This is one of those songs that belongs so completely to its original artist. Every time I hear someone cover it, I turn away. Sam Cooke had a complex relationship with this song- I don't think anyone could fully understand what he felt about it, maybe he himself wasn't fully clear on that question. It's a miracle of talent, narrative, experience, and execution. There's no artifice to it, the song is pure art, and in this modern medium where so many people are involved, that's exceptionally rare. Sam Cooke delivered the truth, and it is full of pain, loneliness, betrayal, and what's left is a somber hope for something better to come. Thank you for your video about this masterpiece.
For me this is the greatest performance ever, this song, those meaningful lyrics and that soulful delivery. And when I say soulful, it's not a cliche, this you can feel it in the bones, it permeates your entire body. And Sam as a singer, he's my favourite, that sweet powerful, expressive voice, only The Platters' Tony Williams impresses me this much.
"A Change Is Gonna Come" is one of my TOP favorite songs of all time. A song used in the movie "Malcom X". Sam really is the "King Of Soul". A pioneer architect of blending pop lyrics to gospel music. I think I remember Rod Stewart saying that, he spent 2 years just listening to Sam Cooke.
Sam Cooke "Cupid",, "Chain Gang" & "Another Saturday Night",, Etc..Etc..R.I.P. Sam..Thank You For ALL You Gave Us..Gone But Definitely Not Forgotten. 🙏❤
Sam Cooke is my favorite vocalist of all time. However, no one ever discusses what a prolific songwriter he was… he has a truly astounding catalog for such a short career. Long live Sam Cooke 💙
I remember when i heard this song for the first time as a toddler, hes intro "I was booooooorn by the river" it moved me in a way I couldnt explain, it still do 50 years later!
I love your Steve Perry's reaction video (and to be honest, as a vocal teacher myself, I don't like these kind of material, but yours is so well put, humble and informative at the same that I loved it!) and now I've found this gem!!! Cooke was Perry's hero, so I'm glad to see this too 😍 Subscribed 🤗
His voice had so much anguish and pain in it in this song! This song spoke of the misery and suffering going on in this land, but also of the hope for a better tomorrow. I weep every time I hear this song. Thank you for reacting to it.
What a wonderful breakdown of this incredible singer! How could we possibly forget how great he was? I haven't listened to Sam in a 'long time', but again his voice just overwhelms. I agree about the orchestration adding so much, too... Wow. I have always preferred female singers, but Sam Cooke just can't be ignored.
"Top 10 greatest vocalists for me." OMG, I'm so glad you said that. I haven't even heard that much from Sam, but it's absolutely jaw dropping what pours from his mouth.
Yes, that incredible Sam Cooke tone is unmistakable. I fondly remember "You Send Me", "Another Saturday Night", "Nothing Can Change This Love", and the list goes on... Thank you so much for bringing back these great artist from my era. Gone, but not forgotten... So tragic that he didn't live to see some of those changes.
To put Sam Cooke's soulful performance into a bit more context, Bethany, his career occurred during the civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s. I feel comfortable in suggesting that it came naturally to him andto all black performers of that time to sing from the heart. I was a young teen in those days and Sam was a particular favorite of mine. You might also enjoy the songs of Jesse Belvin, who actually preceded Sam as the rising starfor RCA, if memory serves me, but who died in an automobile accident with his wife ... under somewhat suspicious circumstances while touring in the south. Thank you. This old man always enjoys visiting your channel.
To add, even before Sam's time, we as Black people sing from our hearts and soul because the music pulls us out of our surroundings, but especially during times where struggles are plentiful; which for a ton of us were before, during and even after the Civil Rights movement. So many genres were birthed out of pain and anguish, but when sung or played (instrumentally), you can feel the soul, the blues, the gospel, the rock, the jazz, the pop and the R&B that comfortably comes out of voices such as Sam's and so many others past and present.
You’re right but wrong..Elder Sam Cook start singing in 1950 sing in black gospel quartet, when he crossed over to become the father of soul music all black singers and musicians came out of country black church. A large percentage of black soul singers either their father, grandfather or uncle was a pastor in the black Baptist or the black sanctified church and God and Christ, or was one of founding members of the black church. Soul, R&B, RagTime, country southern blues,, early country, to country black gospel , little Richard taken the black church gospel and speeding it up to produce early rock and roll.
He wrote this after being refused a room at a hotel in Shreveport, LA. He was in town for a performance, but he wasn't welcome in the hotel due to his skin color.
