Here are some notable musicians who passed away in the last decade:
Prince – April 21, 2016
Prince, also known as Prince Rogers Nelson, was a renowned American musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actor. He was born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed away on April 21, 2016, in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Prince was known for his eclectic music style that incorporated elements of funk, rock, soul, and pop, among other genres. He was also known for his flamboyant stage presence and iconic fashion sense.
Some of Prince’s most popular songs include “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” “Kiss,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “1999.” He won seven Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
In addition to his music career, Prince was also involved in activism and philanthropy. He was a vocal advocate for artists’ rights and worked to support and mentor up-and-coming musicians. He was also involved in various charitable causes, including education and environmental conservation.
David Bowie – January 10, 2016
David Bowie was an English musician, actor, and record producer who was born on January 8, 1947, and passed away on January 10, 2016. He was a major figure in popular music for over four decades and is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Bowie’s music explored a wide range of styles, including rock, pop, electronic, and experimental music. He was known for his distinctive voice, flamboyant stage presence, and constantly evolving image and musical style. Some of his most famous songs include “Space Oddity,” “Heroes,” “Ziggy Stardust,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Changes.”
In addition to his music career, Bowie was also an accomplished actor, appearing in films such as “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” “Labyrinth,” and “The Prestige.” He was known for his charismatic performances both on stage and on screen.
Bowie’s influence on music, fashion, and popular culture has been significant and enduring, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and artists.
Amy Winehouse – July 23, 2011
Amy Winehouse was a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful and soulful voice, as well as her personal struggles with addiction and mental health issues. She was born on September 14, 1983, in London, England, and began her music career in the early 2000s.
Winehouse gained widespread acclaim with her second studio album, “Back to Black,” which was released in 2006. The album, which featured hit songs like “Rehab,” “Back to Black,” and “Tears Dry on Their Own,” showcased Winehouse’s unique blend of soul, R&B, and jazz influences.
Despite her success, Winehouse struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout her career, and her personal life was often the subject of tabloid scrutiny. She died on July 23, 2011, at the age of 27, from alcohol poisoning.
Winehouse’s legacy as an artist is one of raw talent and emotional honesty, and her music continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. She was posthumously awarded six Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Rehab.”
Tom Petty – October 2, 2017
Tom Petty (1950-2017) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Gainesville, Florida and started playing music at an early age. In the late 1960s, he formed a band called Mudcrutch with fellow musicians, including future members of the Heartbreakers.
Petty rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with his band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, which released hit songs like “American Girl,” “Refugee,” and “Don’t Come Around Here No More.” He was also a member of the supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys, along with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.
Petty was known for his distinctive voice and songwriting style that blended elements of rock, country, and blues. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and continued to perform and release music until his death in 2017. His last studio album, “Hypnotic Eye,” was released in 2014. Petty’s legacy as a talented musician and songwriter continues to influence generations of artists.
Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) – July 20, 2017
Chester Bennington (1976-2017) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He was best known as the lead vocalist of the rock bands Linkin Park and Dead by Sunrise.
Bennington was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and had a troubled childhood marked by abuse and drug addiction. He found solace in music and started singing in various bands in his teenage years. In 1999, he joined the band Xero, which later became Linkin Park.
Linkin Park’s debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” was released in 2000 and became a huge commercial success. The band went on to release several more albums, with Bennington’s powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics becoming a trademark of their sound. Some of their most popular songs include “Numb,” “In the End,” and “Crawling.”
In addition to his work with Linkin Park, Bennington also formed the band Dead by Sunrise in 2005 and released an album, “Out of Ashes,” in 2009. He also collaborated with other musicians and bands, including Stone Temple Pilots and Chris Cornell.
Tragically, Bennington died by suicide on July 20, 2017, at the age of 41. His death shocked the music world and sparked a conversation about mental health and the pressures of fame. He is remembered as a talented and passionate musician who left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.
Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave) – May 18, 2017
Chris Cornell was an American musician, singer, and songwriter, born on July 20, 1964, in Seattle, Washington, and died on May 18, 2017, in Detroit, Michigan. He was best known as the lead vocalist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, and also had a successful solo career.
