Sam Cooke is often called the “King of Soul,” celebrated for his velvet-smooth voice and trailblazing influence on pop and R&B. Rising to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s, he delivered classics like “You Send Me,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and “Cupid.” Cooke’s music blended gospel roots with pop sensibility, paving the way for generations of soul singers. Beyond his artistry, he was a savvy businessman who founded his own label and fought for artists’ rights. Fun fact: “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement, cementing Cooke’s place in both music and social history.