Some American Idol contestants have discovered the key to advancing to the next round. This article delves into the timeless influence of Sam Cooke on the show, highlighting memorable performances and the lasting impact of Cooke's music on aspiring singers.
Jimmy McNeal was visibly nervous as he stepped onto the American Idol stage. He announced to the judges that he would be singing "Cupid," a 1961 classic by Sam Cooke. As McNeal began, the judges' reactions were telling. Randy Jackson scrutinized the 23-year-old Texan's talent, Paula Abdul swayed approvingly, and Simon Cowell looked perplexed. McNeal had actually started with "Another Saturday Night," Cooke's 1963 hit, before transitioning into "Cupid." By the end of his performance, the judges were unanimous: Jimmy McNeal was headed to Hollywood with the last Golden Ticket of Season 6.
McNeal is just one of many contestants who have tapped into the enduring appeal of Sam Cooke's music. Akron Watson's rendition of "A Change Is Gonna Come" earlier in the competition also helped him advance, although he was later asked to leave the show for reasons that remain unclear. In Season 4, Randy Jackson praised David Brown's version of the same song as the best he had seen in four years. Gedeon McKinney also delivered a memorable performance of the song in Season 5.
Taylor Hicks, the Season 5 winner, impressed the judges with his audition performance of "A Change Is Gonna Come" and later sang "You Send Me" during a themed night. Paula Abdul remarked, "Sam would be proud of you!" and Rod Stewart admitted, "No one sings this song like Sam Cooke—nobody—but he did a great version."
Why does an artist who passed away over 40 years ago and had a pop career lasting only eight years continue to captivate audiences? Jerry Wexler, a legendary producer for Atlantic Records, perhaps said it best: "Sam was the best singer who ever lived, no contest. When I listen to him, I still can't believe the things that he did…everything about him was perfection."
Ray Charles also testified to Cooke's unparalleled talent, stating that Cooke "never hit a wrong note."
Sam Cooke, the son of a Baptist preacher, was raised in the church. By early 1951, less than three years after graduating high school, Cooke became the lead singer of The Soul Stirrers, the top gospel group of the time. His smooth tenor voice attracted young female fans by the dozens. Despite his success in gospel, Cooke transitioned to popular music in 1956, releasing "You Send Me" in 1957. This innovative song combined his gospel roots with a smooth R&B flavor, giving birth to what the world would call "Soul."
For the next seven years, Cooke wrote, arranged, produced, and recorded hit songs not just for himself but also for artists on the record labels he founded. Tragically, his life was cut short under mysterious circumstances on December 11, 1964.
Sam Cooke left behind a legacy of soulful, chart-topping hits, most of which he wrote himself. His influence is so profound that American Idol contestants know that performing a Sam Cooke classic well can almost guarantee advancement to higher rounds. Rod Stewart's comment, "No one sings this song like Sam Cooke…but he did a great version," is not an insult but the ultimate compliment.
Sam Cooke's music continues to inspire and challenge new generations of singers, proving that his legacy is as enduring as it is influential.
