Sam Cooke's legacy continues to resonate profoundly in the world of popular music, even more than 40 years after his untimely death. His pioneering efforts in the music industry have paved the way for countless artists, particularly those of color, to achieve both social and financial freedom.
In 2004, rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson earned over $50 million without releasing a single song, thanks to his ventures in film, clothing, and artist management. This kind of diversification is now common among musicians, but it was virtually unheard of in the early 20th century, especially for black artists. Sam Cooke was a trailblazer in this regard, setting a precedent that would influence generations to come.
In early 1959, Sam Cooke, along with his gospel music contemporaries J.W. Alexander and S.R. Crain, founded SAR Records. This made Cooke the first black recording artist to establish a record label. SAR Records, which stood for Sam, Alex, and Roy, became a platform for young talent, including Bobby Womack, Billy Preston, and Johnnie Taylor. Cooke's vision extended beyond just making music; he understood the power of ownership and was determined to control his destiny.
A year before founding SAR Records, Cooke made headlines in Little Rock, Arkansas, by challenging Jim Crow segregation. Concert promoters wanted him to perform two separate shows for black and white audiences. Cooke refused, insisting he was contracted for only one show. The promoters then seated blacks on one side of the auditorium and whites on the other. Unsatisfied, Cooke sang exclusively to the black side. This act of defiance led to integrated audiences in his subsequent performances in Little Rock. By 1961, Cooke routinely canceled shows that weren't integrated, a stance that his brother Charles vividly recalls.
Sam Cooke was one of the first artists to target the crossover market intentionally. His 1957 hit "You Send Me" is widely considered the first Soul song. It topped both the Pop and R&B charts, selling over 1.7 million singles. Cooke also broke cultural barriers by embracing his natural hair, rejecting the "processed" look that was prevalent among black celebrities at the time.
In January 1960, Cooke signed a groundbreaking deal with RCA, retaining ownership of his publishing rights. This move gave him full control over how his music was used and to whom songwriting royalties were paid. This was a significant shift in an industry notorious for exploiting artists. Cooke's deal set a new standard, influencing future generations of musicians.
Sam Cooke's pioneering efforts have had a lasting impact on the music industry. His fight for ownership and control over his work has inspired countless artists to seek similar arrangements. Without Cooke's groundbreaking efforts, modern artists like 50 Cent might never have had the opportunity to diversify their careers and achieve financial independence.
Sam Cooke's contributions to music and social justice continue to inspire and influence artists today. His legacy is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and the relentless pursuit of equality and ownership in the music industry.
