Musicians & Composers · Mid 20th Century
Sam Cooke’s Last Words
“Lady, you shot me.”— Sam Cooke, December 11, 1964
Who Was Sam Cooke?
Sam Cooke was a pioneer of soul music with classics including A Change Is Gonna Come and You Send Me.
The Final Moments
Cooke was shot by Hacienda Motel manager Bertha Franklin in Los Angeles. She claimed self-defense.
Are These Words Verified?
Bertha Franklin testified at the coroner's inquest that Cooke said these words after she shot him, and this account appears in contemporary records. However, no independent witnesses were present, and the circumstances remain disputed.
Sources
- archive Coroner's inquest testimony, Los Angeles County, December 1964
- biography Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke by Peter Guralnick
- newspaper Contemporary newspaper reports, Los Angeles Times
Legacy
Sam Cooke is considered the inventor of soul music; A Change Is Gonna Come became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Sam Cooke’s last words?
“Lady, you shot me.”
How did Sam Cooke die?
Sam Cooke died on December 11, 1964 at the age of 33. Cause of death: Gunshot.
Were Sam Cooke’s last words documented?
Bertha Franklin testified at the coroner's inquest that Cooke said these words after she shot him, and this account appears in contemporary records. However, no independent witnesses were present, and the circumstances remain disputed.