1969:
Brian Jones, ( Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones), 7/28/42 - 7/3/69. Born in Chetlenham, England, Brian was an original member of the Rolling Stones. He was a vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist and saxophonist - . His death at age 27 made him one of the first members of music's famous who died aged 27 referred to as the “27 Club”. He was known for his excessive drug use and rowdy lifestyle. Brian drowned in his pool while under the influence.
1970:
Jimi Hendrix, ( James Marshall Hendrix ), 11/27/42 – 9/18/70. Born in Seattle, Washington, Jimi is often considered the greatest guitarists in rock and roll. He is known for playing guitar left-handed, behind his back. He headlined the famous Woodstock Music Festival in 1968. Jimi was the second member of the “27 Club”. He asphyxiated on his vomit after ingesting a heavy dose of barbiturates.
Janis Joplin, 1/19/43 – 10/4/70. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Janis grew up in a conservative family. Due to her talent for singing the blues she rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and eventually a solo career. Janis was the first female to cross over into rock and roll successfully and inspired many women after her. She struggled with drug addiction and died of an overdose at age 27, the third member of the “27 Club”.
1971:
Jim Morrison, (James Douglas Morrison), 12/8/43 – 7/3/71. Born in Melbourne, Florida he grew up in a military family. Jim was a poet, a singer and a songwriter. He was best known as the lead singer of The Doors, and is considered to be one of the most charismatic and influential frontmen in the history of rock music. He was also an author of several poetry books, a documentary, short film, and three early music videos ("The Unknown Soldier", "Moonlight Drive", and "People are Strange"). Jim died in Paris at the age of 27 making him the fourth member of the “27 Club”. There has never been a confirmed cause of death, but "heart attack" induced by drug use is the most common theory. Jim, I fell in love with you when we” met”, but you were already gone. Thank you for your music and poetry.
Duane Allman, (Howard Duane Allman), 11/20/46 – 10/29/71. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Duane was known for playing slide guitar and was a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band. He was known for being a great slide guitar player and appeared as a session musician on albums by Eric Clapton and others. He died in a motorcycle accident at age 24.
1972:
Berry Oakley, (Raymond Berry Oakley), 4/1/48 – 11/21/72. Berry was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was a founding member of the Allman Brothers and was known for his long melodic bass playing. Sadly only a year after losing Duane Allman Berry died of a brain hemorrhage after a motorcycle crash. Berry was 24.
1973:
Gram Parsons, ( Cecil Ingram Connor ), 11/5/46 - 9/19-1973, Gram was born in Winter Haven, Florida. He was a member of several bands including The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Known for writing music, playing guitar and piano he was well respected by other musicians. Gram died of a heart failure from tequila & morphine overdose . He was 26
Jim Croce, 1/10/43 – 9/20/73, Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a talented singer/song writer and played the piano, guitar and harmonica. Jim was best known for his hits Bad Bad Leroy Brown, and Time in a Bottle. The album “I Got a Name” was released posthumously and some believe Jim had yet to produce his best work, while others maintain that his death was what gave his music publicity. He died in a plane crash. Jim was 30.
1974:
Cass Elliot, (Ellen Naomi Cohen ), 9/19/41 – 7/29/74. Cass was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She is best remembered as Mama Cass of the pop quartet The Mamas & the Papas. After the group broke up, she had a successful solo career, releasing nine albums. Elliot was found dead in her hotel room in London from an apparent heart attack after two sold-out performances at the Palladium. She was 32.
Bill Chase, (William Edward Chiaiese), 10/24/34 – 8/9/74. Bill was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a rock-jazz musician with a band called “Chase”. He played the trumpet. He died along with 3 of his bandmates in a plane crash. Bill was 39.
Nick Drake, (Nicholas Rodney Drake), 6/9/48 - 11/25/74. Nick was born in Arden, England. He landed a record deal at age 20 and went on to make several albums. Nick was known for playing the guitar but also played piano, clarinet and sax. His music continues to gain audiences to this day and he is considered one of the most influential English songwriters of the last 50 years. Nick suffered from severe depression which led to his overdose and suicide at the age of 26.
