Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963

Shelved by RCA executives for over two decades out of fear that its gritty, visceral intensity would alienate his crossover pop audience, this 1963 recording reveals the roaring gospel core of Sam Cooke's artistry. Performing to a packed, frenzied Miami club, Cooke transforms his polished hits into heavily improvised, sweat-drenched soul workouts. It is universally revered as one of the most electrifying live rhythm and blues recordings ever captured.