Vocal Analysis featuring Sam Cooke - "A Change Is Gonna Come"

Today we're listening to one of my favorite artists, Sam Cooke. His voice alone was so special, but his delivery and story-telling truly elevated every song he sang. This video features one of his own compositions, A Change Is Gonna Come.
Watch the original video uninterrupted: • Sam Cooke - A change i...
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[@patrickmckenney9663]

To put Sam Cooke's soulful performance into a bit more context, Bethany, his career occurred during the civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s. I feel comfortable in suggesting that it came naturally to him andto all black performers of that time to sing from the heart. I was a young teen in those days and Sam was a particular favorite of mine. You might also enjoy the songs of Jesse Belvin, who actually preceded Sam as the rising starfor RCA, if memory serves me, but who died in an automobile accident with his wife ... under somewhat suspicious circumstances while touring in the south. Thank you. This old man always enjoys visiting your channel.

[@edenw7749]

I agree. This song was the musical centre piece of the Victoria & Albert exhibition “You Say You Want A Revolution” exploring the successes and failures of the 1960s revolutionary spirit.

[@noahlomax1]

To add, even before Sam's time, we as Black people sing from our hearts and soul because the music pulls us out of our surroundings, but especially during times where struggles are plentiful; which for a ton of us were before, during and even after the Civil Rights movement. So many genres were birthed out of pain and anguish, but when sung or played (instrumentally), you can feel the soul, the blues, the gospel, the rock, the jazz, the pop and the R&B that comfortably comes out of voices such as Sam's and so many others past and present.

[@aviakidos-lobitos2398]

You’re right but wrong..Elder Sam Cook start singing in 1950 sing in black gospel quartet, when he crossed over to become the father of soul music all black singers and musicians came out of country black church. A large percentage of black soul singers either their father, grandfather or uncle was a pastor in the black Baptist or the black sanctified church and God and Christ, or was one of founding members of the black church. Soul, R&B, RagTime, country southern blues,, early country, to country black gospel , little Richard taken the black church gospel and speeding it up to produce early rock and roll.

[@travisjacobson682]

He wrote this after being refused a room at a hotel in Shreveport, LA. He was in town for a performance, but he wasn't welcome in the hotel due to his skin color.

[@MGWProfessor]

He actually got the idea for this song when he gear bob Dylan blowing in the wind. He felt "why is a white man singing a song of oppression when he wasn't"

[@oldskoolsoulboy]

Nobody has done it better...he digs so deep into your soul.

[@PopRocks74]

Sam Cooke is my favorite vocalist of all time. However, no one ever discusses what a prolific songwriter he was… he has a truly astounding catalog for such a short career. Long live Sam Cooke 💙

[@jlrp9929]

and a great bussinesman

[@gwzirkle]

One of the greatest songs ever recorded. His performance is breathtaking; it brings tears to my eyes.

[@marccouture67]

A classic tear jerker, Cooke was an inspiration to many great singers that came after him, most notably Journey's Steve Perry.

[@adamcohen233]

This is one of those songs that belongs so completely to its original artist. Every time I hear someone cover it, I turn away. Sam Cooke had a complex relationship with this song- I don't think anyone could fully understand what he felt about it, maybe he himself wasn't fully clear on that question. It's a miracle of talent, narrative, experience, and execution. There's no artifice to it, the song is pure art, and in this modern medium where so many people are involved, that's exceptionally rare. Sam Cooke delivered the truth, and it is full of pain, loneliness, betrayal, and what's left is a somber hope for something better to come. Thank you for your video about this masterpiece.

[@kirksmith2051]

Perfectly stated.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Sam Cooke "Cupid",, "Chain Gang" & "Another Saturday Night",, Etc..Etc..R.I.P. Sam..Thank You For ALL You Gave Us..Gone But Definitely Not Forgotten. 🙏❤

[@dagmar.6954]

Love Sam Cooke. He was nicknamed the "King of Soul". He had lots of great hits in the 50's-60's such as "You Send Me", "Bring It On Home To Me", "Cupid", "Wonderful World", "Chain Gang", "Twistin' The Night Away", "Another Saturday Night", "Good Times" etc. Sadly he was shot & killed in 1964 at the age of only 33. But he left us a great legacy of music.

