Sam Cooke- A Change Is Gonna Come

[Guest nightrecords]

Does anyone know of any heater soul singles like that of sam cooke- a change is gonna come? Where would you fit that type of soul??

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

for a song like Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come to me it it classic soul weather fast or slow type songs. that's better then it being labelled general soul and i also hate such a term as pop soul.

[Guest Dave Turner]

I'd class it in the Deep Soul genre without a doubt. Also fits into the overall genre of Classic Soul like much of the material from Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley, Otis Redding etc. One of, and some folks would say, the greatest soul records of all time. Simply blows me away every time I hear it

SAM COOKE - A CHANGE IS GONNA COME -

Edited February 17, 2010 by Dave Turner

[Guest]

I'd class it in the Deep Soul genre without a doubt. Also fits into the overall genre of Classic Soul like much of the material from Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley, Otis Redding etc. One of, and some folks would say, the greatest soul records of all time. Simply blows me away every time I hear it

SAM COOKE - A CHANGE IS GONNA COME -

"ACIGC " without a doubt , is one of THE classic recordings , and simply oooooooooozes soul .

Malc Burton

[Chalky]

Got to agree Malc, one of the greatest soul recordings of all time.

"ACIGC " without a doubt , is one of THE classic recordings , and simply oooooooooozes soul .

Malc Burton

[Guest]

Got to agree Malc, one of the greatest soul recordings of all time.

When the subject of who was the greatest vocalist a while ago on SS , I thought long and hard about who I considered to be so , and after deliberation , there was only one choice for me - Sam Cooke .

Whatever he sang , it came from the soul , and he meant it .

Malc Burton

Edited February 17, 2010 by Malc Burton

[Little-stevie]

Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuune!

Listen to Otis version, sound clip anyone?????

We were playing this tune after the Labour came to power on election night in 97....

" A CHANGE IS GONNA COME WE THOUGHT" ...

All of a sudden Otis sings " i thought i was new labour"

We thought it was the jazz fags or booze and played it again and again, the same words kept coming out..

Have a listen folks...... It was spooky....

Have a listen and see what you think..

[Philippe]

Love the Bobby Womack version. https://www.soul-source.co.uk/more//bobby-womack-a-change-is-gonna-come-ua-lp

[Guest MBarrett]

Does anyone know of any heater soul singles like that of sam cooke- a change is gonna come? Where would you fit that type of soul??

I would call it "spiritual" soul.

In his early days Sam Cooke sang with the Soul Stirrers and a lot of their material has that spiritual/soul crossover.

You can find quite a few of their tracks on Refosoul.

And a brilliant CD on Ace: Click here

Even if it's not what you are looking for it's well worth a listen.

MB

[Rob Wigley]

Love ACIGC--the singers who have recorded this-Reading, Cook, Womack can sing it with feeling.

You know they have felt the pain and tasted the Chitlin's in grandma's shack. I can sit and listen to Sam sing "I was born by the river" and believe every word its sheer poetry . However the recent cover by Seal was sung well, but you knew damn well that the Pain wasn't there.

Great song

Rob

[Little-stevie]

Love ACIGC--the singers who have recorded this-Reading, Cook, Womack can sing it with feeling.

You know they have felt the pain and tasted the Chitlin's in grandma's shack. I can sit and listen to Sam sing "I was born by the river" and believe every word its sheer poetry . However the recent cover by Seal was sung well, but you knew damn well that the Pain wasn't there.

Great song

Rob

top top post..

Thats just the point with some modern cover versions.. The real pain just aint there.... That pain called soul music.... real deal soul music.

[Guest bob elf]

Arguably the most important song in the history of black music, alongside "strange fruit", In my opinion trying to categorize such a pivotal piece of songwriting somehow degenerates the whole ethos of it's intentions. what a shame Sam never lived to see the "CHANGE".

[Simsy]

Goosebumps & hairs on the back of your neck type record. One of Sam's finest imvho.

