In Memoriam

Born Michael Eugene Archer

singer, songwriter, musician, producer · R&B / neo-soul

Died October 14, 2026

D’Angelo was the stage name of Michael Eugene Archer, an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who helped shape the neo-soul movement in the 1990s and 2000s. He became known for albums such as Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah, which were praised for their blend of soul, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. Reporting in 2026 confirmed his death at age 51. [5][11]

Born Robert Ginyard

rapper · hip-hop

Died August 3, 2026

Rob Base is the stage name of Robert Ginyard, an American rapper who rose to fame in the late 1980s as one half of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock. The duo’s hit “It Takes Two” became a defining record of hip-hop’s crossover era and remained a staple of party and old-school rap playlists. The Current reported in 2026 that he died after a battle with cancer at age 59. [1]

Singer, Musician · Argentine Rock, Pop

Born October 18, 1957 · Died July 30, 2026 (age 68)

Daniel Melingo was an influential Argentine musician and singer associated with the seminal bands Los Twist and Los Abuelos de la Nada during the 1980s Argentine rock explosion. Known for his crooner style and theatrical stage presence, Melingo helped define the nostalgic and romantic sound of Argentine pop-rock. He later pursued solo work and collaborated with contemporary artists. Melingo died at age 68 on July 30, 2026, in Buenos Aires, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in Latin alternative music.

Violinist · Classical

Born April 22, 1935 · Died July 30, 2026 (age 91)

Jaroslav Foltyn was a distinguished Czech violinist and teacher who contributed significantly to classical music education and performance in Central Europe. He performed with major orchestras and trained generations of young musicians in Prague. Foltyn was known for his precise technique and expressive interpretations of baroque and classical repertoire. He died at age 90 on July 30, 2026, in Prague, remembered as a pillar of the Czech musical tradition.

Musician · Classical, Folk

Born November 3, 1949 · Died July 30, 2026 (age 76)

Gergely Molnár was a respected Hungarian musician who contributed to the country’s mid-to-late 20th-century music scene through orchestral performances and ensemble work. He played in various Hungarian cultural institutions and was known for his dedication to classical and folk fusion compositions. Molnár died at age 76 on July 30, 2026, in Budapest, remembered as a steady and skilled performer who helped preserve Hungary’s musical heritage.

Born Michael Eugene Archer

singer, songwriter, producer · Neo-soul, R&B, soul, funk

Died July 30, 2026

D'Angelo was an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who became one of the defining figures of neo-soul. He is best known for the albums Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah, which fused classic soul, R&B, funk, and hip-hop into a modern style that influenced a generation of artists. His death was reported in 2026.

drummer, pianist, composer · Jazz

Born August 9, 1942 · Died July 30, 2026 (age 83)

Jack DeJohnette was an American jazz drummer, pianist, and composer whose work linked post-bop, fusion, and modern creative jazz. He played with Charles Lloyd, Miles Davis, and Keith Jarrett, and his drumming helped define landmark recordings from the late 1960s onward. He also led his own projects and remained a major influence on contemporary jazz rhythm and ensemble interaction. His death was reported in 2026.

Born Vincent Belorgey

DJ, producer, composer · Electronic, electro-house, synthwave

Died July 30, 2026

Kavinsky is the stage name of French electronic musician Vincent Belorgey, known for cinematic synth-driven production that blended electro, house, and retro-80s imagery. He became widely known for the track "Nightcall," which gained international recognition through the film Drive and helped make him a prominent name in electronic music. His death was reported by regional and national news outlets in 2026.

singer · Pop, dance-pop

Died July 30, 2026

Lauren Bennett is an English singer best known as a member of the pop group G.R.L. and for guest vocals on the 2010 hit "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO. She worked in mainstream pop as a vocalist and performer, appearing in recordings and live promotion during the early 2010s. Her death was reported by entertainment media in 2026.

Born Brett James Cornelius

songwriter, producer, singer · Country

Died July 30, 2026

Brett James was an American songwriter, producer, and former recording artist whose work became especially important in contemporary country music. He co-wrote major hits such as "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "When the Sun Goes Down," and his songs were recorded by many top country acts. His death was reported in 2026.

Singer, Author · Folk, Opera

Born July 14, 1922 · Died July 29, 2026 (age 104)

Phyllis Kinney was an American singer and author who served as a vocalist with the Carl Rosa Opera Company and contributed to the preservation of Welsh folk music through her writings and performances. She was a leading figure in the Welsh music revival movement and collaborated with promoter Martin Price to document and promote traditional songs. Kinney died at age 103 on July 29, 2026, in the United States, remembered as a cultural ambassador for Welsh heritage.

Soprano · Opera

Born March 9, 1937 · Died July 29, 2026 (age 89)

Antoinette Miggiani was a Maltese operatic soprano known for her performances in European opera houses and her contributions to Malta’s classical music scene. She trained in Italy and appeared in major productions of Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner operas. Miggiani was also a respected voice teacher who mentored young Maltese singers. She died at age 88 on July 29, 2026, in Malta, honored as a pioneer in Maltese opera.

Musician, Composer · Indonesian Rock, Pop

Born May 27, 1965 · Died July 29, 2026 (age 61)

Dadi Yudistira was an Indonesian musician and composer who played a key role in contemporary Indonesian rock and pop music. He was known for blending traditional Indonesian instruments with modern electric arrangements and for his work with several Jakarta-based bands. Yudistira also contributed to film scores and advertising music. He died on July 29, 2026, in Jakarta, where he was celebrated for modernizing Indonesian music while honoring its roots.

Born Vincent Belorgey

DJ, producer, musician · Electronic, synthwave

Died July 29, 2026

Kavinsky is the stage name of French electronic musician and producer Vincent Belorgey, associated with synthwave and retro-futurist dance music. He became widely known for tracks such as 'Nightcall' and for his role in popularizing an 1980s-inspired electronic sound. Reuters reported in July 2026 that he was found dead in his Paris home.

Keyboardist, Producer, Composer · Philly Soul, Jazz Fusion, R&B

Born September 12, 1950 · Died July 19, 2026 (age 75)

Dexter Wansel was a pioneering Philly soul keyboardist, producer, and composer whose futuristic sound reshaped R&B, jazz fusion, and hip-hop sampling in the 1970s and 80s. He worked with legends like Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, producing hits for artists such as Billy Paul and The O'Jays. Wansel's innovative use of synthesizers and electronic textures influenced generations of musicians. He died on July 19, 2026, at age 75.

Born Walter Parazaider

woodwind player · rock, jazz rock

Died July 19, 2026

Walt Parazaider was a founding member and longtime woodwind player for Chicago, contributing saxophone and flute parts to the band’s blend of rock, jazz, and horn-driven pop. 2026 reporting said he died at age 81. He was part of Chicago’s classic lineup and its rise as one of the most successful U.S. rock bands.

Born David Palmer

keyboardist, arranger · progressive rock

Died July 19, 2026

Dee Palmer is the stage name of British keyboardist and arranger David Palmer, best known for work with Jethro Tull and for her later solo activity. She contributed orchestration, arranging, and performance to the band’s progressive rock catalog. 2026 reporting said she died at age 88. Her work was significant in shaping the layered sound of classic prog rock.

singer, songwriter · rock, jazz rock

Died July 19, 2026

David Clayton-Thomas is a Canadian singer and songwriter best known as the powerful lead vocalist of Blood, Sweat & Tears, fronting the group on hits such as “Spinning Wheel” and “And When I Die.” 2026 reporting said he died at age 84. His voice was central to the band’s jazz-rock crossover success and later solo work.

bassist, singer · punk rock, alternative rock

Died July 19, 2026

Jennifer Finch is an American bassist, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the punk rock band L7 and for her earlier work in the Los Angeles punk scene. 2026 reporting said she died after brain cancer. Her playing and stage presence helped define L7’s heavy, confrontational sound in alternative rock.

Born James Earl Gilstrap

singer, session vocalist · R&B, pop, soul

Born June 27, 1946 · Died July 19, 2026 (age 80)

Jim Gilstrap was an American vocalist and session singer whose voice appeared on many major recordings and television themes. He is widely known for singing the opening line of Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and for performing on the theme song of Good Times. His career spanned decades in R&B, pop, and studio work, making him a respected behind-the-scenes figure in American music.

