Everyone who has read my blogs knows that the song that I love, A Change Gone Come by Sam Cooke will always be with me. I have done some more research and found out some interesting tidbits about the inception of the song and the artist. So here goes.
Early Review:
Palmer, Robert. “The Pop Life: [Review].” Rev.of A Change Gone Come, By Sam Cooke. New York Times [New York, N.Y.] 29 Jan 1986. Proquest. DCCC Library, Lexington, N.C. 16 Apr. 2009
Robert Palmer’s review of A Change Gone Come, contends that Cooke returns full circle to his gospel roots, to a song concerned with the civil rights movement. It is a song of faith and determination. Cooke's work from the early 50's until the time of his death in the early 60's was unequal for sheer musicality.Palmer says, “This is music that will live as long as Americans dream of freedom.”
About the Music:
Cave, Damien. “Greatest Soul Song Ever.” Rolling Stone 24 June 2004: 94 Research Library. ProQuest. DCCC, Lexington, N.C. 16Apr. 2009
This article was quite eye opening. Cave talks about the departure of the type of music usually heard from Cooke. Most of Cooke’s singles were sweet love ballads and dance numbers. This song was earth shattering and the social implications of the song were clear. The inspiration for A Change Gone Come, came from a folk singer named Bob Dylan. After hearing Dylan’s "Blowing in the Wind"(1963), a song about racism in America, and its treatment of the plight of black Americans and other politically oppressed minorities. Cooke was so inspired by the song he felt like he had to come up with something that would give people something to think about. After a concert in Durham, N.C. speaking with sit in demonstrators, Cooke went to his tour bus and wrote the first draft of A Change Gone Come.
Something about Today:
Blakely, Derrick. “Legendary Sam Cooke Song Proves Visionary” http:www.cbs2chicago.com
This article explores the connection between Sam Cooke and the 44th President. Like President Obama in politics, Sam Cooke was a trailblazer in music. He was one of the first black artist to take control of his musical career. He founded both a record label and publishing company as an extension of his career as a singer and songwriter. On election night, President elect paid homage to Cooke. “It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, change has come to America.” Both these men have a strong social conscience. A Change Gone Come was the theme of the 2008 presidential campaign. Like the song, Barack Obama gave people and not just African Americans hope, he put forth the idea of change for all Americans. As a result, he became the 44th President of the United States.
What Now?
I have run across several books about the life of Sam Cooke. I am sure they go into details about what this man was truly about. I also would like to find out more about death. Details of his death have never been fully investigated or was not done properly. He was shot to death in 1964, 11 days before A Change Gone Come was released. This song gives us a hint at the direction Cooke might have taken had he lived.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
ReneHall/A Change Gone Come
Few people have ever heard of Rene Hall. The only ones who really know him are fans of doo wop music of the 1950’s and 1960’s, or what was called Chitlin’ Circuit music, or what I like call brown liquor music. Most of it is not in the lyrics of the songs but the instrumental part that gets the blood pumping. His first recording was as a banjo player with Joseph Robichaux in New Orleans in 1933. He began traveling around the country as a musician and arranger with orchestras from Earl Hines, to the big band orchestras of Ernie Fields. (https://www.amazines.com/Rene_Hall_related.html)
The song, A Change Gone Come may have been a hit with just the empowering words and a piano. However, what makes it a song that has stood the test of time is the musical arrangement by Rene Hall. Hall is not just an arranger he played a jazz guitar, a banjo and was a vocalist. He did session work and has had his own groups in the 50‘s and 60’s. Hall has played and arranged music for some of the biggest names of Motown, such as the Impressions and Marvin Gaye. He was the featured guitarist on “La Bamba” by Richie Valens.
If it had not been for his arrangement on “A Change Gone Come”, it may not have become the classic that it is. Hall wrote the arrangement as if he was composing a big movie score, with symphonic overture for strings, kettledrum and French horn, each in separate movements. The French horn is what so dramatic and gives the song that mournful sound. The orchestral arrangement matches the dignity of the words to song. You have to listen to the song to hear the way that the words blend so perfect with the arrangement. Sit back and listen the way that the orchestration of the music takes over. It is like a good glass of wine it is just smooth.
You have more than likely heard Rene Hall’s music and not knew it. Listen to Bitter Wind or Slipping and Sliding. If you ever watched and Annette Funcello and Frankie Avalon beach movie you have heard his music. Some people will never be as passionate as I am about this song and arrangement. It has so much empowerment for me. Thanks to Rene Hall’s arrangement, it makes me look at music differently.
https://www.amazines.com/Rene_Hall_related.html
http://www.last.fm/music/Sam+Cooke
http://www.rhapsody.com/rene-hall
http://www.last.fm/music/Ritchie+Valens/_/La+Bamba
The song, A Change Gone Come may have been a hit with just the empowering words and a piano. However, what makes it a song that has stood the test of time is the musical arrangement by Rene Hall. Hall is not just an arranger he played a jazz guitar, a banjo and was a vocalist. He did session work and has had his own groups in the 50‘s and 60’s. Hall has played and arranged music for some of the biggest names of Motown, such as the Impressions and Marvin Gaye. He was the featured guitarist on “La Bamba” by Richie Valens.
If it had not been for his arrangement on “A Change Gone Come”, it may not have become the classic that it is. Hall wrote the arrangement as if he was composing a big movie score, with symphonic overture for strings, kettledrum and French horn, each in separate movements. The French horn is what so dramatic and gives the song that mournful sound. The orchestral arrangement matches the dignity of the words to song. You have to listen to the song to hear the way that the words blend so perfect with the arrangement. Sit back and listen the way that the orchestration of the music takes over. It is like a good glass of wine it is just smooth.
You have more than likely heard Rene Hall’s music and not knew it. Listen to Bitter Wind or Slipping and Sliding. If you ever watched and Annette Funcello and Frankie Avalon beach movie you have heard his music. Some people will never be as passionate as I am about this song and arrangement. It has so much empowerment for me. Thanks to Rene Hall’s arrangement, it makes me look at music differently.
https://www.amazines.com/Rene_Hall_related.html
http://www.last.fm/music/Sam+Cooke
http://www.rhapsody.com/rene-hall
http://www.last.fm/music/Ritchie+Valens/_/La+Bamba
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