Sam Cooke was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1931 to Charles and Annie May Cook. According to biographer Peter Guralnick, Cooke added the "e" to his last name on the advice of his business partner/musical adviser Bumps Blackwell, who thought the extra "E" was classier. Several of Sam Cooke's siblings followed suit, adding the "e" to their names as well. Marvin Gaye also bought the vowel.
Cooke's father moved the family to Chicago during the Depression. Charles Cook, a pastor, encouraged Sam and his siblings' singing talents, and by 1939, Cooke and his siblings had formed a gospel group, the Singing Children.
Throughout the 1940s and early 1950s, Cooke gained acclaim as a member of gospel harmony groups, including the Highway Q.C.s and the Soul Stirrers. At the time, the Soul Stirrers were considered the most respected gospel singing group in the US.
Cooke released his first pop single, "Lovable," in 1956. "Lovable" was released under the name "Dale Cooke," as Cooke feared a backlash from Gospel fans who did not look fondly upon Gospel singers recording secular songs. However, Cooke's unique vocal style gave him away, and he was soon dropped by both the Soul Stirrers and their record label, Specialty.
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