[@allengray5748]

Well here is the best of I speak!! Thanks 😌

[@Chirrack]

Otis Redding is the King Tho. But I Feel What you said

[@alshurdom6917]

First time I have ever heard Sam Cooke sing...I instantly choked up. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

[@weotalks2810]

According to ROLLINGSTONE MAGAZINE THE ICONIC LEGEND SAM COOKE IS THE GREATEST MALE SINGER OF ALL TIME....AND I AGREE..OMG

[@borisblvd5354]

"A Change Is Gonna Come" is one of my TOP favorite songs of all time. A song used in the movie "Malcom X". Sam really is the "King Of Soul". A pioneer architect of blending pop lyrics to gospel music. I think I remember Rod Stewart saying that, he spent 2 years just listening to Sam Cooke.

[@jessieball6195]

Cooke had a full symphony orchestra playing behind him, that, in addition to Cooke's excellent vocals, elevated this version to the best performance of this song to date (no others even come close, frankly).

[@paxonearth]

"Top 10 greatest vocalists for me." OMG, I'm so glad you said that. I haven't even heard that much from Sam, but it's absolutely jaw dropping what pours from his mouth.

[@matthewgoodA1206]

This is one of those old, completely classic pieces of soul music. Never going to lose its powerful feeling.

[@SlitherWhisp]

What an amazing voice. And the emotion he put into his songs.... What a shame he died so young. Bring It On Home To Me plays often in my house, my truck, my office.... goosebumps and shivers when I listen to his songs.

[@xavvi]

*murdered. It's a shame he was murdered so young.

[@SlitherWhisp]

Thank you for the correction. It makes it even sadder.

[@stacytw79]

Bring it on home to me IS MY FAVE OF SAM’S!! ❤ And one of my very fave songs ever. It os a regular on daily playlist. And ofc Sam is one of my all time faves too.

[@rickwallace2091]

My eyes always well up when I hear this song.

[@allengray5748]

HOLY HECK FREAKING SMOKES!!! Never knew how epic this guy is!! I think I heard ONLY 16 and CHAIN GANG. Only 16 A great song I haven't heard a while. I'm mainly a ROCK / METAL HEAD but appreciate greats like Barbara Streisand, Julie London and the singer of AIR SUPPLY etc. Need to rethink my all time list as well ❤️‍🩹 Thanks for this awakening. Please people list a Best Of! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@stacytw79]

Find “BRING IT ON HOME TO ME”!!!

[@mikaelhertzberg]

I remember when i heard this song for the first time as a toddler, hes intro "I was booooooorn by the river" it moved me in a way I couldnt explain, it still do 50 years later!

[@FastEddie007007]

Sam Cooke singing the Blues and Bethany providing the curls and smiles, the perfect way to start any day.

[@larrywright4539]

His voice had so much anguish and pain in it in this song! This song spoke of the misery and suffering going on in this land, but also of the hope for a better tomorrow. I weep every time I hear this song. Thank you for reacting to it.

[@HawkEye40]

I love your Steve Perry's reaction video (and to be honest, as a vocal teacher myself, I don't like these kind of material, but yours is so well put, humble and informative at the same that I loved it!) and now I've found this gem!!! Cooke was Perry's hero, so I'm glad to see this too 😍 Subscribed 🤗

[@tom7471]

What a wonderful breakdown of this incredible singer! How could we possibly forget how great he was? I haven't listened to Sam in a 'long time', but again his voice just overwhelms. I agree about the orchestration adding so much, too... Wow. I have always preferred female singers, but Sam Cooke just can't be ignored.

[@iceelf-gs1492]

Yes, that incredible Sam Cooke tone is unmistakable. I fondly remember "You Send Me", "Another Saturday Night", "Nothing Can Change This Love", and the list goes on... Thank you so much for bringing back these great artist from my era. Gone, but not forgotten... So tragic that he didn't live to see some of those changes.

