180-Gram Vinyl Limited Ed. Includes specially prepared essay by Brian Morton. Songwriter and performer Sam Cooke (1931-1964) was one of the most popular and influential black singers to emerge in the late '50s. Much like his contemporary Ray Charles, Cooke successfully synthesized a blend of gospel music and secular themes that provided the early foundation of soul music. Cooke's pure, clear vocals were widely imitated, and his suave, sophisticated image set the style for soul crooners for the next decade. This LP contains 20 of the finest moments and most celebrated songs of Sam Cooke's career. All of these fabulous tracks continue to stand the test of time. There's no better proof of Cooke's genius than these soulful, joyous, exuberant, stylish and passionate recordings. 20 TRACKS - 180-GRAM VIRGIN VINYL - INCLUDES SPECIALLY PREPARED ESSAY BY JAZZ WRITER BRIAN MORTON - LIMITED EDITION