On this day, September 7, 1957, music icon Sam Cooke released his debut single, “You Send Me”. Written by Cooke, “You Send Me”, became a big hit and reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart as well as the Hot 100 chart.
Cooke began his music career as a gospel singer and was a member of the popular group The Soul Stirrers in the 1950s. He later transitioned to secular music and achieved success as a solo artist. Some of his other hit songs include, “Wonderful World,” “Cupid,” and “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
Cooke was known for his powerful voice and great music. He was also a trailblazer in the civil rights movement and used his music and influence to address issues of racial inequality and social justice.
Tragically, Sam Cooke’s life was cut short when he was shot and killed at a motel in Los Angeles at the age off 33.