A Change Is Gonna Come, by Sam Cooke
4 Extra Debut. Released in December 1964, Sam Cooke's song has become synonymous with the American civil rights movement. From October 2016.
Soul Music explores a song that has become synonymous with the American Civil Rights Movement, Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come released in December 1964 two weeks after he was shot dead in Los Angeles. Contributors include Sam Cooke's brother LC, singer Bettye Lavette who sang it for Barack Obama at his inaugural ceremony and civil rights activists from the Freedom Summer of 64, Jennifer Lawson and Mary King.
Producer: Maggie Ayre.
Last on
![]()
Six hopeful songs that have helped people through adversity
How songs can inspire and unite in the darkest of situations
![]()
The Protest Songs Quiz
You know the songs, but what were they written in protest against?
Broadcasts
Tue 11 Oct 2016 11:30BBC Radio 4- Sat 15 Oct 2016 15:30BBC Radio 4
- Fri 5 Jan 2018 18:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 6 Jan 2018 00:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
Featured in...
![]()
2016's Must-Listen Podcast Episodes
Step into another world in just a few moments...
![]()
To see the world differently, listen.
To see the world differently, listen to Radio 4.
Related programmes
![]()
Porgy and Bess—Letter from America by Alistair Cooke
This episode is related to United States National Recording Registry recordings
![]()
Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou)—Soul Music, Series 22
This episode is related to 1960s ballads
![]()
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
This clip is related to United States National Recording Registry recordings
Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem
Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.
Podcasts and Downloads
Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.
Podcast
-
![]()
Soul Music
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact
