Polk State to host “The Music of Sam Cooke: A Change is Gonna’ Come” starring Bradd Marquis

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Sam Cooke

Students, faculty, staff, and members of the Polk County community will come together for a night of soul music at Polk State College honoring Sam Cooke and his influence not only on music, but also on social change.

“The Music of Sam Cooke: A Change is Gonna’ Come” starring Bradd Marquis will take place Friday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Polk State Winter Haven Theatre, 999 Ave. H N.E. Tickets are $10 for all students and Polk State faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased online at polk.edu/boxoffice.

Marquis holds a degree in African American Studies from the University of Cincinnati and has worked in the social service and educational sectors for more than a decade. With a gift and passion for music, Marquis realized that entertainment was a major influence on youth and decided to pursue a music career in hopes to inspire others to achieve great things.

His R&B hit singles have reached national television and radio airwaves, including songs “Love Will Find A Way,” “Break Up,” and “Free.” Marquis has performed with artists including Jaheim, Tamia, India.Arie, Blue Magic, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Gordon Chambers, Teedra Moses, and Angela Winbush, and has performed on television shows including “Showtime at the Apollo,” “Apollo Live,” and BET’s “106 & Park,” which named him Soul Singer of the Year.

Marquis will transport audience members back in time to experience the life of Sam Cooke – from birth, to a preacher’s son, to his recruitment into top gospel group The Soul Stirrers before rising to pop-icon status. This storytelling through music will allow audience members to grasp the influential impact Cooke had on all genres of music as well as the civil rights movement.

This event is a partnership between the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and The Arts, which aim to bring cultural and educational opportunities to Polk State for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to enjoy.

For more information, please contact boxoffice@polk.edu or 863.297.1050.