1976:
Tommy Bolin, (Thomas Richard Bolin), 8/1/51 – 12/4/71. Tommy was born in Sioux City, Iowa. He was a guitarist with Zephyr, The James Gang and Deep Purple and also had a solo career. Tommy had a heavy drug problem. It was after opening for Jeff Beck that he partied on a combination of drugs and alcohol that he died. There are conflicting reports of the actual cause of death. He was 25.
1977:
Elvis Presley, (Elvis Aaron Presley,) 1/8/35 – 8/16/77. Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He is considered by many to be “The King of Rock and Roll”. In addition to being a singer/songwriter and playing guitar, he also had a successful acting career. His lifestyle took a toll on his health and Elvis died as a result of a drug induced heart attack. Elvis died at age 42.
Marc Bolan, (Mark Feld) (aka Toby Tyler), 9/30/47 – 9/16/77. Born in London, England. Marc was one of the original glam rockers and was one of the founding members of T-Rex. Ironically March never owned a car or learned to drive out of fear of early death due to a car accident. He was killed when the car he was a passenger in hit a tree. Marc was 29.
Ronnie van Zant (Ronald Wayne Van Zant), 1/15/48 – 10/20/77. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Ronnie was the lead vocalist, primary lyrisict and founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was the older brother of Donnie (.38 Special) and Johnny Van Zandt (Lynryd Skynyrd). He died when the plane carrying the bland to their next gig crashed as a result of no fuel. Ronnie was known for saying he would not live to be 30, he died at age 29.
Steven Gaines, 9/14/49 – 10/12/77. Born in Senecar, Missouri Steven was a back-up vocalist for Lynryd Skynrid and died in the plane crash along with his sister, Cassie. He was 28.
Cassie Gaines, 7/15/48 – 10/20/77. Born in Senecar, Missouri Cassie was a member of The Honkettes who became the female back-up vocalists for Lynryd Skynryd. She died in the plane with her brother, Steven. Cassie was 29.
1978:
Terry Kath, 1/31/46 – 1/23/78. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Terry was the guitarist for Chicago and also played banjo, accordion and drums. He was known for creating Chicago’s guitar sound. Terry was cleaning an automatic handgun not realizing there was a round chambered. He playfully waved it around his head erratically and the gun accidently went off killing him instantly. Terry was 31.
Keith Moon, 8/23/78 - 9/7/78-1978. Born in London England, Keith was the drummer for The Who. Considered one of the best drummers of all time he was also known for his wild and destructive lifestyle. Keith died of an accidental overdose on Hemenephirin. He was 32.
1979:
Sid Vicious, (John Simon Ritchie), 5/10/57 – 2/2/79. Born in London England, Sid was the bassist for the punk group, The Sex Pistols. Many agreed that Sid had no talent for playing bass, nevertheless he was in the band. He was best known for his drug addiction and many run-ins with the law. He had a failed attempt at suicide after being accused of murdering his girlfriend. Sid died of a heroin overdose. He was 21.
1980:
Bon Scott, ( Ronald Belford Scott ) 7/9/46 – 2/19/80. Born in Kirriemuir, Scotland, Bon was lead singer for AC/DC. He was vocalist on their album “Highway to Hell”. After a heavy night of drinking he was left to sleep in a car and was found dead the next day. There is controversy over his cause of death some saying he chocked on his vomit, but the official report listed alcohol poisoning. He was 33.
John Bonham, (aka Bonzo) (John Henry Bonham), 5/31/48 – 9/25/80. Born in Worcestershire, England John was drummer for the legendary band, Led Zeppelin. He is considered by many to be the best rock drummer of all time and known for using “heavy sticks” in his hard hitting drum style. John was heavy drinker and died from asphyxiation of vomit after a day and night of consuming alcohol. John was 32.
(Note: Led Zeppelin disbanded after the death of John and have never reunited other than a few occasions when Jason Bonham, John’s son, filled his father’s role as drummer.)
