Did You Know That-Died And Gone Ro Rock & Roll Heaven

Johnny Ace -
accidently killed himself while on tour, backstage at the City Auditorium in Houston, Texas, on Christmas Eve 1954, while playing Russian Roulette. He was 25 years old. A month later, he had a Top 20 hit with "Pledging My Love"
Duane Allman -
of the Allman Brothers Band was killed in a motorcycle accident on October 29th, 1971, one month before his 25th birthday
Chet Atkins -
legendary session guitarist, died of cancer on June 30th 2001 at the age of 77
Paul Atkinson -
guitarist for The Zombies, died April 2 nd, 2004, after losing his battle with liver and kidney disease. He was 58. The band's biggest hits included "She's Not There", "Tell Her No" and "Time Of The Season"
Ross Bagdasarian -
better known as David Seville, who had a hit with "Witch Doctor" and leader of The Chipmunks, died of a heart attack on January 16th, 1972, just days short of his 53rd birthday
Florence Ballard -
one of the original Supremes, died of a heart attack on February 26th, 1976 at the age of 32. After being dimissed from the group, Ballard separated from her husband and went on welfare after losing an $8.7 million suit for back royalties against Motown Records.
Brook Benton -
best remembered for his 1970 hit, "A Rainy Night In Georgia", died of complications from spinal meningitis on April 9th, 1988 at the age of 56
Jan Berry -
one-half of the duo of Jan & Dean, died March 26th, 2004, after after suffering a seizure at his home. Together, the pair sold more than 10 million records and placed 14 hits in the U.S. Top Forty. Jan was a week away from his 63rd birthday
Bobby Bloom -
recorded "Montego Bay" died of an accidental gun shot wound on February 28th, 1974 at age 28
Alan Blakely -
rhythm guitar player for The Tremeloes who scored a pair of 1967 hits, "Here Comes My Baby" and "Silence Is Golden", died of cancer on June 1st, 1996 at the age of 54
Mike Bloomfield -
lead guitarist for The Electric Flag died of a drug overdose on February 15th, 1981 at the age of 38
Marc Bolan -
of T. Rex was killed when the car he was riding in hit a tree on September 16th, 1977, just weeks before his 30th birthday
Tommy Bolin -
the guitarist who took over when Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple in 1975, died from a drug overdose on December 4th, 1976 at the age of 25
John Bonham -
32 year old drummer for Led Zeppelin, passed out and choked to death on his own vomit on September 25th 1980, following an all-day drinking binge. In December of 1980, Led Zeppelin announced they were disbanding, saying they could not continue without Bonham(also called Bonzo)
"Little Eva" Boyd -
whose version of "The Loco-Motion" went all the way to #1 in the U.S. in 1962, passed away April 10th, 2003, at the age of 57, after a long illness
Erik Braunn -
the lead guitarist on Iron Butterfly's 1968 classic rock anthem "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" died of cardiac arrest Friday, July 25th, 2003, in Los Angeles. He was 52
Johnny Bristol -
a writer and producer for Motown records during the 1960s who had a 1973 hit of his own with "Hang On In There Baby", died of natural causes on March 21st, 2004, at the age of 65
Tim Buckley -
a popular performer and song writer during the 1960s and early 70s, died from a drug overdose on June 25th, 1975 at the age of 28
Johnny Burnette -
best remembered for the hits, "You're Sixteen" and "Dreamin'", drowned after a boating accident on August 14th, 1964 at age 30. His son, Rocky Burnette would have a Top Ten hit in 1980 with "Tired Of Toein' The Line"
Paul Butterfield -
who fronted The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, died of drug-related heart failure, May 4th 1987. He was 45
Sonny Bono -
of the sixties duo Sonny and Cher died in a skiing accident on January 6th, 1998 at the age of 62
David Byron -
former lead singer of the 70's British heavy rock band Uriah Heep, was found dead in his home on February 28th,1985. He was 38
Steve Caldwell -
sang "Double Shot Of My Baby's Love" with The Swingin' Medallions, died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 55
Toy Caldwell -
lead singer for The Marshall Tucker band on their 1977 million seller, "Heard It In A Love Song", died in his sleep on February 25th, 1993 at the age of 45
Randy California -
