his smooth vocals and business savvy continue to echo through generations of artists.[1][2][3]