This fantastic new show depicts the life and music of one of America’s most iconic and talented performers, the Legendary Sam Cooke, brought to you alongside a live and soulful big band. This world premiere concert features the greatest hits from the Legend of Soul including “You Send Me”, “Only Sixteen”, “Cupid”, “Chain Gang”, “Twistin the Night Away”, “A Change is Gonna Come”, “Wonderful World,” to name a few. Beginning with the gospel music that formed the foundation of Sam Cooke’s career, and spanning his success as a pop star, its pure magic from beginning to end. He is “Forever Mr. Soul”.
Sam Cooke is the pioneer of what we have come to know as Soul Music. He was one of the most popular and beloved performers of his time bridging the gap between black and white audiences and crossed generations. His pioneering contributions to soul music led to the rise of Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and popularized the likes of Otis Redding and James Brown.
As a Musician, Actor, Producer, Educator & Social Activist Bradd Marquis performs the songs written and sung by Sam Cooke to curate and narrate a show that not only entertains, but informs his audience on a historical time loaded with lessons about life, self- empowerment and social change that are still relevant and necessary to this day. Bradd Marquis transports you back in time through the life of Sam Cooke a.k.a. Mr. Soul - from birth, to a preacher son in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to his recruitment into the number one Gospel Group, The Soul Stirrers in Chicago, to his secular music crossover, to his rise to a pop icon and his tragic death as he began to transform into a social activist. Graduating with a degree in African American Studies from the University of Cincinnati Marquis has worked for over a decade in social service and educational sectors, professionally and personally, volunteering his time to empower young people. Having a love and gift for music, Marquis pursued a career in entertainment hoping to inspire young people to over achieve. Breaking through national television and radio airwaves with his R&B hit singles, “Love Will Find A Way,” “Break Up” and “Free” Marquis has been booked on national tours and performed on stages with artists such as Jaheim, Tamia, India.Arie, Blue Magic, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Gordon Chambers, Teedra Moses, and Angela Winbush just to name a few. He has performed on television shows such as Showtime at the Apollo, Apollo Live and had multiple guest spots on BET’s 106 & Park where he was named Soul Singer of the Year.
