The album was recorded during a two-week stand in July 1964. The shows during the 1964 engagement were well received, in contrast to a show Cooke performed at the Copa in 1958. Staying away from the Copa—and from many "white" clubs—for years, Cooke was inspired to return after watching Nat King Cole go over well there. Cooke chose to perform a set heavier on standards and show tunes.

Sam Cooke at the Copa was produced by Al Schmitt. It was recorded on 3 tracks, and was engineered by Bernard Keville.