So analogous to James Dean's death. My 1st wife was a huge fan. We followed him from the clubs to the time he headlined at places like the Universal Amphitheater in LA. One time we caught him in San Diego working on a new act at a small club shortly before he died. My wife caught him in the hall talked with him a bit and got a hug as well.

I believe 'once saved always saved' but always wondered about Sam. I became a believer several years after he passed, but I remember the diatribes he would go on about the church in his routines. I had not heard the last moments bit before. It certainly helps with my always saved belief.

Thanks for such a great article!