John Lennon, (John Winston Lennon), 10/9/40 – 12/8/40. Born in Liverpool, England John was a member of the Beatles and also had a successful solo career. In the case of John Lennon, I can’t say enough so I won’t attempt to say much at all. He was murdered as he exited his apartment building in New York City. He was 40. John, you have inspired many of my poems and have inspired me to dream of peace. Thank you forever.
1981:
Mike Bloomfield, 2/6/45 – 5/11/81. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Mike is known as one of the best session guitarists of all time. He played with JJ Cale, John Mayal Elvin Bishop, Dylan, Al Kooper, and others. Although he died of an accidental heroin overdose, Mike was not a heavy drug user – but it only takes one time to OD. He was 37.
Bob Marley, ( Robert Nesta Marley ), 2/6/45 – 5/11/81. Born in Niles, Jamaica Bob was best known for bringing Jamaican and reggae music to the rest of the world. He believed that “violence and racism could be fought with music and love”. Bob’s Rastafarian beliefs kept him from seeking early treatment for melanoma and it spread quickly throughout his body. He died of brain cancer. His final words to his son Ziggy were “money can’t buy life”. He was 36.
Harry Chapin, 12/7/42 – 7/16/81. Born in Greenwich Village, New York, Harry was a much loved singer, songwriter and humanitarian. He has two number one hits, Cats In the Cradle and Taxi. Harry died in a car accident but is cause of death was a heart attack. There was on decision made as to which caused the other but its believed that the heart attack caused him to wreck his car. Harry was 38.
1982:
Randy Rhoades (William Randall Rhoades), 12/6/56 – 3/20/82. Born in Santa Monica, California, Randy got his first guitar at age six. He was a talented heavy metal guitarist who helped put Ozzy Osbourne back on the charts in the early 1980's. In 1982 while on tour, the band pilot took Randy for a plane ride. He was buzzing the tour bus when he clipped into some trees and crashed killing them both as the band helplessly stood by. He was 25.
James Honeyman-Scott, 11/4/57 – 6/16/82. Born in Hereford, England James was guitarist for The Pretenders. He also sang back-ups and co-wrote several songs. His style influenced many that followed him. James was a cocaine user and died of a heart attack induced by cocaine intolerance. He was 25.
1983:
Karen Carpenter, 3/2/50 – 2/4/83. Born in New Haven, Connecticut Karen was one half of the multi-gold record winning duo, The Carpenters. She is known mostly for her voice and also played drums for the group. Karen struggled with anorexia nervosa and died of a heart attack related to complications. She was 32.
Pete Farndon, 6/6/52 - 4/14/83. Born in Hereford, England Pete was the bassist for and founding member of The Pretenders. A year after his bandmate James Honeyman Scott’s death, Pete’s drug habit would take his life as well. He was fired from the band when he became intolerable to work with. Two days later he drowned in his bathtub after a heroin overdose. Pete was 30.
Chris Wood, (Christopher Gordon Blandford Wood), 6/24/44 - 7/12/83. Born in Birmingham, England Chris was a founding member of the group Traffic. He played saxophone and flute. He also appeared on Jimi Hendrix’s record “Electric Ladyland”. Christ died of pneumonia while working on his first solo album. He was 39.
Dennis Wilson, 12/4/83 – 12/28/83. Born in Inglewood, California, Dennis was the drummer and a vocalist for The Beach Boys. He struggled with alcoholism and often felt like the least appreciated of his brothers. He drowned after falling off his boat while intoxicated. Dennis was 39.
1984:
Marvin Gaye, ( Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. ), 4/2/39 – 4/1/84. Born in Washington DC, Mavin was a singer, song-writer and played multiple instruments. He had several award winning songs and is known for his influential lyrics. Marvin was shot and killed by his father after an argument. He was 44.
1985:
Ricky Nelson, ( Eric Hilliard Nelson ), 5/8/40 – 12/-31/85. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey Ricky was a singer/songwriter with over 50 hit recordings. Ricky was a teenage TV star as well. He died of smoke inhalation from an on-board fire that caused the plane he was traveling in to crash. Ricky was 45.
