Interview with Erik Greene Reader Views welcomes Erik Greene, author of “Our Uncle Sam: The Sam Cooke Story From His Family's Perspective.” Erik is being interviewed by Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader Views. Juanita: Thanks for joining us Erik. We are excited to hear more about your new book “Our Uncle Sam: The Sam Cooke Story From His Family's Perspective.” Would you start by telling us what your fascinating biography is all about?
Sam’s perseverance and determination to be the best at whatever he did was instilled in him at and early age, and I talk about that in Our Uncle Sam. He was raised to understand the importance of family, and as a result he remained grounded in spirit even as his fame and fortune grew. A lot of Sam’s strong-willed nature and generosity towards his fellow man were the traits of his father, Rev. Charles Cook, Sr. Sam’s relationship with his father is extremely important in understanding the origin of Sam’s concrete will and fortitude, and is what makes Our Uncle Sam different from outside biographies. Finally, there were a lot of issues Sam faced during the latter years of his life. His ever-growing presence in the music industry and his outspoken opposition to the way record companies treated their artists made him unpopular in certain circles. There were glaring inconsistencies and omitted facts surrounding his death that have never been explored, and I analyze these points and more in Our Uncle Sam. Juanita: What inspired you to write this book? Erik: I think it’s important my uncle be given the credit for his contributions to the music industry. Sam Cooke was a visionary in the music world, and was responsible for a lot of monumental firsts. By surveying the changes that were going on in music, most notably the growing popularity of R&B and Rock and Roll, Sam had the presence of mind to pursue both the black and white audiences, thus making him one of the first artists to successfully conquer the crossover market. Sam Cooke also recognized the importance of ownership. He was not only the first black artist to own a record label, he was one of the first artists, black or white, to demand ownership of his publishing rights. It’s not a coincidence so many young record moguls are in the place they’re in today. It’s also not a coincidence that many American Idol contestants make their way to the finals by successfully singing Sam’s songs. Juanita: What are you hoping to convey to readers through your family’s account of Sam’s life? Erik: The last Sam Cooke biography published painted what I feel is a dark picture of my uncle. By painting such a dark picture of Sam’s life, it would only stand to reason that his “end” would justify the means. But all my life, in intimate settings with those who were around Sam on a daily basis, I had always heard warm, glowing stories about a man who was kind, caring, and generous but who didn’t let others stand in the way of his goals. This was the Sam Cooke I remembered and tried to paint a picture of in Our Uncle Sam. By piecing together the last couple of years of his life, I was shocked to find out the many negative factors—including greed and jealousy—that were prevalent in my uncle’s life. The story of his death as reported was never believed by the family, and in dissecting the rather illogical sequence of events, I hope to make readers understand that my uncle did not die in shame, but rather died holding on to what he believed was right. Because Sam Cooke wouldn’t give in to unscrupulous forces, he was more valuable dead than alive. I think this is an extremely important point to recognize when evaluating his legacy. Juanita: What do you think it is about Sam’s music that makes it timeless, and just as relevant and enjoyable today as the day he created it? Erik: First of all, Sam wrote most of his major hits, which is more than a lot of successful artists can say. He tried to write songs everyone can understand; songs for the “common man.” In Our Uncle Sam, one of the songs I talk about is Wonderful World, which deals with the dilemma of a lovesick teenager. This is a scenario most of us have dealt with in adolescence and one that future generations will experience as well. Though the song was released in 1959, the feeling is never lost, and thus I considered it timeless. This feeling comes through in a lot of his songs—the electricity in Having a Party, the puppy love in Only Sixteen, the despair in Sad Mood, and the energy in Twistin’ the Night Away just to name a few. Juanita: Your book repeatedly mentions the unique quality Sam had to put every one at ease, whether it was charisma, confidence, or something else, he seemed to have it. What was it that made him “a truly magical man” as you state in your first chapter? Erik: I think Aretha Franklin put it best when she said Sam “had the ability to make you feel like you’re the most important person in the world, even in a room full of people.” Dot Holloway, Sam’s long time love who I talk about in the book, conveyed the same sentiment. In talking with other family