Linda Womack is a singer and songwriter and the daughter of Sam Cooke. Linda’s father Sam Cooke, commonly referred to as the “King of Soul” was an American singer and songwriter, known as one of the most influential soul artists of all time. Linda was the wife of American singer, songwriter, and record producer Cecil Womack.
Linda Womack: Bio Summary
Name | Linda Womack |
Date of birth | April 25, 1953 |
Place of birth | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Famous as | daughter of Sam Cooke, singer-songwriter |
Spouse | Cecil Womack |
Children | 7 |
Parents | Sam Cooke and Barbara Campbell |
Siblings | Vincent Cooke and Tracey Cooke |
Profession | Singer and songwriter |
How Old Is Linda Womack?
Linda Womack was born Linda Cooke, on April 25, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. She celebrates her birthday once every year and will be celebrating her 70th birthday on April 25, 2023. She is the eldest child of her parents, Sam Cooke (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964) and his second wife, Barbara Campbell (1935–2021). Her biological siblings are Vincent Cooke and Tracey Cooke.
Vincent (1961–1963) drowned in the family swimming pool. Linda’s stepbrother Vincent Dwayne Womack was born to Linda’s mother Barbara and her stepfather Bobby Womack. Vincent committed suicide at the age of 21 by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Besides Linda and her siblings, her father Sam Cooke also fathered at least three other children out of wedlock.
Linda’s paternal grandfather was Rev. Charles Cook, a minister in the Church of Christ (Holiness). Her paternal grandmother was Annie Mae Cook. Linda’s educational details are unknown. She became a singer and songwriter. She now goes by the name Zeriiya Zekkariyas. She served as a co-writer of Bobby Womack’s 1972 hit song “Woman’s Gotta Have It”.
Linda Womack signed with Capricorn Records. Linda and Bobby had plans to collaborate for Linda’s debut album. Linda gained recognition as a songwriter of soul songs in the late 1970s and ’80s, with “Love Bankrupt”, released by Patti LaBelle; and the ballad “New Day” by soul singer and jazz guitarist, George Benson. Linda was half of the duo Womack & Womack.
Also Read: Vincent Cooke: How Did The Son Of Sam Cooke Die?
Linda Womack and Cecil Womack, her husband had a successful recording career as Womack & Womack. Their debut album, Love Wars was a hit. Other albums included Radio M.U.S.I.C. Man (Elektra 1985), Starbright (Manhattan EMI 1986), Conscience (Island 1988), and Family Spirit on Arista/RCA in 1991. She has been credited as an actress and composer, known for Tag (2018), Alfie (2004), and Concussion (2015), per her IMDb page.
Linda Womack’s Father Was Killed When She Was 11 Years Old
Linda Womack’s father Sam Cooke was killed, at age 33 on December 11, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. Linda was 11 at the time. Her father was shot and killed by the manager of a motel, Bertha Franklin, who claimed she shot him in self-defense. Although Sam’s family questioned the circumstances of his death, his death was ruled by the courts to be a justifiable homicide after an inquest and investigation.
17-year-old Linda Womack’s Affair With Her Mother’s Husband
After the death of Linda Womack’s father Sam Cooke, Sam’s wife Barbara Campbell who is also Linda’s mother married again. Barbara got married less than three months after her husband’s death. She got married to none other than her husband’s friend singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer Bobby Womack.
Barbara and Bobby married even though Barbara was 10 years Bobby’s senior. At first, their marriage was denied because Bobby was under 21 years old and did not have his parents’ permission to marry. Eventually, they got married on the day after Bobby’s 21st birthday. Linda Womack began a relationship with stepfather Bobby Womack.
The affair between the then 17-year-old Linda Womack and Bobby Womack led to Bobby and Linda’s mother Barbara’s divorce. Barbara found out about their affair and she fired a gun at her husband Bobby and the bullet grazed his head. Their divorce was finalized in 1971. Linda kept her distance from her mother and never spoke to her again.
Linda Womack Married Her Stepfather’s Brother
Linda Womack fell in love with her stepfather Bobby Womack’s brother Cecil Womack. Cecil was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Linda and Cecil got married and they made up the famous musical partnership, ‘Womack & Womack’. They gave birth to seven children together and had homes in Africa and Thailand.
Also Read: Dolores Mohawk- How did Sam Cooke’s ex-wife die?
Linda’s husband Cecil Womack died at age 65, on January 25, 2013, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The cause of his death is unknown. He spent his last years traveling the world with his wife and children. Linda records with her seven children as The House of Zekkariyas.
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