Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke was the biggest star in gospel music before he crossed over into pop. His first single under his own name, "You Send Me," went to #1 on the charts and sold two million copies. At a time when record companies treated black artists like hired help, Sam Cooke demanded respect equal to that of top white artists. And he connected, in songs like "Wonderful World," "Chain Gang," and "Another Saturday Night"--seemingly effortless compositions that still sound fresh today. This resoundingly praised book captures a human essence so vital, so appealing, that it is impossible not to fall under its spell. At the same time, Dream Boogie re-creates in rich detail the African American world from which Sam Cooke emerged, allowing us to feel both his trials and his triumphs.