Sam Cooke first performed A Change is Gonna Come on February 7, 1964 on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Afterwards, Cooke decided never to perform the song again because of its complex orchestral arrangement and what he saw as the ominous nature of the lyrics. There is no recording of this unique performance, but people who watched it suggested that its impact on audiences was equal to that of the celebrated Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show two days later. In December 1964 an

In 1964, Sam lit up the legendary Copacabana in New York City with a residency that redefined his career. From June 24 through July 8, the once a segregated venue became a platform for his quiet activism. This wasn’t just a concert — it was a cultural moment that spawned one of the most iconic live albums of all time. 📸 Ben Martin | Sam Cooke