‘You Send Me’

A Reason To Smile

Credit: Getty Images

Sam Cooke, one of the all-time great singer-songwriters, released his first ever single, “You Send Me,” 68 years ago today. That sunny love song would launch Cooke’s career. And it is this week’s reason to smile.

Cooke is considered one of the most influential soul artists of all time, but he didn’t start out as a soul singer. Born in Mississippi in 1931, Cooke learned to sing in his Baptist minister father’s church choir. When he began singing professionally, it was as a gospel singer. In his early 20s, Cooke made the controversial decision to move from gospel to secular music.

“My father told me it was not what I sang that was important, but that God gave me a voice and musical talent and the true use of His gift was to share it and make people happy,” Cooke once said.

Our thanks to Reverend Cook for giving his blessing. And yes, the original spelling of Cook is without the “e.” Sam changed it in 1957 to help distinguish himself in his new career as a popular musician. And not a moment too soon. With the success of “You Send Me,” Cooke became a star.

“Overnight, with a single song, Sam Cooke became a secular superstar, with audiences consisting of black and white, men and women, young and old,” wrote Bob Gulla in Icons of R&B and Soul.

In 1957, popular music was still segregated. Cooke was one of the first Black artists to cross the color divide in popular music. And “You Send Me” was one of the first true crossover hits. It reached No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts.

After Cooke’s recording topped the R&B charts, his record company released a version by a white singer, Teresa Brewer. But it was Cooke’s original that hit No. 1 on the pop chart.

Cooke also distinguished himself as a businessman. Early on he recognized that the musicians’ interests were not necessarily the music company’s interests. So he founded his own record label and publishing company.

But it was Cooke’s distinctive velvety tenor that set him apart. His instantly recognizable and highly adaptable tone made his music hard to resist.

Cooke had “an incredible natural singing voice and a smooth, effortless delivery that has never been surpassed,” according to biographer Bruce Eder.

If you want to enjoy all the songs chosen for A Reason To Smile, you can listen to this Spotify playlist, which is updated weekly.

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Stay Steady,

Dan