From the New York Times...

Legacy has just released several Sam Cooke reissues as a new biography by author Peter Guralnick on the singer hits the bookshelves. While this greatest hits album is not comprehensive (there is no "A Change is Gonna Come," probably one of the first social-protest songs of the rock era, or "Another Saturday Night"), this a great introduction to the music of a man who started out in gospel and became a towering figure in pop and R&B. Cooke had the golden voice that can be heard on his signature tune You Send Me, and many other hits such as "(What a) Wonderful World," "Twistin' the Night Away," "Having a Party," and "Only Sixteen". Cooke was also a pioneering figure not only as a great soul singer but also as a producer, songwriter, and founder of his own record company-something that not usually afforded black artists. Hopefully this collection and Guralnick's book will reignite interest in this important artist. Also check out two recent Cooke reissues: One Night Stand: Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963, and Night Beat, a classic album that goes beyond his conventional pop hits with some almost gritty and soulful performances, including interpretations of "Shake Rattle and Roll," "Little Red Rooster," and the smoking "Trouble Blues."

Sam Cooke The Best of Sam Cooke RCA/Legacy By David Chiu