Sam Cooke

INCLUDES 2 BONUS TRACKS

This quintessential release contains Sam Cooke’s third studio album, Tribute to the Lady, originally issued on Keen Records and released in 1959. Tribute to the Lady was Sam’s dedication to Billie Holiday who had died that year. This was an ambitious album of standards where one great singer paid homage to another. At the time, Sam Cooke was one of the emerging stars of soul music. He also had a substantial gospel following, so the decision to tackle another musical genre was proof that Sam was not afraid of branching out and trying to reach other audiences.

While only moderately successful at the time of its release, the album has since become recognized as one of the best tributes to Billie. Recorded at the end of 1959 (Lady Day died on July 17), the set features a string orchestra conducted by René Hall, and horn soloists, including Benny Carter, who is prominently heard on “Solitude” (Carter also wrote the album’s original liner notes). Long unavailable on vinyl, this sensational LP has finally been remastered and packaged in this special collector’s edition, which also includes 2 bonus tracks from the same period. There’s no better proof of Sam Cooke’s genius than these soulful, passionate and stylish recordings.

PERSONNEL:

SAM COOKE, vocals, plus:

GEARLD WILSON, CONTE CANDOLI, PETE CANDOLI, CONRAD GOZZO, trumpet
MILT BERNHART, trombone
BENNIE CARTER, alto sax
PLAS JOHNSON, tenor sax
JACKIE KELSO, BUDDY COLLETTE, JEWELL GRANT, reeds
ERNIE FREEMAN, piano
RENÉ HALL, guitar
RED CALLENDER, bass
EARL PALRMER, drums
Orchestra arranged and conducted by René Hall.

Los Angeles, California, between November and December of 1959.

(*) BONUS TRACKS:
Sam Cooke (lead vocals). Probable personnel: René Hall, Cliff White (g), Adolphus Asbrook (b), Charles Blackwell (d).
Arranged and conducted by René Hall.

SIDE A [7] was recorded at Sound Enterprises, Hollywood, California,
January 14, 1959, and SIDE B [7] at Rex Productions, Los Angeles, California, September 1958.

SIDE A

01. GOD BLESS THE CHILD
02. SHE’S FUNNY THAT WAY
03. I’VE GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES
04. GOOD MORNING, HEARTACHE
05. T’AINT NOBODY’S BIZNESS (IF I DO)
06. COMES LOVE
07. THERE I’VE SAID IT AGAIN (*)

SIDE B

01. LOVER GIRL (MAN)
02. LET’S CALL THE WHOLE THING OFF
03. LOVER COME BACK TO ME
04. SOLITUDE
05. THEY CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME
06. CRAZY IN LOVE W