Somebody Have Mercy

1962 single by Sam Cooke From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Somebody Have Mercy" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, originally released in April 1962 on the album Twistin' the Night Away.

ReleasedSeptember 11, 1962
RecordedFebruary 15, 1962
RCA Studio 1
(Hollywood, California)
Quick facts Single by Sam Cooke, from the album Twistin' the Night Away ...
"Somebody Have Mercy"
Single by Sam Cooke
from the album Twistin' the Night Away
A-side"Nothing Can Change This Love"
ReleasedSeptember 11, 1962
RecordedFebruary 15, 1962
RCA Studio 1
(Hollywood, California)
GenreRhythm and blues, soul
Length2:17
LabelRCA Victor
SongwriterSam Cooke
ProducerHugo & Luigi
Sam Cooke singles chronology
"Bring It On Home to Me"
(1962)
"Somebody Have Mercy"
(1962)
"Send Me Some Lovin'"
(1962)
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Background

One line in the song ("Tell me what is wrong with me") created speculation and rampant rumors that Cooke was suffering from leukemia, which was false.[1]

Personnel

"Somebody Have Mercy" was recorded on February 15, 1962 at RCA Studio 1 in Hollywood, California.[2] The musicians also recorded much of the Twistin' the Night Away album the same day. The session was conducted and arranged by René Hall, producers were Hugo & Luigi. Credits adapted from the liner notes to the 2003 compilation Portrait of a Legend: 1951–1964.[2]

  • Sam Cooke – vocals
  • Edward Beal – piano

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

"Somebody Have Mercy" was later selected for the B-side of the single "Nothing Can Change This Love", which was released on September 11, 1962. It received enough airplay to make the Billboard charts on its own, peaking at No. 3 R&B and No. 70 Pop.

More information Chart (1962), Peak position ...
Chart (1962) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[3] 70
US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard)[3] 3
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References

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