Sam Cooke released 'Ain't That Good News' in March 1964, shortly before his death. The album shows his evolution toward a more mature and socially conscious sound, blending gospel, soul, and pop.
The title track 'Ain't That Good News' was a moderate hit, but the album is best remembered for including 'A Change Is Gonna Come', a civil rights anthem that Cooke wrote inspired by events of the era.
The album was produced by the duo Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore, who worked with Cooke on several of his RCA Victor albums. Recording took place at RCA studios in Hollywood and New York.