guitarist/singer/songwriter who is best known as the leader of the rock band, Spirit, died tragically on January 2nd, 1997, when he was gripped by an undertow while swimming on the coast of the Hawaiian island of Molokai. His body was lost at sea. Before he died, he was able to save his 12 year-old son, Quinn. His real name was Randy Wolfe, but was given his nickname by Jimi Hendrix. At the time of his death, he was six weeks shy of his 46th birthday
Eric Carr -
who replaced Peter Criss as the drummer for KISS, died November 24th, 1991 in a New York hospital following a cerebral haemorrhage which complicated the cancer he was suffering from. He was 41
Karen Carpenter -
died of heart irregularities caused by anorexia nervosa just days before her 33rd birthday on February 4th, 1983
Johnny Cash -
died on September 12th, 2003, due to complications from diabetes, which resulted in respiratory failure. He was 71 years old. Johnny began his career as a rock-a-billy artist at Sun Records, along with Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis. After turning his attention to country music, he went on to win 11 Grammy Awards and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992
Chas Chandler -
bassist of The Animals and Jimi Hendrix' manager, died of an aortic aneurysm on July 17th, 1996 at the age of 57
Harry Chapin -
singer / songwriter who recorded "Taxi" was just 38 years old when he was killed in a car accident on July 18th, 1981
Ray Charles -
singer / pianist who won twelve Grammy awards and is remembered for hits like "I Can See Clearly Now", "What'd I Say" and "Georgia on My Mind", succumbed to complications from liver disease on June 10th, 2004, at the age of 73
John Cipollina -
guitarist for Quicksilver Messenger Service, died May 29th, 1989 after a lifelong battle with emphysema caught up with him at the age of 45
Gene Clark -
lead vocalist of The Byrds, died of a heart attack May 24th 1991 at the age of 49
Dee Clark-
best remembered for his hit "Raindrops" suffered a heart attack and died on December 7th, 1990 at age 52
Michael Clarke -
drummer for The Byrds, died of liver failure on December 19th, 1993. He was 47 years old
Patsy Cline -
30 year old country singer who sang "I Fall To Pieces" and "Crazy" was killed when her private plane crashed on March 5th, 1963
Odia Coates -
sang "You're Having My Baby" with Paul Anka, died of breast cancer on May 19th, 1991. She was 49
Brian Cole -
bass guitarist and vocalist with The Association, died in Los Angeles of a heroin overdose on August 2nd, 1972. He was 28
Eddie Cochran -
best known for his 1950's hit, "Summertime Blues", was killed in a car accident on April 17th 1960 at the age of 21
Nat King Cole -
died of lung cancer on February 15th, 1965 at age 47
Arthur Conley -
who recorded the 1967 hit, "Sweet Soul Music" died on November 17th, 2003 at his home in the town of Ruurlo, in the eastern Netherlands. The 57 year old singer had been suffering from intestinal cancer
Sam Cooke -
shot and killed by the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles on December 11th, 1964. The manager claimed she acted in self-defence after Cooke raped a 22-year-old woman and then turned to attack her. The shooting was ruled a justifiable homicide. Sam Cooke was one month shy of his 34th birthday
Perry Como -
1950's crooner, passed away at the age of 88, on May 12th, 2001
Floyd Cramer - pianist who scored a Top Ten hit with "Last Date" passed away at the age of 64 on December 31st 1997
Jim Croce -
singer / songwriter who recorded "Operator" and "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" was killed when his chartered plane snagged a pecan tree during takeoff on September 20th, 1973. He was 30 years old
Johnny Cymbal -
had a number 16 hit with "Mr. Bass Man" in 1963, died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 48 on March 16th, 1993. He also had a 1969 hit with "Cinnamon", when he was known as "Derek"
Rick Danko -
bass player of "The Band", died in his sleep on December 10th, 1999 at the age of 56
Bobby Darin -
actor and singer whose hits included, "Splish Splash" and "Mack The Knife", died Dec. 20th, 1973 after unsuccessful heart surgery at the age of 37
Sammy Davis Jr. -
died of throat cancer on May 16th, 1990. He was 64 years old
Bobby Day -
known for his 1958 hit "Rockin' Robin," died of cancer on July 27th 1990. He was 60
Bill Deal -
of Bill Deal & the Rhondels died of a massive heart attack at age 59, on December 10th, 2003. Deal and his eight-member group, the Rhondels had five chart hits in 1969 and 1970, including "May I", "I've Been Hurt" and "What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am?".