He actually got the idea for this song when he gear bob Dylan blowing in the wind. He felt "why is a white man singing a song of oppression when he wasn't"
It's an honor sir, to have spoken to a person from that era! I want to say this to you if you can see this, I've shown this song to my two daughters with photos of the times. We love you and those oppressed. God bless you and your family
Love Sam Cooke. He was nicknamed the "King of Soul". He had lots of great hits in the 50's-60's such as "You Send Me", "Bring It On Home To Me", "Cupid", "Wonderful World", "Chain Gang", "Twistin' The Night Away", "Another Saturday Night", "Good Times" etc. Sadly he was shot & killed in 1964 at the age of only 33. But he left us a great legacy of music.
Our landlord was his manager’s brother. That’s where I met him at age 9, formally introduced. It was either that or his tremendous, effortless singing voice that made him my favorite. Maybe it was both 😎
What an amazing voice. And the emotion he put into his songs.... What a shame he died so young. Bring It On Home To Me plays often in my house, my truck, my office.... goosebumps and shivers when I listen to his songs.
Bring it on home to me IS MY FAVE OF SAM’S!! ❤ And one of my very fave songs ever. It os a regular on daily playlist. And ofc Sam is one of my all time faves too.
Gone: WAY TOO SOON. Would've LOVED to have seen what he would've come-out-with, as times changed. SO SOULFUL and HEARTFELT! RIP, SAM! Great Reaction: AS ALWAYS!! ❤
So glad you reviewed this song! He laid it down in such a relaxed way, it just flowed like a river. But... I found it to be the toughest song ever to learn to sing! Still don't have it. It's his cadence, phrasing, timing and seamless vocal movement up and down the scale, and that run-on refrain that just keeps adding one more thought. Incredible performance.
I'm so happy to see Sam Cooke on your channel. From this era, he is easily my favorite singer. You only get that soul with true experience. I would love to see some Al Green up on the channel. Love and Happiness would top my list but Let's Stay Together, Here I Am (Come and Take Me) or really any would be great analysis. Thank you for your expertise. It makes reactions 100x more interesting when someone has a skill oriented view.
HOLY HECK FREAKING SMOKES!!! Never knew how epic this guy is!! I think I heard ONLY 16 and CHAIN GANG. Only 16 A great song I haven't heard a while. I'm mainly a ROCK / METAL HEAD but appreciate greats like Barbara Streisand, Julie London and the singer of AIR SUPPLY etc. Need to rethink my all time list as well ❤️🩹 Thanks for this awakening. Please people list a Best Of! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎
Kudos for your observations of these great vocal moments, Sarah, Sam. It should also be remembered the social and cultural dimension of the story line of what they are singing. Analysis is nice, but the deeper spiritual element can never be overlooked, a mysterious black box of individual soulfulness.
He had the voice of a lifetime…. crystal clear and smokey at the same time. And oh so distinctive. Sam crossed genres and his recordings are timeless. It’s sad that the majority of people only know his more commercial hits. And even more tragic that there is very little visual footage of the man. This fact never ceases to astound me.
I'm very happy you did a Sam Cooke reaction, not many vocalist do. If you think he was great singing pop, you'll be blown away listening to his gospel. A worthy rabbit hole.
This is the Voice Of The Ancestors…. It will never fade or die it will forever continue to remain fresh & continuously trend , he was the perfect messenger. I Love this man’s Voice . He is the real Voice King ! This song is like a movie , you can visualize him by the River . Cha ! Man is Gifted & a Genius. Blessings for the great Lecture . Love & Respects
Cooke had a full symphony orchestra playing behind him, that, in addition to Cooke's excellent vocals, elevated this version to the best performance of this song to date (no others even come close, frankly).
Thanks so much for this one! 😊Sam Cooke has become generally overlooked these days, even though there does seem to be a slowly-growing trend toward looking back on the greats of decades past. Another incredible singer who hasn't gotten due credit -- even during his lifetime -- is Brook Benton. Personally, I think he was born a little too late. His style would have been better appreciated in the days of Billy Eckstine and Nat Cole, but by time he came along, the record industry insisted that he sing R&B and Rock 'n Roll. It might've happened to Sam Cooke, too, if he hadn't died so terribly young.
Bethany, I really appreciate how you draw out the beauty and expression and technique that singers are using in your videos and your philosophy of "embracing" and developing the God-given voice we each have. It took me decades to arrive at that embrace! I don't know if you take "special requests," but I would love to hear your analysis of "With or Without You" by Bono of U2 (the Live Rattle and Hum 1988 concert or the original studio version - both are phenomenal). His voice is so intriguing and expressive, besides just the tone and range. His voice, in my opinion, is as iconic as Steve Perry.