1986:
Richard Manuel, 4/3/43 – 3/4/86. Born in Ontario, Canada Richard was a member of The band. He played piano but was best known as their drummer. Richard committed suicide by hanging. He was 42.
1988:
Andy Gibb (Andrew Roy Gibb), 3/5/58 – 3/10/88. Born in Manchester, England (although he was considered Australian, being raised in Queensland). Andy followed in the footsteps of his older brothers (The Bee Gees) becoming a singer/songwriter. He had years of success followed by drug addiction which eventually contributed to an inflammatory heart virus which ended his life. He was 30.
John Curulewski, 10/3/50 - 2/88. Born in Chicago, Illinois, John played was a founding member and played lead guitar for STYX. He left the band after their first five albums. John died of a brain aneurysm. He was 38.
Roy Orbison, (Roy Kelton Orbison), 4/23/36 – 12/6/88. Born in Vernon, Texas Roy was considered a pioneer of rock music as a singer and songwriter. His career spanned forty years. Roy died of a heart attack. He was 52.
1990:
Del Shannon, (Charles Weedon Westover), 12/30/34 – 2/8/90. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan Del was a singer/songwriter best known for his huge hit “Rundaway” in 1961. He committed suicide by shooting himself. Del was 55.
Andy Wood, (Andrew Patrick Wood), 1/8/66 – 319/90. Born on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Andy was lead singer for Mother Love Bone and Malfunkshun. He was known for his exuberant onstage personality. He died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage following a heroin overdose. He was 24.
Stevie Ray Vaughan, (Stephen Ray Vaughan), 10/3/54 – 8/27/90. Born in Dallas, Texas, Stevie Ray is the most influential rhythm and blues rock guitarist of all time. Known for his passion, talent and unique sound, he is often found in the top ten of a list of “greatest guitarists”. Stevie Ray died in a helicopter crash. He was 35. Stevie, meeting you was one of the musical highlights of my life – thank you for taking the time to talk to me, thank you for the awesome music).
Tom Fogerty, 11/9/41 - 9/6/90. Born in Berkely, California, Tom was the a singer/songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival. When his brother John took over the majority of lead vocals and song writing Tom left the band and the brothers remained estranged. He died of respiratory failure/tuberculosis. Tom was 48.
1991:
Steve Clark, (Stephen Maynard Clark), 4/23/60 – 1/8/91. Born in Hillsborough, England he was a guitarist for Def Leppard. He modeled his playing after his guitar idol, Jimmy Page. Steve’s had a severe addiction to alcohol that threatened his career many times. He died of an accidental overdose of painkillers and alcohol. He was 30.
Steve Marriott, 1/30/47 - 4/20/91. Born in Bow, London Steve was the guitarist for Small Faces and Humble Pie. He is best remembered for his powerful blue-eyed soul vocals. Steve died of smoke inhalation when his 16th Century home caught fire. He was 44.
David Ruffin, (Davis Eli Ruffin), 1/18/41 – 6/1/91. Born in Meridian, Mississippi he was a singer/dancer with The Temptations. He sang lead vocals for the first time on the song that went on to be their first number one hit, “My Girl”. David became heavily involved in drugs and died of cocaine overdose. He was 50.
Eric Carr, (Paul Charles Caravello), 7/12/50 – 11/24/91. Eric is best known as the drummer for the rock band KISS. He replaced Peter original drummer, Criss. Eric was also a talented vocalist, bassist, guitarist and pianist. He was diagnosed and died of a rare form of heart cancer. Eric was 41.
Freddy Mercury, (Farrokh Bulsara), 9/5/46 – 11/24/91. Born on the island of Zanzibar Freddy was the much loved singer/ songwriter for Queen. He was known for his powerful vocal abilities and his charisma as a live performer. His health declined for years amidst rumors of HIV/AIDS. Just twenty four hours after issuing a statement that he had the disease, he lost his life to it. He was 45.
