Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1931

A star by the age of nine

Sam was a ministers son

 

A Cooke, with siblings, he was, indeed,

A prodigy creating songs

Through immortal eyes I see

 

A teenager in the 40s

Sam would sing the lead

With the nationally famous Gospel group

The Highway QCs

 

An incubator of Gospel music

Chi-town had become

Here, Sam was a top act

A place where other greats are from

 

Regardless of the song he sang

Sam would stir the soul

In 1950, Jesus gave him water

He was twenty years old

 

A superstar of Gospel

He challenged the status quo

He called himself Dale for a spell

But could hide no more

 

Lovable, considered secular

Received clapping hands

Though 25,000 copies were sold,

He was booed by Gospel fans

 

God sent him a song in 57

You Send Me went number one

Selling 1.7 million

 

In 59, he had everyone dancing

The cha-cha-cha became new again

Our hearts, Sam Cooke did win

A singer, songwriter, and lyricist I see

An entrepreneur with a wife

And a baby girl named Tracy

 

I can still hear the chain gang sing

Thanks to Sam

I see Cupids arrow and feel the sting

 

Thinking of Sam

Just twisting the night away

Smiling, enjoying life

Having a party

 

Thank you Sam Cooke

(1931-1964)

Rest in Peace