I was only 12 years old in 1964, but I knew a good singer and a good song when I heard it. Sam Cooke is one of the finest vocalists of his generation, and most of his songs have been covered by other singers, but almost never bettered. The same year that I bought this record, Sam was shot and killed by a motel manager in Los Angeles. Despite a short recording career of just over seven years, his legacy lives on.
The lyrics show on the video clip as subtitles.
beetleypete 
My all time favourite artist ❤
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Glad to hear that, Em. And delightful to see you here again! 🙂
As ever, Pete. XXX
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What a great singing voice, preserved for eternity. Thanks, Pete! xx Michael
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He is legendary, Michael.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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One of the best!
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And he still is.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I agree. Best to you, Pete.
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A beautiful song and Sam had such a powerful voice I could listen to him for hours xx
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He did indeed. Such a sad loss to music.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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So many great artists left this life far too soon but we have the legacy of their music x
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Imagine had he lived a full life. Warmest regard, Ed
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I’m sure he would have topped the charts every year, Ed.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sam Cooke was one of the greats. This song always brings tears to my eyes.
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It was a hit for Otis Redding here. I like both versions, but Sam just tops Otis.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Really enjoy Sam’s music. Nice post highlight.
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Thanks, happy to hear that.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It’s been too hard living / But I’m afraid to die
(Lyrics that make you go, “Hmm!”)
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I like the sound, so the lyrics don’t bother me too much, David.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It wasn’t a criticism of the lyrics. It was a reference to this:
“The same year that I bought this record, Sam was shot and killed by a motel manager in Los Angeles.”
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Understood. 🙂
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Timeless…
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Exactly that, John.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I just adore this beautiful song! Thanks for posting Pete!
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Happy to hear you adore it, Dorothy.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I was older when I first heard him but like you, Pete, I really liked him.
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His voice never gets old, Don.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Beautiful song and so ironic, the way he died. How far we came but sadly I see us turning back and it makes me want to weep. What a voice he had.
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He lived in troubled times which have sadly not gone away.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Such a great song!
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It never gets old, Annette.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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A very emotional song.
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It is indeed, Darlene.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sam Cooke has always been in my top ten performers. What a powerhouse he was. And this song? It speaks volumes.
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It certainly does, Maggie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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One of the great soul voices of all time, and a great loss to humanity. Cheers, Jon.
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He certainly was. Thanks, Jon.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Wow! What a song, a kick in the heart and the video is a powerful. I’ve never heard this one before either so thank you for sharing, Pete. What a sad end to such an incredible singer.
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Thanks, Annika. It was also covered by Otis Redding, and he had a hit with the song in Britain. Sam Cooke is worth investigating, he had a wonderful voice.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Haven’t heard this one before. Thanks Pete.
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It was covered by Otis Redding, and he had a big hit with it here. But you were very young at the time, Stevie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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such a soulful voice
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Such a shame he was taken so young.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sam Cooke has always been a favorite….great voice….and another sad end. chuq
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He made a big impact on the music scene in such a short time.
Best wishes, Pete.
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And some fine songs chuq
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