(SC ACIGC Not in Refo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48K5Y0421Ig

[Simsy]

Goosebumps & hairs on the back of your neck type record. One of Sam's finest imvho.

(SC ACIGC Not in Refo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48K5Y0421Ig

[Garethx]

I'd probably go along with the assessment that it's one of soul music's most important songs: it means so much to so many people.

As a legacy of Sam Cooke's secular performances it's a fitting tribute to a great artist who was in many ways the most vital vocalist of the soul era.

In truth it's hard to go too wrong when covering this song as it's lyrically so powerful. Honourable mentions go to Arthur Conley as I stated last week: a wonderful vocal from one of Sam Cooke's natural heirs allied to a blistering backing track from the Fame musicians at the height of their collective powers.

I've also mentioned a simply staggering performance of the song by Al Green with Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper as featured on the soundtrack to the mediocre Michael Mann/Will Smith biopic "Ali" some years ago. This was recorded live at a back-slapping MTV event but rises above its context to create something genuinely memorable and moving. Al Green has seldom summoned such vocal power and the playing of the MGs is a pleasure. I wish I had the ability to post soundfiles as it must be heard to be believed. Perhaps it's on youtube.

[Garethx]

[Garethx]

I should have also mentioned that the reason the Arthur Conley version is so good beyond merely technical considerations is the very haunting quality it evokes. Recorded within two years of Sam Cooke's death it manages to be a an almost ghostly evocation of the great man: the song's message of hope seems a bitterly ironic harbinger of the death of Otis Redding a few months later.

Bobby Womack's version is similarly very haunting: I don't know if he ever made a sadder recording.

[Mike Lofthouse]

Does anyone know of any heater soul singles like that of sam cooke- a change is gonna come? Where would you fit that type of soul??

Good write up on wikipedia

It mentions Bob Dylan and the influence of Blowin in the wind' - Cooke was greatly moved upon hearing Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" in 1963 and was reportedly in awe^[1] that such a poignant song about racism in America could come from someone who was not black.

I don't know about 'in awe' I think he was mighty pissed off!! All those skinny white hippies and folkies mixing it with Martin Luther King on the Washington march!! I think a lot of great black acts must of felt like that when they were always constrained (and pressured) by the need to produce pop hits and dance crazes - likewise Redding and 'Dock of the Bay' , Gaye with What's Going On ? etc etc

IMHO

BTW Bettye Swann does a nice version too.

Mike

Edited February 17, 2010 by Mike Lofthouse

[Little-stevie]

Thanks so much Gareth... A great thread indeed... A nice thing to hear as you come in from work and put your feet up... Stunning version...

[Linda4me]

This is without a doubt pure perfection,tug at the heartstrings or what Played this many a night after a session on the lash and ended up blubbing like a baby, it simply is a wonderful track

[jocko]

F**k me Mr Sweeney, miles ahead of the game as usual, never even heard of this version, fantastic version. CD winging its way to me as we speak and I will put proper sound clip of this up, just rushing out but will add Sam's sizzling version later, along with at least one other version.

Interestingly enough I am just reading Daniel Wolffs fantastic book on Sam Cooke, and listening to the Soul Stirrers brilliant Ace CD,

I certainly dont agree with Malc that everything Sam sung was great, but when he did sing, he was amazing, will put some clips of the legendary live LP up when I get home.

Cheers

Jock

PS Hope you are well Gareth, apologies about no communication but this year has been a bit wierd and very quiet so far.

PPS Mr Cato just realised I never answered either your PM or Mr Darkers, will do so when I get home, sorry, just been busy avoiding life lately!!

[Baz Atkinson]

To me its a record that puts it all into context -it moves me to the core along with choice of colours,people get ready,and wake up everybody,you could write a book on these 4 alone and their affect on a myriad of things.Awesome version by Al -looks like AMAZON HAS BEEN BUSY TODAY!!!

BAZ A.