members I get the sense that Sam listened intently, and that he genuinely cared when you talked to him. He’d often refer back to issues from previous conversations when he talked to you—“how’s your mom feeling? I know you said she was sick last time we talked” or “how did you do on that science paper you were working on?” People tend to remember how another person made them feel, even years later, and I think that’s why he evokes such warm memories to this day. Juanita: Erik, there is quite a bit of controversy regarding Sam ‘real’ personality. Your book conveys a generous, caring, funny man that certainly wasn’t perfect, but stood in higher esteem that some reports that suggest alcohol problems and womanizing. What are your thoughts and your family’s, on these conflicting portraits? Erik: We all have vices, Juanita, and Sam was no different. He was an extremely handsome, extremely personable singer who seemed to touch people with the songs he sang. Quite naturally he attracted a lot of women, and he indulged in his fair share. But his sex life did not define the person he was, nor did his increased drinking as he mourned the drowning of his youngest son and the pressure he was feeling to succumb to extortion. I see Our Uncle Sam as a scale in which I let the reader put the good things on one side and the bad on the other. In my estimation, his good far outweighed his bad, and this is evident by how he is remembered on the whole. Juanita: What did being a man of color mean to Sam in regards to his business pursuits and personal ideals? Erik: Sam was living in a society which saw him as a black man before anything else. Sam saw himself as someone who would not be denied his goals, regardless of his skin color. He knew that in 1960’s America he had to break down the doors that didn’t open for him naturally, and he did not care who he upset in doing so. In his mind, if they didn’t like it, tough. If Sam had a goal, there wasn’t anyone who could deny him otherwise. He wasn’t afraid to give people a piece of his mind and quite often people were taken aback by his boldness. Juanita: A number of influential people called Sam, a friend – such as Muhammad Ali. Would you comment on the wide variety of people that Sam associated with? Erik: That’s the thing that always amazed me about Sam. So many people loved him because of his ability to accept you for who you were and what you were. Lou Adler, who not only lived with Sam for a time, but co-wrote Wonderful World with him, said that Sam didn’t hesitate to take him anywhere with him, even though Lou was white and Sam was black. In an era as turbulent as the 60’s, this was highly unusual. Adler commented that Sam never made him feel like he was different, like he was Sam’s “white friend.” Again, people remember this feeling Sam left them with, even years after he has passed on. Sam’s insatiable desire for reading, combined with his inner-city experiences meant he could be just as comfortable engaged in intellectual conversation as he could talking sports at the neighborhood tavern. His diversity was truly unparalleled. Juanita: Erik, most people don’t realize how strong Sam pursued his rights in terms of his music and control over it. He was a major influence for many other African-American artists of the time, and was a significant voice trying to change the industry standard. Would you comment on his advocacy in this area, and the problems it caused him? Erik: Sam was a full-time member of the Soul Stirrers at only 20 years old, and he gained maturity from interacting with group members old enough to be his father. The Soul Stirrers were a small business within themselves—forecasting expenses and allowing for unforeseen hazards as would any small business owner. These lessons stayed with Sam after becoming a solo artist. He also learned the power of ownership along the way, especially when You Send Me became a hit. In Our Uncle Sam, I talk about how two record labels were in bitter dispute for control of You Send Me’s publishing rights. Since Sam wrote the song, he realized he should’ve been the one to own the rights. These life lessons, combined with the intestinal fortitude instilled in Sam by his father, made for one stubborn warrior. Once Sam began to attract more attention in the industry, he became more determined to level the playing field for his brethren. Needless to say, Sam’s “bucking the system” did not sit well with those who became wealthy from exploiting recording artists and musicians. Juanita: Do you think with the increasing pressure of being an international star, Sam ever felt like just giving it all up, and pursuing a quiet life away from the spotlight? Erik: Sam never wanted to give it all up, but he did want to make changes in his approach. His first big break as a pop star came in 1957 with the release of You Send Me, a song targeted to the teenaged/young adult audience. As he got older, he focused on more adult-oriented material and more adult venues. Instead of singing one-nighters from town to town, he wanted extended dates in higher-end supper