1992:
Jeff Porcaro ( Jeffrey Thomas Porcaro ), 4/1/54 – 8/5/92. Born in Los Angeles, California, Jeff was a highly acclaimed drummer, best known for starting the band Toto. He was a session drummer who started his career at age 17 playing for Sonny and Cher’s touring back up band. He worked with many musicians over the years including Steely Dan, Elton John, Madonna, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen. and many others. Jeff died of an undiagnosed heart condition. He was 38.
1993:
Mick Ronson, 5/26/93 – 4/29/1993. Born in Yorkshire, England, Mick was best known as guitar player for David Bowie. He also played for musicians such as Lou Reed, Ian Hunter, Bob Dylan and Mott the Hoople. In addition to guitar he played the piano, bass, harmonic, clavinet, keyboards and drums. Mick died of liver cancer. He was 46.
Frank Zappa, (Francis Vincent Zappa Jr.), 12/21/93 – 12/4//93. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Frank was known for composing and performing experimental rock/jazz music. Frank was also a passionate supporter of our first amendment rights and his lyrics often made known his skeptical views of US politics. He died of prostate cancer. Frank was 52.
1994:
Kurt Cobain, 2/20/67 – 4/5/94. Born in Hoquiam/ Seattle, Washington, Kurt was the lead singer and guitarist for Nirvana. As their music became more mainstream and popular Kurt was dubbed the “spokesman for Generation X”. Its said that he didn’t like the attention on himself. He began using drugs and making poor choices in his life. His death was officially ruled suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound, but to this day some people believe there was foul play involved. Kurt was the fight member of the “27 Club”.
1995:
Jerry Garcia, (Jerome John Garcia), 8/1/42 – 8/9/95. Born in San Fransisco, California, Jerry was thought of as the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Grateful Dead – although he insisted the band had no official leader. He played guitar, piano and banjo. He died of a heart attack. He was 53.
Shannon Hoon, (Richard Shannon Hoon), 9/26/67 – 10/21/95. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Shannon was the lead singer for Blind Melon and worked with Guns N Roses. He developed a cocaine habit and often joked that he would be the next member of the “27 Club”. He died of an accidental cocaine overdoes three weeks after his birthday. Shannon was 28.
1996:
Bradley James Nowell 2/22/68 - 5/25/96. Born in Long Beach, California Bradley was the lead singer and guitarist for Sublime. He had musical talent from a young age and was known to be able to play a song on guitar after hearing it only once. Shortly before their first album on their own record label came out, Bradley died of a heroin overdose. He was 28.
Jonathan Melvoin, 12/6/61 – 7/11/96. Born in Los Angeles, California Jonathan was the keyboardist for The Dickies and The Smashing Pumpkins. He had been fired from Smashing Pumpkins for drug use and died from an overdose of heroin while with their drummer, who was then let go from the band as well. Jonathan was 34.
1997
Jeff Buckley, (Jeffrey Scott Buckley), 11/17/97 – 5/29/97, born in Anaheim, California Jeff was an incredibly talented musician, vocalist and song-writer. Its hard to write about Jeff because I discovered his music years after he died and immediately felt a loss. I’ve read a lot about him and can’t do justice to him here in a few words. Jeff struggled with his emotional highs and lows but I believe that’s what enabled him to write in his intense, ethereal lyrics. He drowned in the Mississippi River, his death was an accident. He was 30.
Rich Mullins, 10/21/55 – 9/19/97. Born in Richmond, Indiana, Rich was very much loved singer/songwriter. He wrote several songs that became some of the best known “praise and worship songs” used in churches today (Sing Your Praise To The Lord and Our God Is An Awesome God ). Rich died as the result of a car accident. Rich was 41.
John Denver, ( Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. ), 12/31/43 – 10/12/97. Born in Roswell, New Mexico, John was one of the biggest selling folk/pop artists of the 1970s. In his lifetime, he recorded and released over 300 songs, about half of which he had written. John died the small aircraft he was piloting crashed. He was 53.
