Fifty-years ago Sunday, Dec. 10th, 26-year old Otis Redding, already a legend, died in a plane crash over Lake Monana near Madison Wisconsin, where he was scheduled to play that night.  All but one member of his band, the Bar-Kays, perished.

Redding had a truly rare skill set and natural born talent.  Rolling Stone magazine called him “The Crown Prince Of Soul.”

“These Arms Of Mine,” with his gut-wrenching vocals, was Redding’s first big hit (1962). Over the next five years he delivered a string of classics: “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” “Try A Little Tenderness,” “Respect” and “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay”—his final hit.

Just six months before his premature death, he had mesmerized the audience at 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival—they knew there was greatness on stage (see below).

We also pay our respects to John Lennon, murdered 37 years ago today (Dec. 8th). Sirius/XM ‘s Beatles channel covers that fateful day on their “The Fab Forum” show; hosts Dennis Elsas and Bill Flanagan interviewed BoomerMusicUpdate.com Curator Dave Sholin, who was the last person to interview John Lennon, just hours before his death. Their show airs Saturday, Dec. 9th, 7-9A Eastern Time, and Sunday,  Dec.10th, 6-8P, Eastern Time.