Sandy Denny -
English contemporary folk rocker, died of a brain haemorrhage on April 21st, 1978 at the age of 31
John Denver -
starred in "Oh God" with George Burns and recorded a long string of hits that included "Rocky Mountain High", "Sunshine On My Shoulders" and "Country Roads", was killed when the handmade, experimental airplane he was flying, crashed off the coast of Monterey Bay, CA. on October 12th, 1997. He was 53
Mark Dinning -
whose only hit, "Teen Angel" was banned by many radio stations who called it "a death disc", died of a heart attack on March 22nd, 1986 at the age of 52
Ernie K-Doe -
who scored a number one hit in 1961 with a novelty tune called "Mother-In-Law", passed away at the age of 65 on July 5th 2001
Lonnie Donegan -
called "the king of skiffle", best known for the top ten hits, "Rock Island Line" and "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor On The Bedpost Over Night", died November 3rd 2002, at the age of 71, midway through a UK tour
Lee Dorsey -
had a 1950's hit with "Working In A Coalmine", died of emphysema on December 1st, 1986, three days shy of his 60th birthday
Linda Eastman -
wife of Paul McCartney and member of Wings, died of breast cancer on April 17th, 1998 at the age of 56
Tommy Edwards -
best remembered for his number one 1958 hit "It's All In The Game" passed away on October 23rd, 1969, at the age of 47 after suffering a brain aneurysm
Duke Ellington -
jazz band leader, died of cancer on May 24th, 1974 at the age of 75
Mama Cass Elliot -
of The Mamas and Papas, succumbed to a heart attack on July 29th, 1974
John Entwistle -
bassist for The Who, died of a heart attack on June 27th, 2002 at the age of 57
Brian Epstein -
the manager of The Beatles who took the band from a quartet of rough-necks to being "the most successful rock band in history" in just over two years, died of a drug overdose on August 27th, 1967, three weeks short of his 33rd birthday
Tom Evens -
of Badfinger, died November 19th, 1983 at the age of 36. Like his bandmate, Pete Ham, Evens also hanged himself
Betty Everett -
best remembered for her 1964 hit, "The Shoop Shoop Song", was found dead at her home in Beloit, Wisconsin on August 19th, 2001. She was 61
Adam Faith -
was one of England's major pop stars in the early 1960s and enjoyed a run of eleven British Top 20 hits prior to the arrival of the Beatles. He suffered a fatal heart attack on March 8th, 2003 at the age of 62
Tom Fogerty -
guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival, died on Sept 6th, 1990 of respiratory failure at the age of 48
Melvin Franklin -
singer for the Temptations died of a brain seizure on February 23rd, 1995, at the age of 52
Alan Freed-
disc jockey who is often credited with popularizing the phrase "rock and roll" in the mid 1950s, died of cirrhosis of the liver on Jan. 20th, 1965 at the age of 43
Billy Fury -
British rock-a-billy artist who scored a major hit in Great Britain in 1961 with "Halfway To Paradise". He was a major star in his homeland, but couldn't catch the break he needed to become a part of the "British Invasion". Billy died from heart and kidney problems on January 27th, 1983 at the age of 42
Bobby Fuller -
24 year old leader of The Bobby Fuller Four who scored a huge hit with "I Fought The Law", was found on the front seat of his mother's Oldsmobile, parked outside of a Los Angeles apartment building on July 18th, 1966. His death was ruled accidental even though gasoline was found on his body and in his lungs
Mary Ann Ganser -
of The Shangri-Las, died of encephalitis in 1971, at the age of 23. Her twin sister and bandmate, Marge, developed breast cancer and passed away in 1996, at the age of 48. The girls sang back-up vocals on the rock rebel classic, "Leader Of The Pack"
Jerry Garcia -
leader of The Grateful Dead, died of a heart attack on August 9th, 1995, at the age of 53
Marvin Gaye -
shot and killed by his father during a family dispute, April 1st, 1984, one day short of age 45
Samuel George Jr. -
lead singer of the Capitols, who had a 1966 hit with "Cool Jerk," died in Detroit after being stabbed with a knife during a family argument on March 17th, 1982. He was 39 years old
Andy Gibb -
solo artist and brother of The Bee Gees died at the age of 30, on March 10th, 1988 of an inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection
Maurice Gibb -
of The Bee Gees, brother of Barry Gibb and twin of Robin Gibb, died on Sunday, Jan. 12th, 2003 of a heart attack, following an operation for the removal of an intestinal blockage. He was 53
Bill Graham -
rock promoter who owned the legendary Fillmore theaters in San Francisco and New York was killed in a helicopter crash on October 26th, 1991. He was 60 years old
Rick Grech -
bassist with Blind Faith, died of drug related causes in 1990
Bill Haley -
who helped start the early 50's rock and roll movement, died in his sleep of an apparent heart attack on February 9th, 1981 at age 55
Peter Ham -
Singer/guitarist for Badfinger, committed suicide on April 23rd, 1975. He was reported to be deeply depressed by financial problems the group was having. He was 27 years old
Dan Hamilton -
of the soft rock trio Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds, suffered a stroke and died on December 23rd, 1994
Tim Hardin -
singer / songwriter who is best remembered for "Bird on a Wire" died of a drug overdose on December 29th, 1980. He was 39
Addie "Micki" Harris -
of The Shirelles, died of a heart attack after a performance in Atlanta, Georgia on June 10th, 1982. She was 42
