The city of Chicago proclaimed June 18 Sam Cooke day today (June 18, 2011).
Cook County Commissioner Jerry “Iceman” Butler of the legendary Impressions made the announcement during a special ceremony for Sam Cooke.
The soul singer also received his own street today, when 36th Street. in Chicago was named Sam Cooke Way.
Legendary DJ Herb Kent attended the event, while Chicago soul group The Notations performed a tribute to Sam Cooke.
Sam Cooke was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 22, 1931, but his family moved to Chicago in 1933.
It was in Chicago that he joined his first gospel group, the Singing Children.
He later became lead singer of the Highway QC’s before joining legendary group The Soul Stirrers.
Sam went solo for secular music in 1956 with the release of “Loveable,” under the alias “Dale Cook.”
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