Songwriter and singer Sam Cooke was one of the most popular and influential African-American figures to emerge in the late '50s who successfully synthesized a blend of gospel music and secular themes that provided the early foundation of soul music. Cooke's pure, clear vocals were widely imitated and his suave, sophisticated image set the style of soul crooners for the next decade. 'The Wonderful World of Sam Cooke' was originally issued by Keen Records in 1960. It contains some of his greatest studio recordings, including well-known hits from the peak of his career, such as '(What a) Wonderful World', 'Desire Me', 'No One (Can Ever Take Your Place)', 'Summertime' and others that come from his spiritual background like 'I Thank God' and 'That's Heaven to Me'.