Dennis Wilson a Sam Cooke fan?

[bringahorseinhere?]

I was watching a doco on one of my favorites, Sam Cooke.....

one underated singer I must say....

then found this page:

http://www.keepmywords.com/tag/bertha-franklin/

the last lines of the article say after Cooke's death:
 "It is rumoured that Dennis Wilson from The Beach Boys later bought Cooke’s red Ferrari.  Wilson was a huge Cooke fan, and supposedly he would drive around in the car and listen to Cooke’s records"

is there any truth in that BB historians?

RickB

[phirnis]

Can't answer your question but I wouldn't be surprised at all if this was true. I can totally imagine DW taking his cue from stuff like "A Change Is Gonna Come", especially in terms of vocal delivery. Makes perfect sense to me.

[Cabinessenceking]

Those who know music still appreciates the tremendous contribution Sam Cooke did to music until his life was cut short by his own personal failings. If Dennis was a huge fan of Sam he certainly didn't learn from the recklessness of Sam's behaviour. Did they ever find out what happened at that motel with Sam and the woman?

[Rocker]

I heard that Dennis owned Cooke's Ferrari. Don't know if it is true.
On another note, I also heard that Dennis broke down crying at Elvis' grave when the BBs visited Graceland shortly before Dennis' own death.

[Lowbacca]

How is Sam Cooke (!!) an "underrated singer"?




But yeah, I can totally see Dennis being a fan of Cooke's music, soul and vocal style.

[RollPlymouthRock]

Those who know music still appreciates the tremendous contribution Sam Cooke did to music until his life was cut short by his own personal failings. If Dennis was a huge fan of Sam he certainly didn't learn from the recklessness of Sam's behaviour. Did they ever find out what happened at that motel with Sam and the woman?

The way i understand is that Sam Cooke brought a hooker back to the motel who then robbed him. Sam Cooke then confronted the manager wearing nothing more than a shoe and sports coat demanding to know where the woman had gone. Then Sam Cooke supposedly grabbed her and they fall to the floor then the manager picked up the gun and shot him.

[Lowbacca]

Those who know music still appreciates the tremendous contribution Sam Cooke did to music until his life was cut short by his own personal failings. If Dennis was a huge fan of Sam he certainly didn't learn from the recklessness of Sam's behaviour. Did they ever find out what happened at that motel with Sam and the woman?

The way i understand is that Sam Cooke brought a hooker back to the motel who then robbed him. Sam Cooke then confronted the manager wearing nothing more than a shoe and sports coat demanding to know where the woman had gone. Then Sam Cooke supposedly grabbed her and they fall to the floor then the manager picked up the gun and shot him.

There's all kinds of variations of that story.

[bringahorseinhere?]

How is Sam Cooke (!!) an "underrated singer"?




But yeah, I can totally see Dennis being a fan of Cooke's music, soul and vocal style.

most people would not have him in a top 10 list of best singers of all time...... where as I would.... as good as Elvis, Sinatra, Cash, Billy Joel and Co...

IMHO of course...

RickB

[Jon Stebbins]

The Sam Cooke - Dennis connection is true. Not only did the Beach Boys open for, and were Cooke's backing band during a June '63 gig, but yes Dennis bought the recently deceased Cooke's Red Ferrari in early '65 and was a fan of his music. All of this is in my Dennis Wilson book published in 2000, and the gig info is in both the Dave Marks book... and in Ian and my new book the Beach Boys In Concert.

[bringahorseinhere?]

Hello Jon.....

I have your book from 2000 and the dave marks book.....I had obviously forgotton the Sam Cooke references.......must mean I have to get back to your books and update my knowledge.....

look forward to picking up the new book soon.....

Thanks for the info....
Cheers,
Rick Bartlett

[seltaeb1012002]

Not only did the Beach Boys open for, and were Cooke's backing band during a June '63 gig...

Wow. Sam Cooke and The Beach Boys? Now that I'd love to hear..

[Jon Stebbins]

Hello Jon.....

I have your book from 2000 and the dave marks book.....I had obviously forgotton the Sam Cooke references.......must mean I have to get back to your books and update my knowledge.....

look forward to picking up the new book soon.....

Thanks for the info....
Cheers,
Rick Bartlett

I think the online reference you quoted was actually poached from the Dennis Wilson book. I'm a fan of Sam Cooke too, and obviously a fan of Dennis. I agree that Cooke was one of our greatest vocalists, A Change Is Gonna Come is a masterpiece. Cooke was also an excellent songwriter and he played guitar on a bunch of his sessions.

[Rocker]

Anybody heard his Soul Stirrers stuff? Great Gospel music!

[joe_blow]

Sounds like the Seinfeld Jon Voight episode!