I hate lists like that, but if I had to pick my three favorite singers, it would be Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding. Don't ask me to pick the order, because it would change every time based on who I listened to last....
Thanks for your analysis. His voice was the purest, most moving I've ever listened to. As an entirely untrained singer, it's enlightening to hear someone passionately explain the aspects of his singing that I have enjoyed for decades.
Sam Cooke is timeless. You should do a Ray Charles video. Lord, you'll be blown away by the depth and hurt in Brother Ray's singing. Yes, Sam had that too, big time. Yeah, Sam around thirty and sounds like he's in his sixties thanks to the wrongs and sorrows of his time, and still our time.
His grit and distortion is one of the main features of the emotionality and tone. I'm not sure how much one has to be born with that versus the trainability. I'm working on developing mine right now. I'm surprised your analysis doesn't really touch on this explicitly, unless i missed it. You do mention "texture".
I’ve never really heard much about him. I’ve probably heard on the radio probably but didn’t know who voice. Thanks for featuring him! I will definitely look him up.🎶
I just came across your videos today, and I have nearly watched all of your videos already. I absolutely adore Sam Cooke, and I loved watching and hearing what you had to say about Chris Cornell and Maynard James Keenan. Three of my favorite singers/ songwriters. They might just be my top three favorite vocalist of all time. If you haven't explored more of Chris Cornell's and Maynard James Keenans' music, I implore you to do so. A few of my favorite songs to listen to with Chris Cornell are "When I'm Down," "Wave Good Bye" Cochise," and "Seasons." In fact, the entire Euphoria Morning album is amazing. If you haven't heard "A Perfect Circle" and "Puscifer," you definitely need to, its hard to pick any one song from either band so I would just start at the beginning. I don't know if you will actually see this comment but if you do I would love to see your reaction to "when I'm Down" or "Wave Goodbye" Another great vocalist I think you would appreciate is Josh Homme from Queens of the stone age. I'm really into Dan Auerbach in The Archs. I'm obsessed with "Heaven Is A Place" I look forward to watching the rest of your videos and seeing what you react to next.
I know exactly where I was when I first heard this song. A professor of mine took the class to a screening of Spike Lee's "X", and somewhere in the middle of the film this song is used. The professor, who was sitting next to me in the theater, said to me "That's Sam Cooke. _A Change in Gonna Come_ ". I immediately became a fan.
Absolutely LOVE this song & Sam Cooke! If you really want to have your mind blown, please check out Jackie Wilson's "Danny Boy." It's the version from an old B&W TV show called Gymboree(sp?) It's damn near a religious experience. I can't listen to other versions after hearing his version.
His greatest performance, next to this, to me is his LIVE rendition of “Bring It On Home To Me” on the remastered live at The Harlem Square Club, 1963 cd. It’s a regular show for a regular black crowd touring the (black) chitlin’ circuit, and here he really is himself, super soulful, intense, hard working, smooth yet sexy-aggressive, totally in command of the crowd. Not heard on record this control, except Jerry Lee Lewis at Star-club Hamburg, 1964. Sam’s live rendition (the whole record) gives it all to you, vocally, in terms of soul and passion, songs, but by that performance alone he is and will forever remain the greatest soul singer of all-time. And MANY that followed him, black and white artists and groups, from Led Zeppelin, Otis Redding, Al Green, Rod Stewart, Terence Trent d’Arby, Bobby Womack,almost every other soul singer and group… took part of their stuff from him and his genius. But he was unique, never has there been anyone better in that gospel-soul style that also incorporated rock and pop. Imagine what course pop music had taken had he lived on past 1963 ?
Sam had such power and control over his voice. He also delivered his words with such clarity, which really requires so much natural talent under all that power.
