Bobby Womack Reportedly Wore Sam Cooke’s Suit to Marry His Widow Just Months After the Singer’s Death

#NOLAZINE - Did you know that legendary soul singer Bobby Womack married Sam Cooke's widow just months after Cooke's tragic death in 1964? What made the situation even more controversial were reports that Womack wore one of Cooke's suits to the wedding.

Sam Cooke, one of the most influential voices in soul music, was shot and killed in Los Angeles on December 11, 1964, at just 33 years old. His death shocked the music industry and left behind his wife, Barbara Campbell, and their family.

Womack, who had been mentored by Cooke and performed with his brothers in the group The Valentinos, developed a romantic relationship with Barbara following Cooke's death.

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n March 1965, approximately three months after Cooke's passing, Womack and Barbara got married. Their marriage sparked outrage among Cooke's family, friends, and fans, many of whom believed Womack had betrayed the man who helped launch his music career.

The controversy became even more shocking because of the widely repeated story that Womack wore one of Cooke's suits during the wedding ceremony, although accounts of that detail have varied over the years.

The marriage damaged Womack's reputation, and he reportedly faced hostility from people who had once supported him. Despite the backlash, he eventually rebuilt his career and became a respected soul artist, recording classics such as “Across 110th Street,” “If You Think You're Lonely Now,” and “Woman's Gotta Have It.”

Womack and Barbara's marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1970.

Decades later, their relationship remains one of the most controversial stories in soul music history, raising questions about loyalty, friendship, love, and betrayal.

What do y'all think? Was Bobby Womack wrong for marrying Sam Cooke's widow just months after his death? And had you ever heard the story about him reportedly wearing Cooke's suit to the wedding?