Cornell started his musical career in the 1980s, forming Soundgarden with guitarist Kim Thayil and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. The band gained popularity in the 1990s with albums such as “Badmotorfinger” and “Superunknown,” which featured hit songs like “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.”
In 2001, Cornell joined forces with former members of Rage Against the Machine to form Audioslave, releasing three albums together. After the disbandment of Audioslave, Cornell continued his solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with other artists.
Cornell was known for his powerful and distinctive voice, which has been widely praised by critics and fans alike. He was also a talented songwriter, with many of his lyrics exploring themes such as love, loss, and addiction.
Cornell’s death at the age of 52 was a shock to the music world and his fans. He was found dead in his hotel room in Detroit, and the cause of death was ruled as suicide by hanging. His death was mourned by many musicians and fans, who praised his contributions to the music industry and his impact on their lives.
Juice WRLD – December 8, 2019
Juice WRLD, whose real name is Jarad Anthony Higgins, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born on December 2, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, and unfortunately, passed away on December 8, 2019, at the age of 21.
Juice WRLD gained fame in 2018 with his debut single “Lucid Dreams,” which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. He released two studio albums during his lifetime: “Goodbye & Good Riddance” (2018) and “Death Race for Love” (2019), both of which received critical acclaim and commercial success. He also collaborated with several high-profile artists such as Future, Travis Scott, and Halsey.
Juice WRLD’s music is known for its emotional and introspective lyrics that often dealt with themes such as drug addiction, mental health, and heartbreak. He was considered one of the most promising young artists in the industry before his untimely death, and his music continues to have a significant impact on fans and other musicians alike.
Avicii – April 20, 2018
Avicii was a Swedish DJ, record producer, and songwriter. He was born on September 8, 1989, in Stockholm, Sweden, and his real name was Tim Bergling. Avicii was known for his electronic dance music (EDM) and his hit songs such as “Levels,” “Wake Me Up,” and “Hey Brother.” He was one of the most successful EDM artists of his time and was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards.
Despite his success, Avicii struggled with physical and mental health issues, including acute pancreatitis caused by excessive alcohol consumption. He retired from touring in 2016, citing health reasons. Tragically, Avicii died by suicide on April 20, 2018, in Muscat, Oman, at the age of 28. His death was a shock to the music world, and his legacy continues to influence the electronic music scene today.
Mac Miller – September 7, 2018
Mac Miller (real name: Malcolm James McCormick) was an American rapper, singer, and record producer. He was born on January 19, 1992, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and passed away on September 7, 2018, in Los Angeles, California.
Miller first gained popularity in 2011 with his mixtape “Best Day Ever,” which included the hit single “Donald Trump.” He went on to release several successful albums, including “Blue Slide Park,” “Watching Movies with the Sound Off,” “GO:OD AM,” and “The Divine Feminine.” He was known for his introspective and personal lyrics, as well as his experimental approach to hip-hop.
In addition to his music career, Miller was also an accomplished producer, having worked with artists such as Ariana Grande, Thundercat, and Kendrick Lamar. He was widely respected in the hip-hop community for his talent and dedication to his craft.
Miller struggled with substance abuse throughout his life, and his death was attributed to an accidental drug overdose. He was only 26 years old at the time of his passing, and his fans and fellow musicians mourned his loss deeply.
Nipsey Hussle – March 31, 2019
Nipsey Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was an American rapper, entrepreneur, and community activist. He was born on August 15, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, and was of Eritrean and African American descent. A friend of mine who does dielectric testing considers himself the biggest Nipsey fan.
Nipsey Hussle first gained attention in the music industry with his mixtapes, including “Slauson Boy Volume 1” and “Bullets Ain’t Got No Name” series. He later released his debut studio album, “South Central State of Mind,” in 2010. He was known for his unique blend of West Coast gangsta rap and socially conscious lyrics that touched on issues such as police brutality, poverty, and gang violence.
In addition to his music career, Nipsey Hussle was also an entrepreneur and community activist. He owned a clothing store, Marathon Clothing, in the Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles, where he grew up. He was also involved in various community projects, including investing in real estate in the area and advocating for education and economic development in underserved communities.