clubs in cities such as Miami and Las Vegas. This way would prove less taxing on his body and his profits wouldn’t be eroded by travel expenses. His second stint at New York City’s Copacabana was supposed to be his test run for breaking into this new realm of music. While Sam was a resounding success at the Copa, working the supper club circuit would’ve proved to be more difficult for Sam down the road. A good number of these clubs were either owned or influenced by branches of organized crime, and Sam was openly defiant in their attempts at extortion. Fortunately, he was still RCA’s hottest artist behind Elvis Presley, and his record labels were doing well, so he had a living to fall back on. Juanita: Erik, you truly have presented a wealth of information in your book. How did compile the stories, photos, and musical timeline in “Our Uncle Sam”? How many family members contributed, and how long did the process take? Erik: I had no idea how difficult the process would be when I first took on the project. I thought it was as simple as sitting down with Sam’s brothers and sisters, turning on the tape recorder, and saying “tell me about Sam.” Needless to say, this approach was ineffective, because after 40+ years, memories are often forgotten and sometimes repressed. Instead, I had to ask them to comment on a certain event and what Sam felt and/or expressed to them about the event. Then, with that testimony, I had to go around to all the other people who shared the similar experience and trigger memories I harvested from previous interviews. “I heard that Sam would always take the kids to the amusement park when he was home. What do you remember from those times?” These are the types of questions I asked in order to summon childhood memories from his nieces and nephews. I interviewed his children, brothers and sister, and other family members also, whether in person or over the telephone; individually or in groups. I found that memories flowed better in a group setting, but interviewees were more candid in one-on-one settings. I also tape recorded family events once the conversation switched to Sam. In addition, I did a lot of research on Sam’s activities. I wanted to garner as little outside reaction as possible, and I think I effectively did that. The end result was it took about 2 ½ years to record the information and write Our Uncle Sam. The photos were another hurdle. I was surprised to find how few pictures of Sam there were in family photo albums. I soon learned it was because Sam wasn’t a celebrity to them, just another sibling, and there weren’t a lot of sensationalized photos available. I found that photos had deteriorated, been stolen out of photo albums or lost in basement floods over the years. I was fortunate because my uncle L.C.’s ex-wife saved photos and clippings of Sam, and thanks mostly to Barbara Bonner Cook’s efforts, there are over 50 pictures in my book of Sam and of his family in intimate settings. My collection includes Sam and his family at Disneyland, Sam out on the town with friends, and personally autographed pictures to family members. Juanita: Do you think that people have a different perspective about Sam’s and his music today that they did when Sam was still alive? How has people’s appreciation changed in light of the music of this generation? Erik: I’ve found that with the amount of uninspired and poorly-written music that’s out here today, people tend to appreciate the quality of Sam’s songs even more as time passes. In the Forward of my book I mention “good music is eternal and has the ability to transcend all age barriers.” I think as time passes, others realize that so many of Sam’s songs set the standard in quality. Again, take a look at the young singers today who build a reputation for themselves by being able to “nail” the classics. Juanita: Erik, you talk quite a bit about Sam’s death - the inconsistencies, and the behind-the-scenes upheaval that was going on personally and professionally for Sam. What family perspective does your book offer towards Sam’s untimely passing? Erik: One thing the family found amazing was how the details of Sam’s death were so out of character with his personality. Supposedly he was found dead in a $3-a-night motel, and when my family heard this, they said they immediately knew the whole thing was a lie. Sam, because of his unique contract at RCA and outside business ventures, was quite well off financially. He always did things “first class,” as evidenced by the brand new Ferrari he was driving at the time. Family members who knew Sam say, to a person, there’s no way he would ever check into a $3 establishment, especially having to pass several high-quality hotels in the process. But their understanding versus what the rest of the world heard and believed was like a raindrop in the ocean, and the family’s attempts to defend Sam’s honor were futile. Fortunately, most of the evidence from that night supports their conclusion that there was more to Sam’s death than previously reported. For example, it was said the middle-aged manager of the