Thurston Harris -
recorded the Top Ten hit "Litle Bitty Pretty One" in 1957, died of a heart attack on April 14th, 1990 at the age of 58
George Harrison -
lost his battle with cancer at the age of 58, on November 29th, 2001
Wilbert Harrison -
who scored a 1959 chart-topper with "Kansas City", died of a stroke on October 26th, 1994 at the age of 65
Alex Harvey -
leader of the 1970s glam rockers, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, died on the eve of his 47th birthday, February 4th, 1982, after suffering two heart attacks
Bobby Hatfield -
of The Righteous Brothers, died November 5th, 2003, at the age of 63. His was the voice that was featured on the 1965 hit, "Unchained Melody"
Donny Hathaway -
who achieved his greatest commercial success as Roberta Flack's duet partner on 1972's R&B chart topper, "Where Is the Love?" He was found dead on the sidewalk below the 15th-floor window of his New York apartment, a victim of an apparent suicide at the age of 33
Bobby Helms -
best known for his perennial Christmas hit, "Jingle Bell Rock", died of emphysema at his home in Martinsville, Indiana on June 19th, 1997. He was 63
Jimi Hendrix -
died September 18th, 1970 from what the coroner's report called 'inhalation of vomit after barbiturate intoxication'. He was 27
Bob "The Bear" Hite -
vocalist for Canned Heat, died of a heart attack in Venice, California on April 6th, 1981. The 36 year old weighed nearly 300 pounds at the time of his death
Buddy Holly -
died when his chartered plane crashed shortly after takeoff on February 3rd, 1959
John Lee Hooker -
a legendary blues pioneer who had recorded an estimated 100 albums, died of natural causes at his Los Altos home, June 21st, 2001 at the age of 83
Gene Hughes -
lead singer of The Casino's on their #6, 1967 hit, "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye", passed away February 3rd, 2004, just one week before a fundraising concert was to be held in Nashville to help pay for his medical and hospital expenses. He was 67 years old
Glen Hughes -
the moustachioed, leather-clad biker of The Village People, died of lung cancer on March 4th of 2001
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole-
Hawaiian singer who reached superstardon with "Ahi Wela"
Died October 27,1997 of a heart attack
Doris Kenner-Jackson -
of the Shirelles, whose soaring harmonies can be heard on "Soldier Boy" and a number of other hits in the early 1960s, died of breast cancer on Feb. 4th, 2000 at age 58
Tony Jackson -
bass player for The Searchers, a Liverpool band best known for the 1964 song "Needles and Pins", died August 22nd, 2003 of cirrhosis of the liver. He was 63
Rick James -
most often remembered for the 1981 #16 hit "Super Freak", died of natural causes on August 6th, 2004, at the age of 56
Brian Jones -
the original lead guitarist of The Rolling Stones, drowned in his swimming pool on July 3rd, 1969
Janis Joplin-
died on October 3rd, 1970 from an overdose of heroin at age 27
Terry Kath -
guitarist with Chicago, accidentally shot and killed himself with a pistol on January 23rd, 1978. He was 32
Ernie K-Doe -
remembered for his 1961 novelty hit, "Mother-In-Law", died of liver failure on July 5th, 2001 at the age of 65
Murray "The K" Kaufman -
pioneer rock and roll disc jockey, died of cancer at the age of 60 on February 21st, 1982
Eddie Kendricks -
formerly of the Temptations before launching a solo career, died of lung cancer on October 5th, 1992, at the age of 52
Buddy Knox -
best remembered for his 1957 hit, "Party Doll", died of cancer on February 14th, 1999, at the age of 65
Cub Koda -
the leader of Brownsville Station and composer of their hit "Smokin' in the Boys Room", passed away from complications arising from kidney dialysis on July 1st, 2000, at the age of 51
Paul Kossoff -
of the rock band "Free", died of heart failure while sleeping during a flight across the U.S. on March 19th, 1976. The 26 year old had played guitar on the group's biggest hit "All Right Now"
Phil Kramer -
who took Lee Dorman's place when Iron Butterfly re-formed in 1975, was found in a canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, on May 31st, 1999, over four years after he called a police to say he was going to commit suicide. At the time of his death, he was 42
Major Lance -
who had many hits on the R&B charts as well as placing "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um" and "Monkey Time" on the Pop charts, died of heart failure on September 3rd, 1994 at the age of 55
Ronnie Lane -
of The Small Faces, died from multiple sclerosis on June 4th 1997. He was 51
Nicolette Larson -
most often remembered for her 1978, number 8 US hit, "Lotta Love", died on December 16th, 1997 after suffering massive liver failure. She was 45
John Lennon -
murdered by Mark David Chapman , December 8th 1980. He was 40 years old
Derek Leckenby -
lead guitarist for Herman's Hermits, died of cancer on June 4th, 1994, at the age of 51
Rudy Lewis -
lead singer of The Drifters on their hits "On Broadway" and "Up On The Roof", died under mysterious circumstances on May 20th, 1964, the night before the group was set to record "Under the Boardwalk". He was 28 years old
Frankie Lymon -
who led the 1950's doo-wop group 'The Teenagers' to fame with "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", was found dead of a drug overdose in a friend's apartment in Harlem on February 28th, 1968. He was 25 years old
Phil Lynott -
