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Jac Ross Covers His Favorite Song of Empowerment—And Leaves Us Speechless

rredick October 15, 2024
Photo credit: Diandra Reviews It All

“It’s powerful to be strong while doing it graciously,” says Jac Ross, reflecting on the message of “A Change Is Gonna Come.” His masterful cover of Sam Cooke’s classic is serene and hopeful, even as it recounts a life spent confronting injustice and misfortune.

It wasn’t the greatest hit Sam Cooke’s brief career, but it has gone on to be recognized as one of the most powerful songs of perseverance, courage, and hope ever recorded. Since its release in Feburary 1964, “A Change Is Gonna Come” has been performed by everyone from Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, Jon Bon Jovi, and Beyoncé.

Many of these covers are exquisite (Jennifer Hudson’s 2020 performance in a Covid-era empty concert hall at the 2020 Democratic National Convention springs to mind), but no one has captured the haunting simplicity and moral force of the song better than Jac Ross, alone with his electric piano, in a softly-lit studio in 2022. Nothing more needs to be said: just drink in the beauty and the strength on display.

P.S. Want to learn more about the amazing Jac Ross, and his thoughts on the song? Just head to this Billboard Magazine 20-Questions Style interview from 2020.

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