Legendary recording artist Sam Cooke was born this day in 1931 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. “Considered by many to be the definitive soul singer, Cooke blended sensuality and spirituality, sophistication and soul, movie-idol looks and gospel-singer poise,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says about Cooke, whose hits include “Chain Gang,” “Cupid” and “Another Saturday Night.”
The trailblazing recording artist who helped shape the soul music died on Dec. 11, 1964, in Los Angeles, California.
According to Rolling Stone, the singer was fatally shot by motel manager Bertha Franklin, who said the singer broke into her office and attacked her. It was deemed a “justifiable homicide” and Franklin was never charged. Cooke was 33.