bassist for Thin Lizzy, lost his battle with drugs and died of heart failure and pneumonia on January 4th, 1986 at the age of 34
Bryan MacLean -
guitarist and singer-songwriter for the '60s rock act "Love" died of an apparent heart attack on Christmas Day, 1998 at the age of 52. The band is mostly remembered for their 1966 hit "My Little Red Book"
Richard Manuel -
of "The Band", hanged himself in his hotel room on March 4th, 1986, after a performance in Florida. He was 56
Bob Marley -
the uncontested King of Reggae, died of lung cancer and a brain tumour on May 11th, 1981, at the age of 36
Steve Marriott -
formerly of The Small Faces and Humble Pie, was killed in a fire at his home in April 20th 1991. He was 44
Dean Martin -
recorded such standards as "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime", died at the age of 78, on December 25th, 1995 of acute respiratory failure
Dino Martin Jr. -
of Dino, Desi and Billy, was the son of crooner Dean Martin, died when the Air National Guard jet he was piloting crashed into a mountain on March 21st, 1987. He was 35
Curtis Mayfield -
best known for his early 1970s hits, "Freddie’s Dead" and "Superfly" passed away on Sunday, December 26th, 1999 at the age of 55
Van McCoy -
who had a number one disco hit with "Do The Hustle", died of a heart attack at the age of 39, on July 6th 1979
Ron McKernan -
the original keyboard player for The Grateful Dead, died March 16, 1973 after a long battle with cirrhosis of the liver
Clyde McPhatter -
died of a heart attack on June 13th, 1972 at the age of 39. He had been the original lead singer with The Drifters before having solo hits like "A Lover’s Question" and "Lover Please"
Harold Melvin -
leader of the Philadelphia soul group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, died of heart related problems on March 24th, 1997 at age 57. The group is best remembered for the hit, "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
Freddie Mercury -
lead singer of Queen died on November 24 th, 1991 at age 45 of AIDS
Roger Miller -
who rose to fame in the mid 1960's with hits like "King Of The Road" and "Dang Me" died of lung cancer in Los Angeles, California, on October 25th, 1992, at the age of 56
Guy Mitchell -
who scored two number one U.S. hits with "You Got Me Singing The Blues" in 1956 and "Heartaches By The Number" in 1959, died on July 1st, 1999 at the age of 72, from complications following surgery
Keith Moon -
drummer for The Who, died of an overdose of the sedative Heminevrin on September 7th, 1978, at the age of 31
Johnny Moore -
lead singer for The Drifters on their 1960s hit "Under The Boardwalk" died Dec. 30th, 1998, at the age of 64
Rushton Moreve -
Steppenwolf bassist who co-wrote "Magic Carpet Ride" with John Kay, was killed in a car crash on July 1st, 1981. He was 32
Jim Morrison -
lead singer of the Doors, died July 3rd 1971. The 27-year-old was found dead in his bathtub. Speculation abounded as to the exact cause of death, but no autopsy was performed. His 27 year old widow, Pamela, died of a heroin overdose in April, 1974
Rick Nelson -
scored a string of hits in the late 1950's including "Hello Mary Lou", "Poor Little Fool" and "Travelin' Man", was killed on December 31st, 1985, when his private plane crashed. He was 45
Harry Nilsson -
remembered for "Everybody's Talkin' At Me", died peacefully in his sleep of heart failure on January 15th, 1994, in his 53rd year
Berry Oakley -
bassist for The Allman Brothers Band. A year after Duane Allman was killed, Oakley was riding his motorcycle with a member of band's road crew when they collided with a bus just three blocks from where Allman met his fate. Friends took Oakley to the same hospital Allman was treated at, but he died from head injuries and internal bleeding later that night. The 24 year old Oakley was buried next to Allman with matching tombstones, in the Civil War section of Macon's Rose Hill Cemetery
Roy Orbison -
one of classic rock's greatest voices was silenced when the 52 yr old Orbison died of a heart attack the night of December 6th, 1988
Phil Ochs -
1960s singer/songwriter who concentrated on topical, folk and protest style songs, suffered from manic-depression and hanged himself on April 9th, 1976, at the age of 35
Oliver -
singer of "Jean" and "Good Mornin' Starshine" died of cancer at the age of 54, February 13th, 2000
Benjamin Orr -
bassist/vocalist for the Cars lost his fight with pancreatic cancer on October 5th, 2000 at the age of 53. Orr sang lead vocals on some of the band's most recognizable hits, such as "Just What I Needed" and "Bye Bye Love," "Drive" and "Let's Go"
Robert Palmer -
reached number 14 in the US in 1979 with "Bad Case Of Loving You", died of a heart attack at the age of 54 on September 26th, 2003
John Panozzo -
of Styx, died of a haemorrhage brought on by alcoholism, on July 16th, 1996, at the age of 48. The band had a string of hits that included "Grand Illusion", "Mr. Roboto", "Come Sail Away" and "Babe"
Felix Pappalardi -
bassist for the group Mountain, one of America's first hard rock acts. He was shot and killed by his wife, Gail Collins on the night of April 17th, 1983, when they argued over his long-standing affair with a younger woman. She was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and sentenced to four years in prison. Felix was 43
Gram Parsons -
known as The father of "Country - Rock", he founded The Byrds & The Flying Burrito Brothers and became a cult figure that influenced countless musicians. He was found dead at Joshua Tree, Ca. Sept 19th, 1973 of an alcohol and drug overdose at the age of 27