[Rob Wigley]

Fu**king Al Green that opening I was BBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORNNNNNNNN by a river!

sent a shiver through me Liver and down to the tips of my toes!!

[Cunnie]

Love ACIGC--the singers who have recorded this-Reading, Cook, Womack can sing it with feeling.

You know they have felt the pain and tasted the Chitlin's in grandma's shack. I can sit and listen to Sam sing "I was born by the river" and believe every word its sheer poetry . However the recent cover by Seal was sung well, but you knew damn well that the Pain wasn't there.

Great song

Rob

Sorry to disagree with you Rob but don't think the comment about Seal is justified.

I just don't think it's possible for anybody to sing ACIGC & not sing it like it was from the heart.

Just take a listen on some of the youtube links below to see what I mean (not gonna fill the thread with embedded clips as it don't half slow down the site).

First clip is the Solo version (yes the same Solo who did the Modern anthem 'Blow My Mind').

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6uzbkBgxTo&feature=related

Here's Brenton Wood's version.

Something different now but try to tell me the message ain't there. Terrence Trent Darby.

Billy Preston.

Patti Labelle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bCVDXTIynY&feature=related

Strange one now, Lauryn Hill's acoustic version. Apologies for Wycliff's 'one time bollox'

& finally my favourite version. Vel Omarr.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSR88bc4eoA&feature=related

All different. Some old & some new but all sung from the heart I'm sure you'll agree.

Oops almost forgot. The Seal version is on the link below.

[Rob Wigley]

Oops almost forgot. The Seal version is on the link below.

[Cunnie]

Oops almost forgot. The Seal version is on the link below.

He has copied the song from Sam Cook nearly note by note, The only river Seal was born by was the F**king Thames He could have changed the words to "I was born the son of an interior designer, by the river Thames, next to a pie and eel shop, where the river bends" (hey and I like him!)

[Phild]

SC is sheer soul perfection.

There are a couple of more recent interpretations that also hit the spot for me. One by Lauryn Hil. The other by The Gospel

phil

[Guest JIM BARRY]

He has copied the song from Sam Cook nearly note by note, The only river Seal was born by was the F**king Thames He could have changed the words to "I was born the son of an interior designer, by the river Thames, next to a pie and eel shop, where the river bends" (hey and I like him!)

PMSL here Rob

You seem to forget I was born by the Thames as well.

Just can't see how anyone can sing a song like that with such a meaningful message & not put their everything into it (especially a London lad).

Slightly off topic, polished them shoes today mate

[Guest]

Anyone seen the B&W video clip at same time as listen to Sam's version?

Wow! That's a feeling for sure. Had to choose it would be Otis' version but like someone said earlier, when a song is THAT good noone can record a bad version, can they? Sheer quality soul music end of

[Rob Wigley]

PMSL here Rob

You seem to forget I was born by the Thames as well.

Just can't see how anyone can sing a song like that with such a meaningful message & not put their everything into it (especially a London lad).

Slightly off topic, polished them shoes today mate

I DONT RECALL HEARING A BAD VERSION OF THIS SOUL MASTERPIECE. SEAL'S IS ESPECIALLY GOOD, CHECK OUT HIS RECENT ALBUM OF SOUL COVERS, COS HE'S NOT AMERICAN DOESN'T MEAN HE AINT GOT SOUL DOES IT??? REPEATING ANOTHER POST HERE BUT THE HAIRS ON THE BACK OF MY NECK WONT GO DOWN WHEN I HEAR IT.

[Rob Wigley]

and in case you didn't know

The children of singer Seal and supermodel Heidi Klum have received tennis lessons from Roger Federer, says Seal. "Roger [Federer has been teaching the kids too.That's one of the joys of being connected in the showbiz industry. It's nice knowing these people," said Seal. "I've had a knock up with him too." The children, however, are only aged 4, 3 and 1.

Federer, I think they want you back for their dog too. Seal cannot possible replace Wawrinka, so are we looking at Hiedi Klum for someone? Why not? Chris Evert has already set a precedent.

the lad done well-i wonder if he still gets turned away from the local cinema ?????

