About the Song
A Change Is Gonna Come
Written and recorded by Sam Cooke, “(A Change Is Gonna Come)” is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the struggle for civil rights in the United States. The song was released in 1964, at a time when the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and it quickly became an anthem for the movement.
Cooke was born in Mississippi in 1931, and he began singing in church at a young age. He went on to become a successful gospel singer, and in the late 1950s, he crossed over to the secular music scene. Cooke had a string of hit singles, including “You Send Me,” “Chain Gang,” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.”
“(A Change Is Gonna Come)” was inspired by a personal experience that Cooke had in 1963. He and his band were turned away from a motel in Shreveport, Louisiana, because they were black. Cooke was outraged by the incident, and he wrote the song as a way to express his anger and frustration.
The song is a slow, soulful ballad that builds in intensity as it progresses. Cooke’s vocals are passionate and pleading, and the lyrics are full of hope and determination. The song’s message is one of perseverance and resilience, and it has inspired generations of activists and civil rights leaders.
“(A Change Is Gonna Come)” is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving testament to the struggle for equality, and it continues to inspire people all over the world.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was recorded in one take at RCA Studios in Los Angeles.
- The song’s producer, Hugo Peretti, was initially hesitant to release the song because he thought it was too controversial.
- The song was banned by some radio stations in the South, but it became a hit on the pop charts.
- Cooke performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1964.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Beyoncé.
- The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
- The song was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2004.
“(A Change Is Gonna Come)” is a powerful and moving song that has had a profound impact on American culture. It is a song of hope and determination, and it continues to inspire people all over the world.