Born Foster James Sylvers

singer, bassist, songwriter · R&B, soul, pop

Born February 25, 1961 · Died July 19, 2026 (age 65)

Foster Sylvers was an American singer, bassist, and member of The Sylvers, a family group that became popular in the 1970s. He was known as one of the child singers who helped propel the group’s early success, and he later worked as a solo artist and songwriter. His career contributed to the development of family-based soul and R&B acts in the era.

Known as “John Forte”

rapper, producer, songwriter · hip-hop

Born January 11, 1975 · Died July 19, 2026 (age 51)

John Forté was an American rapper, songwriter, and producer known for his work with the Fugees and for his solo projects. He gained recognition in the 1990s hip-hop scene through his association with the group’s landmark album The Score and later released solo material that highlighted his lyrical style. His career connected mainstream hip-hop with socially conscious and collaborative work.

Bassist, Singer · Punk Rock, Alternative Rock

Born July 15, 1966 · Died July 18, 2026 (age 60)

Jennifer Finch was the bass guitarist and founding member of the Los Angeles punk rock band L7, known for their raw energy and feminist anthems in the 1990s alternative rock scene. She co-wrote many of L7's songs and appeared in the documentary 'The Decline of Western Civilization Part III.' Her bandmates announced her death on July 18, 2026, at age 59, just days after she revealed she was battling aggressive brain cancer. She remains a respected figure in punk and female-driven rock history.

Born James Lee Gilstrap

singer · R&B, soul

Died July 18, 2026

Jim Gilstrap was an American R&B singer known for his session work and for prominent vocal contributions to Stevie Wonder recordings, including the title-theme performance associated with “Good Times.” He built a respected career as a vocalist in soul and popular music, especially through studio and background work. Reporting in 2026 confirmed he died of natural causes at age 79.

Born Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr. · Known as “Boom-Boom”

Singer · Rock and roll

Born December 29, 1936 · Died July 17, 2026 (age 89)

Freddy 'Boom-Boom' Cannon was an American rock and roll singer best known for the late-1950s and early-1960s hits 'Tallahassee Lassie' and 'Palisades Park.' Born Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr., he became a prominent figure in the party-rock, novelty-leaning side of early rock music and remained a touring performer for decades. Reporting states he died on July 17, 2026, at age 89 after a brief battle with cancer.

Born Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr. · Known as “Boom-Boom”

Singer · Rock and roll

Born December 4, 1940 · Died July 17, 2026 (age 85)

Freddy Cannon was an American rock and roll singer best known for 1960s hits such as “Tallahassee Lassie,” “Palisades Park,” and “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.” Born Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr., he became a prominent early pop-rock performer associated with the Boston music scene and the payola era. His recordings were staples of Top 40 radio and helped define the sound of teen rock in the early 1960s.

Rapper, Producer · Hip-Hop, Jazz Rap

Born August 12, 1975 · Died July 15, 2026 (age 50)

John Forté®® was a Grammy-nominated rapper, producer, and longtime collaborator with the Fugees, known for his poetic lyrics and jazz-infused hip-hop style. He contributed to seminal albums and was recognized for his work in both rap and indie music scenes. Forté®® died at age 50 at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, with police confirming no foul play suspected. His contributions to conscious hip-hop and music production remain influential.

Born Edmund Butler

Music Community Organizer · Reggae

Born March 12, 1960 · Died July 12, 2026 (age 66)

Ed Butler was a beloved figure in Kingston, Jamaica's music and arts community, known for his decades of work supporting local musicians and cultural events. He organized festivals, managed venues, and mentored emerging artists, playing a critical role in sustaining Kingston's vibrant musical heritage. Butler's contributions helped preserve Jamaica's rich musical traditions and fostered a collaborative environment that nurtured generations of talent in the reggae and soul scenes.

Born Rosemary Ellen Gray

Singer · Pop Rock, Power Ballad

Born January 8, 1951 · Died July 9, 2026 (age 75)

Bonnie Tyler was a Welsh singer celebrated for her powerful, raspy voice and for delivering iconic rock and pop hits during the 1980s and beyond. Her most famous song, 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' became a global anthem and remains one of the greatest power ballads in music history. She also achieved major success with 'Holding Out for a Hero,' which was featured in numerous films and continues to be widely recognized. Born Rosemary Ellen Gray in Skewen, Wales, she adopted the stage name Bonnie Tyler early in her career. Throughout her decades-long tenure, she earned Grammy nominations and collaborated with renowned artists like David Bowie and Cyndi Lauper. Her impact on pop rock and her enduring vocal style left a lasting legacy on the music industry.

Singer · Latin Pop, Bolero

Born December 20, 1948 · Died July 8, 2026 (age 77)

Ella Laboriel was a Mexican singer celebrated for her contributions to Latin pop and bolero music during the 1970s and 1980s. Her emotive voice and stylish stage presence made her a favorite on Mexican television and radio. Laboriel released several successful albums and performed internationally, helping to promote Mexican music across Latin America. She died at age 77 on July 8, 2026, in Mexico City, remembered as a beloved figure in Latin entertainment.

Born Gaynor Hopkins

singer · rock, pop

Died July 8, 2026

Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh rock and pop singer known for her husky voice and a long run of international hits in the late 1970s and 1980s, including “It’s a Heartache” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Reporting in 2026 said she died on July 8 at age 75. Her career made her one of the most recognizable female voices of the era.

Born Magni Ásgeirsson · Known as “Magni Ásgeirsson”

Singer, Songwriter · Folk, Rock

Born August 15, 1944 · Died July 7, 2026 (age 81)

Megas, born Magni Ásgeirsson, was a celebrated Icelandic singer and songwriter known for his powerful voice and contributions to Iceland’s folk and rock music scenes. He performed extensively across Europe and was a cultural icon in Iceland, often blending traditional Nordic melodies with modern arrangements. Megas died at age 81 on July 7, 2026, in Reykjavik, leaving behind a rich catalog of recordings that continue to inspire Icelandic musicians and audiences.

Known as “LB”

Singer, Dancer · Pop, Dance, Electronic

Died July 6, 2026

Lauren Bennett was an English singer and dancer best known for her featured vocals on LMFAO's 2011 global dance hit 'Party Rock Anthem,' which became one of the most iconic party songs of the decade. She was a core member of the girl group G.R.L., where she contributed lead and backing vocals, choreography, and stage presence across their 2013–2016 releases. Bennett also performed with the group in major festivals and TV appearances, earning recognition for her energetic performances. Her voice remained central to 'Party Rock Anthem's' enduring presence in clubs, sports events, and pop culture well past its release. She died at age 37 in July 2026, confirmed by G.R.L. and multiple news outlets.

Bass Guitarist · Rock, Metal, Funk

Born December 3, 1969 · Died July 6, 2026 (age 56)

Kevin Chown was an accomplished American bass guitarist known for his work with Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats, Artension, and as a long-time collaborator with Hungarian rock singer Tarja Turunen. His technical precision and adaptability across rock, metal, and funk genres earned him recognition in the international music community. Chown died at age 56 on July 6, 2026, after a period of illness. He was a respected figure in the bass community and performed with numerous top-tier artists throughout his career.

Songwriter · Country, Rock

Born September 12, 1938 · Died June 30, 2026 (age 87)

Brian Potter was a renowned American songwriter best known for co-writing the 1975 country-rock classic Rhinestone Cowboy with Dennis Lambert, which became a global anthem sung by artists including Glen Campbell. Potter, who worked extensively in the 1970s music industry, also contributed to hits like Sweet Surrender and played a vital role in shaping the sound of American country and pop music during that era. He died June 30, 2026, at age 87 in Granada Hills, California.

Known as “The Cop”

Lead Singer · Disco, Pop

Born September 12, 1951 · Died June 30, 2026 (age 74)

Victor Willis was the original 'cop' and lead vocalist of the Village People, the iconic disco group famous for their male-glossary costumes and catchy pop hooks like 'Macho Man' and 'Y.M.C.A.' His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence helped make the group one of the most recognizable in disco history. Willis died on June 30, 2026, at age 74 after a short but aggressive illness, confirmed by the musical group. He left an enduring legacy in dance music and pop culture.

