classic Sam

The songs on this set,some of which I have,and most I don't are just another reason why this man deserves the title of legend for truly he was a gifted individual,and even now some 40 years after his passing,the music still brings tears to my eyes,whether it'a the songs done with the Soul Stirrers or Sam as a solo artist.I highly recommend this set.

Exhausting!

This is a very good box set, complete with an entire little book of liner notes and biographical information, and featuring every track from Cooke's wonderful "Live At The Harlem Square Club" album.
But it is mainly for the passionate Sam Cooke fan...there are just too many "periphrial" tracks for the casual listener (who probably won't be buying a four-CD box set anyway).
Only thing missing is Cooke's gospel recordings, almost everything else of importance is here. And if you're really into Sam Cooke, this is the only way to go.

But if you just want the very best, you're probably better of with "Greatest Hits" and "Live At The Harlem Square Club", which between them have everything most people will ever need from this hugely influential cross-over artist with the honeyed voice.

SAM COOKE: ULTIMATE R&B- POP-ROCK SOUL MASTER

There is only one artist who firmly stands/sits at/on the fine line between Pop-Rock-R&B-Soul Music genres and he is SAM COOKE! You take bits and pieces of Big Joe Turner, Chuck Berry, Johnny Mathis, Judy Garland's universal appeal, Nat King Cole's jazz inflections, A bit of Elvis(you know who)here & there, the warmth of Mel Torme, Little Richard's rawness...the expertise-sass-cockiness of Louis Armstrong, the smoothness of both Billie Holiday & Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin's sensual coolness, Sammy Davis Jr.'s mystique ...put it "Allindamix" and you get the most sensationally incredible, unique, distinct & seductive SAM COOKE! SAM COOKE created an irresistably, inspiring magical sound of his very own that will influence all pop-rock-soul artists to pay their musical debts to his mesmerizing artistry till the end of time. SAM COOKE's voice and performances will remain in a 'class of his own' and keep the recording buying public in a trance and haunted forever. As a music fan, if you pass any Sam Cooke recordings by, you are cheating yourself of the ultimate goldmine!