Michael Hutchence, (Michael Kelland John Hutchence), 1/22/60 – 11/22/97. Born in Sydney, Australia, Michael was the lead singer of INXS. I can’t write much about Michael because his death hit me hardest of any of these. I had the honor of meeting someone who knew him and was close to his family. After his death this person was allowed to read Michael’s journals and it confirmed what I had always believed, he was a sensitive soul often tortured by depression. Bono and he were friends and the song “Stuck in a Moment” was written about Michael’s suicide. He was found hanging in his hotel room. Controversy surrounded his death with rumors that it was murder, but was never proven. Michael was 37.
1998:
Tim Kelly, 1/16/63 – 2/5/98. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Tim was the guitarist for Slaughter. He was self taught at guitar and has his first band in the sixth grade. Tim died from head injuries after an automobile accident. He was 35.
Carl Wilson, (Carl Dean Wilson), 12/21/46 – 2/6/98. Born in Hawthorne, California Carl was a singer and lead guitarist for The Beach Boys. Carl was the youngest of the Wilson brothers. He died of lung cancer. Carl was 51.
Wendy O Williams, (Wendy Orleans Williams) 5/28/49 – 4/6/98. Born in Webster, New York, Wendy was the lead singer and guitarist for The Plasmatics. She was known for her shocking stage performances which often included blowing up equipment and chain-sawing guitars. She ended her own life by shooting herself. Wendy was 48.
Carl Perkins, 4/9/32 – 1/19/98. Born in Tiptonville, Tennessee Carl was a pioneer in rockabilly music. He influenced many musicians who went on to have successful careers including Elvis, Johnny Cash and The Beatles. Carl died of cancer. He was 65.
John Panozzo, 9/20/48 – 7/16/98. John was born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the drummer and a founding member of Styx. Years of partying with excessive drinking began to take a toll on his liver eventually dying of gastrointestinal hemorrhaging. He was 47.
1999:
Dusty Springfield, (Mary Isabel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien) 4/16/39 – 3/2/99. Born in London, England she grew up loving American jazz singers and recorded her first song at age 11. She never wrote her own music but was considered a superstar with her success as a “blue-eyed soul” vocalist. Dusty died of breast cancer. She was 59.
Rick Danko, (Richard Clare Danko) 12/29/42 – 12/10/99. Born in Ontario, Canada, Rick was best known for playing bass and singing guitar with The Band, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and others. Rick was involved in heavy drug use which caused a heart condition that ended his life. Rick was 56.
2000:
Paul Young – 6/17/47 – 7/15/00. Born in Manchester England, Mike was best known as the singer for Sad Café and Mike and The Mechanics. He was sometimes confused with another Paul Young because they both sang “blue-eyed-soul”. Paul died of a heart attack. He was 53
Benjamin Orr, (Benjamin Bogdonavich Orzechowski) 8/9/47 – 10/3/00. Benjamin was the bass guitar player and one of the vocalists for the The Cars. He sang several of The Cars' greatest hits, including "Just What I Needed", "Let's Go" and "Drive". In April 2000, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fought but lost the battle only 6 months later. His final public appearance was on September 27 only six days before he died. Ben was 53.
2001:
Joey Ramone, (Jeffrey Hyman) 5/19/51 – 4/15/01. Born in Forest Hills, New York, Joey was the lead singer and a founding member of The Ramones. He co-produced for the band was a catalyst in getting the punk rock movement started. Joey died of Lymphoma cancer. He was 49.
George Harrison, (George Harold Harrison) 2/24/43 – 11/29/01. Born in Liverpool, England he was a guitarist, singer/songwriter. Best known for being one of The Beatles, George went on to have a successful solo career and also formed member of the The Traveling Wilburys with Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. George was one of the first musicians to use his fame to bring attention to the poverty and starvation in a third world country. He died of lung cancer. George was 58.
2002
Mick Tucker, (Michael Thomas Tucker) 7/17/49 – 2/14/02. Born in London, England Mick was a member of several glam rock bands, best known for being the drummer of Sweet. He died of Leukemia. Mick was 55.