Hacienda Motel shot Sam in self-defense after a physical altercation. Yet police reports claim Bertha Franklin was uninjured, and an up-close photo in my book taken directly after the shooting tends to confirm this. Sam, on the other hand, had bruises on his face, a large lump on his head, a broken rib, and two badly broken hands—all evidence that he was roughed-up and tried to fight for his life. This chapter of my book is one of the most in-depth chapters and took me the longest to write. I also offer an alternative scenario to Sam’s final moments as told to me from a valued source. Juanita: Erik, on a personal note, what does the legacy of the man and the music mean to you as his great-nephew? What does it feel like knowing that this cultural icon was your great-uncle? Erik: One thing I gained in writing Our Uncle Sam was a tremendous amount of respect for the tremendous amount of respect my uncle garnered, if that makes any sense! Aretha Franklin called Sam “a Prince of a man,” and I was surprised at how the exact same assessment of Sam was repeated; no matter a person’s standing in life or how deeply their interaction with him, he made you feel like you were something special. Quite often they remarked on how he was never changed by success and how he was willing to share his knowledge with others. They also say how they’ve never known anyone like Sam before or after they knew him. Musically, it’s remarkable how Sam’s songs have withstood the test of time. I devoted a chapter in Our Uncle Sam to his songwriting prowess, and how his songs were written in a way that can be understood even today. I look to expand recognition of Sam’s musical achievements now and in the future. He did so much for today’s artists that it’s important his efforts are fully recognized and never forgotten. Juanita: In your opinion, what were Sam’s biggest accomplishments? Erik: There are almost too many to name. His refusal to sing to segregated audiences has to be the biggest because it came at a time when others were reluctant, and rightfully so, to make a stance against the establishment. I always point to the scene in the movie “Ray” when Ray Charles changes his mind about performing a concert once he realizes people are picketing outside. Sam didn’t need people with picket signs to make up his mind for him. He took the initiative, and that’s what made him so special. Demanding ownership of his publishing rights has to be second, because while it didn’t involve risking life and limb, it was a revolutionary move that could’ve severely crippled his career if it backfired. There are a lot of young entertainers and record moguls who owe their current success to the pioneering efforts of Sam Cooke. Juanita: What does today’s extended Cook family feel about your book? Erik: On the whole they are proud that the world has an opportunity to hear their voice. Through Our Uncle Sam, the record can be set straight as to the wonderful person my uncle was. I think many of his accomplishments have been lost because people were turned off by the seedy details surrounding his death. Also, because the family does not control his music catalog, certain songs are continuously recycled. There are a lot of his songs that didn’t go gold, but are enjoyable nevertheless. Most of these songs have yet to be released in a CD format. Juanita: How can readers find out more about you and “Our Uncle Sam”? Erik: My website is simply the name of my book, www.ourunclesam.com, and personally-autographed copies can be ordered there. I try to refresh the information on a regular basis so that the website stays fresh and informative and up to date on events related to my uncle. Juanita: Erik, it has been great having the opportunity to talk with you today. Your book “Our Uncle Sam” is a fantastic family account of your famous great-uncle and a must read for all music fans. We encourage readers to look for a copy of your book on your website. Before we let you go, do you have any last thoughts for your readers today? Erik: First of all, I’d like to thank you, Juanita, for embracing my family’s story the way you have. Secondly, the purpose of my book was to let the readers know the truth about my uncle’s life. Our Uncle Sam provides an introspective look into Sam Cooke the man as well as the performer, and helps answer some of the many questions that have surrounded his death these 42 years plus. Sam died fighting to hold on to what he built. I think that’s the most important point in the Sam Cooke saga. It’s what made him “a truly magical man.” |
Social Media NetworkQuick Links
Sign up for email updates Services for Authors
Literary awards and contests
PreViews
Inside Scoop Live
Review the Book
Reader Views Kids
First Chapter Plus
Blogging Authors
Book Marketing Connections
Authors Access Forum
Book giveaway
|
Along with our book reviews we offer affordable services to meet the needs of our authors in the growing book publishing industry. Our service packages are budget friendly, effective, and will assist the author in showcasing their book to the reading audience.
