World premiere, original production travels through the too-short life of ‘The King of Soul’

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe continues its 2015-2016 season with The Sam Cooke Story, which runs March 2 – April 9. The world premiere, original production written and adapted by Nate Jacobs, Michael Jacobs and B.G. Rhule, will take theatre patrons through the life of Cooke – popularly known as “The King of Soul” – who died at the tender age of 33.

“At WBTT, we are committed to sharing with our patrons the lives and music of noted African-American artists, so that their stories will continue to live on,” said Jacobs. “Sam Cooke’s musical roots lay in gospel and he brought that proud influence to his pop music. He was one of the greatest singers who ever lived, a marvelous composer, and a savvy businessman. I can’t even imagine what he might have accomplished if his life hadn’t been cut so tragically short.”

Sam Cooke was an American singer, songwriter and entrepreneur who was noted for his distinctive vocals and compositions. He is credited for contributing to the rise of world-famous artists such as Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack and numerous others, and popularizing the likes of James Brown and Otis Redding.

Cooke had 43 hits on Billboard's pop chart between 1957-1966, including several after his death; 17 of those songs were in the top 20. Smash hits include "Chain Gang," "Cupid," "Another Saturday Night," "A Wonderful World" and "You Send Me." He also showed significant business smarts, establishing a publishing company for his music in 1959, founding his own record label, and negotiating an impressive contract with RCA, something many of his peers were not able to do at that time. 

He also took an active part in the civil rights movement. His song, "A Change is Gonna Come," became one of the most important and memorable songs of the civil rights era.

On December 11, 1964, at the age of 33, Cooke was shot and killed by Bertha Franklin, a hotel manager in California. Franklin claimed she was acting in self-defense; the courts ruled Cooke's death to be a justifiable homicide, although family and friends have questioned the circumstances surrounding his death.

Cooke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and awarded a posthumous lifetime achievement Grammy. His legacy has endured through music that has stood the test of time, and the artists who have covered his songs.

Cecil Washington, Jr. stars as Sam Cooke; Joel Patrick King plays his brother, Charles Cook Jr. Also performing in the production are Ariel Blue, Ashley Brooks, Jeffery Carson, Camilla Harris, Michael Mendez, Raphael Petlock, Leon S. Pitts II, and Walter Price.

Artistic director is Jacobs, choreographer is Donald Frison, stage manager is Juanita Munford, production manager, resident music director and bassist is James E. Dodge II, costume designer is Cristy Owen, set designer is Donna Buckalter, lighting designer is Nick Jones and property master is Annette Breazeale.

Performances, which take place at the WBTT theater (1646 10th Way, Sarasota) are 8pm Tuesday-Saturday with 2pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Very few seats remain; tickets are $38/adults, $27 students or active military with valid ID. Call the Box Office (941-366-1505) or go to westcoastblacktheatre.org.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, attract diverse audiences, while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.

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