John Phillips -
leader of The Mamas and Papas died of heart failure on March 18th, 2001 at the age of 65
Sam Phillips -
the man who discovered Elvis Presley and owner of the legendary Sun Records, passed away July 30th, 2003, at the age of 80. Phillips also helped launch the careers of Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Conway Twitty and Jerry Lee Lewis. He sold Elvis' contract to RCA in November, 1955, for $40,000. Sam was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986
Cozy Powell -
touted as one of Britain's best session drummers, died in a car accident near Bristol, England on April 5th, 1998. at the age of 50
William Powell -
an original member of the O'Jays, died at the age of 35 on May 26th, 1977, after a long bout with cancer
Dave Prater -
of the soul duo Sam and Dave, was killed in a car accident in Georgia on April 9th, 1988. He was 50 years of age
Carl Perkins -
writer of Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" and a pioneer rock-a-billy guitarist, died on January 19th, 1998 at the age of 65 after a long series of illness
Elvis Presley -
died of heart failure at his Graceland mansion on August 16th, 1977
Eddie Rabbitt -
country star whose hits included "I Love A Rainy Night" and "Drivin' My Life Away", died on May 7th, 1998 of lung cancer at the age of 56
Joey Ramone -
of the 70s punk band The Ramones, died of lymphatic cancer at the age of 49 on April 15th, 2001
Danny Rapp -
of Danny and The Juniors, scored two 1957 hits with "At The Hop" and "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay", died of a self inflicted gunshot wound on April 4th, 1983. He was 41
Noel Redding -
the bass player with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, died May 11th, 2003 of natural causes. He was 57
Otis Redding -
killed in a plane crash in December 10th, 1967. Four members of his backup band, The Bar-Kays were also killed
Keith Relf -
former lead singer for The Yardbirds, was electrocuted on May 14th, 1976, while tuning his guitar at home. He was 33 years old
Buddy Rich -
often called the world's best drummer, died of a brain tumour on April 2nd, 1987 at the age of 69
Charlie Rich -
started out as a song writer for Sam Phillips' Sun Records before becoming a country star and later crossed over to the Pop charts with two big 1973 hits, "Behind Closed Doors" and "The Most Beautiful Girl". He developed a blood clot in his lung and died July 25th, 1995, at the age of 62
J.P. Richardson -
known as "The Big Bopper" on his hit "Chantilly Lace", died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens on February 3rd, 1959
Minnie Riperton -
died of breast cancer on July 12th, 1979 at the age of 31, four years after her number 1 hit, "Lovin’ You". She had also been a member of Stevie Wonder's backup group, Wonderlove
David Ruffin -
former lead singer of the Temptations died of an overdose of crack cocaine on June 1st, 1991 at the age of 50
Kyu Sakamoto -
the first Japanese artist to have a number one hit in the United States with "Sukiyaki" (June 1963), was killed in a Tokyo airplane crash on August 12th, 1985. He was 43
Bon Scott -
original lead singer of AC/DC died of alcohol poisoning on February 19th, 1980
Walter Scott -
lead singer of Bob Kuban & the In-Men, who scored a 1966 hit with "The Cheater", was reported missing shortly after Christmas, 1983. His body however, wasn't found until 1987, floating in a cistern with a gunshot wound to the back. A neighbour named Jim Williams, who had starting dating Scott's wife Joanne shortly after the disappearance, was found guilty of murder. Joanne Scott was sentenced to five years for hindering the investigation
Joe Schermie -
original bassist of Three Dog Night died of a heart attack March 25th 2002 at the age of 55
Del Shannon -
died of a self inflicted gun shot wound on February 8th, 1990 at age 55
James "Shep" Sheppard -
of Shep and The Limelites, was found murdered in his car on the Long Island Expressway on January 24th, 1970 after being robbed and beaten. The group is best remembered for their 1961 hit, "Daddy's Home"
Allan Sherman -
recorded the comedy tune, "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh", died of respiratory ailments at the age of 48 on November 21st, 1973
John Siomos
- played drums on countless albums and singles with a host of bands and in studio recordings for artists such as Peter Frampton, Todd Rundgren, Mitch Ryder and Carly Simon, died January 16th 2004, at the age of 56
Frank Sinatra -
died of natural causes May 14 th1998 at the age of 83
The Singing Nun -
whose given name was Jeanine Deckers, committed suicide on March 23rd 1985 after the center for autistic children in Belgium that she helped to found had closed due to lack of funds. Her 1963 hit "Dominique" went to number one in the U.S. and sold over 1.5 million copies, winning a Grammy Award for the year's best gospel song. At the time of her death, she was 52 years old
Fred Smith -
guitarist for the MC5 on their shock rock hit "Kick Out The Jams", died of heart failure on November 4th, 1994 at the age of 46
Mike "Smitty" Smith -
original drummer for Paul Revere and the Raiders died of natural causes at his home in Hawaii on March 6th, 2001, at the age of 58
O.C. Smith -
best remembered for "Little Green Apples" and "Hickory Hollar's Tramp" died in his sleep on November 24th, 2001 at age 65
Skip Spence -
the original drummer for Jefferson Airplane who left to form Moby Grape, died of lung cancer on April 16th, 1999 at the age of 52
