THE COOKE BOOK: The Music of Sam Cooke is Darrian Ford's celebration of Cooke's greatest hits and some lesser known gems. Considered by many to be the definitive soul singer, Sam Cooke blended sensuality and spirituality, sophistication and soul, movie idol looks and Gospel singer poise.
"You Send Me", one of Cooke's earliest hits, was the first of 29 Top 40 hits by the Chicago-raised, singing son of a Baptist minister. In addition to being a successful performer, Cooke established himself as a groundbreaking black entrepeneur within the mainstream music industry,founding his own publishing company (Kags Music) and independent record label (SAR/Derby). Tragically, Cooke was shot and killed in Los Angeles on December 11, 1964. His music and influence can be heard in every generation since.
Chicago native DARRIAN FORD began his professional perfoming career at age 13. His career has since spanned Concert Dance companies of Alvin Ailey and Donald Byrd/The Group; Broadway credits include STATE FAIR, THE WHO'S TOMMY and the first national tours of THE COLOR PURPLE and SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE. On film he co-starred in "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" with Halle Berry, and had a recurring role on Disney's "That's So Raven". With nearly a dozen musical guest appearances on both day and night time TV talk shows, he can also be heard on Broadway colleague albums, musical concept albums, and his own CD "Everything".
Recapture the music and relive the magic in this dynamite tribute to The Man Who Invented Soul -- SAM COOKE.