I still consider Sam Cooke, the king of soul. He had a superpowerful voice. You're singing was probably even better when he was in the Soulstiers before going pop. who else is in your Top 10
I SINCERELY LOVE EVERYTHING THAT GOD ALLOWED SAM COOKE TO DELIVER ME THROUGH HIS LIFE AND MUSIC. I AM GRATEFUL FOR HIS "MUSICAL MESSAGES AND SMOOTH RHYTHMIC EXPRESSIONS OF ART VIA HIS VOICE, PERSONALITY AND UNIQUENESS OF CHARACTER "IN ADDITION TO THE LIFE LESSONS!" I APPRECIATE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS.🤔🤗
Handily, one of the greatest vocal performances of all time. I don't know if you've heard the version with all of the original lyrics included. Worth a listen! As a vocalist, an instrumentalist, or really anything else, when you're completely relaxed, you are coming from a coming from a place of true power. There is a wonderful book entitled New Pathways to Piano Technique, long out of print, by Luigi Bonpensiere, in which the author discusses this very principle as it applies to playing piano. Number, he says, you must be completely relaxed. And number two, you must be crystal clear on your idea, on what you're trying to accomplish or express. And you can hear both of the above in Cooke's vocal performance in this song. Someone else once said that (and I'm paraphrasing), when you're watching a great athlete at work, it's like they're remembering something they've always known rather than doing something that they had to learn. I've always felt the same about Cooke as a vocalist. Thanks for another worthy selection and another thoughtful and detailed analysis thereof. p.s. that's the legendary William Hinshaw on French horn, whose credit list is endless. I believe that the equally legendary Earl Palmer played drums on this track, as well.
Singing with freedom. When you do that because you've nailed the technique because it has become second nature then the emotions and the life experience oozes out freely too. Just don't use autotune and it becomes organic a.f.
Great analysis. Thank you. As a teenager I remember Steve Allen mocking Sam's singing and writing on his popular TV show. Allen never got what Sam was putting down on the tracks he recorded. Allen's loss due to his arrogance and ignorance. I'm sure some people remember Steve Allen, but few people forget Sam Cooke.
My mother. Rip. What's the first person to turn me on to music. Otis Redding was her favorite. Motown. And what she called soul music was my first love. After that pure metal LOL
One of the greatest songs ever recorded. His performance is breathtaking; it brings tears to my eyes.
Nobody has done it better...he digs so deep into your soul.
This is one of those songs that belongs so completely to its original artist. Every time I hear someone cover it, I turn away. Sam Cooke had a complex relationship with this song- I don't think anyone could fully understand what he felt about it, maybe he himself wasn't fully clear on that question. It's a miracle of talent, narrative, experience, and execution. There's no artifice to it, the song is pure art, and in this modern medium where so many people are involved, that's exceptionally rare. Sam Cooke delivered the truth, and it is full of pain, loneliness, betrayal, and what's left is a somber hope for something better to come. Thank you for your video about this masterpiece.
Perfectly stated.
Wow, Wow, Wow ❤ well stated every word ❤❤❤
First time I have ever heard Sam Cooke sing...I instantly choked up. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
For me this is the greatest performance ever, this song, those meaningful lyrics and that soulful delivery. And when I say soulful, it's not a cliche, this you can feel it in the bones, it permeates your entire body. And Sam as a singer, he's my favourite, that sweet powerful, expressive voice, only The Platters' Tony Williams impresses me this much.
A classic tear jerker, Cooke was an inspiration to many great singers that came after him, most notably Journey's Steve Perry.
According to ROLLINGSTONE MAGAZINE THE ICONIC LEGEND SAM COOKE IS THE GREATEST MALE SINGER OF ALL TIME....AND I AGREE..OMG
"A Change Is Gonna Come" is one of my TOP favorite songs of all time. A song used in the movie "Malcom X". Sam really is the "King Of Soul". A pioneer architect of blending pop lyrics to gospel music. I think I remember Rod Stewart saying that, he spent 2 years just listening to Sam Cooke.
Sam Cooke "Cupid",, "Chain Gang" & "Another Saturday Night",, Etc..Etc..R.I.P. Sam..Thank You For ALL You Gave Us..Gone But Definitely Not Forgotten. 🙏❤
Sam Cooke is my favorite vocalist of all time. However, no one ever discusses what a prolific songwriter he was… he has a truly astounding catalog for such a short career. Long live Sam Cooke 💙
and a great bussinesman
I remember when i heard this song for the first time as a toddler, hes intro "I was booooooorn by the river" it moved me in a way I couldnt explain, it still do 50 years later!
I love your Steve Perry's reaction video (and to be honest, as a vocal teacher myself, I don't like these kind of material, but yours is so well put, humble and informative at the same that I loved it!) and now I've found this gem!!! Cooke was Perry's hero, so I'm glad to see this too 😍
Subscribed 🤗
His voice had so much anguish and pain in it in this song! This song spoke of the misery and suffering going on in this land, but also of the hope for a better tomorrow. I weep every time I hear this song. Thank you for reacting to it.
