What was Sam Cooke's Net Worth and Salary?
Sam Cooke, the iconic American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, had a net worth of $2 million at the time of his death, equivalent to about $17 million today when adjusted for inflation. A 2015 audit estimated his estate's value to be around $100 million.
Revered as the 'King of Soul' for his unique vocals and pioneering contributions to soul music, Cooke produced numerous hit recordings, including his monumental song "A Change is Gonna Come," which was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress in 2017.
Aside from his musical achievements, Cooke was a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He leveraged his influence and connections, being good friends with activists like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, to campaign for racial equality. Tragically, Sam Cooke was shot and killed on December 11, 1964, at the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles.
Early Life
Born on January 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Sam Cooke was the fifth of Charles and Annie Mae Cook's eight children. The family moved to Chicago in 1933, where Sam attended Doolittle Elementary and later Wendell Phillips Academy High School.
Cooke's musical journey began at age six when he joined his siblings in a gospel group called the Singing Children. During his early teens, he became the lead singer of the gospel group, the Highway Q.C's.
Career
In 1950, Cooke rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Soul Stirrers, a gospel group signed to Specialty Records. His first recording with the group was "Jesus Gave Me Water." He brought gospel music to younger audiences, drawing primarily female fans to their concerts.
In 1956, Cooke released his first solo song, "Lovable," under a pseudonym to avoid alienating his gospel fans. However, his distinct voice was unmistakable. After a disagreement with Specialty Records about recording secular music, Sam left the label and the Soul Stirrers in 1957. He then signed with Keen Records and released his hit song "You Send Me," which topped the Billboard R&B and pop charts.
Sam's refusal to perform in segregated venues added to his reputation. In 1960, after signing with RCA Victor, he released "Chain Gang," a pivotal protest song that reached No. 2 on the Billboard pop chart. His subsequent hits included "Bring It On Home to Me," "Another Saturday Night," and "Twistin' the Night Away."
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
In 1961, Cooke founded SAR Records with J.W. Alexander, aiming to ensure that African-American artists received fair royalties. The label represented talents like the Simms Twins, the Valentinos, Mel Carter, and Johnnie Taylor. Cooke also established a publishing imprint and management firm to empower artists with more control over their work.
Unlike many contemporaries, Cooke focused on releasing singles, achieving 29 hits on the top 40 pop charts and more on the R&B charts. He was a prolific songwriter, penning most of his songs. During his six-year solo career, he released eleven studio albums, including 1964's "Ain't That Good News."
Death
On December 11, 1964, Sam Cooke was fatally shot by the manager of the Hacienda Motel, Bertha Franklin, who claimed self-defense. Thousands of fans attended his funeral in Chicago a week later.
Ferrari Lusso & Manson Connection
On November 20, 1963, a Ferrari Lusso, eventually purchased by Sam Cooke, was completed in Italy. Cooke bought the burgundy-red car for $13,375 right before his untimely death. The car was later sold to Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys and changed hands several times, growing significantly in value over the decades.
Another Ferrari related to Cooke's legacy was a 275 GTB/4 NART crashed by members of Charles Manson's group after Wilson had allowed them to stay at his house.
Posthumous Honors
Following his death, Cooke's song "A Change Is Gonna Come" became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. His influence on soul music was profound, inspiring artists like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Prince.
Cooke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987. His song "A Change Is Gonna Come" was included in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance in 2017.
Relationships
Cooke was married twice. His marriage to Dolores Elizabeth Milligan lasted from 1953 to 1958, ending a year before her tragic death in a car accident. Despite their divorce, Cooke covered her funeral expenses.
In 1958, he married Barbara Campbell, with whom he had three children: Linda, Tracy, and Vincent. Sadly, their son Vincent drowned at the age of two in 1963.
