Sam Cooke packed a double whammmy.

His trailblazing music helped shape the pop and soul genre.

His diverse repertoire – bridged the gap between black and white audiences.

He started off singing – for six years – with a gospel group, the Soul Stirrers, his career taking off like a rocket when he went on his own with huge hits like, You Send Me, Chain Gang, Wonderful World, Twistin the Night Away.

Aside from being a talented performer and songwriter, he was a savvy businessman, establishing his own music publishing company and record label, developing other musical talent.