Fort Worth panel recalls Sam Cooke’s impact as prelude to Bass Hall concert
According to one of his most popular songs, Sam Cooke didn’t know much about history. However, history proves the legend to be quite impactful in the entertainment industry, the focus of a five-person discussion panel Saturday, Jan. 18, at New Fellowship Church of Fort Worth. Performing Arts Fort Worth, in cooperation with Fort Worth’s own noted celebrity Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, hosted the event as a prelude to Monday’s tribute concert “The Music of Sam Cooke, A Change is Gonna Come” featuring Bradd Marquis at 7:30 p.m. at Bass Hall.
The panel consisted of:
▪ Moderator Dr. Erica Vernice Simmons, musicology professor.
▪ Creator/conductor Sheilah Walker.
▪ Performer Akin Batatunde.
▪ Producer Tyrone King.
▪ Consumer Analisa Diaz Gabriel.
Known as the King of Soul, Cooke bridged a gap between white and Black audiences, revolutionizing music before his murder at age 33 in 1964. He is still considered one of the most influential artists ever.
For example, he founded his own record label (SAR Records) and his own publishing company.
“He was the forerunner before Motown,” Babatunda said. “He had a vision that was carried on by Berry Gordy.”
Walker credited Cooke for opening doors for folks like herself.
“People weren’t used to having a Black woman conduct,” she said. “There was a probability I would not realize my dream. I was part of the change.”
The change Cooke detailed did not come easy and is, in fact, still continuing today, the panel agreed. King recalled the story of Cooke being denied a stay in a hotel in Shreveport despite being at the height of his popularity.
But, as Walker said, because of people like Cooke, change was inevitable. In addition to his spirit, she said talent like his simply could not be denied.
“This is why Smokey Robinson is still around,” she said, also noting the likes of John Legend, Lionel Richie and Samira Joy as being influenced. “That type of art will always be with us.”
Gabriel said appreciating music like Cooke’s is indicative of “listening intelligence.”
“You want to really listen and let it change you,” she said.
King revealed a little known tidbit about the song, which was a posthumous hit.
“He only sang it one time in front of a live audience,” he said.
The Music of Sam Cooke, ‘A Change is Gonna Come’
Starring Bradd Marquis
Jan. 20, Bass Performance Hall, 7:30 p.m.