Today we commemorate the passing of Sam Cooke, 42 years ago today. Quite possibly soul's greatest vocalist, Sam's hits for RCA Victor will always be a major part of our company's legacy. This image of Sam, however, is from the Columbia Records archive: he's helping out a friend, Cassius Clay, cut his first single for the label.

Today's daily archive is brought to you by the number "38." It was that many years ago today Sesame Street debuted on American television. Eight months later, the first Sesame Street lp (shown here) was released by Columbia.

Minnie Riperton would have been 60 years old today. Possessor of one of soul music's greatest voices, Minnie hit number one with the timeless "Lovin' You" in 1975. She was taken by cancer at the age of 31.