Sam Cooke’s Ain’t That Good News captures the peak of his artistry — blending smooth, gospel‑infused vocals with deeply felt social and personal themes. The album, including iconic tracks like A Change Is Gonna Come, showcases his ability to make music that’s both timeless and socially resonant, cementing his legacy as one of soul music’s most influential voices.
What many miss is how deeply Cooke influenced artists who came after him.
Aretha Franklin, who grew up with gospel roots like Cooke and briefly toured with the Soul Stirrers, cited him as a major influence and later made his “A Change Is Gonna Come” her own in live performance — turning his emotional truth into something personal and profound in her voice.
Keeper! I was Uncle John and the guitar player in a local award winning The Grapes of Wrath and the opening theme was A Change... we stood in an eerie tableau the music swelling and for the next couple of hours we lived there down by the river. 🍇 The music director picked it and then told me to change my music last minute I had written for the transition Texas through New Mexico monolgue I sang detailing our journey... And that's the end of New Mexico... I stood my ground. He said my blues rock 12 string version (a reworked Big Railroad Blues) was too modern I shrugged, "Too late to change it bro go cry to the director." The inmates who saw our charity outreach show gave me a standing O with chains on! Sam wasn't from the 30's either. The guy still holds a grudge. Moral? Stand up for your rights! Same Cooke did it.
The more I learn about Sam Cooke, the more I am grateful to know his history. This was a fantastic writeup of not just about "Ain't That Good News," but also about who he was and what he did for the black community in the music industry.
Sam Cooke’s Ain’t That Good News captures the peak of his artistry — blending smooth, gospel‑infused vocals with deeply felt social and personal themes. The album, including iconic tracks like A Change Is Gonna Come, showcases his ability to make music that’s both timeless and socially resonant, cementing his legacy as one of soul music’s most influential voices.
What many miss is how deeply Cooke influenced artists who came after him.
Aretha Franklin, who grew up with gospel roots like Cooke and briefly toured with the Soul Stirrers, cited him as a major influence and later made his “A Change Is Gonna Come” her own in live performance — turning his emotional truth into something personal and profound in her voice.
Agree, such profound soul music. Thanks for sharing!
Keeper! I was Uncle John and the guitar player in a local award winning The Grapes of Wrath and the opening theme was A Change... we stood in an eerie tableau the music swelling and for the next couple of hours we lived there down by the river. 🍇 The music director picked it and then told me to change my music last minute I had written for the transition Texas through New Mexico monolgue I sang detailing our journey... And that's the end of New Mexico... I stood my ground. He said my blues rock 12 string version (a reworked Big Railroad Blues) was too modern I shrugged, "Too late to change it bro go cry to the director." The inmates who saw our charity outreach show gave me a standing O with chains on! Sam wasn't from the 30's either. The guy still holds a grudge. Moral? Stand up for your rights! Same Cooke did it.
I was booooooorn by the river!
The more I learn about Sam Cooke, the more I am grateful to know his history. This was a fantastic writeup of not just about "Ain't That Good News," but also about who he was and what he did for the black community in the music industry.
Thanks Brian! Much appreciated