I gave a Christmas party last year - well, two Christmases ago - where I did a Sam Cooke show. I didn't perform as R. Kelly. I performed the Sam Cooke show from 1964, when he performed at the Copacabana.

In this quote, R. Kelly reflects on a personal experience from a previous Christmas party, specifically referring to a performance he gave during the holiday season. He humorously mentions the timeframe, acknowledging that it was "two Christmases ago" rather than the previous year. The event he describes involved him performing a tribute show to Sam Cooke, one of the most influential soul and R&B artists of the 20th century. He explains that, rather than performing as himself, R. Kelly, he took on the persona of Sam Cooke and recreated a performance from Cooke’s 1964 show at the Copacabana, a famed nightclub in New York City.

The reference to Sam Cooke is significant because Cooke’s 1964 performance at the Copacabana is considered a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his smooth vocal delivery and charisma. By choosing to perform this particular show as Cooke, R. Kelly demonstrates his admiration for the legendary artist and his desire to pay tribute to the style and legacy of soul music that influenced him. This performance, in a sense, represents R. Kelly's homage to an icon in the genre, emphasizing his connection to soul music and its roots.

The mention of performing “the Sam Cooke show from 1964” also highlights R. Kelly’s deep respect for the history of music and his commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacies of artists who paved the way for him. It demonstrates his understanding of the timelessness of great performances, as well as his ability to embody the spirit of soul music in his own style, even while paying tribute to a historical moment.

Overall, this quote reveals R. Kelly’s passion for music history and his artistic versatility, as he chose to temporarily step out of his own persona to honor Sam Cooke, using a holiday gathering as the backdrop for his tribute. It serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of past legends on contemporary artists.