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January 24, 2005
Sam Cooke
Hindrocket at powerline has a good biography post celebrating the birth of Sam Cooke of Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers. Hindrocket writes: 'Sam Cooke was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 22, 1931, grew up a son of the church in Chicago, and died a violent death under unsavory circumstances in Los Angeles on December 11, 1964. In the beginning, writes Cooke biographer Joe McEwen, Cooke was black America's favorite gospel singer. At age 19 Cooke replaced the lead singer -- his idol R.H. Harris -- in the popular and aptly named harmony gospel group, the Soul Stirrers. (In the photo of the group below, Cooke is at the bottom center.)
The Stirrers had long since established themselves as pioneers of the new gospel sound, forged on contemporary compositions and strong lead singing alternating with a second lead. Harris had introduced the technique of singing slightly behind the time and ad libbing to the theme, producing an effect "enough askew to create irresistible syncopations," according to gospel historian Anthony Heilbut.'
There were a lot of really good gospel groups and music of the Sam Cooke era that have now practically disappeared. My personal favorites can be found in the 2 cd set There Will Be No Sweeter Sound: Columbia-Okeh Post-War Gospel Story '47-'62. This has tracks by groups like Bill Landford & The Landfordaires, the Deep South Boys, The Sons of Glory, and Sister Myrtle Fields. This music is a lot different and a lot better than anything you will here today in either popular contemporary Christian or secular music.
Posted by Pete at January 24, 2005 11:48 AM
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