Last Days

On December 11, 1964, Sam Cooke – the singer and songwriter of some of the most recognizable soul and pop songs every written – including “Twisting the Night Away,” “You Send Me,” “Wonderful World,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” and so many more – was shot and killed in a Los Angeles motel. Cooke’s killing was perhaps the first modern true-crime story, involving the slaying of one of the most famous people of the era, under circumstances that were shrouded in mystery and steeped in controversy.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On July 2, 2004, Marlon Brando -- perhaps the most iconic film actor of the 20th century for his roles in classics like On the Waterfront and The Godfather -- passed away from a mysterious lung condition at the age of 80. Despite his personal troubles, Brando's groundbreaking and unconventional approach to acting ushered in a new era in Hollywood that continues to shape the art form to this day.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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Len Bias was among the greatest basketball players ever who lived until his life was cut short by a lethal batch of cocaine. The true crime story of Bias’s death gripped the nation, but it left behind one of the most culturally destructive legacies in the history of sport.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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John Denver -- one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the 70s -- tragically died in a plane crash in 1997 off the coast of California. Despite his untimely death, Denver's musical legacy continues to resonate with timeless hits like Take Me Home, Country Roads and Annie's Song, which remain cherished anthems to this day. But perhaps his most lasting impact on the music industry came in the form of his powerful testimony on behalf of artists facing mounting censorship forces in Congress.

Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman

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On January 10, 2016, David Bowie - the visionary iconoclast who blended rock, glam, and avant-garde styles to revolutionize music - died of liver cancer in his NYC apartment. Bowie's evolving musical styles and various persona over a five decade career have been emulated by generations of musicians - from Madonna to Prince, Lady Gaga to Kanye West, and countless others. And even as his health deteriorated and he knew the end was near, David Bowie continued to produce works of staggering genius that solidified his unmatched legacy.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On September 28, 2022, Coolio -- the iconic rapper best known for hits like Gangsta's Paradise and C U When You Get There -- died from an accidental drug overdose at a home in Los Angeles. With his trademark braids and laid back style, Coolio left a profound mark on the music industry with his unique blend of simple and sincere lyrics set against classic funk beats. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to hip hop will continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On September 7, 2018, Mac Miller – one of the brightest and most beloved young musicians in the world – died after taking counterfeit opioid pills laced with fentanyl. Three men accused of distributing the pills have since been brought to justice, but that is little solace to his family and friends who mourn his loss, and for his legion of fans who were deprived of a budding musical genius.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On February 2, 2024, Carl Weathers -- the man who brought Apollo Creed to life on the big screen in four Rocky movies -- passed away at the age of 76. Although most associated with his role as Stallone's foil-then-friend in that film franchise, Weathers left behind a rich and varied legacy in Hollywood, bringing his trademark charisma and wit to everything from zany Adam Sandler comedies like Happy Gilmore to the solemn world of space operas with his role in The Mandalorian.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On October 10, 2004, Christopher Reeve -- the man who ushered in the modern wave of comic book heroes on the big screen with his Superman movies -- died from heart failure due to complications from a blood infection. Reeve burst on the Hollywood scene in the late 70s, bringing boyish good looks, effortless charm, and real acting chops from Juilliard, but his last decade was defined by a tragic horseriding accident that forever changed the trajectory of his life.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On August 10, 2019, Jeffrey Epstein - one of the most notorious criminals in recent American history - was found dead of what was initially reported to be suicide by hanging. But over the next several weeks fissures emerged in the official story of Epstein's death with the revelation that prison guards and officials engaged in a cover-up to conceal what really happened the night Epstein died. And the most complicating factor of all... Epstein's death meant the world would never learn what he knew about the sexual indiscretions and possibly the criminality of some of the richest and most powerful men in the world.

Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman

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