[@marymarly1768]

saw him in person as a child. up close he was beautiful, and a body to die for. cars beach, Annapolis, md

[@jimmiedarks99]

Our landlord was his manager’s brother. That’s where I met him at age 9, formally introduced. It was either that or his tremendous, effortless singing voice that made him my favorite. Maybe it was both 😎

[@plugnut4713]

Sam Cooke is timeless. You should do a Ray Charles video. Lord, you'll be blown away by the depth and hurt in Brother Ray's singing. Yes, Sam had that too, big time. Yeah, Sam around thirty and sounds like he's in his sixties thanks to the wrongs and sorrows of his time, and still our time.

[@m1lehighmagic]

Favorite male singing voice of all time

[@LongFormPiece]

Yeah, for me, regarding male voices it's either him or his Soul Stirrers predecessor - RH Harris.

[@RobinTig]

Thanks for highlighting this amazing singer and song

[@JamesWilliams-uk7wl]

One of my all time favourite songs , a true soulful master at work , you can feel everything he puts into this wonderful song ❤

[@EVERYDAYGames00]

What a voice

[@randycchavez]

Sam "the man" Cooke, this is one of the most beautiful songs ever done. Everything about it just absolutely gorgeous.

[@silvers983]

This is THE 60s era Civil Rights song. Such a powerful singing voice, but an even more powerful rallying one.

[@eviep2]

Yes, that voice is just memorable. "Trouble Blues" is one of my favorite songs of his.

[@talontalent]

I'm so happy to see Sam Cooke on your channel. From this era, he is easily my favorite singer. You only get that soul with true experience. I would love to see some Al Green up on the channel. Love and Happiness would top my list but Let's Stay Together, Here I Am (Come and Take Me) or really any would be great analysis. Thank you for your expertise. It makes reactions 100x more interesting when someone has a skill oriented view.

[@Azabaxe80]

I know exactly where I was when I first heard this song. A professor of mine took the class to a screening of Spike Lee's "X", and somewhere in the middle of the film this song is used. The professor, who was sitting next to me in the theater, said to me "That's Sam Cooke. _A Change in Gonna Come_ ". I immediately became a fan.

[@yurilemming4130]

Been listening to Sam for 60 years, this is what people have missed out on.

[@Jude_196]

Gone: WAY TOO SOON. Would've LOVED to have seen what he would've come-out-with, as times changed. SO SOULFUL and HEARTFELT! RIP, SAM! Great Reaction: AS ALWAYS!! ❤

[@serekithegreat]

One of the top three songs ever released. It’s just beyond amazing. 🎶🎶🎵😎🙌🏾

[@DR-dr8dr8]

An amazing song. It is a favorite of mine. Historical classic song.

[@mdsoulsounds]

Kudos for your observations of these great vocal moments, Sarah, Sam. It should also be remembered the social and cultural dimension of the story line of what they are singing. Analysis is nice, but the deeper spiritual element can never be overlooked, a mysterious black box of individual soulfulness.

[@JCourts2k23]

Doesnt get much better, i love this music, and im 42, just love it.

[@AlreadyFree612]

Yes! My daughter knew all the words to, "Bring It On Home" at 6 years old! ❤️

[@lnautomobile3248]

A favorite tearjerker. What a gem, gone too soon.

[@ichigozanghetsu]

This song will always have a special place in my heart since it's one of the songs my father chose for his cremation ceremony.

[@lyallg7925]

He had the voice of a lifetime…. crystal clear and smokey at the same time. And oh so distinctive. Sam crossed genres and his recordings are timeless. It’s sad that the majority of people only know his more commercial hits. And even more tragic that there is very little visual footage of the man. This fact never ceases to astound me.

[@frankaq3951]

Totally with you, Bethany, on Sam being top ten all-time. He's probably in my top five.

[@dannyolsen5543]

Tbh #1

[@ThomasBond-jr4se]

I hate lists like that, but if I had to pick my three favorite singers, it would be Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding. Don't ask me to pick the order, because it would change every time based on who I listened to last....

