Dolores Mohawk, born Dolores Elizabeth Milligan, was a singer-dancer who rose to fame in the 1950s. She is best known as the first wife of legendary soul singer Sam Cooke. Their tumultuous marriage and her untimely death had a profound impact on Cooke’s life and music. In this article, we’ll explore the story of Dolores Mohawk and her lasting legacy.
Who Is Dolores Mohawk?
Dolores Elizabeth Milligan was born in 1930 to Leon Milligan and Dorothy Everitt. Interestingly, her birth certificate does not list a father’s name. She later took on the stage name “Dee Dee Mohawk” as she pursued an entertainment career.
Dolores was a talented singer and dancer who performed in various venues during the 1950s. It was through her work in the industry that she met and fell in love with Sam Cooke, one of the most influential soul singers of all time. The two married on October 19, 1953, when Dolores was just 23 years old.
Early Life and Background
Not much is known about Dolores Mohawk’s early life and upbringing. She was born in 1930, but details about her childhood, education, and family life are scarce. What we do know is that she had a passion for singing and dancing from a young age.
Dolores worked hard to make a name for herself in the competitive world of entertainment. She performed under the stage name “Dee Dee Mohawk” and slowly built a following. Her talent and beauty caught the eye of many, including a young Sam Cooke.
Marriage to Sam Cooke
Dolores Mohawk and Sam Cooke tied the knot on October 19, 1953, in a small ceremony. At the time, Cooke was an up-and-coming singer with a promising career ahead of him. The newlyweds seemed to be deeply in love and supported each other’s dreams.
However, their marriage was far from perfect. Sam Cooke was known for his wandering eye and infidelities. Despite Dolores’ attempts to make the marriage work, Cooke’s constant cheating took a toll on their relationship. After five years of marriage, Dolores filed for divorce in 1958.
The divorce was a painful and messy affair. Dolores accused Cooke of adultery and abandonment, while he claimed she was jealous and possessive. In the end, the divorce was finalized, and the two went their separate ways.
Life After Divorce from Sam Cooke
Following her divorce from Sam Cooke, Dolores Mohawk continued to pursue her singing career. She performed in clubs and theaters, showcasing her powerful voice and stage presence. However, her personal life remained turbulent.
Dolores struggled with the pain of her failed marriage and the challenges of being a single woman in the entertainment industry. She had a few short-lived relationships but never remarried. Despite the hardships, she remained focused on her music and continued to perform.
Dolores Mohawk’s Singing Career
While she never achieved the same level of fame as her ex-husband, Dolores Mohawk had a successful singing career in her own right. She was known for her soulful voice and energetic stage presence.
Dolores performed in various clubs and theaters throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. She shared the stage with many notable artists of the time and built a loyal following. Her music was a blend of R&B, soul, and pop, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Contributions to Music and Entertainment
Although her career was cut short by her untimely death, Dolores Mohawk made significant contributions to the music and entertainment industry. Her talent and dedication inspired many, including Sam Cooke himself.
Dolores’ influence can be heard in some of Cooke’s most famous songs. Her pain and heartbreak served as inspiration for his emotional ballads and soul-stirring performances. In many ways, Dolores was the muse behind some of Cooke’s greatest works.
Personal Life and Relationships
Dolores Mohawk’s personal life was marked by both joy and sorrow. Her marriage to Sam Cooke, while tumultuous, was a significant part of her life story. She also had a few other relationships throughout her life, but details about them are limited.
Tragic Death and Circumstances
On March 22, 1959, just a year after her divorce from Sam Cooke, Dolores Mohawk died in a tragic car accident in Fresno, California. She was only 29 years old. The circumstances surrounding her death are somewhat mysterious. Some reports suggest she was driving under the influence, while others claim she was a passenger in the car. Regardless of the details, her untimely passing was a shock to those who knew and loved her.
Despite their divorce, Sam Cooke was deeply affected by Dolores’ death. He paid for her funeral expenses and mourned the loss of his first love. In many ways, her death marked a turning point in Cooke’s life and career.
Impact on Sam Cooke’s Life and Music
Dolores Mohawk’s life and death had a profound impact on Sam Cooke, both personally and professionally. Their tumultuous marriage and her tragic passing served as inspiration for some of his most emotional and powerful songs. Cooke’s hit song “Cupid” is said to be about his love for Dolores and the pain of their divorce. Other songs like “Bring It On Home to Me” and “Nothing Can Change This Love” also carry themes of love, loss, and heartbreak that echo his experiences with Dolores.
In addition to inspiring his music, Dolores’ death also had a profound effect on Cooke’s personal life. He became more introspective and began to question his own mortality. Her passing was a wake-up call that life is precious and can be taken away at any moment.
Dolores Mohawk’s Influence on the Music Industry
While her own career was cut short, Dolores Mohawk’s influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. Her talent and dedication inspired many, including Sam Cooke, one of the most influential soul singers of all time. Dolores’ story is a reminder of the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, particularly women of color.
She faced discrimination, sexism, and other obstacles throughout her career, yet she persevered and made a name for herself. Her legacy lives on through the music she created and the impact she had on those around her. Dolores Mohawk may not be a household name, but her contributions to the music world will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
Dolores Mohawk’s life is a story of love, music, and tragedy. Her marriage to Sam Cooke, her music career, and her untimely death all paint a picture of a woman who loved deeply, sang passionately, and faced life’s challenges with courage. While her life was cut short, her legacy lives on in the music world and in the hearts of those who knew her.