What a wonderful breakdown of this incredible singer! How could we possibly forget how great he was? I haven't listened to Sam in a 'long time', but again his voice just overwhelms. I agree about the orchestration adding so much, too... Wow. I have always preferred female singers, but Sam Cooke just can't be ignored.
"Top 10 greatest vocalists for me." OMG, I'm so glad you said that. I haven't even heard that much from Sam, but it's absolutely jaw dropping what pours from his mouth.
This is one of those old, completely classic pieces of soul music. Never going to lose its powerful feeling.
Yes, that incredible Sam Cooke tone is unmistakable. I fondly remember "You Send Me", "Another Saturday Night", "Nothing Can Change This Love", and the list goes on... Thank you so much for bringing back these great artist from my era. Gone, but not forgotten... So tragic that he didn't live to see some of those changes.
To put Sam Cooke's soulful performance into a bit more context, Bethany, his career occurred during the civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s. I feel comfortable in suggesting that it came naturally to him andto all black performers of that time to sing from the heart. I was a young teen in those days and Sam was a particular favorite of mine. You might also enjoy the songs of Jesse Belvin, who actually preceded Sam as the rising starfor RCA, if memory serves me, but who died in an automobile accident with his wife ... under somewhat suspicious circumstances while touring in the south. Thank you. This old man always enjoys visiting your channel.
To add, even before Sam's time, we as Black people sing from our hearts and soul because the music pulls us out of our surroundings, but especially during times where struggles are plentiful; which for a ton of us were before, during and even after the Civil Rights movement. So many genres were birthed out of pain and anguish, but when sung or played (instrumentally), you can feel the soul, the blues, the gospel, the rock, the jazz, the pop and the R&B that comfortably comes out of voices such as Sam's and so many others past and present.
You’re right but wrong..Elder Sam Cook start singing in 1950 sing in black gospel quartet, when he crossed over to become the father of soul music
all black singers and musicians came out of country black church. A large percentage of black soul singers either their father, grandfather or uncle was a pastor in the black Baptist or the black sanctified church and God and Christ, or was one of founding members of the black church.
Soul, R&B, RagTime, country southern blues,, early country, to country black gospel , little Richard taken the black church gospel and speeding it up to produce early rock and roll.
He wrote this after being refused a room at a hotel in Shreveport, LA. He was in town for a performance, but he wasn't welcome in the hotel due to his skin color.
He actually got the idea for this song when he gear bob Dylan blowing in the wind. He felt "why is a white man singing a song of oppression when he wasn't"
It's an honor sir, to have spoken to a person from that era! I want to say this to you if you can see this, I've shown this song to my two daughters with photos of the times. We love you and those oppressed. God bless you and your family
Thank You for the music Sam.
My eyes always well up when I hear this song.
Love Sam Cooke. He was nicknamed the "King of Soul". He had lots of great hits in the 50's-60's such as "You Send Me", "Bring It On Home To Me", "Cupid", "Wonderful World", "Chain Gang", "Twistin' The Night Away", "Another Saturday Night", "Good Times" etc. Sadly he was shot & killed in 1964 at the age of only 33. But he left us a great legacy of music.
Well here is the best of I speak!! Thanks 😌
Otis Redding is the King Tho. But I Feel What you said
@@Chirrackeven Otis Redding would say that Sam Cooke is the king lol
One of my all time favourite songs , a true soulful master at work , you can feel everything he puts into this wonderful song ❤
Doesnt get much better, i love this music, and im 42, just love it.
Sam Cooke singing the Blues and Bethany providing the curls and smiles, the perfect way to start any day.
saw him in person as a child. up close he was beautiful, and a body to die for. cars beach, Annapolis, md
Our landlord was his manager’s brother. That’s where I met him at age 9, formally introduced. It was either that or his tremendous, effortless singing voice that made him my favorite. Maybe it was both 😎
Thanks for highlighting this amazing singer and song
What an amazing voice. And the emotion he put into his songs.... What a shame he died so young. Bring It On Home To Me plays often in my house, my truck, my office.... goosebumps and shivers when I listen to his songs.
*murdered. It's a shame he was murdered so young.
Thank you for the correction. It makes it even sadder.
Bring it on home to me IS MY FAVE OF SAM’S!! ❤
And one of my very fave songs ever. It os a regular on daily playlist. And ofc Sam is one of my all time faves too.