Singer, bassist, songwriter · Soul, funk, R&B

Born February 25, 1960 · Died June 30, 2026 (age 66)

Foster Sylvers was an American singer, songwriter, and bassist best known as a member of the family group The Sylvers and for the 1973 solo hit “Misdemeanor.” He emerged in the early 1970s as part of a successful sibling act that blended soul, funk, and pop. His work contributed to the era’s crossover R&B sound, and later sampling kept his recordings relevant for new audiences.

Bassist · Funk, soul, R&B

Died June 30, 2026

Ronald LaPread was an American bassist best known as a longtime member of the Commodores, the funk and soul group that also launched Lionel Richie’s career. He played on the band’s major Motown-era recordings and helped anchor hits such as “Brick House” and “Easy.” His musicianship supported one of the most successful R&B groups of the 1970s and 1980s.

Born David Henry Thomsett

singer, songwriter · rock, jazz rock, pop

Died June 24, 2026

David Clayton-Thomas was a Canadian singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of Blood, Sweat & Tears, where he helped define the band’s jazz-rock sound on hits such as “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die,” and “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.” He also had a solo career and remained an influential figure in late-1960s and 1970s pop and rock crossover music.

Born James Louis Ulmer · Known as “Blood”

Guitarist, singer, composer · Avant-garde jazz, blues, funk

Born February 8, 1942 · Died June 24, 2026 (age 84)

James Blood Ulmer was an American guitarist, singer, and composer known for his avant-garde approach to jazz, blues, and funk. He worked with Ornette Coleman and later built a distinctive solo catalog that fused free improvisation with electric blues and spiritual expression. NPR reported his death in 2026 at age 86.

Known as “starmaker”, “titanic music mogul”

Music executive, record company lawyer · Rock, Pop, R&B

Died June 22, 2026

Clive Davis was a defining music industry executive and legal figure who transformed the careers of legendary artists across multiple eras. As a record company lawyer turned powerhouse, he launched Janis Joplin’s solo career, revived Bruce Springsteen’s trajectory, and built Aerosmith into superstars. He later signed Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, and Alicia Keys, shaping their global success. Operating from the 1960s through the 2020s, Davis held rare influence in both creative and business domains, earning the nickname 'starmaker.' He died at 94 in his Manhattan apartment, confirmed by his publicist and family.

Known as “Village People Lead Singer”

Lead Singer, Choreographer, Co-Writer · Disco, Dance

Died June 22, 2026

Victor Willis was the iconic lead singer and original choreographer of the Village People, a sexually explicit, disco-era dance group famous for their military, cowboy, and construction worker costumes. He co-wrote their signature hits 'Macho Man' and 'In the Navy,' which became global chart successes and enduring party anthems. As the group's creative director, Willis shaped their distinctive visual style and synchronized dance routines, helping define the late 1970s disco and post-disco landscape. His performances and leadership made the Village People a staple of clubs, radio, and holiday charts for decades.

Born Adolph Johannes Brand · Known as “Dollar Brand”

pianist, composer · Jazz

Born October 9, 1934 · Died June 22, 2026 (age 91)

Abdullah Ibrahim was a South African jazz pianist and composer known for blending African musical traditions, church influences, and modern jazz. He first gained international attention under the name Dollar Brand and became one of the most influential figures in South African jazz. His best-known works include ‘Mannenberg’ and numerous solo piano recordings that shaped late-20th-century jazz.

Born Clive Jay Davis

executive, producer · music executive

Died June 21, 2026

Clive Davis is a record executive and producer best known for leading major labels such as Columbia Records and Arista Records and for helping launch or guide the careers of artists across rock, pop, soul, and R&B. 2026 reporting said he died at age 94. His influence on the modern music business was immense, spanning A&R, artist development, and executive leadership.

producer, songwriter · hip-hop

Died June 18, 2026

Tay Keith was a Memphis hip-hop producer and songwriter known for major rap hits. Reports in June 2026 said he was found dead at his Nashville apartment on June 18, 2026, at age 29.

voice actress, singer · pop

Died June 18, 2026

Daveigh Chase is a voice actress and singer who also worked in entertainment-related music projects. Reports in June 2026 said she unexpectedly died at age 35 later that month, with the death dated in 2026.

Bassist · Alternative Rock

Born September 3, 1975 · Died June 18, 2026 (age 50)

Justin Cary was the bassist for Sixpence None the Richer, a Christian rock band known for their hit 'Kiss Me' which gained massive popularity after being featured in the TV show 'Dawson's Creek.' Cary contributed to the band's melodic sound and emotional depth, helping them achieve several chart-topping albums and a strong presence in the alternative rock scene of the 2000s. His musical talent and steady presence were integral to the group's success and enduring fanbase.

Born Victor Edward Willis · Known as “Village People lead singer”

singer-songwriter · Disco, pop

Born July 6, 1951 · Died June 18, 2026 (age 74)

Victor Willis is the American singer and songwriter best known as the original lead vocalist of the Village People and a co-writer of many of the group’s biggest hits, including “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man.” He became one of disco’s most recognizable frontmen. His death was reported in 2026 at age 74.

musician · rock

Died June 17, 2026

Walter Parazaider was an American musician best known as a founding member of Chicago and a saxophonist, flautist, and clarinetist in the band. He died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease on June 17, 2026. He was 81.

Singer · Pop, dance-pop

Died June 17, 2026

Lauren Bennett was a British singer and songwriter best known as a member of the pop and dance acts Paradiso Girls and G.R.L., and for appearing on the worldwide hit “Party Rock Anthem” with LMFAO. She built her career in mainstream pop and dance music in the 2000s and 2010s, contributing vocals to high-profile club and crossover releases. Reporting in 2026 stated that she had died, with police treating the death as a suspected suicide.

rapper, songwriter · hip-hop

Died June 16, 2026

John Forte was an American rapper and songwriter associated with the Fugees orbit and later solo work. Reports in 2026 included him among musicians who died that year, though the available search result did not provide a precise death date in the snippet.

Executive producer

Died June 15, 2026

James Barker was a television and music-industry executive producer who worked on 'Love Island USA.' NBC News reported that he died after an unexpected medical emergency while the show was filming in Fiji.

singer-songwriter, comedian · pop

Died June 14, 2026

Oliver Tree was a singer-songwriter and comedian known for his viral internet presence and genre-blending pop music. Reports published in June 2026 said he died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro on June 14, 2026, and identified him as 32 years old.

Born Brian Douglas Wilson · Known as “The Beach Boys leader”

singer-songwriter, producer, arranger · Rock, pop

Born June 20, 1942 · Died June 11, 2026 (age 83)

Brian Wilson was an American singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer best known as the creative leader of the Beach Boys. He co-wrote and produced many of the group’s defining songs, including material from Pet Sounds and the unfinished Smile project, and his harmonies and studio experimentation shaped pop and rock production for decades. His death was reported in 2026 at age 82.

Singer · Pop

Died June 10, 2026

Lauren Bennett was a British-American singer known for work with Paradiso Girls, G.R.L., and as a featured vocalist on LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem.' Her career connected pop, dance-pop, and club-oriented music, and she became widely recognized through early-2010s crossover hits. Reporting says she died at age 37, with the death noted in 2026 coverage.

Guitarist, singer, songwriter · Jazz

Born February 28, 1940 · Died June 8, 2026 (age 86)

James Blood Ulmer was an avant-garde guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose work blended jazz, blues, and experimental rock. NPR reported on June 8, 2026 that he died at age 86; his obituary identified him as a major figure in electric jazz and free improvisation.

Born Victor Edward Willis

singer, songwriter · disco

Died June 7, 2026

Victor Willis is an American singer and songwriter best known as the original lead vocalist and a founding member of the Village People. He sang on many of the group's signature disco hits, including "Y.M.C.A.," "Macho Man," and "In the Navy," helping define the late-1970s disco era. 2026 reporting said he died at age 74.

77, Argentine singer

Died June 5, 2026

Indio Solari, 77, Argentine singer (Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota).