Layne Staley, 8/22/67 – 4/05/02. Born in Kirkland, Washington, Layne began playing drums at the age of twelve. He was in several glam bands in his early teens, but aspired to be a singer. In 1987 he became the singer for Alice in Chains died of a heroin/cocaine overdose. Layne was 34.
Dee Dee Ramone, (Douglas Glenn Colvin), 9/18/52 – 6/5/02. Born in Fort Lee, Virginia, Dee Dee was a bassist, singer/songwriter for The Ramones. He also wrote two books, “Chelsea Horror Hotel” and “Lobotomy: Surviving The Ramones”. Dee died of an accidental heroin overdose. He was 50.
Robbin Crosby, (Robbinson Lance Crosby), 8/4/60 – 6/6/02. Born in La Jolla, California Robbin was co-lead guitarist along with Warren diMartini for the glam rock band Ratt. Robbin contacted AIDS and died of a heart attack that was associated with the disease. He was 42.
John Entwistle, (John Alec Entwistle), 10/9/44 – 6/27/02. John was born in London, England and is best known for being The Who’s bassist. He also worked with several other bands over the years including Ringo Starr, Govt. Mule and The Faces. John died of a cocaine induced heart attack. He was 58.
Joe Strummer (John Graham Mellor), 8/21/52 -12/22/02. Born in Ankara, Turkey Joe was a co-founder, lead singer and guitarist for The Clash. He was loved by many and also dedicated a lot of time to environmental causes. He died of a congenital heart defect. Joe was 50.
2003:
Maurice Gibb, 12/22/49 – 1/12/03. Born in Douglas, England, Maurice was a member of the singing trio, The Bee Gees along with his twin brother Robin and older brother Barry. He played the bass and piano. Maurice died of complications resulting from a twisted intestine. He was 53.
Warren William Zevon, 1/24/47 – 9/7/03. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Warren was a singer/songwriter known for his rather dark brand of folk songs. The list of peers that he worked with over the years includes some of the biggest names in rock music including Bruce Springsteen, David Gilmore, Linda Ronstadt and Jerry Garcia. He died of Mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Warren was 56.
Robert Palmer, (Alan Palmer) 1/19/49 – 9/26/03. Born in Bately, England, Robert was a singer/songwriter and guitarist. He led the group “The Power Station”. He was best known for his hit song “Addicted to Love” and his soulful vocals. Robert died of a heart attack. He was 54.
Elliott Smith, (Steven Paul Smith) 8/6/69 – 10/21/03. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Elliot is remembered for being a talented singer/songwriter who played multiple instruments. His song “Miss Misery” was nominated for an Academy Award, it was written for the movie “Good Will Hunting”. Elliott suffered from depression, drug addiction and alcoholism and died in an apparent suicide (2 stab wounds to chest). He was 34.
2004:
Ray Charles (Ray Charles Robinson), 9/23/23 – 6/10/04. Born in Albany, Georgia, Ray Charles was a singer, bandleader and pianist known for bringing rhythm and blues into the mainstream. He died of liver cancer. Ray was 73.
Rick James, (James Johnson Jr.), 2/1/48 – 8/6/04. Born in Buffalo, New York, Rick was known as the “King of Punk Funk”. He had a controversial lifestyle and is often remembered for his hit song “Super Freak”. Rick died of “natural causes” but many illegal drugs were found in his system at his time of death. He was 56.
Laura Branigan, 7/3/57 – 8/26/04. Born in Brewster, New York, Laura had a career as a singer with working with musicians such as Leonard Cohen. She portrayed Janis Joplin in the musical, Love, Janis. Laura died of a brain aneurysm. She was 47.
Johnny Ramone, (John Cummings), 10/8/48 – 9/15/04. Born in Long Island, New York, Johnny was a founding member and guitarist for The Ramones. He died of prostate cancer. Johnny was 55.
Darrel "Dimebag" Abbott, 8/20/66 – 12/8/04. Born in Arlington, Texas Darrel was best known as the lead guitar player for heavy metal band Pantera. He was shot and killed onstage while performing with. He was 38.