Favorite male singing voice of all time
Yeah, for me, regarding male voices it's either him or his Soul Stirrers predecessor - RH Harris.
Gone: WAY TOO SOON. Would've LOVED to have seen what he would've come-out-with, as times changed. SO SOULFUL and HEARTFELT! RIP, SAM! Great Reaction: AS ALWAYS!! ❤
One of the top three songs ever released. It’s just beyond amazing. 🎶🎶🎵😎🙌🏾
Sam "the man" Cooke, this is one of the most beautiful songs ever done. Everything about it just absolutely gorgeous.
She seems so emotional listening to him sing.
What a voice
So glad you reviewed this song! He laid it down in such a relaxed way, it just flowed like a river. But... I found it to be the toughest song ever to learn to sing! Still don't have it. It's his cadence, phrasing, timing and seamless vocal movement up and down the scale, and that run-on refrain that just keeps adding one more thought. Incredible performance.
I'm so happy to see Sam Cooke on your channel. From this era, he is easily my favorite singer. You only get that soul with true experience. I would love to see some Al Green up on the channel. Love and Happiness would top my list but Let's Stay Together, Here I Am (Come and Take Me) or really any would be great analysis. Thank you for your expertise. It makes reactions 100x more interesting when someone has a skill oriented view.
HOLY HECK FREAKING SMOKES!!! Never knew how epic this guy is!! I think I heard ONLY 16 and CHAIN GANG. Only 16 A great song I haven't heard a while. I'm mainly a ROCK / METAL HEAD but appreciate greats like Barbara Streisand, Julie London and the singer of AIR SUPPLY etc. Need to rethink my all time list as well ❤️🩹 Thanks for this awakening. Please people list a Best Of! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎
Find “BRING IT ON HOME TO ME”!!!
Kudos for your observations of these great vocal moments, Sarah, Sam. It should also be remembered the social and cultural dimension of the story line of what they are singing. Analysis is nice, but the deeper spiritual element can never be overlooked, a mysterious black box of individual soulfulness.
An amazing song. It is a favorite of mine. Historical classic song.
Sam Cooke was easily one of the greatest voices of all-time. No question! ❤
This was the first song that brought me to tears. Aretha & sam, that is soul without compare.
He had the voice of a lifetime…. crystal clear and smokey at the same time. And oh so distinctive. Sam crossed genres and his recordings are timeless. It’s sad that the majority of people only know his more commercial hits. And even more tragic that there is very little visual footage of the man. This fact never ceases to astound me.
This is THE 60s era Civil Rights song. Such a powerful singing voice, but an even more powerful rallying one.
I'm very happy you did a Sam Cooke reaction, not many vocalist do. If you think he was great singing pop, you'll be blown away listening to his gospel. A worthy rabbit hole.
Been listening to Sam for 60 years, this is what people have missed out on.
Yes, that voice is just memorable. "Trouble Blues" is one of my favorite songs of his.
This is the Voice Of The Ancestors…. It will never fade or die it will forever continue to remain fresh & continuously trend , he was the perfect messenger. I Love this man’s Voice . He is the real Voice King ! This song is like a movie , you can visualize him by the River . Cha ! Man is Gifted & a Genius. Blessings for the great Lecture . Love & Respects
Cooke had a full symphony orchestra playing behind him, that, in addition to Cooke's excellent vocals, elevated this version to the best performance of this song to date (no others even come close, frankly).
Thanks so much for this one! 😊Sam Cooke has become generally overlooked these days, even though there does seem to be a slowly-growing trend toward looking back on the greats of decades past. Another incredible singer who hasn't gotten due credit -- even during his lifetime -- is Brook Benton. Personally, I think he was born a little too late. His style would have been better appreciated in the days of Billy Eckstine and Nat Cole, but by time he came along, the record industry insisted that he sing R&B and Rock 'n Roll. It might've happened to Sam Cooke, too, if he hadn't died so terribly young.
This song always makes me tear up. Just hits you deep
Bethany, I really appreciate how you draw out the beauty and expression and technique that singers are using in your videos and your philosophy of "embracing" and developing the God-given voice we each have. It took me decades to arrive at that embrace! I don't know if you take "special requests," but I would love to hear your analysis of "With or Without You" by Bono of U2 (the Live Rattle and Hum 1988 concert or the original studio version - both are phenomenal). His voice is so intriguing and expressive, besides just the tone and range. His voice, in my opinion, is as iconic as Steve Perry.
Totally with you, Bethany, on Sam being top ten all-time. He's probably in my top five.
