Sam Cooke was a legendary singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to Black history. Born in 1931 in Mississippi, Cooke began his music career as a gospel singer with the Soul Stirrers. He later transitioned to secular music and became one of the first Black artists to break through the racial barriers of the music industry during the 1950s and 1960s.

Cooke was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to blend various musical genres, including soul, R&B, and pop. Some of his most famous songs include "A Change is Gonna Come," "Cupid," and "Twistin' the Night Away." Cooke's smooth, emotive vocals and socially conscious lyrics resonated with audiences and helped pave the way for future Black artists in the music industry.

In addition to his music career, Cooke was also a trailblazer in the business world. He founded his own record label, SAR Records, which helped launch the careers of other Black artists. Cooke also fought for civil rights and was involved in the struggle for racial equality, using his platform to raise awareness and support the Black community.

Tragically, Sam Cooke's life was cut short when he was shot and killed under mysterious circumstances in 1964. Despite his untimely death, Cooke's influence on music and culture continues to be felt to this day, making him a pivotal figure in Black history.