Sam Cooke was the 'King of Soul,' a transition figure who bridged the gap between gospel and secular pop. Starting with the Soul Stirrers, his smooth, melismatic singing style influenced virtually every soul singer who followed. Cooke was also a savvy businessman, being one of the first Black artists to found his own record label and publishing company. His most profound legacy is the song 'A Change Is Gonna Come,' written after he was turned away from a 'whites only' motel. The song became the definitive anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. Tragically, Cooke was shot and killed in a mysterious incident at a Los Angeles motel in 1964. His impact on vocal phrasing and the empowerment of Black musicians remains a cornerstone of American music history.