Tbh #1
I hate lists like that, but if I had to pick my three favorite singers, it would be Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding. Don't ask me to pick the order, because it would change every time based on who I listened to last....
Thanks for your analysis. His voice was the purest, most moving I've ever listened to. As an entirely untrained singer, it's enlightening to hear someone passionately explain the aspects of his singing that I have enjoyed for decades.
A favorite tearjerker. What a gem, gone too soon.
This song will always have a special place in my heart since it's one of the songs my father chose for his cremation ceremony.
Sam Cooke is timeless. You should do a Ray Charles video. Lord, you'll be blown away by the depth and hurt in Brother Ray's singing. Yes, Sam had that too, big time. Yeah, Sam around thirty and sounds like he's in his sixties thanks to the wrongs and sorrows of his time, and still our time.
Yes! My daughter knew all the words to, "Bring It On Home" at 6 years old! ❤️
何十年も前、若い頃好きでよく聴いてました。まさかここでreactionしてくださるとは…とても嬉しく分かりやすく分析してくださるのでありがたく満足です!ありがとう❤
His grit and distortion is one of the main features of the emotionality and tone. I'm not sure how much one has to be born with that versus the trainability. I'm working on developing mine right now. I'm surprised your analysis doesn't really touch on this explicitly, unless i missed it. You do mention "texture".
I’ve never really heard much about him. I’ve probably heard on the radio probably but didn’t know who voice. Thanks for featuring him! I will definitely look him up.🎶
I just came across your videos today, and I have nearly watched all of your videos already. I absolutely adore Sam Cooke, and I loved watching and hearing what you had to say about Chris Cornell and Maynard James Keenan. Three of my favorite singers/ songwriters. They might just be my top three favorite vocalist of all time. If you haven't explored more of Chris Cornell's and Maynard James Keenans' music, I implore you to do so. A few of my favorite songs to listen to with Chris Cornell are "When I'm Down," "Wave Good Bye" Cochise," and "Seasons." In fact, the entire Euphoria Morning album is amazing. If you haven't heard "A Perfect Circle" and "Puscifer," you definitely need to, its hard to pick any one song from either band so I would just start at the beginning.
I don't know if you will actually see this comment but if you do I would love to see your reaction to "when I'm Down" or "Wave Goodbye"
Another great vocalist I think you would appreciate is Josh Homme from Queens of the stone age.
I'm really into Dan Auerbach in The Archs. I'm obsessed with "Heaven Is A Place"
I look forward to watching the rest of your videos and seeing what you react to next.
The orchestration works so well with his voice…it’s captivating
I know exactly where I was when I first heard this song. A professor of mine took the class to a screening of Spike Lee's "X", and somewhere in the middle of the film this song is used. The professor, who was sitting next to me in the theater, said to me "That's Sam Cooke. _A Change in Gonna Come_ ". I immediately became a fan.
Thank you, for recognising a great musician and singer ❤
I love love love Sam Cooke singing this song ❤
Absolutely LOVE this song & Sam Cooke!
If you really want to have your mind blown, please check out Jackie Wilson's "Danny Boy." It's the version from an old B&W TV show called Gymboree(sp?)
It's damn near a religious experience. I can't listen to other versions after hearing his version.
Yeah Jackie's version is great ...and so is Sam's interpretation. Both true artists
I love this song and I love his voice 😊
His greatest performance, next to this, to me is his LIVE rendition of “Bring It On Home To Me” on the remastered live at The Harlem Square Club, 1963 cd. It’s a regular show for a regular black crowd touring the (black) chitlin’ circuit, and here he really is himself, super soulful, intense, hard working, smooth yet sexy-aggressive, totally in command of the crowd.
Not heard on record this control, except Jerry Lee Lewis at Star-club Hamburg, 1964. Sam’s live rendition (the whole record) gives it all to you, vocally, in terms of soul and passion, songs, but by that performance alone he is and will forever remain the greatest soul singer of all-time. And MANY that followed him, black and white artists and groups, from Led Zeppelin, Otis Redding, Al Green, Rod Stewart, Terence Trent d’Arby, Bobby Womack,almost every other soul singer and group… took part of their stuff from him and his genius. But he was unique, never has there been anyone better in that gospel-soul style that also incorporated rock and pop. Imagine what course pop music had taken had he lived on past 1963 ?
Sam had such power and control over his voice. He also delivered his words with such clarity, which really requires so much natural talent under all that power.
Incredible talent, gets into your soul.
