It is a rare feat for a song, making an emphatic statement about social injustice, to touche a nerve that impacts artists from various genres. But since its release in 1964, “A Change Is Gonna Come” has become that rare song. It remains a pop/soul staple that has been revisited by many including Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan. Seal and Arcade Fire also dedicated this Sam Cooke masterpiece in support of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. The latest to hit the microphone on “A Change is Gonna Come” is Omar Wilson in our newest World Premiere.
This three time Apollo Amateur Night winner, who sites Cooke and James Brown as two major influences, continues to build his musical resume working with Angie Stone, opening for Justin Timberlake and participating at the Essence Music Festival. In 2017, Wilson, who is signed to BSE Recordings, released another stellar and much recorded sixties soul classic in Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”
Balancing subtle modern nuances with a fresh retro vibe, “A Change Is Gonna Come” comes alive with Wilson’s husky baritone effectively setting the tone of finding hope in a bleak situation.
Omar tells us, “My respect and appreciation for some of the greats in Soul and RnB have always sparked my interest in their ability to be unique and special and thus has guided my desires to emulate them. The late great Sam Cooke was one of those amazing soul singers whom I have listen to and admired . All my life I’ve been on my grind. Working hard to change my life forever. And finally, A change is gonna come. Thank you Sam Cooke.”
Undoubtedly, “Change” will be recorded time and again, yet there is no doubt that with this rendition, Wilson honors this song in all of its glory.
By Peggy Oliver
World Premiere!
Omar Wilson – “A Change Is Gonna Come”