Rob

and how about in your best Harry Hill voice-who did the best version of ACIGC--SEAL or SAM --only one way to find out--FIGHT !!

Edited February 17, 2010 by Karen and Rob Wigley

[Richard Bayley]

Can't help but agree with Bob Elf about the importance and stature of the Sam Cooke original; of course, it's the deepest soul, but it really does transcend any debate about musical categories. Glad that I'm not the only one who sheds a tear when listening to this alone....

Gareth (as usual) is bang on about the haunting quality of the best versions. I seem to remember Bobby Womack, interviewed on BBC4's Sam Cooke documentary, saying that when Cooke first played it to him, he commented that it sounded like "...death". The sense that it is a musical epitaph is not just retrospectively imposed by the tragic circumstances of Cooke's demise. When someone sings that they are "too tired living.... but I'm afraid to die", this is a deathbed speech - alongside a righteous affirmation to African-Americans and Civil Rights campaigners that History (with a capital 'H') was on their side.

When Ali beat Sonny Liston to win the World Heavyweight crown for the first time, he had Sam Cooke and Malcolm X in his corner. If Ricky Hatton ever fights Floyd Mayweather again ( ), I think he'll have to do better than Wayne Rooney

Edited February 17, 2010 by Richard Bayley

[Little-stevie]

When Ali beat Sonny Liston to win the World Heavyweight crown for the first time, he had Sam Cooke and Malcolm X in his corner. If Ricky Hatton ever fights Floyd Mayweather again ( ), I think he'll have to do better than Wayne Rooney,,,

Mr Bailey

I wish you lived a little closer to me mate... Could talk to you till the cows come home mate...

[Guest JIM BARRY]

I DONT RECALL HEARING A BAD VERSION OF THIS SOUL MASTERPIECE. SEAL'S IS ESPECIALLY GOOD, CHECK OUT HIS RECENT ALBUM OF SOUL COVERS, COS HE'S NOT AMERICAN DOESN'T MEAN HE AINT GOT SOUL DOES IT??? REPEATING ANOTHER POST HERE BUT THE HAIRS ON THE BACK OF MY NECK WONT GO DOWN WHEN I HEAR IT.

Jim-I think Seal is a good artist-but totally manufactured by his record company--didn't they hype his "Scars" as tribal markings and said he was a prince from Africaor some other made up s**t when he first appeared.

If the good that came from the album (Ive got it by the way) was that it opened up the ears of Radio 2 listeners to the song then all well and good, it got hammered as a "Record of the week".

She can -he can't but I love this clip !!!

Get the pie and mash on Martin

[Richard Bayley]

... Could talk to you till the cows come home mate...

Be careful what you wish for ........ O/T, hope you and Lyd can make it to the Wilton on Friday 5th

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

Well i like Seals version but still Sam Cooke is there as the best. it should be in top 10 of all time soul tracks.

[Guest nightrecords]

Thanks people.. I checked out that Sam Cooke With the Soul Stirrers and didn't dig it, not my thing.. I think it definitely fits into deep soul as well as "spiritual" soul.. That Bobby Womack version is fire.. There has to be more soul heat out there dealing with the aspect of life like this song does.. I love soul songs dealing with love and all, but this is a great song because it also deals with things beyond that..

Noone touching this song as far as SOUL goes, I guess..lol..

[Guest Dante]

I watched Malcolm X (the Spike Lee joint) two nights ago, and when this comes along, it broought tears to my eyes. Such a marvelous man (both Sam & X), song and movie.

One of the most beatiful and powerful songs of all time, no doubt.

[Wiganer1]

aretha and otis did good versions of this too..

[Guest Dante]

Just heard Seal's version and it's good, but not in the same league as the rest.

The problem it's the production, in my opinion. The claps are awful, and the voice is too bright, too up front. It's to shiny if you get my point.

