We Remember Sam Cooke (1965)

 

We Remember Sam Cooke is the fifth studio album recorded by The Supremes, issued by Motown in April 1965. The album is a tribute album dedicated to soul musician Sam Cooke, who had died the previous December. Notable selections on the album, consisting entirely of Cooke covers, included covers of "A Change Is Gonna Come", "You Send Me" and "(Ain't That) Good News" (led by Florence Ballard).

It was the second most successful in a series of themed albums enjoying a number five peak on the Billboard R&B chart. 

 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."