Sam Cooke's Smoky Voice Starts the Soul Music Revolution -- Picture Book

Each week, in Picture Book, we present an iconic photo from rock 'n' roll's past or present, accompanied with insightful commentary. Whether it's a famous picture or an unearthed rarity, these striking images will serve to illustrate the visual side of music.

Sam Cooke, RCA Recording Studio, Los Angeles, 1959

When Sam Cooke entered the RCA studios in 1959, he was still pumping out light-hearted singles like 'Everyone Loves to Cha Cha Cha' and 'Only Sixteen.' But four years later, Cooke would return to that studio to record his most profound song -- one that became synonymous with the civil rights movement.

Cooke, widely credited with inventing soul music, was inspired to write 'A Change Is Gonna Come' after the drowning death of his 18-month son and his own encounters with racism. The socially conscious tune, molded after Bob Dylan's 'Blowin' in the Wind,' predicted an end to racism and inspired future socially conscious soul acts such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Cooke wouldn't be around to see that, though: He was shot and killed under mysterious circumstances 11 days before 'A Change Is Gonna Come' was released in 1964.