Dusty Springfield -
who scored a Top Ten U.S. hit with "I Only Want To Be With You" in 1963, died March 2nd, 1999, at the age of 59 after a five year battle with cancer
Dick St. John -
half of the singing team of Dick & DeeDee, who recorded such hits as "The Mountain's High" (1961), "Young And In Love" (1963) and "Thou Shalt Not Steal" (1965), died on December 27th, 2003, from complications suffered in a fall from the roof of his home two weeks earlier. The 63 year old singer had continued to record and performed regularly until his death
Edwin Starr -
soul singer who had hits with "War", "Agent Double-O Soul" and "Twenty-five Miles", died of a heart attack on April 1st, 2003 at the age of 61
Terry Stafford -
whose Elvis-like voice help make a hit out of "Suspicion" in 1964, died March 17th 1996 at age 54
B.W. Stevenson -
who had a 1973 hit with "My Maria", died after heart surgery on April 28th, 1988, at the age of 38. He also wrote Three Dog Night's 1973 hit "Shambala". The "B.W." reportedly stood for "Buckwheat"
Rory Storm -
who led "The Hurricanes", the group that Ringo Starr quit to join the Beatles, died of an overdose of sleeping pills on September 27th, 1972
Joe Strummer -
lead singer for the landmark British punk band The Clash, suffered a fatal heart attack on December 22nd, 2002, at the age of 50
Jud Strunk -
comedian and singer/songwriter who appeared on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and scored a number 14 hit with "Daisy A Day" in 1973, died in a small plane crash in Maine on October 15th 1981. He was 45
Stuart Sutcliffe -
played bass guitar for The Beatles before Paul McCartney took over in 1961. After leaving the group, he died on April 10th, 1962 of a brain haemorrhage in Hamburg, Germany. Sutcliffe was in his 22nd year
Niki Sullivan -
one of Buddy Holly's original Cricketts, died on April 6th, 2004 at the age of 66. He joined Holly in 1956 and played on most of the hit songs the band recorded. The hassel of touring forced him to drop out in 1957
Edmund Sylvers -
lead singer of the Sylvers on their 1975 number one hit, "Boogie Fever", died on March 11th, 2004, after a ten month battle with cancer. He was only 47 years old
Johnnie Taylor -
best remembered for his 1968 hit, "Who's Makin' Love To Your Old Lady?" died of a heart attack on May 31st, 2000, shortly after his 62nd birthday
Tammi Terrell -
sang many duets with Marvin Gaye, died of a brain tumour on the 16th of March, 1970, at the age of 24
Joe Tex -
soul singer whose hits included "I Gotcha" and "Skinny Legs and All" died of a heart attack, August 12th, 1982 at the age of 49
Gary Thain -
former bassist of the British band Uriah Heep, died December 8th, 1975 of a heroin overdose. He was 27
Sonny Til -
lead singer of The Orioles died of a heart attack on December 9th, 1981 at the age of 51. His group had a hit with "Crying In The Chapel" in 1959
Georgeanna Tillman -
of The Marvelettes, who scored a number one hit with Please Mr Postman in 1961, died on Jan 6th 1980 of of sickle cell anemia at the age of 35
Tiny Timm -
had a heart attack while on stage and died shortly after on November 30th, 1996 at age 63
Mel Tormé -
passed away on June 5th 1999, at the age of 73, from complications caused by a stroke
Ron Townson -
vocalist with The Fifth Dimension, died in his home in Las Vegas on August 2nd, 2001 at age sixty-eight. He suffered renal failure after a four-year battle with kidney disease
Doris Troy -
the big voiced singer of the 1963 hit "Just One Look", died of emphysema on February 16th, 2004 at the age of 67
Conway Twitty -
had an early pop hit with "It's Only Make Believe", died of a heart attack after stomach surgery in Springfield, Missouri, June 5th, 1993
Rob Tyner -
lead singer of the MC5, died of heart failure at the age of 46, on September 18th, 1991
Ritchie Valens -
singer of "Oh Donna" and "La Bamba", died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson on February 3rd, 1959
Randy VanWarmer -
who reached #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1979 with "Just When I Needed You Most" died of leukemia on January 12th, 2004, at the age of 48
Ronnie Van Zant -
member of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, whose single "Sweet Home Alabama" reached number 8 in 1974, died with several other band members in a small plane crash on October 20th, 1977. He was just 29
Stevie Ray Vaughan -
blues guitarist whose highly charged and expressive guitar solos turned a new generation on to Chicago style blues in the 1980s, was killed on August 27th, 1990, when the helicopter he was taking from a gig in East Troy, Wisconsin to a show in Chicago, crashed in dense fog, killing everyone on board. Vaughan was 35 years old
Sid Vicious -
bassist for the punk rock group the Sex Pistols, died from an accumulation of fluid on the lungs, characteristic of heroin abuse, on February 2nd, 1979. He was just 21 years old
Gene Vincent -
recorded "Be-Bop-A-Lula" in 1957, died at the age of 36 following a seizure brought on by a bleeding ulcer on October 12th, 1971 at this parents California home. Sadly, no one in his family had any money and the city of Los Angeles had to bury him
Janet Vogel -
sang soprano for The Skyliners on their 1959, US number one hit, "Since I Don't Have You", committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning on February 21st, 1980. She was 37
Junior Walker -
leader of the All-Stars on "Shotgun", "What Does It Take" and "Roadrunner", died of cancer on Nov 23rd, 1995 at the age of 64
