9 chapters across the catalog
A recap of the Sam Cooke investigation highlights inconsistencies in the 1964 killing, including missing money and the background of motel manager Bertha Franklin. Theories suggest Cooke may have entered an MKUltra safe house or "Midnight Climax" brothel operated by the CIA. The segment also details Cooke's business conflict with manager Alan Klein regarding record label ownership shortly before his death.
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.
Church as Social Club, Sam Cooke's Smoothness, Hunk Status
The hosts discuss the church as a "social club" where people could dress up and find value. They highlight Sam Cooke's unique, smooth vocal delivery, which differed from the "throaty" style of other gospel singers. His good looks and "hunk" status made him a massive star who attracted screaming fans even in religious settings.
Death of Sam Cooke, Hacienda Motel, A Change Is Gonna Come
The official account of Sam Cooke's death on December 11, 1964, at the Hacienda Motel is reviewed. He was shot by manager Bertha Franklin following an encounter with Elisa Boyer. The hosts discuss the posthumous release of A Change Is Gonna Come and the "tweaking" of its lyrics by RCA to make it more palatable for white audiences.
Sam Cooke Murder Inconsistencies, FBI/CIA Theories, Alan Klein
The hosts examine inconsistencies in the Sam Cooke death investigation, including missing money and the severity of his injuries. They discuss theories involving manager Alan Klein's desire for catalog rights and potential involvement by the FBI or CIA to remove a popular civil rights activist.
Moe highlights the dangerous "trifecta" of Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) appearing together in 1964. This alliance between the "number one rock star," the heavyweight champion, and a civil rights leader made the establishment and RCA extremely nervous.
Sam Cooke Dosing Theory, Psychedelics in Vogue, Ladies Man
Moe argues that the "dosing" theory is more plausible than the official story of Sam Cooke's death, as his reported "raging" behavior was out of character for the smooth "ladies man." They note that psychedelics are currently back in vogue among suburbanites and the intellectual elite.
The hosts conclude the episode with "action items" for listeners to watch for the implementation of vaccine passports and digital IDs. They emphasize that the truth will reveal itself to those who pay attention. The show ends with a Sam Cooke cover of "Cupid," reinforcing the theme of the "Cupid's arrow" vaccine narrative discussed throughout the episode.