You gotta do Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me”!!
Sam’s my fave❤
Sam is the greatest vocalist of all time..definitely one of a kind..🎉
You can just tell that this is his personal testimony.
this woman knows her stuff..thanks for sharing...
Yes she does!!! Love her!❤❤
What you hear in San Cooke outside in voice and talent in this day and age was magic and that something that you will hear never never again
I still consider Sam Cooke, the king of soul. He had a superpowerful voice. You're singing was probably even better when he was in the Soulstiers before going pop. who else is in your Top 10
Perfection.........SILK
It shows Steve Perry was influenced by Mr. Cooke. Steve sings with the same passion. 🎙️🎙️👌🏻👌🏻
Sam Cooke sings from a different place- a place of trauma that Steve Perry has never experienced.
i hope somehow Sam can know his voice is still admired.
What more could you want ❤
Harika bir sanatçı 🧿🧿🧿🧿teşekkür ederiz mükemmel 🙌
You are a beautiful lady. You have so much soul and connection to the beauty in great music and great vocals. Really appreciate you.
I stop by your site every once and a while and I think that you are so very beautiful.
I SINCERELY LOVE EVERYTHING THAT GOD ALLOWED SAM COOKE TO DELIVER ME THROUGH HIS LIFE AND MUSIC. I AM GRATEFUL FOR HIS "MUSICAL MESSAGES AND SMOOTH RHYTHMIC EXPRESSIONS OF ART VIA HIS VOICE, PERSONALITY AND UNIQUENESS OF CHARACTER "IN ADDITION TO THE LIFE LESSONS!" I APPRECIATE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS.🤔🤗
Sam Cooke was amazing. May I ask you to review the voice of Kansas' Steve Walsh singing Journey From Mariabronn? Thank you in advance. Bob
AMEN AMEN 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 😊❤❤🎉🎉
So good! Can we get you to do a black crowes song. My vote is "seeing things"
Thanks
You would love “Lianne La Havas performs "Forget" live in session for The Line of Best Fit” it’s incredible!
Handily, one of the greatest vocal performances of all time. I don't know if you've heard the version with all of the original lyrics included. Worth a listen!
As a vocalist, an instrumentalist, or really anything else, when you're completely relaxed, you are coming from a coming from a place of true power. There is a wonderful book entitled New Pathways to Piano Technique, long out of print, by Luigi Bonpensiere, in which the author discusses this very principle as it applies to playing piano. Number, he says, you must be completely relaxed. And number two, you must be crystal clear on your idea, on what you're trying to accomplish or express. And you can hear both of the above in Cooke's vocal performance in this song.
Someone else once said that (and I'm paraphrasing), when you're watching a great athlete at work, it's like they're remembering something they've always known rather than doing something that they had to learn. I've always felt the same about Cooke as a vocalist.
Thanks for another worthy selection and another thoughtful and detailed analysis thereof.
p.s. that's the legendary William Hinshaw on French horn, whose credit list is endless. I believe that the equally legendary Earl Palmer played drums on this track, as well.
Singing with freedom. When you do that because you've nailed the technique because it has become second nature then the emotions and the life experience oozes out freely too. Just don't use autotune and it becomes organic a.f.
@@TheProtestantPope exactly right.
You have the cutest Smile on UA-cam 😍
"I'm afraid to die" has never sounded more courageous
🎉🎉🎉🧚♂️🧚♀️🧚Değişim...değişmeyen tek şeydir...
Asla, asla dememeyi öğretir insana...
Müzikal tadında harika bir kadife ses...
Great analysis. Thank you. As a teenager I remember Steve Allen mocking Sam's singing and writing on his popular TV show. Allen never got what Sam was putting down on the tracks he recorded. Allen's loss due to his arrogance and ignorance. I'm sure some people remember Steve Allen, but few people forget Sam Cooke.
Love to see you check out JIMMY BARNES version of this!
Love seeing your reactions and breakdown of artists. One I really want you to enjoy is Charles Bradley covering Black Sabbath's 'Changes' :)
Ooo that’s a good one!
My mother. Rip. What's the first person to turn me on to music. Otis Redding was her favorite. Motown. And what she called soul music was my first love. After that pure metal LOL
OMG, Leon Bridges on the song "River" sounds a little bit like Sam, this prolongued sound in the end of the words
You ought to get into his gospel music too.
Good for the Heart ! 😚
Красиво,слаженно поет.
Song Suggestion: I Feel A Song In My Heart by Gladys Knight & The Pips