[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF SAM COOKE, LEGENDARY SINGER AND SONGWRITER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EARL F. HILLIARD

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
the late Sam Cooke, a gospel and soul music performer whose vocal 
delivery laid the foundations for the rise of soul music today. He 
utilized his talents as a performer, business entrepreneur, and civil 
rights activist to break down the color lines of segregation.
  Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 22, 1931, Sam Cooke was 
one of eight sons of a Baptist minister. As a young teen, Cooke joined 
the church choir and performed with a gospel group called the Highway 
QC's. During the 1950's, Cooke toured with the group Soul Stirrers and 
achieved significant success with gospel songs including Touch the Hem 
of His Garment and Nearer to Thee.
  Cooke crossed over in 1956 and made his secular debut single, 
Loveable. The single, You Send Me, sold two million copies and made him 
a star. A series of notable hits followed over a span of seven years--
Wonderful World, Only Sixteen, Everybody Likes a Cha Cha, Chain Gang, 
Cupid, Sad Mood, Bring It on Home to Me, Twisting The Night Away, and A 
Change Gonna Come.
  Cooke died at the peak of his career in December of 1964. The music 
pioneer still remains a major presence today as his legacy lives in the 
hearts of fans.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 
legendary Sam Cooke for his tremendous contributions as a soul and 
gospel artist, entrepreneur, and freedom fighter.

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