Yesterday Today and Forever

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.