[@ReadingAde]

This song always makes me tear up. Just hits you deep

[@LibraKing3121]

Absolutely LOVE this song & Sam Cooke! If you really want to have your mind blown, please check out Jackie Wilson's "Danny Boy." It's the version from an old B&W TV show called Gymboree(sp?) It's damn near a religious experience. I can't listen to other versions after hearing his version.

[@robertjackson9921]

Yeah Jackie's version is great ...and so is Sam's interpretation. Both true artists

[@70centurian]

Perfection.........SILK

[@sudelaine8653]

Thanks so much for this one! 😊Sam Cooke has become generally overlooked these days, even though there does seem to be a slowly-growing trend toward looking back on the greats of decades past. Another incredible singer who hasn't gotten due credit -- even during his lifetime -- is Brook Benton. Personally, I think he was born a little too late. His style would have been better appreciated in the days of Billy Eckstine and Nat Cole, but by time he came along, the record industry insisted that he sing R&B and Rock 'n Roll. It might've happened to Sam Cooke, too, if he hadn't died so terribly young.

[@dystar112]

I love this song and I love his voice 😊

[@clivethompson6489]

Sam is the greatest vocalist of all time..definitely one of a kind..🎉

[@FrMaximilianMaryDean]

Bethany, I really appreciate how you draw out the beauty and expression and technique that singers are using in your videos and your philosophy of "embracing" and developing the God-given voice we each have. It took me decades to arrive at that embrace! I don't know if you take "special requests," but I would love to hear your analysis of "With or Without You" by Bono of U2 (the Live Rattle and Hum 1988 concert or the original studio version - both are phenomenal). His voice is so intriguing and expressive, besides just the tone and range. His voice, in my opinion, is as iconic as Steve Perry.

[@paulwest1206]

So glad you reviewed this song! He laid it down in such a relaxed way, it just flowed like a river. But... I found it to be the toughest song ever to learn to sing! Still don't have it. It's his cadence, phrasing, timing and seamless vocal movement up and down the scale, and that run-on refrain that just keeps adding one more thought. Incredible performance.

[@delisaseale5881]

I’ve never really heard much about him. I’ve probably heard on the radio probably but didn’t know who voice. Thanks for featuring him! I will definitely look him up.🎶

[@G.M.1944]

His greatest performance, next to this, to me is his LIVE rendition of “Bring It On Home To Me” on the remastered live at The Harlem Square Club, 1963 cd. It’s a regular show for a regular black crowd touring the (black) chitlin’ circuit, and here he really is himself, super soulful, intense, hard working, smooth yet sexy-aggressive, totally in command of the crowd. Not heard on record this control, except Jerry Lee Lewis at Star-club Hamburg, 1964. Sam’s live rendition (the whole record) gives it all to you, vocally, in terms of soul and passion, songs, but by that performance alone he is and will forever remain the greatest soul singer of all-time. And MANY that followed him, black and white artists and groups, from Led Zeppelin, Otis Redding, Al Green, Rod Stewart, Terence Trent d’Arby, Bobby Womack,almost every other soul singer and group… took part of their stuff from him and his genius. But he was unique, never has there been anyone better in that gospel-soul style that also incorporated rock and pop. Imagine what course pop music had taken had he lived on past 1963 ?

[@PJB71064]

I SINCERELY LOVE EVERYTHING THAT GOD ALLOWED SAM COOKE TO DELIVER ME THROUGH HIS LIFE AND MUSIC. I AM GRATEFUL FOR HIS "MUSICAL MESSAGES AND SMOOTH RHYTHMIC EXPRESSIONS OF ART VIA HIS VOICE, PERSONALITY AND UNIQUENESS OF CHARACTER "IN ADDITION TO THE LIFE LESSONS!" I APPRECIATE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS.🤔🤗

[@michaelr148]

Thanks for your analysis. His voice was the purest, most moving I've ever listened to. As an entirely untrained singer, it's enlightening to hear someone passionately explain the aspects of his singing that I have enjoyed for decades.

