Sam Cooke's Life and Work

This paper must be about the artist's career in blues or soul ONLY. Any other genre will result in a zero for this paper.
Also…be aware of the risk of choosing a musician that’s too new or too obscure. You may have an interest in them, but you have to prove that they influenced the genre and had lasting impact. Don't just parrot their birthdate and basic trivia.
BE AWARE of the point values for each question. Note the research you must do to make sure you answer each question thoroughly.
PAPER MUST INCLUDE:
Bibliography (12 points) - At the end of the paper
You must include at least 3 sources
One of those sources must be from the BCC Library (Links to an external site.) (you must specify which)
They must be formatted correctly.
To understand how to list bibliography sources, visit: How to Write a Bibliography (Links to an external site.)
Which genre they perform (8 points)
The paper must be about their contributions to THAT genre.
An example of a failing paper is writing about a blues singer but spending the majority of the paper talking about their jazz career.
WHAT they contributed to this type of music (20 points)
For instance, if they were known for their guitar licks, what was it about their licks that were innovative?
If they were a singer, what was special about their voice that set them apart?).
HOW they changed the genre? (20 points)
HOW are/were they different than those that came before them" (20 points)
How did others before them perform, sound, etc.? Examples?
WHO they influenced musically and HOW or WHY? (20 points)
You must include examples of how they influenced their music.
Did they specifically name the artist as having influenced them?
Did they explain how?
I need quotes, not generalizations.
Examples of an another performer sampling their work or performing a cover of one of their songs is not an acceptable example.
I can find out when they were born and basic facts and figures myself. That's not as interesting as why they are who they are. Put some thought into this assignment and make it interesting.
Another important point: If the musician you chose has a handicap, that shouldn't count as an answer to the questions of their importance, influence, or innovation. For example, the fact that Ray Charles was blind is the LEAST interesting or important thing about him.