On This Date: Sam Cooke Killed

Above, Sam Cooke.

Today in rock history according to Creative Loafing:

Today in rock history: on this date in 1964, Sam Cooke, arguably the greatest soul and pop singer of all time, was shot and killed amid questionable circumstances at a Los Angeles motel. While a motel manager claimed to shoot Cooke in self-defense, questions have always persisted regarding the validity of the account and the accompanying details. Cooke had gained a reputation as a smooth, classy crooner thanks to hits like "You Send Me," "Cupid" and "A Change Is Gonna Come," and he regularly enjoyed crossover success on both pop and R&B singles charts. Sam Cooke was only 33 years old at the time of his tragic death.

To read more noteworthy rock milestones of today, go here.