Our Uncle Sam: The Sam Cooke Story from His Family's Perspective

by Erik Greene

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 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 in the music industry, but a favorite within the family as well.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2005

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I'm writing this review, I've got my favorite Sam Cooke tunes playing in the background. These are some of the most timeless pieces of music ever recorded. Every so often, I take them out, dust them off, and take a listen. My mood changes and somehow my day gets better.

There are plenty of biographies about Sam Cooke. His life makes an interesting story. Born into a large family, son of a minister, Sam started in gospel music and eventually became an R&B and pop superstar. Sam was also well known as a lady's man, a business man, and a human rights advocate. To this day, people still wonder about the real story behind his suspicious death.

Our Uncle Sam is unique among Sam Cooke biographies. This book is written by Sam's great nephew and includes stories from various relatives. I absolutely loved this concept. Family knows, and still loves you nonetheless, throughout both the good and bad. Therefore, I felt that this biography presented a really balanced story about Sam, where he came from, what drove him to succeed, and what was really important to him. Moreover, I was touched at this family's everlasting love and devotion to Sam's memory and to the loving foundations set out by Annie Mae and Charles Cook Sr.

[Caroline Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to read a book about Sam Cooke and not feel immediately connected to his life, music, and legacy. Erik Greene details how his Uncle Sam helped transform the music industry for a black artist as well as show his love for his family. Baffled by the events of December 11, Greene presents the official reports and expectedly, describes how ridiculous they are. I suggest reading this book while listening to as much Sam Cooke as possible, from 'You Send Me' to the lessen known gems on his album Night Beat. I read this book in two days; safe to say it was hard to put down.

[Sara Dallmayr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I've been a Sam Cooke fan since I was a kid, I've been on a total bender with his music the past two weeks. I received the book yesterday afternoon and finished it today. While it read well, it was hardly an easy read. It was very emotional - regardless of the story teller, the end of the story is the same, and since I learned how he passed a few years ago, the details always seemed WRONG to me. The book helps me move a notch closer to what I've felt was the truth all along in my heart and my head. Although no one may know exactly what went down at the end, it's universally agreed to anyone who reads into it at all that something is deeply unsettling about the situation.
Regardless of these events, Sam's talent, innovation, business sense, musical creativity, ability to observe, connect to an audience, and be at the front of trends is remarkable. I fully encourage everyone reading this review to thoroughly explore the Sam Cooke catalogue, from gospel to civil rights, and especially listen to Live At Harlem Square. If you think you know Sam Cooke and haven't done this already, or you aren't aware just how strong his role is in our musical and social evolution, give it another try.
Back to the book, sorry. The book is well written, chronological, good flow, with lots of family memories as well as musical observations. I'm just starting my reading up on Sam Cooke and decided to start with this one first. I am staying objective, but I am glad I selected this first.
Also ordered it directly from the author on the Amazon, who wrote and dated a nice inscription to me.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a biography, especially the last three chapters!!! I wanted to first read about Sam Cooke because I was slightly curious about his death. Every so often I like to read biographies, even if the person is beyond my time. I felt that his nephew did a really good job and was passionate about telling his uncle Sam's story. Its sad that he died in the middle of his dreams and to me he looked like he was set up and that Barbra was snake. Sorry, I get little over my head when I write reviews!

[Corista Fikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exceptional. A gift to those of us who wish to learn more about Sam Cooke, whose music changed the world.

[Maria McMahon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight to the man!