2005:
Keith Knudsen, 2/18/48 – 2/8/05. Born in LeMars, Iowa, Keith was the drummer for The Doobie Brothers. He and Doobie, John McFee, formed a country band called Southern Pacific. Keith lost his life to a chronic case of pneumonia. He was 57.
Rod Price, 11/22/47 – 3/22/05. Born in North London, England, Rod was the lead guitarist for Foghat. He had the nickname of “Slide King of Rock and Roll” for his expertise at slide guitar. Rod died as a result of a head trauma received by a fall precipitated by a heart attack. He was 58.
2006
Syd Barrett (Roger Keith Barrett) 1/6/46 - 7/7/06, born 1/6/46. Born in Cambridge, England, Syd was a founding member of Pink Floyd. He was a singer, songwriter, guitarist and artist. Syd was active as a rock musician for only a few years, before he went into seclusion. He left his influential mark progressive rock. Syd died of complications of diabetes. He was 60.
Boz Burrell (Raymond Burrell) 8/1/46 - 9/21/06. Born in Lincoln, England, Boz was vocalist and bass player for King Crimson. He later formed Bad Company with Paul Rogers. He died of a heart attack. Boz was 60.
Sandy West 7.10/59 - 10/21/06. Born in Long Beach, California, Sandy was drummer and founding member of The Runaways which included other female rockers Joan Jett and Lita Ford. Sandy died after a long battle with lung cancer. She was 47.
James Joseph Brown, 5/3/33 -12/ 25/06. Born in Barnwell, South Carolina, James is often referred to as "The Godfather of Soul". He was recognized as one of the most influential musical figures in the 20th century, known for his shouting vocals, feverish dancing and unique rhythmic style. He died of congestive heart failure resulting from complications of pneumonia. James was 73.
2007:
Denny Doherty, (Dennis Gerrard Stephen Doherty), 11/29/40 – 1/19/07. Born in Ontario, Canada, Dennis was a singer and songwriter. He was most widely known as a founding member of the 1960s musical group The Mamas & the Papas. Dennis died of kidney failure resulting from an abdominal aneurysm. He was 66.
Billy Thorpe, (William Richard Thorpe), 3/29/46 – 2/28/07. Born in Manchester, England Billy was an English-born Australian musician. He had a successful career as a pop idol in the 60’s and led the hard rock group Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs in the 70’s. He died after suffering a heart attack. He was 60.
Bradley E. Delp, 6/12/51 – 3/9/07. Born in Danvers, Massachusetts, Brad was the lead vocalist for the band Boston. He is remembered not only for hius "golden voice” but, as the band put it "one of the nicest guys in rock and roll”. Brad committed suicide. He was 55.
Kevin DuBrow, 10/29/55 – 11/25/07. Born in Hollywood, Califorina, Keven grew up in the California music scene of the 80’s. He was the lead singer of heavy metal band Quiet Riot and known ofor his “on-stage charisma, gravelly bluesy voice". Kevin’s death was a result of a cocaine overdose. He was 52.
Dan Fogelberg, 8/13/51 - 12/16/07. Born in Peoria, Illinois Dan was a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His music was inspired by folk, pop, classical, jazz, and bluegrass music. Dan is remembered for his personal lyrics that often spoke of environmental issues, world peace and human rights. He lost his battle with prostate cancer peacefully at home. He was 56.
2008
Jeff Healey, 3/25/66 – 3/3/08. Born in Ontario, Canada, Jeff was known as a virtuoso musician playing guitar, trumpet and clarinet in the genre of "classic rock jazz". Jeff battled cancer off and on his entire life losing his eyes to a rare form of it when he was only a baby. He lost the battle but leaving behind a legacy of music and inspiration. He was 41.
Danny Federici, 1/23/50 - 4/17/08. Born in Flemingston, New Jersey, Danny was a founding member of the E Street Band. He played the organ and accordian. Danny and Bruce Springsteen met at age 18 and played music together for 40 years. He died of melanoma cancer. Danny was 58
