Book Review: Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke By Peter Guralnick

Finally I finished this book! I don't mean that in a bad way, but in fact this book is so meticulously researched (a Peter Guralnick trademark) that it is hard to read in a short period of time.  Sam Cooke had the gift of being able to "work" a song so as to create a memorable performance....Mr. Cooke was able to be a trailblazer not only in his music, but in the cause of civil rights.  Mr. Guralnick works hard to lay out the story as carefully and factually as possible, interviewing all parties concerned in order to portray an accurate picture of the man and his music. The reader takes away a firm understanding that Sam Cooke was an individual of personal convictions, who in turn was able to mentor others including Bobby Womack and Lou Rawls. This is yet another book in the series of books Mr. Guralnick has written including two volumes on Elvis Presley, on artists that have shaped music and popular culture.