Clint Warwick -
the original bass player for The Moody Blues died from liver disease on May 18th, 2004 at the age of 63. Clint left the band in 1966 after playing on their only number one hit, "Go Now"
Muddy Waters -
blues guitarist whose real name was McKinley Morganfield, died of a heart attack at the age of 68 on April 30th, 1983
Mary Wells -
known for her hits "My Guy" and "You Beat Me To The Punch," died of cancer at age 49 on July 26th, 1992
Clarence White
- guitarist with the Byrds, died on July 14th, 1973, after being hit by a car in Lancaster, California. He was 29. White joined the Byrds in 1968, after the group had recorded their hits as "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Turn! Turn! Turn!" and "Eight Miles High"
Barry White -
known for his lush baritone voice and lyrics that oozed sex appeal on the hits "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love" and "You're The First, The Last, My Everything", died following kidney failure on Thursday, July 4th, 2003, at the age of 58
Leon Wilkeson -
bassist for the 70's southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd was found dead on July 27th, 2001 in a Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida hotel room. Allegedly suffering from chronic liver and lung disease, the actual cause of death was deemed "from natural causes". He was 49
Larry Williams -
had hit songs with "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" and "Bony Maronie", was found dead on January 7th, 1980 at his Los Angeles home of a gunshot wound to the head. The medical examiner called the death a suicide, but rumours persisted for years after his death that he was murdered because of his involvement in drugs and crime
Paul Williams -
of The Temptaions, died of a self inflicted gunshot wound on August 17th, 1973 at the age of 34. Williams had left the Temptations in 1971 because of poor health
Tony Williams -
of The Platters died of emphysema at the age of 64 on August 14th, 1992. He sang most of the group’s hits up until 1961 when he was replaced by Sonny Turner
Wendy O. Williams -
lead singer of the late 70s / early 80s punk band The Plasmatics, died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head on April 6th, 1998. She was 48
Barry Wilson -
drummer for Procol Harum, died on October 8th, 1990 after months in a coma following a car accident. He was 43
Carl Wilson -
lead guitar player of The Beach Boys, died of cancer, with his family at his bedside on February 7th, 1998. He was 51
Dennis Wilson -
drummer for The Beach Boys, jumped over board from his yacht at Marina Del Ray Harbour in Los Angeles and drowned, on Dec. 28th, 1983. He was 39
J. Frank Wilson -
One of rock's eeriest stories began on October 23rd, 1964. While his teenaged death song, "Last Kiss" was in the Top Ten, Wilson, his bandmates and the record's producer, Sonley Roush, were involved in a head-on collision that killed Roush. Wilson never recorded a hit song again and died in a nursing home, a few months shy of his fiftieth birthday in October, 1991, under the care of his mother
Jackie Wilson -
passed away on January 21st, 1984, in Mount Holly, NJ, at Burlington County Memorial Hospital, at the age of 49. He had suffered a heart attack while singing "Lonely Teardrops" at the Latin Casino in New Jersey during a performance in 1975 and hit his head in the fall. Wilson suffered brain damage and required permanent care the rest of his life
Ron Wilson -
drummer for The Surfaris, who recorded rock and roll's most influential drum solo, "Wipe Out", died of a brain aneurysm in May of 1989, at the age of 49
Paul Williams -
singer for The Temptations, died of a self inflicted gunshot wound on August 17th, 1973. He was 34
Wolfman Jack -
the disc jockey featured in the movie "American Graffiti", died of a heart attack on July 1st, 1995 at the age of 57. He had just completed a 20-day trip to promote his new book "Have Mercy, The Confession of the Original Party Animal," about his early career and parties with celebrities. He walked up the driveway of his home, went inside to hug his wife and collapsed. The Wolfman's real name was Bob Smith
Sheb Wooley -
best remembered for his 1958 #1 tune, "The Purple People Eater", died of leukemia on September 16th, 2003, at the age of 82. He charted a total of nine times, with many of his hits being parodies of other popular songs. As an actor, he appeared in more than 60 films, including "High Noon" and "Giant." He also appeared as Pete Nolan in the U.S. television series "Rawhide"
Syreeta Wright -
who teamed up with Billy Preston on the 1980, number 1 US hit "With You I'm Born Again", passed away on July 6th, 2004 after a two-year battle with bone cancer. She was 58
Philippe Wynne -
former lead singer of the Spinners, suffered a fatal heart attack while on stage in Oakland California on July 14th, 1984. He was 43
Zal Yanovsky -
guitarist for The Lovin' Spoonful, suffered a fatal heart attack on December 13th, 2002 at his Kingston, Ontario, Canada farm. He was 58
Timi Yuro -
was just 18 years old when she reached #4 on the US charts in 1961 with a song called "Hurt", succumbed to brain cancer March 30th, 2004, at the age of 62
Frank Zappa -
died of prostate cancer on December 4th, 1993 at the age of 52
Warren Zevon -
singer/songwriter best remembered for his 1978 breakthrough album "Excitable Boy", which contained his only hit single, "Werewolves Of London". Zevon died of lung cancer on September 7th, 2003 at the age of 56