Sam Cooke Was The First Artist To Own A Record Label And Publishing Company, Which Made Him A Target

Sam Cooke: The First Black Artist to Own a Record Label & The Mysterious Circumstances of His Death

Sam Cooke was more than just a legendary singer—he was a trailblazer in the music industry. As the first Black artist to own a record label and publishing company, Cooke shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of artists to gain control over their own music. However, his groundbreaking success also made him a target in an industry that was not ready to see Black artists wield such power.

Shortly before his untimely death, Cooke discovered that his manager, Allen Klein, had secretly transferred ownership of his record label, Tracey Limited, into his own name. With no legal will in place, Klein took full control of Cooke’s music catalog, ultimately profiting from his work while his family received little in return.

Tragically, Sam Cooke was killed in December 1964, under circumstances that remain controversial to this day. His death left many questions unanswered, fueling speculation that his rising influence—and his fight for ownership in the industry—may have played a role in his demise.

Despite the injustice, Sam Cooke’s legacy lives on. His music and contributions to the business side of the industry continue to inspire artists who seek ownership and control over their own artistry.