You Send Me: The Life and Times of Sam Cooke Paperback – 4 Aug. 2011

"Its been a long time coming but I know a change goin come" one of Sam Cookes most spiritual and thought provocking songs and like all the songs he wrote, the words melody and composition are breath taking; he would have become one of the best song writers; in musical history. Sam clearly understood the pop industry and how to create and write a hit song, and the direction the pop sound was headed. This book shows a life before and on the way to becoming a famous singer songwriter. A strict church background hard working parents, and a musical gift that was recognised and encouraged. Sam joined many singing groups, each seem to have pivotol and important people in place, to advance him to the next step, whether that was another group or a manager, or some one with contacts in the newly forming; Recording Industry. This book starts out with the sad death of Sam Cooke, and the many questions raised due the circumstances and investigation surrounding the discovery of his body, the reader is left with many unanswered questions and ultimately you have to form your own opinion based on the times, the culture, the social postion of many black people especially black men in the 50's and 60's. It makes very sad reading how he was found dead, and for someone who had in his short life changed music in so many ways, with his catchy songs and extremely handsome face, he was smooth suave classy and charming, compared to his rival wonderful Jackie Wilson who was Mr Dynamite, energy and created a frenzy, Sam was cool and debonaire he knew where his strength was. He started his own publishing company, he understood the financial aspect of making records, so many artists had been given bad advice, signing away their rights to songs they had written which went on to sell millions up to this day, without getting a share of the royalties, many dying poor and pennyless. Sam realised early on writing would guard against this. There were many women and tragedy struck when his baby son died in an accident, the road was hard and touring was gruelling, many say Sam owning the rights to his songs and publishing at that time, would have upset many people and that there was more to his passing, either way the book is detailed and a great read, he was human like the rest of us with all his faults and guises, you really do end up liking him. This book really does give the reader an insight into the "Wonderful World" of the one and only.... Mr Sam Cooke.

Sam Cooke was an amazing talent. You Send Me is a good read. Wolff addresses the various conspiracy theories concerning Cooke's tragic death at the age of 33, but the most likely explanation for his demise was that he was drunk and enraged at being robbed by a prostitute. The half naked Cooke wasn't thinking straight and made that final, fatal decision to confront a motel manager believing that she was in cahoots with the prostitute.Despite his flaws, Sam Cooke was a great singer. His musical legacy is immense.

A good, solid account of the life and work of this great but tragic talent.

Great quality used item. Really good price and fast delivery.

THIS IS ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAVOUR BOOK OF ALL TIME IT TELL THE STORY OF THE GREATEST SINGER THAT EVER LIVED AND THEY WILL EVER BE ANOTHER SAM COOKE IT IS ABOUT TIME SOME ONE MADE A MOVIE ABOUT THIS MAN, THIS IS THE MAN WITH THE VOICE OF A ANGEL, MAKE ME PROOF TO BE BLACK GOD BLESS SAM COOKE AND HE MOTHER AND FATHER FOR BRING A ANGEL INTO THIS WORLD A MUCH READ BOOK FOR ANYONE WHO LOVE MUSIC.

I adore Sam Cooke, he basically invented what would become Soul Music as we know it from Motown and Staks etc…he was a true pioneer. It’s crammed with facts but also has some interesting insights from those who knew Sam best.

looks good, got it for Christmas present, good price ,quick delivery