Songwriter

Sam Cooke piano songs

5 songs by Sam Cooke, each opened like a recipe: the chords, what each hand plays and how it ends. Mostly played as 50s doo-wop piano in 12/8, lullaby piano in 6/8 and pop piano.

A Change Is Gonna ComeSam Cooke

Bring It On Home To MeWritten by Sam Cooke

Chain GangWritten by Sam Cooke

I'll Come Running Back To YouSam Cooke

Every Sam Cooke song

A Change Is Gonna ComeBb major · 6/8 · I–ii–biio–ii
Bring It On Home To MeC major · 12/8 · I–V–IV–V
Chain GangG major · 4/4 · I–vi–IV–V
I'll Come Running Back To YouAb major · 4/4 · I–III7–IV–I
You Send MeG major · 12/8 · I–vi–ii–V7

How Sam Cooke is played

50s doo-wop piano in 12/8Triplet chords for a slow dance under the lights.
Lullaby piano in 6/8Rocking in sixes, like a boat on calm water.
Pop pianoThe bounce under a thousand radio hits.
The I–V–IV–V loop69 songs use it
The I–vi–IV–V loop95 songs use it
The I–vi–ii–V7 loop160 songs use it

Questions about Sam Cooke on piano

What are the easiest Sam Cooke songs to play on piano?

Start with A Change Is Gonna Come, Bring It On Home To Me and I'll Come Running Back To You: their left hands are easy patterns, and the chords repeat.

What keys are Sam Cooke songs in?

Most often G major, Bb major and C major.

Which chord progressions do Sam Cooke songs use?

I–V–IV–V, I–vi–IV–V and I–vi–ii–V7 come up most: learn them and many of these songs are within reach.