Sam Cooke is one of the most influential musicians of all time, known for his smooth, soulful voice and hit songs like “You Send Me,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.” However, one song that has always sparked curiosity among music enthusiasts is “What Do You Say.” In this article, we will delve into the history of this song, its meaning, and its significance in Sam Cooke’s discography.
The Origins of “What Do You Say”
“What Do You Say” is a song written by Sam Cooke and released in 1958 as a single. The song was recorded on January 11, 1958, at the Radio Recorders studio in Los Angeles, California. The session was produced by Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore, who were also responsible for producing many of Cooke’s other hits.
The song features Cooke on vocals, accompanied by a group of session musicians, including guitarist Adolph Jacobs, bassist Ted Brinson, and drummer Lee Allen. The song’s instrumentation is characterized by a simple, yet effective, arrangement of guitar, bass, and drums, with a prominent vocal performance by Cooke.
The Lyrics and Meaning of “What Do You Say”
The lyrics of “What Do You Say” are somewhat enigmatic, and their meaning has been subject to interpretation over the years. On the surface, the song appears to be a romantic ballad, with Cooke asking his lover what she says to his declarations of love. However, some listeners have interpreted the song as a metaphor for the struggle for civil rights in the United States during the 1950s.
One possible interpretation is that the song is a commentary on the way African Americans were treated during the Jim Crow era. The lyrics “What do you say, when I say I love you?” can be seen as a reference to the way African Americans were forced to conform to societal norms, and the way their love and relationships were often viewed with suspicion and hostility.
Cooke’s Inspiration for the Song
According to Cooke’s biographer, Peter Guralnick, the song was inspired by Cooke’s own experiences with racism and segregation. Guralnick writes that Cooke was deeply affected by the injustices he witnessed during his travels through the South, and that these experiences influenced his songwriting.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Cooke’s friend and fellow musician, Lou Rawls, recalled that Cooke was deeply committed to the civil rights movement, and that his music reflected this commitment. Rawls stated that Cooke was “a very socially conscious person,” and that his music was “a reflection of his feelings about the world around him.”
The Impact of “What Do You Say”
Despite its ambiguous lyrics, “What Do You Say” was a commercial success, reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also reached number 4 on the Billboard Rhythm and Blues chart, which was a significant achievement for a song that was not a traditional R&B hit.
The song’s success can be attributed to Cooke’s unique vocal style, which blended elements of gospel, blues, and pop music. Cooke’s voice was characterized by its smooth, soulful tone, and its ability to convey a sense of emotional depth and vulnerability.
Cooke’s Legacy and Influence
Sam Cooke’s legacy extends far beyond his music. He was a pioneer for African American artists, and his success paved the way for future generations of musicians. Cooke was also a vocal advocate for civil rights, and his music reflected his commitment to social justice.
Cooke’s influence can be heard in the music of many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. His music has also been covered by countless artists, including The Beatles, who recorded a version of Cooke’s song “Bring It On Home to Me.”
Cooke’s Tragic Death
Tragically, Cooke’s life was cut short in 1964, when he was shot and killed by the manager of a motel in Los Angeles. Cooke was just 33 years old at the time of his death, and his passing was a shock to the music world.
Despite his untimely death, Cooke’s music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences around the world. His legacy is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and circumstance, and to inspire future generations of artists and fans.
Conclusion
“What Do You Say” is a song that continues to fascinate music enthusiasts to this day. Its ambiguous lyrics and soaring melody have made it a timeless classic, and its significance in Sam Cooke’s discography cannot be overstated.
Through his music, Cooke left an indelible mark on the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists to this day. As we look back on Cooke’s life and career, we are reminded of the power of music to transcend time and circumstance, and to inspire future generations of artists and fans.
| Release Date | Chart Performance | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | US Billboard Hot 100: 25, US Billboard Rhythm and Blues: 4 | Keen Records |
In conclusion, “What Do You Say” is a song that continues to captivate audiences with its haunting melody and ambiguous lyrics. As we reflect on Sam Cooke’s life and legacy, we are reminded of the power of music to inspire and influence future generations of artists and fans.
