2 chapters across the catalog
Adam Curry discusses the lack of solos in modern "corporate worship" music. Moe introduces Sam Cooke as the original "crossover" artist who moved from the "Gospel Highway" to pop stardom. They explain how the Gospel Highway was a mapped-out touring circuit designed to maximize earnings based on agricultural harvests.
Sam Cooke's Ambition, 12 Sticks, Economic Infrastructure
A story about a young Sam Cooke using 12 sticks to practice performing for an audience illustrates his early ambition. The hosts describe the infrastructure of the Gospel Highway, where traveling preachers and singers would hit specific states like North Carolina right after the tobacco harvest when people had money for donations.
