رویای بوگی: پیروزی سم کوک

From Publishers Weekly *Starred Review.* There's no real substitute for the sound of Sam Cooke's music, but the detailed descriptions of his recordings throughout this masterful biography are the next best thing to wearing headphones while you read. Guralnick's first book after a two-volume bio of Elvis honors Cooke's (1931–1964) musical genius, especially his ability to grasp the changing music scene of the late 1950s and early '60s. For those who only know the singer through his pop hits—"You Send Me"; "Twistin' the Night Away"—the extensive account of his childhood background in gospel music will prove fascinating, and the evocation of the harsh realities faced by African-American musicians touring the South a powerful reminder of just how explosive this music could be. Yet wide-ranging interviews reveal that behind Cooke's talent and energetic vocal style, many of his peers in the music biz saw a more troubling personality. The biography does not judge, but neither does it hold back on recounting Cooke's ruthless interactions with record companies or the deep rifts in his marriage to his former childhood sweetheart. Guralnick's revelation of the complicated man behind the music ultimately enables readers to rediscover songs like "A Change Is Gonna Come" as even more remarkable than before. Photos. *(Oct. 18)* Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From The New Yorker Until Sam Cooke was shot dead in a Los Angeles motel, in 1964, at the age of thirty-three, his life had been an ascending series of crossover moves: he conquered the postwar gospel-music scene, scored bigger hits by moving into secular rhythm and blues, and then, after signing with R.C.A., in 1960, proceeded to go pop, and released a string of smooth, catchy singles that placed him on the cusp of mainstream superstar status. Guralnick, as in his biography of Elvis Presley, displays a feel for the culture that gave rise to the musician, and his account is a revelatory portrait of the rough-and-tumble yet familial world of black show business before and during the civil-rights era. In darker corners lurk the antecedents of today's gangster-rap subculture—racketeers who funded black record labels and tour packages, and performers like Johnny (Guitar) Watson, who made more as a pimp than he did singing. Copyright © 2006 *The New Yorker*

One of the most influential singers and songwriters of all time, Sam Cooke was among the first to blend gospel music and secular themes—the early foundation of soul music. He was the opposite of Elvis: a black performer who appealed to white audiences, who wrote his own songs, who controlled his own business destiny. No biography has previously been written that fully captures Sam Cooke's accomplishments, the importance of his contribution to American music, the drama that accompanied his rise in the early days of the civil rights movement, and the mystery that surrounds his death. Bestselling author Peter Guralnick tells this moving and significant story, from Cooke's childhood as a choirboy to an adulthood when he was anything but. With appearances by Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, James Brown, Harry Belafonte, Aretha Franklin, Fidel Castro, The Beatles, Sonny and Cher, Bob Dylan, and other central figures of this explosive era, DREAM BOOGIE is a compelling depiction of one man striving to achieve his vision despite all obstacles—and an epic portrait of America during the turbulent and hopeful 1950s and 1960s. The triumph of the book is the vividness with which Peter Guralnick conveys the astonishing richness of the black America of this era-the drama, force, and feeling of the story.

The New York Times - John Leland

It is a symptom of our age that most people find any piece of writing too long. So I'll say that Guralnick earns every one of his 750 pages, but in the way Peyton Manning earns his $98 million - no one could give you more, but you might have other demands on your time or money. Me, I like the full monty, but I'm geeky that way.

From the acclaimed author of Last Train to Memphis , this is the definitive biography of Sam Cooke, one of most influential singers and songwriters of all time. Sam Cooke was among the first to blend gospel music and secular themes — the early foundation of soul music. He was the opposite of Elvis: a black performer who appealed to white audiences, who wrote his own songs, who controlled his own business destiny. No biography has previously been written that fully captures Sam Cooke's accomplishments, the importance of his contribution to American music, the drama that accompanied his rise in the early days of the civil rights movement, and the mystery that surrounds his death. Bestselling author Peter Guralnick tells this moving and significant story, from Cooke's childhood as a choirboy to an adulthood when he was anything but. With appearances by Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, James Brown, Harry Belafonte, Aretha Franklin, Fidel Castro, The Beatles, Sonny and Cher, Bob Dylan, and other central figures of this explosive era, Dream Boogie is a compelling depiction of one man striving to achieve his vision despite all obstacles — and an epic portrait of America during the turbulent and hopeful 1950s and 1960s. The triumph of the book is the vividness with which Peter Guralnick conveys the astonishing richness of the black America of this era — the drama, force, and feeling of the story. He was the biggest star in gospel music before he ever crossed over into pop. At a time when record companies treated black artists like hired help, he demanded respect and a recording contract equal to that of top white artists of the day. And Cooke connected, in songs that still sound fresh today. Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Fidel Castro, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. are all part of this story. This book tells a story at once tragic and true: Sam Cooke's rapid rise to stardom; his troubled marriage and relationships with women; his triumphant recordings and--along with Ray Charles--his reinvention of rhythm and blues as soul music; and the senseless waste of his death by shooting at the age of 33.--From publisher description Sam Cooke was the biggest star in gospel music before he crossed over into pop. His first single under his own name, "You Send Me," went to #1 on the charts and sold two million copies. At a time when record companies treated black artists like hired help, Sam Cooke demanded respect equal to that of top white artists. And he connected, in songs like "Wonderful World," "Chain Gang," and "Another Saturday Night"--seemingly effortless compositions that still sound fresh today. This resoundingly praised book captures a human essence so vital, so appealing, that it is impossible not to fall under its spell. At the same time, Dream Boogie re-creates in rich detail the African American world from which Sam Cooke emerged, allowing us to feel both his trials and his triumphs. BIO004000 Acclaimed Elvis biographer Peter Guralnick returns with a revealing portrait of Sam Cooke--a black performer who appealed to white audiences, wrote his own songs, and controlled his own business destiny. Fully capturing Cooke's accomplishments, "Dream Boogie" also conveys the astonishing richness of the black America of this era. 55 b/w photos. A portrait of the influential gospel singer and songwriter covers his early experiences as a choir boy, the impact of the civil rights movement on his career, and the mystery surrounding his death