A revealing portrait of the influential gospel singer and songwriter covers his early experiences as a choir boy, the impact of the civil rights movement on his career, and the mystery surrounding his death, in an account that also describes his relationships with several contemporaries. Reprint An acclaimed biographer presents a revealing portrait of Sam Cooke--a black performer who appealed to white audiences, wrote his own songs, and controlled his own business destiny. 55 photos. Author's Note xv Prologue: "The QCs Are in the House" (1948) 3(4) The Singing Children (1931-1947) 7(22) "The Teen Age Highway Que Cees, Radio and Concert Artists" (1947-1950) 29(36) Soul Stirring (December 1950-1952) 65(29) The Further Education of Sam Cook (1953-1955) 94(36) "Lovable" (1956-May 1957) 130(41) How He Crossed Over (June 1957-January 1958) 171(47) The Biggest Show of Stars for 1958 (1958) 218(50) Sam, Barbara, and Linda (Christmas 1958-1959) 268(47) Having Fun in the Record Business (1960) 315(40) Another Country (1961) 355(38) Boogie-Woogie Rumble (January July 1962) 393(23) Another Saturday Night (July 1962 February 1963) 416(47) Scenes from Life (March June 1963) 463(40) Independence Day (June December 1963) 503(34) Long Time Coming (December 1963 June 1964) 537(39) The Piper (June November 1964) 576(33) Uncloudy Day (November December 1964) 609(30) Aftermath 639(14) Notes 653(54) Bibliography 707(8) A Brief Discographical Note 715(2) Acknowledgments 717(3) Index 720