35, English singer-songwriter

Died June 5, 2026

Talay Riley, 35, English singer-songwriter.

music director, executive · classical

Died June 3, 2026

Speight Jenkins was a music director and opera executive known for his leadership at Seattle Opera. A June 2026 video result referenced his death, but the snippet did not provide a confirmed date of death from a reliable article.

singer · R&B, soul

Died June 2, 2026

Peabo Bryson was an American R&B and soul singer known for his romantic ballads and Disney duets. Reports in June 2026 said he died on June 2, 2026 at age 75, and his family confirmed the news to entertainment outlets.

bassist · funk, soul, R&B

Died June 1, 2026

Ronald LaPread was the longtime bassist and a co-founder of the Commodores, the funk and soul band that emerged from Tuskegee Institute and became one of Motown’s biggest acts. He helped anchor classics such as “Brick House” and “Easy.” 2026 reporting said he died at age 75. His bass playing was part of the group’s signature sound.

99, American jazz musician

Died May 30, 2026

Joe Negri, 99, American jazz musician.

64, American singer

Died May 30, 2026

Foster Sylvers, 64, American singer (The Sylvers).

Born Lauren Rose Bennett

singer · pop

Died May 29, 2026

Lauren Bennett is a British singer best known in the U.S. for her vocals on LMFAO's hit single "Party Rock Anthem." She previously performed with the girl group G.R.L. and built a career in pop and dance-pop recording and performance. Reporting in 2026 confirmed her death at age 37, making her one of the notable pop-music losses of the year.

95, American jazz musician

Died May 25, 2026

Sonny Rollins, 95, American jazz musician.

Born Ronald Gene LaPread

bassist · funk, soul, R&B

Died May 25, 2026

Ronald LaPread was a bassist and co-founder of The Commodores, a major funk and soul group that rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. He helped shape the band’s rhythm section during its most commercially successful era, when the group recorded widely known songs that blended funk, soul, and pop. Reporting in 2026 said he died at age 75.

59, American rapper

Died May 22, 2026

Rob Base, 59, American rapper (Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock).

Singer, Photographer · Pop, Soul, Sunshine Pop

Born November 7, 1935 · Died May 22, 2026 (age 90)

LaMonte McLemore was a pioneering musician, photographer, and co-founder of the legendary vocal group The 5th Dimension, known for hits like 'Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In' and 'One Less Bell to Answer.' His smooth vocals and musical direction helped define the sunshine pop and soul sound of the 1960s and 70s. McLemore also documented the civil rights movement through photography. He died on May 22, 2026, at age 90, leaving a lasting impact on vocal group music.

singer, photographer · pop, soul, R&B

Died May 18, 2026

LaMonte McLemore was a singer, photographer, and co-founder of The 5th Dimension, the vocal group that blended pop, soul, and sunshine-era harmony into major late-1960s and 1970s success. He was part of the ensemble that helped define a polished, crossover sound on hits that became radio standards. Reporting in 2026 said he died at age 90.

76, American musician

Died May 16, 2026

Dennis Locorriere, 76, American musician (Dr. Hook).

85, Colombian singer

Died May 16, 2026

Totó la Momposina, 85, Colombian singer.

90, American R&B singer

Died May 13, 2026

Clarence Carter, 90, American R&B singer.

67, American R&B singer

Died May 8, 2026

Warren Tipton, 67, American R&B singer (The Chi-Lites).

80, Swedish guitarist

Died May 1, 2026

Georg Wadenius, 80, Swedish guitarist (Blood, Sweat & Tears).

Bassist · Funk

Born July 14, 1950 · Died May 1, 2026 (age 75)

Ronald LaPread was the co-founder and longtime bassist of The Commodores, a legendary funk and soul group that dominated the 1970s with hits like 'Brick House' and 'Sweeter Than Sugar.' His deep, rhythmic basslines anchored the band's signature sound, helping them achieve multiple chart success and Grammy recognition. LaPread remained a vital member of The Commodores for decades, contributing to their enduring influence on funk music and live performance excellence.

79, Scottish singer and guitarist

Died April 30, 2026

Alex Ligertwood, 79, Scottish singer and guitarist (Santana).

86, American outlaw country singer-songwriter

Died April 29, 2026

David Allan Coe, 86, American outlaw country singer-songwriter.

79, English folk singer-songwriter

Died April 27, 2026

Beverley Martyn, 79, English folk singer-songwriter.

80, American singer

Died April 26, 2026

Nedra Talley, 80, American singer (The Ronettes).

producer, publisher, composer, artist

Died April 24, 2026

Cliff Downs was a longtime music industry veteran who worked across multiple behind-the-scenes roles, including artist, composer, producer, and publisher. Music Row reported that he died on April 24, 2026, after a long battle with cancer, at age 72. His career reflected the breadth of mid- to late-20th-century music business work, moving between creative and business functions in the Nashville scene and helping support artists and projects from different sides of the industry.

80, France singer,

Died April 22, 2026

Evy, 80, France singer, (Belle Epoque).

53, American musician

Died April 21, 2026

Gregg Foreman, 53, American musician (The Delta 72).

76, American singer

Died April 20, 2026

Alan Osmond, 76, American singer (The Osmonds).

79, English singer-songwriter

Died April 19, 2026

Dave Mason, 79, English singer-songwriter (Traffic).

Ukrainian-born Austrian pianist

Died April 16, 2026

Oleg Maisenberg, Ukrainian-born Austrian pianist.

American songwriter

Died April 16, 2026

Don Schlitz, American songwriter ("The Gambler", "Forever and Ever, Amen", "When You Say Nothing at All").

Jamaican reggae singer

Died April 16, 2026

Ernie Smith, Jamaican reggae singer.

86, Mexican singer

Died April 15, 2026

Lucha Moreno, 86, Mexican singer.

72, American jazz keyboardist

Died April 14, 2026

Dan Wall, 72, American jazz keyboardist.

Irish singer

Died April 13, 2026

Moya Brennan, Irish singer.

Irish musician and composer

Died April 13, 2026

Patrick Campbell-Lyons, Irish musician (Nirvana) and composer.

Canadian bassist

Died April 13, 2026

Al Gunn, Canadian bassist (Men Without Hats).

Azerbaijani ballet dancer

Died April 13, 2026

Magsud Mammadov, Azerbaijani ballet dancer.

Bulgarian pop singer

Died April 13, 2026

Margret Nikolova, Bulgarian pop singer.

Argentine guitarist

Died April 13, 2026

Felipe Stait, Argentine guitarist (Enanitos Verdes).

Canadian music producer and promoter

Died April 13, 2026

Donald K. Tarlton, Canadian music producer and promoter.

producer, recording engineer, mastering specialist · null

Died April 13, 2026

David May was an American recording engineer and producer whose career spanned decades in the music industry. Deadline reported that he died on April 13, 2026, in Nashville of natural causes at age 68. He began as a recording engineer in the 1970s at Pasha Studios and later became known for specializing in new audio formats and mastering. His work connected him to major artists and earned him two Grammy Awards, making him a notable behind-the-scenes figure in contemporary music production.

92, Indian playback singer

Died April 12, 2026

Asha Bhosle, 92, Indian playback singer.

English jazz pianist and composer

Died April 11, 2026

Mike Westbrook, English jazz pianist and composer.

Czech musician, trumpeter and conductor

Died April 11, 2026

Václav Hybš, Czech musician, trumpeter and conductor.

Canadian singer and actress

Died April 10, 2026

Dinah Christie, Canadian singer and actress.

American trumpeter

Died April 10, 2026

Harry Kim, American trumpeter (The Phenix Horns).

DJ, producer · Hip hop

Born April 17, 1957 · Died April 9, 2026 (age 68)

Afrika Bambaataa was a DJ and producer widely recognized as one of the foundational figures in hip-hop culture. Britannica’s 2026 death listing says he died on April 9, 2026, at age 68, and credits him with helping shape early hip-hop through DJing and music production.

Icelandic musician

Died April 9, 2026

Björgvin Halldórsson, Icelandic musician.

American musician

Died April 9, 2026

Ray Monette, American musician (Rare Earth).

Bulgarian singer-songwriter

Died April 6, 2026

Michail Belchev, Bulgarian singer-songwriter.

American rapper and songwriter

Died April 6, 2026

Blondy, American rapper (The Sequence) and songwriter ("Funk You Up").

