The Sam Cooke story is one of the most fascinating in music history. He was a true pioneer, a multi-talented artist who helped to shape the sound and style of popular music in the 1950s and 1960s. His recordings are some of the most beloved and influential in all of American music. And his untimely death at the age of 33 only added to his legend. Sam Cooke was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1931. He began his musical career as a gospel singer, touring with the legendary Soul Stirrers. But it was his move into secular music that made him a superstar. His hits "You Send Me," "Chain Gang," "Cupid," and "Twistin' the Night Away" were crossover smashes, appealing to both black and white audiences. Cooke was more than just a talented singer; he was also a gifted songwriter and producer. He wrote many of his own hits, as well as classics like "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "Bring It On Home To Me." He also founded his own record label, SAR Records, which gave him complete creative control over his music. Tragically, Cooke was shot and killed at a motel in Los Angeles in 1964. The circumstances surrounding his death are still shrouded in mystery. But what is certain is that Sam Cooke was a true original, a musical giant who left us far too soon. Today, Sam Cooke's music continues to inspire new generations of artists. His CDs and vinyl records are cherished by fans all over the world. And his legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time is secure.