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On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, New Jersey, R&B crooner Bradd Marquis transformed Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall into a sanctuary of soul, delivering a performance that celebrated the music of the late Sam Cooke while crafting a sermon of his own.
For many, attending Marquis’s show was a spiritual experience. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a revival. From the moment Marquis stepped on stage, he embodied the spirit of Cooke, blending the secular and the sacred, much like the “King of Soul” himself. He opened with crowd-pleasers like “Twistin’ the Night Away” and “Cupid,” easing the audience into a journey through Cooke’s life and music.
But it was the gospel tracks, such as “Touch the Hem of His Garment,” that truly turned the night into a revelation. Hands raised, “Amens” echoed, and the Hall swayed with the collective spirit of the audience. Marquis’s voice carried a depth and conviction that transcended the music, reminding everyone of the roots of soul — an art form born from struggle, resilience, and faith.
Marquis didn’t just sing Cooke’s songs; he told Cooke’s story. Between performances, he shared anecdotes and reflections, transforming the night into a history lesson steeped in rhythm and blues. Cooke’s journey from gospel prodigy to pop pioneer came alive through Marquis’s heartfelt narration, offering lessons that resonated deeply in today’s world.
What makes Marquis’s tribute so compelling is the seamless way he intertwines his own life with Cooke’s. Growing up in Trenton, Marquis’s household was filled with the music of Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and Donny Hathaway. These influences laid the foundation for his career, which now spans over 16 years. Songs from his latest project, I Choose You, showcase his evolution as an artist, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and funk while staying true to the soul traditions that shaped him.
At Bass Hall, Marquis channeled all these elements into a show that felt timeless yet profoundly relevant. Backed by a live 10-piece band, he brought Cooke’s classics to life with a passion that honored the legend while showcasing his own artistry. From the pop charm of “You Send Me” to the stirring anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Marquis reminded us why Cooke remains a cornerstone of American music.
Sam Cooke’s ability to bridge divides and bring people together through music is unparalleled, and Marquis carries that torch with grace. His performance was more than a tribute; it was a continuation of Cooke’s mission to break barriers and uplift souls. As Marquis himself put it, “Soul isn’t just something I sing — it’s something I live.”
By the end of the night, Bass Hall wasn’t just a venue; it was a place of worship, a space where music healed, inspired, and connected. Marquis didn’t just honor Sam Cooke — he channeled him, reminding us all of the power of soul to transcend time, race, and circumstance. For those lucky enough to witness it, this performance wasn’t just a concert. It was a testament to the enduring magic of Sam Cooke and the bright future of soul music in Bradd Marquis’s hands.