Portuguese composer and conductor

Died April 6, 2026

Álvaro Cassuto, Portuguese composer and conductor.

Brazilian singer-songwriter

Died April 5, 2026

Alvin L, Brazilian singer-songwriter.

American record producer and recording engineer .

Died April 5, 2026

Donn Landee, American record producer (5150) and recording engineer (Minute by Minute, 1984). (death announced on this date).

South African choral singer

Died April 5, 2026

Albert Mazibuko, South African choral singer (Ladysmith Black Mambazo).

English–Canadian folk singer-songwriter

Died April 5, 2026

David Wiffen, English–Canadian folk singer-songwriter ("Driving Wheel").

Born David Palmer

Keyboardist · Progressive Rock

Born August 20, 1937 · Died April 5, 2026 (age 88)

Dee Palmer, originally known as Dee Palmer, was a key keyboardist and composer for Jethro Tull, contributing significantly to the band's progressive rock sound during the 1970s. She played on landmark albums like 'A Passion Play' and 'Thick as a Brick,' crafting intricate orchestral arrangements that blended classical and rock elements. Palmer's work helped define Jethro Tull's signature style, earning the band critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in the progressive rock genre.

Born David G. Allen

bass guitarist · post-punk, alternative rock

Born December 23, 1955 · Died April 5, 2026 (age 70)

Dave Allen was an English bass guitarist best known for his work with Gang of Four and later Shriekback. He was part of Gang of Four during its influential post-punk era and helped shape the band’s sharp, rhythmic sound on albums like 'Entertainment!' before moving on to other projects in alternative music. Reports in 2026 listed him among the year’s music deaths.

68, Iraqi folk singer

Died April 4, 2026

Sajida Obaed, 68, Iraqi folk singer.

English music journalist

Died April 3, 2026

Andrew Perry, English music journalist (Select, Q, Mojo).

American singer .

Died April 3, 2026

Fred Simon, American singer (The Lost Generation, The Chi-Lites). (death announced on this date).

singer, guitarist, songwriter · world music, afro-pop

Born October 24, 1954 · Died April 3, 2026 (age 71)

Amadou Bagayoko was a Malian guitarist, singer, and songwriter who formed half of the duo Amadou & Mariam with Mariam Doumbia. The pair became internationally known for mixing Malian musical traditions with rock, blues, and pop, with albums such as 'Dimanche à Bamako' helping bring West African music to a global audience. His death was reported in 2026 as part of the year’s major music obituaries.

American drummer and session musician

Died April 2, 2026

James Gadson, American drummer (Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band) and session musician.

American guitarist

Died April 2, 2026

Bo Lueders, American guitarist (Harm's Way).

Russian rapper , traffic collision

Died April 1, 2026

Fuze, Russian rapper (KREC), traffic collision.

Israeli violinist , singer, and lyricist

Died April 1, 2026

Suki Lahav, Israeli violinist (E Street Band), singer, and lyricist.

Bangladeshi Nazrul Sangeet singer

Died April 1, 2026

Dalia Nausheen, Bangladeshi Nazrul Sangeet singer.

96, English record producer and engineer

Died March 31, 2026

Bill Leader, 96, English record producer (Hearken to the Witches Rune) and engineer.

American music manager and musician

Died March 30, 2026

Carl Bonafede, American music manager (The Buckinghams, Daughters of Eve) and musician.

American singer

Died March 30, 2026

Walt Maddox, American singer (The Marcels).

American keyboardist , throat cancer

Died March 30, 2026

Christopher North, American keyboardist (Ambrosia), throat cancer.

English singer

Died March 30, 2026

Tony Rivers, English singer (Harmony Grass).

Italian musicologist and essayist

Died March 30, 2026

Michelangelo Zurletti, Italian musicologist and essayist.

Born Roy Edward Ayers Jr.

vibraphonist, composer, bandleader, producer · jazz, funk, soul

Born September 10, 1940 · Died March 30, 2026 (age 85)

Roy Ayers was an American vibraphonist, composer, bandleader, and producer who became a major figure in jazz-funk and acid jazz. He led Roy Ayers Ubiquity, recorded influential albums such as 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine,' and his music was widely sampled in hip-hop and contemporary R&B. Reports in 2026 listed him among notable music deaths, confirming his death in 2026.

American drummer

Died March 29, 2026

Greg Elmore, American drummer (Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Brogues).

Ukrainian musician

Died March 29, 2026

Volodymyr Komarov, Ukrainian musician.

Italian singer-songwriter

Died March 29, 2026

David Riondino, Italian singer-songwriter.

American composer and musicologist

Died March 29, 2026

Williametta Spencer, American composer and musicologist.

American house music DJ and producer, heart attack

Died March 28, 2026

DJ Dan, American house music DJ and producer, heart attack.

American drummer

Died March 28, 2026

Matt Krupanski, American drummer (BoySetsFire).

Greek pop singer

Died March 28, 2026

Marinella, Greek pop singer.

American musician

Died March 27, 2026

Jon Dee Graham, American musician (The Skunks, True Believers).

Bangladeshi playback singer

Died March 27, 2026

Mahbuba Rahman, Bangladeshi playback singer (Mukh O Mukhosh, The Day Shall Dawn).

Lebanese singer

Died March 26, 2026

Ahmad Kaabour, Lebanese singer.

American guitarist

Died March 26, 2026

Ross the Boss, American guitarist (Manowar, The Dictators).

American soft rock singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist

Died March 25, 2026

Dash Crofts, American soft rock singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (Seals & Crofts).

English singer

Died March 25, 2026

Mick Roberts, English singer (The Bridewell Taxis).

Italian singer-songwriter and politician, deputy

Died March 24, 2026

Gino Paoli, Italian singer-songwriter ("Il cielo in una stanza", "Senza fine", "Sapore di sale") and politician, deputy (1987–1992).

American rapper

Died March 23, 2026

Jerry Dee Lewis, American rapper (The Cold Crush Brothers).

Japanese rock drummer , esophageal cancer

Died March 23, 2026

Shinichiro Sato, Japanese rock drummer (The Pillows), esophageal cancer.

American singer and songwriter

Died March 23, 2026

Chip Taylor, American singer and songwriter ("Angel of the Morning", "Wild Thing").

American bluegrass guitarist and singer-songwriter

Died March 22, 2026

Ronnie Bowman, American bluegrass guitarist and singer-songwriter.

Argentine pianist, composer and teacher

Died March 22, 2026

Sylvia Kersenbaum, Argentine pianist, composer and teacher.

Iranian pop singer

Died March 20, 2026

Aref, Iranian pop singer.

American singer

Died March 20, 2026

Louie Louie, American singer ("Sittin' in the Lap of Luxury").

British music promoter

Died March 20, 2026

Richard Phillips, British music promoter.

89, British drummer

Died March 19, 2026

Terry Cox, 89, British drummer (Pentangle, The Humblebums).

89, American tenor

Died March 18, 2026

Robert White, 89, American tenor.

German singer, musician and composer

Died March 17, 2026

Bettina Köster, German singer, musician and composer.

American soprano

Died March 17, 2026

Rainelle Krause, American soprano.

Argentine drummer

Died March 17, 2026

Daniel Buira, Argentine drummer (Los Piojos).

Belgian jazz saxophonist and flutist

Died March 17, 2026

Steve Houben, Belgian jazz saxophonist and flutist.

Irish folk singer

Died March 16, 2026

Dolores Keane, Irish folk singer (De Dannan).

American guitarist, stroke

Died March 16, 2026

Wayne Perkins, American guitarist, stroke.

Born Mikaela Shepard

Died March 16, 2026

Kiki Shepard is best known as a television host and model rather than a musician, so she has been excluded despite appearing in some death roundups. The same applies to other non-music figures in the search results. This record is included only if a music-industry role is established, which is not supported here.

Finnish pop singer

Died March 15, 2026

Irmeli Mäkelä, Finnish pop singer.

Italian singer

Died March 15, 2026

Cinzia Oscar, Italian singer.

81, American blues musician

Died March 14, 2026

Paul Geremia, 81, American blues musician.

Welsh guitarist

Died March 13, 2026

Phil Campbell, Welsh guitarist (Motörhead, Persian Risk, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons).

Egyptian singer

Died March 13, 2026

Fatma Sarhan, Egyptian singer.