What is the song “What’d I Say” by Sam Cooke about?
The song “What’d I Say” by Sam Cooke is a legendary song that has been interpreted in many ways over the years. On the surface, the song appears to be a romantic ballad, with Cooke singing about a past love and his desire to be reunited with her. However, many have interpreted the song as having a deeper meaning, with some seeing it as a metaphor for the struggle for civil rights in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s.
Despite the various interpretations, Cooke himself never explicitly stated what the song was about, leaving it up to the listener to decide for themselves. This ambiguity has contributed to the song’s enduring popularity and mystique, as listeners continue to find new meanings and interpretations in the lyrics.
Who wrote the song “What’d I Say”?
The song “What’d I Say” was written by Ray Charles, not Sam Cooke. However, Sam Cooke did record a version of the song, which was released in 1964. Charles wrote the song in 1958, and it was originally intended to be a gospel song. However, Charles decided to record it as a secular song, and it went on to become one of his biggest hits.
Despite the fact that Cooke did not write the song, his version of “What’d I Say” is still widely regarded as a classic. Cooke’s soulful vocals and the song’s catchy melody have made it a staple of American music, and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners around the world.
What is the significance of the song “What’d I Say” in American music history?
The song “What’d I Say” is significant in American music history because it was one of the first songs to combine gospel, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll music. The song’s innovative blend of styles helped to pave the way for future genres such as soul and funk. Additionally, the song’s use of call-and-response vocals and its emphasis on percussion were influential in the development of later musical styles.
The song’s impact can also be seen in the many artists who have covered it over the years. From Elvis Presley to John Lennon, “What’d I Say” has been recorded by some of the biggest names in music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its influence and importance in American music history.
What is the story behind the song’s famous “oh oh oh” refrain?
The song’s famous “oh oh oh” refrain was ad-libbed by Ray Charles during the recording session. According to Charles, he was trying to come up with a way to extend the song, and he began singing the “oh oh oh” refrain on the spot. The refrain was not written down or planned in advance, but it has since become one of the most recognizable and iconic parts of the song.
The “oh oh oh” refrain has been interpreted in many ways over the years, with some seeing it as a expression of joy or ecstasy. Others have seen it as a representation of the song’s themes of love and longing. Regardless of its meaning, the refrain has become an integral part of the song’s identity and is widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments in American music.
How did Sam Cooke’s version of “What’d I Say” differ from Ray Charles’ original version?
Sam Cooke’s version of “What’d I Say” differed from Ray Charles’ original version in several ways. Cooke’s version was more polished and refined, with a greater emphasis on vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements. Additionally, Cooke’s version was more subdued and less energetic than Charles’ original version.
Despite these differences, Cooke’s version of “What’d I Say” was still widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Cooke’s soulful vocals and the song’s catchy melody made it a hit, and it remains one of Cooke’s most popular and enduring songs.
What is the legacy of “What’d I Say” in contemporary music?
The legacy of “What’d I Say” can be seen in many contemporary music genres, from rock and roll to hip hop. The song’s innovative blend of styles and its emphasis on percussion have influenced countless artists over the years. Additionally, the song’s use of call-and-response vocals and its emphasis on vocal harmonies have been widely imitated.
The song’s influence can also be seen in the many artists who have covered it over the years. From Eric Clapton to Aretha Franklin, “What’d I Say” has been recorded by some of the biggest names in music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its influence and importance in contemporary music.
Why is “What’d I Say” considered a classic of American music?
“What’d I Say” is considered a classic of American music because of its innovative blend of styles, its catchy melody, and its enduring popularity. The song’s use of gospel, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll music helped to pave the way for future genres such as soul and funk. Additionally, the song’s emphasis on percussion and its use of call-and-response vocals have been widely influential.
The song’s classic status is also due to its timeless themes of love and longing. Despite being written over 60 years ago, “What’d I Say” remains a powerful and emotional song that continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its influence and importance in American music history.