Dream Boogie

Starred review from July 25, 2005
There's no real substitute for the sound of Sam Cooke's music, but the detailed descriptions of his recordings throughout this masterful biography are the next best thing to wearing headphones while you read. Guralnick's first book after a two-volume bio of Elvis honors Cooke's (1931–1964) musical genius, especially his ability to grasp the changing music scene of the late 1950s and early '60s. For those who only know the singer through his pop hits—"You Send Me"; "Twistin' the Night Away"—the extensive account of his childhood background in gospel music will prove fascinating, and the evocation of the harsh realities faced by African-American musicians touring the South a powerful reminder of just how explosive this music could be. Yet wide-ranging interviews reveal that behind Cooke's talent and energetic vocal style, many of his peers in the music biz saw a more troubling personality. The biography does not judge, but neither does it hold back on recounting Cooke's ruthless interactions with record companies or the deep rifts in his marriage to his former childhood sweetheart. Guralnick's revelation of the complicated man behind the music ultimately enables readers to rediscover songs like "A Change Is Gonna Come" as even more remarkable than before. Photos.

August 15, 2005
In 1951, Sam Cooke became the lead singer for the Soul Stirrers, one of gospel music's most popular groups. Six years later, he crossed over into pop music success, writing most of his hits (e.g., "You Send Me") and establishing his own publishing and record companies. Along the way, he helped invent soul music before being killed in a dispute at a seedy motel at age 33. Despite his obvious research and care, acclaimed Elvis biographer Guralnick ("Last Train to Memphis") is stubbornly coy about Cooke's importance; a frustrating lack of context leaves readers without a way to measure the singer's accomplishments against those of his peers. Guralnick partly redeems himself with vivid portraits of the 1950s gospel music world and appearances by Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Lou Rawls, and Muhammad Ali. Overall, however, one wonders: why a 700-plus page magnum opus? For its depiction of the gospel scene, this book is recommended for larger music collections. Smaller libraries that still own Daniel Wolff's "You Send Me: The Life and Times of Sam Cooke "(o.p.), however, may choose to pass. [See Prepub Alert, "LJ" 6/15/05.] -Lloyd Jansen, Stockton -San Joaquin Cty. P.L., CA

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2005
Guralnick follows his monumental, two-volume Elvis Presley biography with the portrait of another towering musical figure. Sam Cooke achieved massive success in gospel before crossing over to pop with his 1957 smash, "You Send Me." He also made his mark as a songwriter and record-industry entrepreneur and was on a path to even greater renown before his murder in a seedy motel at age 33. Guralnick conducted exhaustive interviews with surviving family and associates and thoroughly mines other sources, but Cooke comes off as ultimately unknowable: charismatic and charming but also capable of stunning cruelty and selfishness, especially regarding women. An expert biographer, Guralnick shines at assessing Cooke's music, particularly the incessant live performances that took him from the chitlin' circuit to the Copa. Cooke's career paralleled the rise of the civil-rights movement, and Guralnick shows how Cooke's political awareness expanded as his musical sophistication grew. Not as musically significant or personally vivid as Guralnick's previous subject, perhaps--well, who is?--Cooke stands to benefit more, however, from such thorough, respectful treatment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)