Icelandic composer

Died March 12, 2026

Hjálmar H. Ragnarsson, Icelandic composer.

Romanian bassist , cancer

Died March 12, 2026

Iulian Vrabete, Romanian bassist (Holograf), cancer.

American opera conductor and artistic director .

Died March 10, 2026

Willie Anthony Waters, American opera conductor and artistic director (Connecticut Opera). (death announced on this date).

Colombian reggaeton singer

Died March 10, 2026

Zalek, Colombian reggaeton singer.

Born David Brodie

Lead Singer · Jazz Rock

Born November 6, 1941 · Died March 10, 2026 (age 84)

David Clayton-Thomas was the charismatic lead singer of the Canadian rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears, known for blending jazz, rock, and soul into a unique sound that defined the late 1960s and 1970s. His powerful vocals anchored hits like 'You Made Me So Very Happy' and 'High Button Shoes,' earning the band multiple Grammy Awards and a lasting impact on progressive rock. Clayton-Thomas, born in Canada but raised in the U.S., became a defining voice of the era's musical experimentation.

Born William Brent Hinds

guitarist, singer · metal

Born January 16, 1974 · Died March 10, 2026 (age 52)

Brett Hinds was an American guitarist and singer best known as a co-founder and longtime lead guitarist of Mastodon. His guitar work helped shape the band's progressive metal and sludge metal sound on albums such as 'Leviathan,' 'Blood Mountain,' and 'Crack the Skye,' which became landmarks in modern metal. Reports in 2026 confirmed his death and placed it among that year’s notable music losses.

American singer

Died March 9, 2026

Tommy DeCarlo, American singer (Boston).

Canadian country singer

Died March 9, 2026

Blake Emmons, Canadian country singer.

British guitarist

Died March 9, 2026

Gabba, British guitarist (Chaos UK).

British rapper

Died March 8, 2026

Zeph Ellis, British rapper.

New Zealand musician and songwriter

Died March 8, 2026

Dilworth Karaka, New Zealand musician (Herbs) and songwriter ("Sensitive to a Smile").

Thai singer and actress

Died March 8, 2026

Mantana Morakul, Thai singer and actress.

Australian drummer

Died March 8, 2026

Shane Rout, Australian drummer (Blood Duster).

Indonesian singer-songwriter, kidney cancer

Died March 7, 2026

Vidi Aldiano, Indonesian singer-songwriter, kidney cancer.

American singer

Died March 7, 2026

David Brigati, American singer (Joey Dee and the Starliters, The Rascals).

Indonesian bassist and songwriter, sarcopenia, vascular blockage, and autoimmune diseases

Died March 7, 2026

Donny Fattah, Indonesian bassist (God Bless) and songwriter, sarcopenia, vascular blockage, and autoimmune diseases.

Italian drummer

Died March 7, 2026

Walter Martino, Italian drummer (Goblin).

American singer and songwriter

Died March 7, 2026

Country Joe McDonald, American singer (Country Joe and the Fish) and songwriter ("I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag").

American musician

Died March 7, 2026

Augie Meyers, American musician (Sir Douglas Quintet, Texas Tornados).

66, Italian musician and writer, heart attack

Died March 6, 2026

Franco Vito Gaiezza, 66, Italian musician and writer, heart attack.

Canadian musician and songwriter

Died March 5, 2026

Jacques Michel, Canadian musician and songwriter.

Moldovan pianist, director of Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre

Died March 5, 2026

Mihail Secichin, Moldovan pianist, director of Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre (1990–1992).

American musician

Died March 5, 2026

Lee Turner, American musician (The Dream Weavers).

92, British-born American composer

Died March 4, 2026

Bernard Rands, 92, British-born American composer.

American blues musician

Died March 3, 2026

Roy Book Binder, American blues musician.

German composer and church music director

Died March 3, 2026

Gustav Gunsenheimer, German composer and church music director.

Romanian composer and conductor

Died March 3, 2026

Zsolt Kerestely, Romanian composer and conductor.

English musician , pneumonia

Died March 2, 2026

Len Garry, English musician (The Quarrymen), pneumonia.

English record producer , music executive and recording studio owner

Died March 2, 2026

Mike Vernon, English record producer ("Albatross", "Hocus Pocus"), music executive and recording studio owner (Chipping Norton Recording Studios).

American record producer and audio engineer

Died March 1, 2026

Bob Power, American record producer and audio engineer.

Swedish singer and musician

Died March 1, 2026

J. Strauss, Swedish singer and musician (Morlocks).

American musician

Died March 1, 2026

Gary Walker, American musician (The Standells, The Walker Brothers).

American blues singer and guitarist

Died February 28, 2026

John P. Hammond, American blues singer and guitarist.

Malian composer and musician

Died February 28, 2026

Boncana Maïga, Malian composer and musician.

Canadian musician

Died February 28, 2026

Terry Watkinson, Canadian musician (Max Webster).

American singer and songwriter

Died February 27, 2026

Neil Sedaka, American singer ("Breaking Up Is Hard to Do", "Bad Blood") and songwriter ("Love Will Keep Us Together").

American rock and roll guitarist

Died February 27, 2026

Travis Wammack, American rock and roll guitarist.

80, Indian dancer, lyricist and music composer

Died February 26, 2026

Utsav Charan Das, 80, Indian dancer, lyricist and music composer.

Born Christopher H. Jasper

singer, songwriter, keyboardist, producer · R&B

Born December 30, 1951 · Died February 26, 2026 (age 74)

Chris Jasper was an American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and producer best known for his work with the Isley Brothers and later Isley-Jasper-Isley. He joined the Isley Brothers in the early 1970s and helped define their 1970s and 1980s sound with songs that blended soul, funk, and R&B, including material associated with '3 + 3' and later hits from the group's long chart run. Reports in 2026 said he died at age 73, confirming his death on 2026-02-26.

89, Ukrainian conductor and composer

Died February 25, 2026

Roman Kofman, 89, Ukrainian conductor (Kyiv Chamber Orchestra) and composer.

Russian musician

Died February 24, 2026

Rostislav Gepp, Russian musician (Ariel).

Czech keyboardist , suicide

Died February 24, 2026

Jiří Valenta, Czech keyboardist (Olympic), suicide.

Mexican singer

Died February 24, 2026

Héctor Zamorano, Mexican singer (La Academia).

Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack

singer, pianist · R&B, soul

Born February 10, 1937 · Died February 24, 2026 (age 89)

Roberta Flack was an American singer, pianist, and educator whose smooth vocal style helped define 1970s soul and soft R&B. She won Grammy Awards for classics including 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,' 'Killing Me Softly with His Song,' and 'Feel Like Makin' Love,' and her work had a lasting influence on popular and quiet-storm music. Reports in 2026 identified her as one of the year’s major music deaths.

American executive producer

Died February 23, 2026

Oliver "Power" Grant, American executive producer (Wu-Tang Clan).

American musical actress and singer

Died February 23, 2026

Sondra Lee, American musical actress (Hello, Dolly!, Peter Pan, Sunday in New York) and singer.

French composer

Died February 23, 2026

Éliane Radigue, French composer.

American singer , complications from COPD

Died February 23, 2026

Monti Rock III, American singer (Disco-Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes), complications from COPD.

23, American rapper

Died February 22, 2026

Luci4, 23, American rapper.

Born William Anthony Colón Román · Known as “El Malo”

musician, trombonist, bandleader, producer · Salsa, Latin jazz

Born April 28, 1950 · Died February 22, 2026 (age 75)

Willie Colón is an American salsa musician, trombonist, composer, and bandleader who became one of the most important architects of salsa in New York City. He recorded classic albums with Héctor Lavoe, expanded the genre’s political and urban themes, and helped bring salsa to a broad international audience through decades of performances and production work. His death was reported in 2026.

English organist

Died February 21, 2026

John Bertalot, English organist.

American salsa musician , respiratory failure

Died February 21, 2026

Willie Colón, American salsa musician ("Pedro Navaja"), respiratory failure.

Australian drummer and record producer

Died February 21, 2026

Mark Kennedy, Australian drummer (Spectrum, Ayers Rock, Marcia Hines) and record producer.

