American Legends: The Life of Sam Cooke

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Dennis Logan

Length: 1 hr and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

"I think the secret is really observation. Well, if you observe what's going on and try to figure out how people are thinking, I think you can always write something that people will understand." (Sam Cooke)

A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors' American Legends series, listeners can get caught up to speed on the lives of America's most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.

If Sam Cooke, one of the greatest African-American soul singers in the genre's history, had been Irish, he might have kept company with the likes of the great balladeer and classical tenor John McCormack. If he had been born Italian, he might have starred in the refined, lyrical Mozart opera roles usually reserved for those with extreme musical sensitivity. Such was the level of excellence in Cooke's inner understanding of his own voice, which was capable of exquisite classical precision and a finesse in phrasing that lay far beyond the norm. He could have prospered and attained greatness in any genre of his choice, but considering the timing of the American audience and his African-American heritage, Sam Cooke instead pioneered a new genre and became its greatest practitioner by blending Black musical traditions that incorporated all the refinement and beauty of European classical genres yet still spoke from the heart of his rural American roots.

©2012- Charles River Editors (P)2015 Charles River Editors

On the Life and Times of Sam Cook(e)

This is not an exhaustive study of Sam Cook’s life. However it is a fresh perspective and challenges the focus many historians have on Sam’s philandering. It shines a light on Sam’s business acumen and fall’s just short of calling him the father of pop music. It has encouraged me to read more about him and that’s what a good book should do.

Good Into

The information given in this audible was great for research purposes, but the performance of the story teller was atrocious to listen too. But I got through it. It sounded at times like he was having a bowel movement. I know that’s harsh criticism but you would hope that the voice you were listening to could be more entertaining. Not to mention the mispronunciations of words. Come on man, you can’t get the name wrong on one of the biggest hits. But I still enjoyed it.

A Change is Gonna Come...

American Legends: The Life of Sam Cooke by Charles River Editors and narrated by Dennis Logan is a good start for those not familiar with Cooke’s work and life. Some of the topics include; growing up, rise to fame, family life, personal life, music business, pop image vs. personal image vs. other image, racial issues, death of son, the murder of Sam (the contradictions between the stories of the killers, lack of police investigations, etc.), his wife remarrying soon after his death, and his funeral.
The narrator was OK, felt rushed in the beginning. Overall I’d recommend for those looking to learn more about Sam’s life. If you are knowledge on the subject, you likely won’t find anything new but could be a good refresher.