I heard the other day through a friend of mine, creole/zydeco legend Terrance Simien, that this documentary was released. I got a chance to watch it last night and wanted to recommend it. Sam Cooke has always been a favorite artist of mine. I have fond memories of my parents playing his records when I was a kid. Personally, I believe he had the greatest soul voice of the 60s. He was also a very brave man in a very unsettling time for blacks in America. Some, but not nearly enough, know of his work in the Civil Rights Movement.
This documentary makes clear how involved he was. I've known the story of his death and the controvesy surrounding the theories that are out there for a long, long time. This is one conspiracy theory I actually believe.
This documentary is outstanding, but frankly too short. I think they could have gone much deeper, but focusing on Cooke they left a lot out about the times.
It touches on the issue of how he died, and how it appeared to be a set up, but it doesn't beat you over the head with a conclusion.
If you're a music affecionado and appreciate the historical and social impacts of music and the artists, and particularly if you like Sam Cooke and don't know of his efforts in the Civil Rights movement (not to mention his work to ensure blacks could own their own music/publishing/etc), this is a great documentary.
And as an aside, if you don't know Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, check them out. Particularly now as we approach Fat Tuesday.
The Two Killings of Sam Cooke - (
New Window )
In addition to civil rights, Sam broke another barrier. Some Baptist gospel singers considered it sinful to sing "pop".
When Sam, a big name in gospel music, first "crossed over" he used an alias. Later when he recorded using his real name Aretha Franklin was inspired to follow.
+1
Same with me, cause that's where it's at.
As for great music documentaries, has anyone here seen Oil City Confidential about Dr. Feelgood? One of the best ever.
McKee and I are still good friends. You'd laugh your ass off if I told you the story about how we "met" and then realized we were friends on BBI. Small freaking world. I'll let him know you asked for him.
I think it was Jerry Wexler who noted--and I'm paraphrasing here--that it was a testament to how unusually talented Sam Cooke was to have been able to breathe such emotion into the RCA tunes, which for any other singer would have been by and large throwaway bubblegum drivel.
I’d like to think that conditions have dramatically improved since then, but I’ve spoken to those who disagree.
Still a really good doc about one of the best singers. He was so influential on so many of the best soul and R&B singers that came after him.
His version of "Tennessee Waltz" blows me away.
For anyone curious, I recommend the Night Beat LP for the best of his non-gospel efforts.
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would love this thread. I think he was banned a few years ago, but he seemed a good egg and he loved this era of music.
McKee and I are still good friends. You'd laugh your ass off if I told you the story about how we "met" and then realized we were friends on BBI. Small freaking world. I'll let him know you asked for him.
Always wondered what happened to McKee? He could not have gotten banded? The only thing I ever remember him posting was great stories about the Music Promotion Business. Did he lose interest or did he slip one night and break the rules (Like most of us have?).