[Guest]

I watched Malcolm X (the Spike Lee joint) two nights ago, and when this comes along, it broought tears to my eyes. Such a marvelous man (both Sam & X), song and movie.

One of the most beatiful and powerful songs of all time, no doubt.

Despite the number of replies in this thread , Consensus seems to indicate that

" ACIGC " is THE most soulful song .

Time for a poll ?

Malc Burton

[Guest Dante]

Despite the number of replies in this thread , Consensus seems to indicate that

" ACIGC " is THE most soulful song .

Time for a poll ?

Malc Burton

Probably, but no need to.

It's been a while since I heard this last time. Sometimes you get caught up in the search for new/obscure things and you put aside stuff like this.

I've been listening to the different versions for the past half hour and I just can't describe the feeling. No other piece of music can make you feel this. It's not only the most soulful song, it's probably the best song in the entire history of popular history. I realize this seems too much, but I tend to listen to a lot of genres and songs and nothing is as powerful and beatiful like this.

[Guest]

Probably, but no need to.

It's been a while since I heard this last time. Sometimes you get caught up in the search for new/obscure things and you put aside stuff like this.

I've been listening to the different versions for the past half hour and I just can't describe the feeling. No other piece of music can make you feel this. It's not only the most soulful song, it's probably the best song in the entire history of popular history. I realize this seems too much, but I tend to listen to a lot of genres and songs and nothing is as powerful and beatiful like this.

In agreement Dante .

Whoever has covered the song , the song brings out the best in that vocalist .

Malc Burton

Edited February 18, 2010 by Malc Burton

[Drew3]

Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuune!

Listen to Otis version, sound clip anyone?????

We were playing this tune after the Labour came to power on election night in 97....

" A CHANGE IS GONNA COME WE THOUGHT" ...

All of a sudden Otis sings " i thought i was new labour"

We thought it was the jazz fags or booze and played it again and again, the same words kept coming out..

Have a listen folks...... It was spooky....

Have a listen and see what you think..

One of the first tunes to really hit me as a kid Stevie.

Went with my mother to a local boys/mens outfitters to buy my first Crombie and picked up the album Otis Sings The Blues from a box by the door!!!. I had already started to listen to Motown but this blew me away when I got it home.

I think I still have the album in the garage; mainly blue cover with the face of a white model!!!

Typical!!!

KTF.

Drew.

[Guest nightrecords]

Just to clear my statements. This song is very much about love tho.. Why i think this song is so great is cus it's not another song about breaking up with your girl.. Thats what i was getting about another love song.. We have lots of those in soul, Not enough like this sam cooke joint.. It's a different kind of love song..

[Guest FrostyJak]

Just listening to loads of versions

Love Bettye Swanns take

[Guest covmart]

This song is a masterpiece, so touching and so influential.

The documentary on the PBS American Masters TV show was fantastic, though too short. One very interesting point that the show suggests is that while it was adopted as a civil rights anthem, ACIGC wasn't about civil rights. The song was penned and recorded six months (Dec 63) after the death of his 18 month old son in a swimming pool accident, and this after Sam's first wife died in an auto accident, and was his 'I have the strength to move on' song. Others have said that his arrest in October 63 for trying to register at a white-only motel in Shreveport was also an influence.

Beautiful song.

[Dolly13]

I blame this record for breaking my heart...

[Ceejay]

I'd class it in the Deep Soul genre without a doubt. Also fits into the overall genre of Classic Soul like much of the material from Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley, Otis Redding etc. One of, and some folks would say, the greatest soul records of all time. Simply blows me away every time I hear it

SAM COOKE - A CHANGE IS GONNA COME -

Back in my teenage years it was acts like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave etc, that got me into it all in the first place and 30 odd years later that pretty much hasn't changed. They're all still up at the top with me personally and I doubt that will ever change!!!

[Ezzie Brown]

i love reading all the above, heard this when i was 12 , bought my first soul album by sam with this on it, still makes me cry sometimes...............we all got soul