Prison-Themed Top Ten: Chain Gang (#7)

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Along with a list of favorites with prison or jail in the title I have a countdown of songs that are set in prison but don’t mention “Prison” in the title. To make up from yesterday’s headache double-header, here’s today’s classic. #7: Chain Gang - Sam Cooke I know John probably wanted the Pretenders’ “Back on the Chain Gang” for a chain gang reference, but you know what the Stones said..... Ah, Sam Cooke. What a voice. What a songwriter. He went from gospel (where his singing started) to R&B to more crossover-friendly music (like this). Among his many contributions to the world: “You Send Me” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.” There are as many conspiracy theories surrounding Cooke’s 1964 death (he was shot to death in a motel in what was ruled justifiable homicide at an inquest) as there are for JFK’s. All I know is it was a tragedy. At least we have the music. Chain Gang Written by Sam Cooke and Charles Cook Jr. Recorded by Sam Cooke From Sliding Low, 1960 My work is so hard: