Sam Cooke

Samuel Cooke (January 22, 1931  – December 11, 1964) was an American singer and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential soul artists of all time, Cooke is commonly referred to as the "King of Soul" for his distinctive vocals, pioneering contributions to the genre, and significance in popular music. During his eight-year career, Cooke released 29 singles that charted in the Top 40 of the Billboard Pop Singles chart, as well as 20 singles in the Top Ten of Billboard's Black Singles chart. In 1964, he was shot and killed by Bertha Franklin, a motel owner in Los Angeles with a prior criminal record. Franklin was later convicted in 1979 when she was found guilty of second-degree murder following another similar shooting. The courts at the time of Cooke's death ruled in favor of Franklin saying his death was a justifiable homicide. His family as well as many fans from all over the world have since questioned the circumstances and lack of a proper investigation of his death. Forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril H. Wecht argued in 2017 that Cooke's death was not justifiable homicide. Cooke is included on Billboard's 2015 list of the 35 greatest R&B artists of all time.