Making History Come Alive Newsletter -Sam Cooke, a highly influential soul singer and songwriter, tragically passed on December 11, 1964, under circumstances that remain contentious

Cooke's death occurred at the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California, where he was shot by the motel's manager, Bertha Franklin. According to the official version of events, Cooke allegedly broke into Franklin's office in a state of undress, demanding to know the whereabouts of a female companion who had reportedly fled with his clothes and money. Franklin claimed she shot Cooke in self-defense after he attacked her, fearing for her life.

The official police investigation concluded that Cooke's death was a justifiable homicide. However, this conclusion left many questions unanswered and failed to satisfy those who knew Cooke well, prompting various alternative theories. Some suggest that Cooke's death was the result of a conspiracy, possibly involving the music industry or organized crime, due to his assertive stance on retaining control over his music publishing rights and his efforts to address racial discrimination.

Several inconsistencies in the accounts of the night have fueled these suspicions. For instance, the details provided by Elisa Boyer, the woman with Cooke on the night of his death, have been subject to scrutiny. Boyer claimed that she felt kidnapped by Cooke and fled with his clothes in an attempt to escape. Others have pointed out the improbability of Cooke's actions as described, given his public persona and history of non-violence.

Despite ongoing public interest and speculation over the years, no new evidence has emerged to challenge the official findings, leaving the case technically closed but shrouded in mystery. Sam Cooke's legacy as a pioneering artist in soul music and civil rights advocate continues to be celebrated, and his untimely death remains a topic of intrigue and discussion