B H This Day in Black History

December 11

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December 11, 1964

Sam Cooke Shot and Killed

On December 11, 1964, Sam Cooke was shot at the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles under disputed circumstances. His death came just weeks after recording "A Change Is Gonna Come," which became one of the most important songs of the civil rights movement.

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People: Sam Cooke
Sources
1. Sam Cooke - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame2. Sam Cooke: The Tragic Death of a Soul Legend - PBS3. Sam Cooke's Death: What Happened? - History.com

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