[@rickwallace2091]

The orchestration works so well with his voice…it’s captivating

[@samhardy2038]

What more could you want ❤

[@perfectq7206]

I'm very happy you did a Sam Cooke reaction, not many vocalist do. If you think he was great singing pop, you'll be blown away listening to his gospel. A worthy rabbit hole.

[@fearfullnature]

It shows Steve Perry was influenced by Mr. Cooke. Steve sings with the same passion. 🎙️🎙️👌🏻👌🏻

[@bostonberkeley]

Sam Cooke sings from a different place- a place of trauma that Steve Perry has never experienced.

[@S.K-eg3ps]

何十年も前、若い頃好きでよく聴いてました。まさかここでreactionしてくださるとは…とても嬉しく分かりやすく分析してくださるのでありがたく満足です!ありがとう❤

[@montybrewster7]

This was the first song that brought me to tears. Aretha & sam, that is soul without compare.

[@brittnybuffalochief6459]

I just came across your videos today, and I have nearly watched all of your videos already. I absolutely adore Sam Cooke, and I loved watching and hearing what you had to say about Chris Cornell and Maynard James Keenan. Three of my favorite singers/ songwriters. They might just be my top three favorite vocalist of all time. If you haven't explored more of Chris Cornell's and Maynard James Keenans' music, I implore you to do so. A few of my favorite songs to listen to with Chris Cornell are "When I'm Down," "Wave Good Bye" Cochise," and "Seasons." In fact, the entire Euphoria Morning album is amazing. If you haven't heard "A Perfect Circle" and "Puscifer," you definitely need to, its hard to pick any one song from either band so I would just start at the beginning. I don't know if you will actually see this comment but if you do I would love to see your reaction to "when I'm Down" or "Wave Goodbye" Another great vocalist I think you would appreciate is Josh Homme from Queens of the stone age. I'm really into Dan Auerbach in The Archs. I'm obsessed with "Heaven Is A Place" I look forward to watching the rest of your videos and seeing what you react to next.

[@stacytw79]

You gotta do Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me”!! Sam’s my fave❤

[@Macktube]

I still consider Sam Cooke, the king of soul. He had a superpowerful voice. You're singing was probably even better when he was in the Soulstiers before going pop. who else is in your Top 10

[@user-rd5df8vz2f]

What you hear in San Cooke outside in voice and talent in this day and age was magic and that something that you will hear never never again

[@jonathanreyman7628]

Great analysis. Thank you. As a teenager I remember Steve Allen mocking Sam's singing and writing on his popular TV show. Allen never got what Sam was putting down on the tracks he recorded. Allen's loss due to his arrogance and ignorance. I'm sure some people remember Steve Allen, but few people forget Sam Cooke.

[@BrickJunkie886]

Incredible talent, gets into your soul.

[@briankane8226]

So good! Can we get you to do a black crowes song. My vote is "seeing things" Thanks

[@gaddyify]

She seems so emotional listening to him sing.

[@88888gerald]

this woman knows her stuff..thanks for sharing...

[@stacytw79]

Yes she does!!! Love her!❤❤

[@traurigeSatire]

You have the cutest Smile on KZbin 😍

[@ericq9049]

Sam had such power and control over his voice. He also delivered his words with such clarity, which really requires so much natural talent under all that power.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Sam Cooke was amazing. May I ask you to review the voice of Kansas' Steve Walsh singing Journey From Mariabronn? Thank you in advance. Bob

[@ifz10]

You would love “Lianne La Havas performs "Forget" live in session for The Line of Best Fit” it’s incredible!

