Which American soul singer was murdered on December 11, 1964 in Los Angeles?
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Sam Cooke, one of the most influential voices in American soul music, was murdered in Los Angeles on December 11, 1964. Born on January 22, 1931, Sam Cooke was not only a talented singer, but also a composer and producer. He is considered a pioneer of soul and pop, with hits such as You Send Me, A Change Is Gonna Come, Wonderful World and Chain Gang, which have profoundly marked the history of American music.
Sam Cooke’s death occurred in tragic and controversial circumstances. He died at the age of 33, shot by the manager of a Los Angeles motel, Bertha Franklin, who claimed to have acted in self-defense after Sam Cooke, in a state of panic and apparently disoriented, became aggressive.
According to the official version, Sam Cooke was shot after attempting to force his way into the motel office. He was looking for a young woman who had accompanied him that evening and who had disappeared, leading him to believe that she had robbed him.
The inquest concluded that Sam Cooke’s death was the result of an act of self-defense, but many questions remain surrounding that fateful night, and the exact circumstances of his death are still the subject of speculation and theorizing.
Despite his tragic end, Sam Cooke left an inestimable musical legacy. His influence extends far beyond soul music, inspiring generations of singers and artists, from Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. He is often dubbed the King of Soul for his ability to blend gospel, rhythm and blues and pop with ease, creating a unique sound that appealed to both African-Americans and a wider audience.
Sam Cooke also played a key role in the struggle for civil rights in the United States, notably with his iconic song A Change Is Gonna Come, which became an anthem for the civil rights movement. The song, inspired by his personal experience of racism, testifies to his faith in a better future for African-Americans and his commitment to equality.
Sam Cooke was also one of the first African-American artists to own his own record label and control his music publishing rights, paving the way for other black artists to control their own careers.
Although his life was cut short, Sam Cooke’s impact on American music and culture remains palpable. His songs continue to be covered and celebrated the world over, and he is regularly cited as one of the greatest artists of all time.
In 1986, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in tribute to his outstanding contribution to music. Sam Cooke remains an iconic figure, not only for his suave, powerful voice, but also for his role in transforming popular music and his commitment to civil rights.
December 11, 1964 remains a sombre date in music history, marking the untimely loss of one of soul’s greatest legends. Yet Sam Cooke continues to inspire through his music, his determination to overcome racial obstacles and his dream of a better future for all.
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Which American soul singer was murdered on December 11, 1964 in Los Angeles?
Answer
Sam Cooke, famous American soul singer, was tragically murdered in a Los Angeles motel on December 11, 1964, at the age of 33.