Sam Cooke Net Worth
Sam Cooke Net Worth: Highlights
| Net Worth | $2 million (at the time of his death) |
|---|---|
| Salary | Not available |
| Birthdate | January 22, 1931 |
| Birthplace | Clarksdale, Mississippi |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | Not available |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life
Sam Cooke, born on January 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, was the fifth of eight children. His father, Charles, was a minister at the Church of Christ. In 1933, the Cooke family moved to Chicago, where Sam attended Doolittle Elementary and Wendell Philips Academy High School. At the age of six, Sam started singing and eventually joined his siblings in the group called the Singing Children. In his early teens, he became the lead singer of the American gospel group, the Highway Q.C’s.
Career
In 1950, Cooke became the lead singer of the gospel group the Soul Stirrers, signed to Specialty Records. His unique vocals attracted a younger audience, primarily girls. In 1956, Cooke recorded his first solo song, “Lovable,” under a pseudonym to hide from his gospel fan base. However, his talent couldn’t be concealed, and soon after, he left the Soul Stirrers and Specialty Records.
Sam signed a deal with Keen Records in 1957 and released his first hit, “You Send Me,” which topped both the Billboard R&B and pop charts. As his popularity grew, Cooke refused to perform in venues where Jim Crow segregation laws were still in place. In 1960, he signed with RCA Victor and released hits like “Chain Gang,” “Bring It On Home to Me,” “Another Saturday Night,” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.”
In addition to his success as a singer, Cooke was also a businessman. In 1961, he co-founded SAR Records to support African-American artists and provide them with proper royalties. He also established a publishing imprint and management firm to give his artists more control over their work.
Personal Life
Sam Cooke was twice married. His first marriage to Dolores Elizabeth Milligan lasted from 1953 to 1958. Unfortunately, Dolores died in a car accident in 1959. Despite being divorced, Cooke paid for all of her funeral expenses. In 1958, Sam married Barbara Campbell, and they had three children together, Linda, Tracy, and Vincent. Tragically, Vincent died at the age of two in 1963 after drowning in the family swimming pool.
Net Worth Over Time
At the time of his death in 1964, Sam Cooke had a net worth of $2 million, which is equivalent to around $17 million in today’s dollars. However, as part of an audit in 2015, his estate was estimated to be worth $100 million at that time. The increase in net worth can be attributed to the continued popularity of his music and the management of his estate.
Components of Net Worth
Sam Cooke’s net worth consisted of various assets, including his music royalties, real estate properties, and investments. His music catalog, which includes his hit recordings and songwriting credits, continues to generate significant revenue. Additionally, his estate likely includes income from the licensing of his music for commercials, films, and television shows. Cooke also owned properties and investments that contributed to his overall net worth.
In conclusion, Sam Cooke was a highly successful American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. His net worth at the time of his death was $2 million, but his estate grew significantly over time. Cooke’s contributions to soul music and his impact on the Civil Rights Movement solidified his legacy, and his music continues to resonate with audiences today.
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