December 7, 1963 US TV "The Jerry Lewis Show"

The Jerry Lewis Show

Saturday, December 7, 1963

This two-hour variety show featured boxer Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), opera star Patrice Munsel, ventriloquist Senor Wences, the Marquis Chimps, along with Sam. According to Guralnick, Jerry Brandt got Sam the booking for this show on the strength of Cassius Clay’s celebrity. Brandt told the Lewis people that if they wanted an appearance from Clay that they would have to take Sam as part of a package deal (see Guralnick, p. 534). Clips from this performance are available on the Sam Cooke: Legend DVD. This is one of Sam’s finest moments on television. He opens with an energetic rendition of “Twistin’ The Night Away” and then transitions effortlessly into a soft and moving performance of “The Riddle Song.” Seated on a stool at center stage, in the dark but for one spotlight, Sam brings the audience to total silence and he is always in total control.