https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=fPr3yvkHYsE
Murdered in '64
Some people were waiting, knew it was coming, but never got this far.
"It's been a long time coming. But I know a change is coming"
there are numerous conspiracy theories surrounding the death of singer Sam Cooke. Here's an overview of some of the most discussed theories:
Setup by Prostitutes and Pimps:
One theory suggests that Cooke was lured to the Hacienda Motel, a known place for prostitution, by Elisa Boyer, who was either a prostitute or someone involved in a setup to rob him. This is based on the fact that Boyer was arrested on prostitution charges shortly after Cooke's death and later convicted of second-degree murder in an unrelated case. The theory posits that Cooke was carrying a significant amount of cash that night, which was never recovered after his death.
Manager's Involvement:
Bertha Franklin, the motel manager who shot Cooke, claimed it was self-defense. However, some theories argue that Franklin might have been working with Boyer or others to rob Cooke. There's skepticism about Franklin's account because she used a .22 pistol to shoot Cooke, despite having a .32 registered in her name, and the bullet from the shooting went missing.
Allen Klein's Role:
Cooke’s manager, Allen Klein, became the owner of Cooke's record company after his death due to the absence of a will. Some conspiracy theories suggest that Klein might have been involved in Cooke's death to gain control over Cooke's music rights and profits. However, there's no concrete evidence linking Klein directly to the murder.
FBI Involvement:
Given Cooke's association with civil rights activists like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, and his fight against racial segregation in the music industry, some theories speculate FBI involvement or at least negligence in the investigation of his death. The cursory nature of the police investigation has fueled these claims, suggesting that Cooke might have been seen as a threat to the status quo.
Racial Conspiracy:
This theory ties into Cooke's activism and his refusal to perform at segregated venues. Some believe that his murder could have been orchestrated by racists or those who felt threatened by his rising influence and his efforts in civil rights.
Etta James' Observations:
Singer Etta James, who saw Cooke's body, claimed the injuries seemed much more severe than what would result from a simple scuffle, suggesting Cooke might have been beaten before his death, which wasn't consistent with the official report of the incident.
These theories are largely speculative, built on inconsistencies in the official accounts, the backgrounds of the individuals involved, and the broader context of racial tension and Cooke's status as a civil rights advocate. They are often discussed in documentaries, books, and on the internet, where they continue to be debated.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=fPr3yvkHYsE