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Sam
Cooke

Inducted:

1986

Category:

Performer

Inducted By:

Herb Alpert

Sam Cooke sang from the soul. He was the definitive soul man. Cooke was seductive, devoted, elegant and moving. These qualities combined with his dazzling, pure voice made him irresistible to audiences regardless of race or religion.

Induction

Impact

Forget about all the intellectual things. Just listen with your stomach.

Sam Cooke

1986 Hall of Fame Essay

In 1956, Sam Cooke released his first pop song, “Lovable,” under the name Dale Cooke so as not to alienate the gospel following he’d amassed in his five years as lead vocalist for the Soul Stirrers...

Written By Michael Hill

Check It Out

sealed with a signature

This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.

Sam Cooke

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