So I actually began working on the treatment to a Sam Cooke story. It isn’t a biopic, since I know I’m not mentally or professionally ready for. I am going to attempt a retro-concert film of my top favorite album of my top favorite entertainer.
Originally, I was just going to do the concert iteslf, but I had other ideas circulating about other people that might’ve been there, and how this show may have affected their lives. But I planned for this to be a separate feature. So then I thought about it, and I said to myself, “Self, why not just combine the two? Surely I can make it work and it’ll make the movie itself more interesting and entertaining.”
I didn’t want to interrupt the actual performance, and I may not have to. In fact, I could shoot them separately and say on DVD that you can watch it altogether, like I’m about to write it OR watch just the concert on it’s own. Now when I say “retro-concert fim,” I mean having actors portray what’s on the album, since as far as I’m aware of, no one recorded the show on film. Too bad. I hope this idea catches on and other people recreate live albums for viewing pleasure. It’s the best way to make people feel like they were there, since everytime I hear the album I say “I wish I was there.”
Those are two things I want people to walk away with after seeing this: I wish I was there, and he was a great singer/performer/entertainer. I think there are other things I want to come of this too… Like more people being aware of his existence, legacy and impact on music today. Credit is given where credit is due, and I personally feel that Sam doesn’t get enough of it. So I want to change that, and make people more aware. In due time… a change is gonna come.
the indoob! network 
Extremely interesting concept. I look forward to reading about your progress in future blogs.
Die-hard Sam fans are called “Cookies.” Let me be the first to welcome you to “Cookie Nation!”
Erik Greene
Author, “Our Uncle Sam: The Sam Cooke Story From His Family’s Perspective”
http://www.OurUncleSam.com
Ah, I love Sam Cooke. Summertime is one of my favorites and of course, I adore A Change is Gonna Come. He was truly a master.
Melissa Donovan
@Sam’s Neph-
I never knew that about being called a “cookie.” In that case I’ve been a fan for the past 4-5 years. But thank you for the support. I heard about your book, I really want to read it. Later in my career, I’d love to be involved in a Sam Cooke biopic.
@Melissa-
When I have poetry shows, being the emcee, I start the show by singing A Change is Gonna Come. There’s actually video of it on youtube/myspace. That was my first time ever singing that in public and it shows.