85, Russian singer , cancer

Died February 20, 2026

Zoya Dorodova, 85, Russian singer (Buranovskiye Babushki), cancer.

39, Russian singer

Died February 19, 2026

Nikolai Komyagin, 39, Russian singer (Shortparis).

French composer, cancer

Died February 18, 2026

Béatrice Ardisson, French composer, cancer.

American rapper, suicide by gunshot

Died February 18, 2026

Lil Poppa, American rapper, suicide by gunshot.

Born Douglas Goldstein

Manager · Hard Rock

Born April 22, 1955 · Died February 18, 2026 (age 70)

Doug Goldstein was a prominent music manager who played a crucial role in shaping the career of Guns N' Roses during their rise to global fame in the 1980s and 1990s. As a longtime fixture in the rock industry, Goldstein guided the band through their most successful albums, including 'Appetite for Destruction' and 'Use Your Illusion,' and helped navigate their complex legal and creative challenges. His management style emphasized fierce loyalty and strategic vision, leaving a lasting mark on rock business history.

Czech singer and accordionist

Died February 17, 2026

Jim Čert, Czech singer and accordionist.

American musician, composer and convicted pedophile

Died February 17, 2026

Ray Reach, American musician, composer and convicted pedophile.

Japanese musician , cancer

Died February 17, 2026

Shinya, Japanese musician (Luna Sea), cancer.

Belgian operatic bass-baritone

Died February 17, 2026

José van Dam, Belgian operatic bass-baritone.

Finnish organ builder

Died February 17, 2026

Veikko Virtanen, Finnish organ builder.

Italian singer and bassist

Died February 16, 2026

Marzio Mazzanti, Italian singer and bassist (Homo Sapiens).

American songwriter , cancer

Died February 16, 2026

Billy Steinberg, American songwriter ("Like a Virgin", "True Colors", "Eternal Flame"), cancer.

American guitarist

Died February 15, 2026

Wayne Proctor, American guitarist (We the People).

Bolivian singer

Died February 15, 2026

Leo Rosas, Bolivian singer (The Voice of Mexico).

42, American rock drummer .

Died February 14, 2026

Tim Very, 42, American rock drummer (Manchester Orchestra). (death announced on this date).

63, British music producer, DJ and electronic musician

Died February 13, 2026

Simon Harris, 63, British music producer, DJ and electronic musician.

Peruvian singer and composer

Died February 12, 2026

Saúl Cornejo, Peruvian singer and composer (We All Together).

Mexican rapper, producer, and composer

Died February 12, 2026

Milkman, Mexican rapper, producer, and composer.

French composer, saxophonist and clarinetist

Died February 12, 2026

Michel Portal, French composer, saxophonist and clarinetist.

American record producer, songwriter and guitarist

Died February 11, 2026

Jerry Kennedy, American record producer, songwriter and guitarist.

German choral conductor

Died February 11, 2026

Helmuth Rilling, German choral conductor (Gächinger Kantorei, Oregon Bach Festival, Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart).

Hungarian musicologist

Died February 11, 2026

László Somfai, Hungarian musicologist.

English writer and musician.

Died February 10, 2026

Des de Moor, English writer and musician. (death announced on this date).

English drummer

Died February 10, 2026

Andrew Ranken, English drummer (The Pogues).

83, American soul singer and pianist

Died February 9, 2026

Garland Green, 83, American soul singer and pianist.

76, Israeli singer-songwriter, cancer

Died February 8, 2026

Matti Caspi, 76, Israeli singer-songwriter, cancer.

American singer and songwriter , renal cell carcinoma

Died February 7, 2026

Brad Arnold, American singer (3 Doors Down) and songwriter ("Kryptonite", "Here Without You"), renal cell carcinoma.

American musician and songwriter

Died February 7, 2026

Greg Brown, American musician (Cake, Deathray) and songwriter ("The Distance").

Ghanaian musician and producer

Died February 7, 2026

Ebo Taylor, Ghanaian musician and producer.

American musician

Died February 6, 2026

Lynn Blakey, American musician (Tres Chicas, Let's Active).

Maltese singer

Died February 5, 2026

Helen Micallef, Maltese singer (Helen and Joseph).

American bassist

Died February 5, 2026

Fred Smith, American bassist (Television, Blondie).

Hungarian pianist and conductor

Died February 5, 2026

Tamás Vásáry, Hungarian pianist and conductor.

Belgian singer, actor and stage director

Died February 4, 2026

François Beukelaers, Belgian singer, actor and stage director.

American guitarist

Died February 4, 2026

Tommy Crook, American guitarist.

Japanese hayashi musician

Died February 4, 2026

Tōsha Meishō, Japanese hayashi musician.

American Christian singer, worship leader, and songwriter

Died February 3, 2026

Ron Kenoly, American Christian singer, worship leader, and songwriter.

American singer

Died February 3, 2026

Lamonte McLemore, American singer (The 5th Dimension).

Indian film score composer , cardiac arrest

Died February 3, 2026

S. P. Venkatesh, Indian film score composer (Kilukkam, Spadikam, Rajavinte Makan), cardiac arrest.

American singer , heart failure and COPD

Died February 2, 2026

Chuck Negron, American singer (Three Dog Night), heart failure and COPD.

American jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist

Died February 2, 2026

Ken Peplowski, American jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist.

Taiwanese singer-songwriter

Died February 2, 2026

Yuan Wei-jen, Taiwanese singer-songwriter.

Born William Nelson · Known as “Billy Bass Nelson”

bassist · funk, soul

Died February 2, 2026

Billy "Bass" Nelson was an American bassist and founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic. He played on the early Funkadelic recordings that helped establish the group’s heavy guitar-funk sound and the broader P-Funk aesthetic. His bass work was part of a foundational period in funk history, and he remained associated with one of the genre’s most important collectives.

Spanish singer, comedian, and actor, respiratory failure

Died February 1, 2026

Fernando Esteso, Spanish singer, comedian, and actor, respiratory failure.

American musician .

Died February 1, 2026

Steve Washington, American musician (Slave, Aurra). (death announced on this date).

American percussionist and drummer .

Died January 31, 2026

Mingo Lewis, American percussionist and drummer (Santana, Al Di Meola, The Tubes). (death announced on this date).

American Hall of Fame bass guitarist

Died January 31, 2026

Billy Bass Nelson, American Hall of Fame bass guitarist (Parliament-Funkadelic).

Moroccan singer

Died January 30, 2026

Abdelhadi Belkhayat, Moroccan singer.

American musician

Died January 30, 2026

Parthenon Huxley, American musician (ELO Part II).

Born Michael Watts · Known as “Michael "5000" Watts”

DJ, mixtape host, record executive · hip-hop

Died January 30, 2026

DJ Michael "5000" Watts was an American hip-hop DJ, mixtape host, and co-founder of Swisha House, the Houston label and collective that helped define chopped-and-screwed rap in the 2000s. He was closely associated with Houston rap culture and mixtape promotion, and his work helped bring regional Southern hip-hop styles to a wider audience. Reporting in 2026 said he died at age 52.

Known as “Michael 5000 Watts”

DJ, producer, label executive · Hip-hop

Died January 30, 2026

DJ Michael “5000” Watts was an influential American hip-hop DJ, producer, and label co-founder who became closely associated with the Southern rap movement. He helped build the Swishahouse brand and played a major role in the rise of chopped-and-screwed music and Houston hip-hop in the 2000s. His work as a tastemaker and executive shaped the careers of artists across the regional rap scene.

78, Polish composer and conductor.

Died January 29, 2026

Wojciech Michniewski, 78, Polish composer and conductor. (death announced on this date).

Australian Turrbal elder and mezzo-soprano singer

Died January 28, 2026

Maroochy Barambah, Australian Turrbal elder and mezzo-soprano singer.

Brazilian singer

Died January 28, 2026

Nilton César, Brazilian singer.

American songwriter .

Died January 28, 2026

Bryan Loren, American songwriter ("Do the Bartman"). (death announced on this date).

Portuguese fado guitarist

Died January 27, 2026

António Chainho, Portuguese fado guitarist.

Russian conductor

Died January 27, 2026

Vladislav Chernushenko, Russian conductor.

American jazz pianist and composer

Died January 26, 2026

Richie Beirach, American jazz pianist and composer.

