What Readers are Saying. . .

Your book is EXCELLENT. . . It was so good to finally have an insight into Sam's family life, giving us more of an understanding of Sam Cooke the man. I can also understand why some members of the family found it an emotional experience to recall their intimate memories of Sam, but you have written them down with so much care and affection. . . once again congratulations on your publication, A GREAT READ. . . You've DONE IT WELL, your Uncle Sam would have been very proud.

— Kevin and Mandy T.
England

It's crazy because I feel guilty when I put the book down. I just can't explain it. . . Everything in your book is so touching and personal. It's exactly what I've always wanted to read and know about Sam. No one can tell the story better than family and that is something I am 100% sure of.

— Amanda S.
Mississippi

I wish to thank you again for Our Uncle Sam. It is EXCELLENT! I also want to thank all the Cook/Cooke family for their gracious contributions to this beautiful book. All of your memories are priceless treasures. As I read the book, I experienced different emotions, most of them positive. But when I read about what happened to Sam's music legacy I just felt pain and sadness.

— Meni K.
Canada

 


 

Sam Cooke. His silky voice, dashing smile, and laundry list of hit records have managed to withstand the test of time. Now the extraordinary life of The Man Who Invented Soul Music is remembered by those who knew him best:

Our Uncle Sam
The Sam Cooke Story
From His Family's Perspective

Available for the first time in print, Sam Cooke's great-nephew Erik Greene has compiled cherished memories and personal photos celebrating the private life of this legendary superstar. Sam's family reveals how his sparkling personality, captivating presence and enormous generosity not only made him a popular entertainer, but a favorite within the family as well.

The general public knew Sam Cooke as an artist whose musical style has often been imitated but never equaled. Now, the intimate facets of his life are explored in detail-from the driving force behind his success, to the special moments spent with family, to the pressing issues he faced in the last years of his life. Learn how his outspoken pursuit of artistic freedom for himself and for other artists may have ultimately led to his untimely demise. Hear Sam Cooke's story as it should be told--by the people who knew him long before he became a household name.