We Remember Sam Cooke

The Supremes were hot in the mid-'60s, and Motown tried to capitalize on the trio's success. And why not? Where Did Our Love Go? almost aced the Pop 200 album chart, zooming to number two. Its successor, More Hits by the Supremes, did almost as well (it went to number six). An album of British remakes titled A Bit of Liverpool surprised everyone by going to number 21 -- unheard of achievements for an R&B or soul act, so an album with America's darlings singing songs by the late Sam Cooke seemed a good bet. But despite its relevance -- Cooke was killed in December 1964 -- it only went to number 75. The public took this baby for granted and so did Motown, who didn't even release a single from this collection. The Supremes performed a Sam Cooke medley on the successful (number 11) The Supremes Live at the Copa to heartfelt applause. Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard's sweet renditions of "You Send Me," "Cupid," and "Bring It on Home to Me" sound like winners, not to mention the party animals: "Chain Gang," "Shake," "Having a Party," and the delightful "Wonderful World." ~ Andrew Hamilton