Sam Cooke Net Worth
Sam Cooke had an estimated net worth of $2 million at the time of his death. Sam Cooke was a trailblazing recording artist who helped shape the soul and pop scene with hits like “You Send Me,” “Chain Gang” and “Sad Mood.” He earned most of his income from album sales, concerts and business ventures.
Sam Cooke sang in the gospel group The Soul Stirrers before landing big hits like “You Send Me,” “Wonderful World,” “Chain Gang” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.” A link between soul and pop, he had a broad repertoire that appealed to both black and white audiences, and founded his own record label and publishing company. Cooke died on December 11, 1964, in Los Angeles, California.
To calculate the net worth of Sam Cooke, subtract all his liabilities from his total assets. Investments, savings, cash deposits, and any equity he has in a house, car, or other similar asset are included in the total assets. All debts, such as personal loans and mortgages, are included in total liabilities.
Here’s the breakdown of his net worth:
| Name: | Sam Cooke |
| Net Worth: | $2 Million |
| Monthly Salary: | $70 Thousand |
| Annual Income: | $1 Million |
| Source of Wealth: | Singer, Singer-songwriter, Entrepreneur |
Early Life
Singer Sam Cooke, sometimes called the father of soul music, first reached the top of the charts in 1957 with “You Send Me.” A string of pop and R&B hits followed, but he actually began as a gospel singer. Born Samuel Cook in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he grew up in Chicago as the son of a minister.
As a child, Cooke began performing with his family. In his teens, he formed a quintet called the Highway QCs. Cooke modeled his early work on one of his biggest inspirations, the Soul Stirrers, a popular gospel group. Shortly after graduating from high school in 1948, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime: he was asked to join the Soul Stirrers, which gave him the chance to hone his craft.
Career Highlights
Cooke began to venture into secular music after six years with the Soul Stirrers. Under the alias “Dale Cooke,” he released his first single, “Lovable,” in 1957. Cooke’s first number one hit, “You Send Me,” came later that year. This ballad was so popular among music fans that it knocked Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” off the top of the charts. Soon, he was putting his crystal-clear, velvet-smooth voice to work on uptempo songs like “Only Sixteen” and “Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha.”
Cooke was a businessman as well as a talented singer and songwriter. In 1959, he founded his own publishing company for his music, and in 1960, he signed a lucrative contract with RCA. Cooke would not only receive a substantial advance, but he would also gain ownership of his master recordings after 30 years.
This was a remarkable achievement for an artist at the time. He remained a behind-the-scenes pioneer, starting his own record label in the early 1960s. Cooke collaborated with other artists on his label to promote the careers of Bobby Womack and Billy Preston, among others.
Cooke’s move to RCA was followed by more hits, including 1960’s “Chain Gang.” Cooke’s social commentary was hidden behind the song’s catchy rhythm, which mimicked the sound of prisoners breaking rocks. From the 1960 ballad “Wonderful World” to the 1962 dance track “Twistin’ the Night Away,” he continued to win over fans with a variety of musical styles. Cooke’s ode to loneliness, “Another Saturday Night,” charted again in 1963.
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Tragic Death and Legacy
Nobody knows exactly what happened in the early hours of December 11, 1964. Cooke had been drinking at a Los Angeles bar the night before, where he met a woman named Elisa Boyer. The two hit it off and ended up at the Hacienda Motel.
The couple got into an argument in their room, and Cooke ended up in the motel’s office. He allegedly argued with the motel’s manager, who then shot Cooke. Cooke died as a result of his injury, which the manager claimed was in self-defense. It was later determined to be justifiable homicide.
Thousands gathered to pay their respects to the legendary singer. Ray Charles and Lou Rawls performed at his funeral in Los Angeles, and another in his former hometown of Chicago. Cooke’s record label released his song “A Change Is Gonna Come” a year after his death. In response to Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” he wrote this civil rights anthem. It was possibly his most political song.
Whatever the circumstances of his death, Cooke left behind a massive musical legacy. Listening to recordings of his live shows, such as his 1963 performance at Miami’s Harlem Square Club, is all it takes to recognize his contributions to soul music. Cooke, as a pop icon, has endured through his songs. Among the artists who have covered his work are Otis Redding and Al Green. In 1986, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Sam Cooke Quotes
I say, as a singer grows older, his conception grows a little deeper, because he lives life and he understands what he is trying to say a little more. And I think this gives. If a singer tries to find out what’s happening in life, it gives him a better insight on telling the story of the song he is trying to sing.
Sam Cooke
It’s been a long time coming. But I know a change is gonna come
Sam Cooke
There been times when I thought I couldn’t last for long But now I think I’m able to carry on It’s been a long, been a long time coming But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will
Sam Cooke
It’s been too hard living, but I’m afraid to die. ‘Cause I don’t know what’s up there, beyond the sky.
Sam Cooke
I was born by the river, in a little tent, and just like the river I’ve been running ever since.
Sam Cooke
Don’t know much about history, don’t know much biology, don’t know much about a science book, don’t know much about the French I took.
Sam Cooke
Another Saturday night and I ain’t got nobody.
Sam Cooke
You know, I’ll always be your slave ’til I’m buried, buried in my grave.
Sam Cooke
Shakin’ like a bowl of soup and make your body loop-de-loop.
Sam Cooke
View our larger collection of the best Sam Cooke quotes.
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