[@jerryharris7065]

My mother. Rip. What's the first person to turn me on to music. Otis Redding was her favorite. Motown. And what she called soul music was my first love. After that pure metal LOL

[@raquelpaes1979]

OMG, Leon Bridges on the song "River" sounds a little bit like Sam, this prolongued sound in the end of the words

[@ryanhall5553]

I'd love to see your reaction to Muhammad My Friend - by Tori Amos with James Keenan live

[@cynthiaanderson3742]

AMEN AMEN 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 😊❤❤🎉🎉

[@sethcashman1011]

Handily, one of the greatest vocal performances of all time. I don't know if you've heard the version with all of the original lyrics included. Worth a listen! As a vocalist, an instrumentalist, or really anything else, when you're completely relaxed, you are coming from a coming from a place of true power. There is a wonderful book entitled New Pathways to Piano Technique, long out of print, by Luigi Bonpensiere, in which the author discusses this very principle as it applies to playing piano. Number, he says, you must be completely relaxed. And number two, you must be crystal clear on your idea, on what you're trying to accomplish or express. And you can hear both of the above in Cooke's vocal performance in this song. Someone else once said that (and I'm paraphrasing), when you're watching a great athlete at work, it's like they're remembering something they've always known rather than doing something that they had to learn. I've always felt the same about Cooke as a vocalist. Thanks for another worthy selection and another thoughtful and detailed analysis thereof. p.s. that's the legendary William Hinshaw on French horn, whose credit list is endless. I believe that the equally legendary Earl Palmer played drums on this track, as well.

[@TheProtestantPope]

Singing with freedom. When you do that because you've nailed the technique because it has become second nature then the emotions and the life experience oozes out freely too. Just don't use autotune and it becomes organic a.f.

[@sethcashman1011]

@@TheProtestantPope exactly right.

[@1063ghost]

Good for the Heart ! 😚

[@gordonphillipsacademy]

You are a beautiful lady. You have so much soul and connection to the beauty in great music and great vocals. Really appreciate you.

[@helgar791]

Watch Sam Cooke do a lip synced version of his "You Send Me" from the old black and white American Bandstand and you'll bet to see his engaging stage presence.

[@AW11-e4h]

What a voice 👍 Beth Hart does an amazing cover of this.

[@1985lsf]

Love seeing your reactions and breakdown of artists. One I really want you to enjoy is Charles Bradley covering Black Sabbath's 'Changes' :)

[@stacytw79]

Ooo that’s a good one!

[@sharonsnail2954]

Bethany: I would be interested to hear your opinion on how much Sam Cooke's time with the gospel group The Soul Stirrers informs his singing on this track. Of the numerous versions there are of this song my favourites are Sam, Aretha Franklin and Al Green all of whom have gospel roots. Of course, all of them have great voices too 😃

[@userep1977]

Красиво,слаженно поет.

[@swagilyph]

Nothing will ever beat the Sam Cooke version, but T-Pain did a cover of this recently, and I think people would LOVE if you checked it out.

[@Rudystone1970]

I stop by your site every once and a while and I think that you are so very beautiful.

[@alancarver2511]

Beth, we have a problem. You cannot cut those beautiful curls!

[@omersinsoysal3466]

🎉🎉🎉🧚‍♂️🧚‍♀️🧚Değişim...değişmeyen tek şeydir... Asla, asla dememeyi öğretir insana... Müzikal tadında harika bir kadife ses...

[@aquaticIntrovert]

Would LOVE to hear your thoughts on something from Radiohead. You really can't go wrong with the Live From The Basement version of In Rainbows. My personal pick would probably be Weird Fishes, but from a pure vocals perspective it's hard to top Nude. Or, I dunno, maybe Thom Yorke is too obvious a pick for this sort of channel. Either way, keep up the good work!

[@cynthiaanderson3742]

The greatest Gospel of all Mahalia Jackson

[@goosba]

Seal does a good job with some of Sam s songs

[@gregorythornton1664]

You can just tell that this is his personal testimony.

[@jessicawilloughby9469]

Love to see you check out JIMMY BARNES version of this!

[@gordonfinlayson7493]

Good word clarity

[@PhonePole68]

What about Paul Rogers from bad company? One of very few singers who hasn’t transposed down a step or 4. His nickname was the voice. Don’t let me down

[@yohaphil5440]

I would love to see and watch your in depth description of Marylin McCoo song One less Bell.Thanks