Sam Cooke was one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century, known for his smooth vocals, soulful melodies, and profound lyrics. Born in Mississippi in 1931, Cooke began his career as a gospel singer before branching out into secular music and becoming one of the pioneers of the soul and R&B genres. Over the course of his brief but brilliant career, Cooke released a string of timeless classics that continue to inspire and entertain audiences today. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best Sam Cooke songs of all time, celebrating his incredible talent and enduring legacy. From soulful ballads to uptempo dance numbers, these songs showcase the range and versatility of Cooke’s musical genius. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this list is sure to provide a captivating and unforgettable journey through the best of Sam Cooke’s unparalleled career.
1. “Summertime”
“Summertime” is a classic jazz standard originally composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera “Porgy and Bess”. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, but perhaps none more iconic than Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s rendition. Their version, released in 1957, is a timeless and sultry duet that perfectly captures the languid and romantic mood of the summer season. Fitzgerald’s smooth vocals blend effortlessly with Armstrong’s gravelly voice, creating a magical chemistry that is impossible to resist. The song’s slow tempo and lush instrumentation, including the mournful trumpet and gentle guitar, create a dreamy and evocative atmosphere that transports the listener to a lazy summer evening. “Summertime” is a perfect embodiment of the magic and romance of summertime, capturing the beauty and longing of the season in a timeless and unforgettable way.
2. “Little Red Rooster”
“Little Red Rooster” is a classic blues song originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1961, but perhaps most famously covered by The Rolling Stones in 1964. The song is a slow and brooding blues number, with a distinctive guitar riff and lyrics that describe the singer’s love for a woman who is as proud and independent as a rooster. Mick Jagger’s vocals are raw and powerful, conveying the intense emotions of the lyrics with a fierce intensity. The song’s bluesy instrumentation, including the twangy guitar and steady drumbeat, creates a haunting and evocative atmosphere that perfectly matches the melancholic lyrics. “Little Red Rooster” is a timeless classic of the blues genre, with a raw and powerful energy that has influenced countless artists over the years. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of the blues and the raw emotions it can evoke.
3. “A Change Is Gonna Come”
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a powerful and moving song by Sam Cooke that has become an anthem of the civil rights movement. Cooke wrote the song in response to the racism and inequality he experienced firsthand as a black man in America. The song is a soulful and passionate ballad that expresses both the pain and hope of the struggle for civil rights. Cooke’s smooth and soaring vocals are accompanied by a powerful orchestration that builds to a powerful climax, conveying the sense of transformation and change that the song embodies. The lyrics are deeply personal and poignant, reflecting the struggle and perseverance of the civil rights movement and its enduring legacy. “A Change Is Gonna Come” is a timeless masterpiece of American music, capturing the spirit of hope and resilience in the face of adversity that continues to inspire and uplift people all over the world.
4. “Twistin’ The Night Away”
“Twistin’ The Night Away” is an upbeat and infectious song by Sam Cooke that captures the spirit of 1960s dance culture. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with a rhythm that is impossible to resist. Cooke’s smooth and soulful vocals are accompanied by a lively and energetic orchestration, including saxophone, drums, and guitar, that creates a party atmosphere that is perfect for dancing. The lyrics describe the joy and freedom of dancing the night away with friends and loved ones, celebrating life and forgetting all of life’s troubles. The song is a perfect embodiment of the carefree and joyful spirit of the 1960s, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. “Twistin’ The Night Away” is a classic of the soul and R&B genres, capturing the spirit of a generation and inspiring people to dance and have fun for generations to come.
5. “Having A Party”
“Having A Party” is an upbeat and celebratory song by Sam Cooke that is perfect for any occasion. The song features a lively and infectious rhythm, with Cooke’s smooth and soulful vocals leading the way. The lyrics describe the joy and excitement of gathering together with friends and loved ones for a party, with everyone dancing, laughing, and having a good time. The song’s joyful and uplifting message is perfectly captured in its lively and energetic instrumentation, including saxophone, guitar, and drums, that creates a festive and celebratory atmosphere. “Having A Party” is a classic of the soul and R&B genres, capturing the spirit of community, love, and celebration that is at the heart of all human culture. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it remains a beloved song that is perfect for any occasion that calls for a little bit of joy and celebration.
6. “(Ain’t That) Good News”
“(Ain’t That) Good News” is an upbeat and optimistic song by Sam Cooke that is a celebration of life and love. The song features a lively and infectious rhythm, with Cooke’s smooth and soulful vocals leading the way. The lyrics describe the joy and happiness that comes with finding love and living life to the fullest. The song’s positive and uplifting message is perfectly captured in its upbeat and energetic instrumentation, including piano, guitar, and horns, that creates a feeling of hope and optimism. “(Ain’t That) Good News” is a classic of the soul and R&B genres, capturing the spirit of hope and resilience that is essential to human nature. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it remains a beloved song that is sure to lift the spirits and bring a smile to anyone’s face.
7. “Cupid”
“Cupid” is a classic love song by Sam Cooke that has become an enduring favorite. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with a rhythm that is impossible to resist. Cooke’s smooth and soulful vocals are accompanied by a lively and energetic orchestration, including strings, drums, and guitar, that creates a romantic and joyful atmosphere. The lyrics describe the power of love, with Cupid being portrayed as a mystical force that brings people together. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it remains a beloved song that has been covered by countless artists over the years. “Cupid” is a classic of the soul and R&B genres, capturing the spirit of love and romance that is essential to the human experience. Its joyful and uplifting message is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face and make them believe in the power of love.
8. “Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha”
“Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha” is a catchy and upbeat song by Sam Cooke that is sure to get people moving on the dance floor. The song features a lively and infectious rhythm, with Cooke’s smooth and soulful vocals leading the way. The lyrics describe the joy and excitement of dancing the cha-cha, with everyone moving their hips and having a good time. The song’s playful and fun message is perfectly captured in its upbeat and energetic instrumentation, including horns, drums, and guitar, that creates a feeling of celebration and joy. “Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha” is a classic of the soul and R&B genres, capturing the spirit of community, love, and celebration that is at the heart of all human culture. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it remains a beloved song that is perfect for getting people up and dancing.
9. “That’s Where It’s At”
“That’s Where It’s At” is a soulful and uplifting song by Sam Cooke that captures the joy and happiness of being in love. The song features Cooke’s smooth and silky vocals, which are accompanied by a jazzy and upbeat orchestration, including horns, drums, and piano. The lyrics describe the feeling of being in love and how it can transform one’s life, with the chorus repeating the phrase “that’s where it’s at” as a declaration of the power of love. The song’s joyful and positive message is perfectly captured in its upbeat and energetic instrumentation, creating a feeling of celebration and happiness. “That’s Where It’s At” is a classic of the soul and R&B genres, showcasing Cooke’s incredible vocal range and musical talent. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it remains a beloved song that is perfect for any romantic occasion.
10. “Blue Moon”
“Blue Moon” is a classic song originally written in 1934 but was popularized by Sam Cooke’s soulful rendition in 1960. The song features Cooke’s smooth and tender vocals, which are accompanied by a soft and soothing orchestration, including strings, piano, and gentle percussion. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lost and alone, searching for a love that seems impossible to find. Cooke’s interpretation of the song adds a new layer of emotion and depth, with his vocals conveying the pain and longing of the lyrics. The song’s melancholic and introspective mood is perfectly captured in its gentle and understated instrumentation, creating a feeling of introspection and reflection. “Blue Moon” is a classic of the jazz and soul genres, showcasing Cooke’s incredible vocal range and musical sensitivity. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it remains a beloved song that is perfect for a quiet night of contemplation.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
