Cooke, Sam
The Great Sam Cooke
Widely regarded as the first true star of soul music, Sam Cooke had already served his musical apprenticeship before being elevated to stardom. Originally a gospel singer, by the time Sam embarked on a solo career he began by following the path previously well trodden by the likes of Nat King Cole and becoming something of a crooner. As time went by and his own song writing talents came to the fore, Sam would forge his own identity, one which countless artists since have tried to emulate.