Javier’s English Corner

Sam Cooke (January 22, 1931 - December 11, 1964) was a popular and influential American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Musicians and critics today recognize him as one of the founders of soul music, and as one of the most important singers in soul music history.He has been called “the king of soul” by many, and while some may dispute this title, Sam Cooke’s legacy is an extensive one and his impact on soul music is undeniable. He had 29 Top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1965. He is therefore seen by many as “the creator” of the genre. Major hits like “You Send Me”, “Chain Gang”, “Wonderful World” and “Bring It on Home to Me” are some of his most popular songs.

Cooke was also among the first modern black performers and composers to attend to the business side of his musical career. He founded both a record label and a publishing company as an extension of his careers as a singer and composer. He also took an active part in the Civil Rights Movement, using his musical ability to bridge gaps between black and white audiences. (From Wikipedia)

It is very hard indeed to choose only one song out of Sam Cooke’s vast repertoire of big hits. Who has not heard for instance “Wonderful World”, a song that will be forever associated with a romantic scene in “Witness”, starring Harrison Ford and kelly McGillis?. Anyway, “Cupid” has been on my mind for the last couple of days, and even though it is not February 14th, I hope you enjoy it all the same. You can also do some listening practice here.

I have already written here some time that The Smiths are my favourite 80’s band for several reasons, but I would have to say the most important one is that they bring back sweet memories of a time when just listening to a good song was like the day’s highlight and you cannot imagine how much English I learned by reading these guys’ lyrics, which were absolutely top-notch. I don’t know how to put it; when I listened to The Smiths, something happened inside me and they are still very special to me.

For a lot of Smiths’ fans, “There is a light that never goes out” is the band’s best song. One thing is certain; it is one of the best anyway. Enjoy it here or go to a listening comprehension activity about it.

The Proclaimers are a Scottish band composed of identical twins Charlie and Craig Reid (born March 5, 1962). They are best known for the songs “Letter from America“, “I’m on My Way“, and “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)“. This last song was a great hit and I remember how some English MTV show hosts used to mock their strong Scottish accent when they first became popular. Actually, The Proclaimers are one of the few bands who do not change their accents when they sing. If you take other examples, such as let’s say The Beatles or Texas, although they have characteristic Liverpudlian and Scottish accents respectively, for some reason they lose it in their songs. This does not happen with the Reid twins, which adds a little spice and regional colour to their singing.

I have chosen “A long long long time ago”, one of my favourite songs from “Hit The Highway” (1994), their third album. You can do a listening comprehension exercise here.