Sam Cooke was a pioneering African American singer and songwriter who played a major role in the development of soul music in the 1950s and 1960s. Born in 1931 in Mississippi, Cooke began his career as a gospel singer with the iconic group The Soul Stirrers before branching out into secular music. He had a string of hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including "You Send Me," "Chain Gang," and "A Change Is Gonna Come."

Cooke was not only a talented performer but also a savvy businessman who founded his own record label and publishing company, making him one of the first black artists to have ownership and control over his music. He was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and used his platform to speak out against racial injustice.

Tragically, Cooke's life was cut short in 1964 when he was shot and killed under suspicious circumstances. Despite his untimely death, his music and influence continue to resonate, and he is remembered as a trailblazer in the music industry and a champion for social change.