Sam Cooke

The Truth

By: B.G. Rhule, Joanna Katsune

Narrated by: B.G. Rhule

Length: 5 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The only biography of Sam Cooke that his family has claimed as being both truthful and inclusive of not only his life, but his death. For over half a century, the man who invented soul music by marrying gospel to pop when he crossed over in 1957, with his immense hit "You Send Me", was blamed for causing his own death by kidnapping a woman who was a known prostitute and being shot by a .22 pistol in the hand of motel owner, even though her registered firearm was a .38. What happened when Sam's attorney attempted to request a trial? Where were his bloody clothes? Why wasn't the crime scene preserved? How did LA Police Chief William H. Parker's easy relationship with mobsters since the days of Mickey Cohen factor into the coverup? How did his label's manager so easily take his titles of operation to Reno and make Sam an employee of his own company?

What has never been revealed until now are the true motives for not only Sam being set up and murdered, but others in the then-mobbed up music industry killed, as well, with evidence beyond circumstantial that would seem to implicate, among others, Allen Klein, Sam's last manager--with whom he had no contract--who was a protégé of mobster Morris Levy, himself a conduit for mob bosses Vito Genovese and Sam Giancana. Klein and Levy may have played significant roles in the deaths of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, singer/songwriter Bobby Fuller, Stones' founder Brian Jones, Shep Shephard, Larry Williams, and Johnny Burnette. For the first time, connections have been discovered that seem to indicate Sam Cooke's desire to be an independent producer of young Black talent was what set off RCA (as mobbed-up as most labels), particularly Liberty Records distribution, where Sam's oversight of his pressings limited money laundering and set a bad precedent for those like Klein and levy who skimmed off the top, if allowed to continue. "He didn't go along with the program," Col. Tom Parker told Elvis. Lou Rawls' wife, Lana, spoke of opportunism overheard at Sam's office and studio.

Like other victims, Sam was egregiously mislabeled and chastised in character, called "a womanizer", said to be hot-tempered. Yet, numerous testimonies from those who knew him best, including mothers of his children who were unwittingly bamboozled out of copyright monies by Allen Klein's attorneys back in the '80's, and his many friends and associates in the music business, contradict such character assassination. Even his neighbors in the Los Feliz section of LA have long disbelieved the fabrications. His girlfriend of 13 years, Dorothy Holloway Miller, has never gotten over the sight of Sam in the casket, whom she witnessed as "having been beaten by at least five people" while those he discovered, like Billy Preston and Johnny Morissette, were never the same.

Today, Sam Cooke's music has enjoyed a cultural resurgence, yet the movies that try to tell his story fall short, mostly because they fail to also include the stories told by his family and closest friends. Sam was very close to his family, particularly his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. He loved all his children, despite his wife, Barbara, telling their daughters otherwise. This is the story of a warm, affable, beloved brother, son, uncle, dad, and boyfriend who had the misfortune of striving to be an independent Black artist in 1964, when such a notion would not be tolerated by the powers that be....

©2021 B.G. Rhule/Elissa Sheridan (P)2022 B.G. Rhule/Elissa Sheridan

Captivating research on a soul pioneer

B.G. Rhule challenges the official narrative surrounding the death of pioneer soul singer Sam Cooke on December 11, 1964, who was slain at age 33. The author presents evidence of a cover-up, and interviews Cooke's family, friends, and associates. Rhule's research is meticulous, and demonstrates the connection between the recording industry and the mob. The book recalls a time when Elvis Presley vented frustration with movie projects being arranged by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, and "The King" being encouraged not to end up like his friend Sam Cooke. Rhule points out that Cooke's body was discovered wearing one shoe, which translates in mob code for authorities not to investigate. Rhule explores the reasons behind the "You Send Me" singer's murder, and the suspected conspirators. "Sam Cooke: The Truth" is also a gripping biography tracing his gospel roots, and clears up many misconceptions about this phenomenal entertainer.