In a 2020 Melbourne exclusive, music lovers have a chance to experience the Songs & Times of Sam Cooke in this magnificent performance starring Gary Pinto.
Backed by five-piece band The Champions of Soul, Pinto will present some of the biggest hits of Cooke’s career including, You Send Me, Bring It On Home To Me, Chain Gang, Cupid, Another Saturday Night, Twistin’ The Night Away and Having A Party.
Originally from Blackburn, Pinto is an ARIA-award winning and multi-platinum selling recording artist. A forming member of the wildly successful 1990s R&B group CDB, who were considered Australian pioneers of R&B, he is revered by his peers. Internationally recognised, he has received nods of praise from the likes of Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder, and even performed at Stevie’s daughter’s 16 birthday party on invitation.
Directed by acclaimed theatre director Greg Carroll, produced by Melbourne Creative Music Company and appearing for two nights only, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March 8pm, this show embodies the spirit of Sam Cooke’s beloved concert at the Harlem Square Club in 1963.
Pinto has composed songs for Jimmy Barnes, Guy Sebastian, Anthony Callea, Christine Anu, Taylor Dane and American soul singer Janiva Magness, with whom he co-wrote a song from the Grammy-nominated album Love Wins Again. For the past seven years Pinto has worked behind the scenes on X-Factor as vocal director and toured with Jimmy Barnes in 2019.
Being asked to perform the music of Sam Cooke was something of a dream come true for Pinto, who cites the legendary singer as one of his biggest influences. “He is like the Godfather of soul music,” says Pinto.
Whitehorse Councillor, Raylene Carr commented, “Cooke’s musicality has really shaped R&B music, and his songs are still so recognisable.”
Songs & Times of Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come will explore the interesting, uplifting and poignant life of this legendary performer, and showcase his music that still lives on today.
Friday 13 March 8pm & Saturday 14 March 8pm, Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading, VIC.