On March 31, 2019, Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot outside of his clothing store in Los Angeles. His death was widely mourned by fans, fellow artists, and community members, who remembered him for his music, entrepreneurship, and activism.
Whitney Houston – February 11, 2012
Whitney Houston (1963-2012) was an American singer, actress, and producer. She was one of the most successful musicians of the 1980s and 1990s, with a powerful and distinctive voice that earned her numerous awards and accolades. She released seven studio albums during her career, with hits such as “I Will Always Love You,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up singing in the church choir. She was discovered by Clive Davis and signed to Arista Records in the early 1980s. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1985, and it became a huge success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
Throughout her career, Houston won numerous awards, including 6 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, and 30 Billboard Music Awards. She also acted in several films, including “The Bodyguard” (1992) and “Waiting to Exhale” (1995).
Houston struggled with drug addiction and personal problems throughout her life, and she died in 2012 at the age of 48. Despite her personal struggles, Houston remains an icon in the music industry and her music continues to be beloved by fans around the world.
Aretha Franklin – August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of popular music. Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, she began her career as a gospel singer in her father’s church before signing with Columbia Records in 1960.
It was not until she signed with Atlantic Records in 1967, however, that Franklin truly became a superstar. Her string of hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s included “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “Think,” and “Natural Woman,” among many others. Her powerful voice and ability to infuse her performances with emotion and soul made her one of the most beloved and respected performers of her time.
Throughout her career, Franklin won numerous awards and honors, including 18 Grammy Awards, and she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. She continued to perform and record music until her death on August 16, 2018, at the age of 76.
Eddie Van Halen – October 6, 2020
Eddie Van Halen (January 26, 1955 – October 6, 2020) was a Dutch-American musician, songwriter, and producer. He was the co-founder and lead guitarist of the rock band Van Halen, which he formed with his brother Alex in 1972.
Eddie Van Halen was widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of all time. He was known for his virtuoso playing style, which combined intricate finger tapping, harmonics, and other techniques to create a unique sound that revolutionized the world of rock guitar.
Throughout his career, Eddie Van Halen won numerous awards and accolades for his musical accomplishments. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. He also collaborated with many other musicians and bands, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless guitarists who came after him.
Eddie Van Halen passed away on October 6, 2020, at the age of 65, after a long battle with cancer. His death was mourned by fans and fellow musicians around the world, and his legacy as a guitar hero and innovator continues to live on.
Adam Yauch (Beastie Boys) – May 4, 2012
Adam Yauch (1964-2012) was an American musician, rapper, and filmmaker who was best known as a founding member of the hip hop group Beastie Boys. Yauch was born in Brooklyn, New York and formed the Beastie Boys in 1979 with fellow members Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock). The group originally began as a punk band, but soon transitioned to hip hop and became one of the most successful and influential groups in the genre.
Yauch, who also went by the stage name MCA, was known for his deep, gravelly voice and his socially conscious lyrics. He was also an advocate for Tibetan independence and Buddhism, and helped organize the Tibetan Freedom Concerts in the 1990s. In addition to his music career, Yauch was also a filmmaker and directed many of the Beastie Boys’ music videos, as well as the feature film “Gunnin’ for That #1 Spot.”
Sadly, Yauch passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 47, after a three-year battle with salivary gland cancer. He left behind a legacy as a talented musician, artist, and activist who had a significant impact on the world of hip hop and beyond.
Merle Haggard – April 6, 2016.
Merle Haggard (1937-2016) was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and fiddler who is considered to be one of the most influential and successful country music artists of all time. Haggard grew up in a poor family and spent time in and out of correctional facilities as a youth. It was during one of his stints in prison that he became interested in music and began playing the guitar and writing songs.
Haggard’s music often reflected his difficult upbringing and life experiences, and he became known for his honest and authentic approach to country music. Some of his most famous songs include “Mama Tried,” “Okie from Muskogee,” and “The Fightin’ Side of Me,” which were all big hits in the 1960s and 1970s.
Haggard’s career spanned over six decades and he released more than 70 studio albums, many of which were critically acclaimed and commercially successful. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and received numerous other awards and honors throughout his career. Haggard passed away in 2016 at the age of 79, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest country music artists of all time.