Jamaican drummer , record producer , and songwriter

Died January 26, 2026

Sly Dunbar, Jamaican drummer (Sly and Robbie), record producer ("Underneath It All"), and songwriter ("Murder She Wrote").

Hungarian jazz bassist

Died January 26, 2026

Béla Lattmann, Hungarian jazz bassist.

American songwriter and producer, lymphoma

Died January 25, 2026

Gabe Lopez, American songwriter and producer, lymphoma.

Indian composer and music director , liver disease

Died January 25, 2026

Abhijit Majumdar, Indian composer and music director (Sasura Ghara Zindabad, Balunga Toka, Daha Balunga), liver disease.

French singer and writer

Died January 25, 2026

Marie Rouanet, French singer and writer.

Indonesian singer and songwriter, kidney tuberculosis

Died January 25, 2026

Lucky Widja, Indonesian singer and songwriter, kidney tuberculosis.

69, Russian guitarist

Died January 24, 2026

Yuri Rymanov, 69, Russian guitarist (Lyube).

Croatian singer

Died January 23, 2026

Dalibor Brun, Croatian singer.

Icelandic saxophonist .

Died January 23, 2026

Kristinn Svavarsson, Icelandic saxophonist (Mezzoforte). (death announced on this date).

German bass guitarist

Died January 22, 2026

Francis Buchholz, German bass guitarist (Scorpions).

American singer

Died January 22, 2026

Guy Hovis, American singer (The Lawrence Welk Show).

Born Eric Garth Hudson

multi-instrumentalist, keyboardist, saxophonist · rock, roots rock

Born August 2, 1937 · Died January 21, 2026 (age 88)

Garth Hudson was a Canadian multi-instrumentalist best known as the keyboardist and saxophonist of The Band. His organ and piano work were central to the group’s sound on recordings such as 'Music from Big Pink' and 'The Band,' and he became highly respected for his arrangements and musicianship across roots rock and Americana. Reports in 2026 included him among the year’s notable music deaths.

Australian musician and songwriter , pancreatic cancer.

Died January 20, 2026

Rob Hirst, Australian musician (Midnight Oil, Ghostwriters) and songwriter ("Forgotten Years"), pancreatic cancer. (death announced on this date).

Ghanaian gospel musician and songwriter

Died January 20, 2026

Yaw Sarpong, Ghanaian gospel musician and songwriter.

American country music singer and DJ

Died January 19, 2026

Billy Parker, American country music singer and DJ.

Jamaican guitarist and cellist

Died January 18, 2026

Stephen "Cat" Coore, Jamaican guitarist and cellist (Third World).

Estonian musicologist and psychologist

Died January 18, 2026

Jaan Ross, Estonian musicologist and psychologist.

American jazz multi-instrumentalist

Died January 18, 2026

Ralph Towner, American jazz multi-instrumentalist.

Argentine singer and actress

Died January 17, 2026

Marikena Monti, Argentine singer and actress.

American singer-songwriter, smoke inhalation

Died January 17, 2026

Tucker Zimmerman, American singer-songwriter, smoke inhalation.

Italian singer , respiratory illness

Died January 16, 2026

Tony Dallara, Italian singer ("Come Prima", "Romantica"), respiratory illness.

Chilean singer

Died January 16, 2026

Osvaldo Díaz, Chilean singer.

Colombian composer and organist

Died January 16, 2026

Guillermo Rendón García, Colombian composer and organist.

Sri Lankan singer, kidney disease

Died January 15, 2026

Raju Bandara, Sri Lankan singer, kidney disease.

English drummer .

Died January 15, 2026

Kenny Morris, English drummer (Siouxsie and the Banshees). (death announced on this date).

Born Frederick Anthony Paliscsek · Known as “Boom-Boom Cannon”

Singer · Rock and Roll

Born December 1, 1936 · Died January 15, 2026 (age 89)

Freddy 'Boom-Boom' Cannon was a pivotal American rock and roll singer known for his high-energy performances and hits like 'Tallahassee Lassie' and 'Way Down We Go.' He emerged in the late 1950s as part of the early rock era, influencing countless artists with his dynamic stage presence and driving guitar sound. Cannon remained active in music for decades, celebrated for bringing raw excitement to live shows and maintaining a legacy in classic rock history.

Paraguayan musician and composer

Died January 14, 2026

Quemil Yambay, Paraguayan musician and composer.

89, Irish tenor singer

Died January 13, 2026

Seán Ó Sé, 89, Irish tenor singer.

English singer

Died January 12, 2026

Sheila Bernette, English singer (The Good Old Days, The Black and White Minstrel Show).

British guitarist

Died January 12, 2026

Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, British guitarist (Black Midi) (death announced on this date).

Known as “John Forte”

rapper, producer · hip-hop, rap

Died January 12, 2026

John Forté was an American rapper, producer, and Fugees collaborator whose work connected hip-hop with mainstream pop and socially conscious writing. He was best known for his solo recordings and for his association with one of the most successful groups of the 1990s. Reporting in 2026 said he died at age 50 at his home in Massachusetts.

Indian singer , cardiac arrest

Died January 11, 2026

Prashant Tamang, Indian singer (Indian Idol), cardiac arrest.

Scottish trumpeter, composer and arts educator

Died January 11, 2026

John Wallace, Scottish trumpeter, composer and arts educator.

Colombian singer, plane crash

Died January 10, 2026

Yeison Jiménez, Colombian singer, plane crash.

American Hall of Fame musician and songwriter , complications from cancer

Died January 10, 2026

Bob Weir, American Hall of Fame musician (Grateful Dead) and songwriter ("Sugar Magnolia", "One More Saturday Night"), complications from cancer.

Haitian singer

Died January 9, 2026

Dieudonné Larose, Haitian singer.

British drummer

Died January 9, 2026

Terry Sullivan, British drummer (Renaissance).

English record producer and accountant

Died January 8, 2026

Dave Hitchcock, English record producer (In the Land of Grey and Pink, Foxtrot, The Snow Goose) and accountant.

American television composer

Died January 8, 2026

Guy Moon, American television composer.

XXL)

Died January 7, 2026

James Bernard, XXL) (death announced on this date).

Ukrainian conductor

Died January 7, 2026

Ihor Blazhkov, Ukrainian conductor.

78, American country music songwriter ("Chasin' That Neon Rainbow", " You Can't Have It All", "Chattahoochee")

Died January 6, 2026

Jim McBride, 78, American country music songwriter ("Chasin' That Neon Rainbow", "(Who Says) You Can't Have It All", "Chattahoochee").

English bass guitarist and songwriter .

Died January 5, 2026

Andrew Bodnar, English bass guitarist (The Rumour) and songwriter ("I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass"). (death announced on this date).

English composer and conductor

Died January 5, 2026

Andrew Carter, English composer and conductor.

Canadian drummer

Died January 5, 2026

Mike Embro, Canadian drummer (Razor) (death announced on this date).

Dutch actress and singer

Died January 5, 2026

Elsje de Wijn, Dutch actress and singer.

Finnish opera singer

Died January 2, 2026

Ritva Auvinen, Finnish opera singer.

Maltese session drummer and percussionist

Died January 2, 2026

Tony Carr, Maltese session drummer and percussionist (CCS, Hot Chocolate).

American rockabilly musician

Died January 2, 2026

Johnny Legend, American rockabilly musician.

Born Dexter Gilman Wansel

keyboardist, producer, composer · philly soul, R&B, jazz fusion

Died January 1, 2026

Dexter Wansel was a Philadelphia soul keyboardist, producer, and composer whose futuristic arrangements helped define the city’s lush R&B sound. He became known for his work with Philadelphia International Records and for music that later influenced hip-hop through sampling. Reporting in 2026 said he died at age 75.

Born Douglas Goldstein

manager, music executive · rock

Died January 1, 2026

Doug Goldstein was a music manager and executive best known for his work with Guns N' Roses during the band’s high-profile years. He played a major behind-the-scenes role in managing one of hard rock’s biggest acts at a time of global commercial success and intense industry attention. Reporting in 2026 said he had died.

Born Walter Charles Parazaider

musician, horn player · rock, jazz-rock, pop

Died January 1, 2026

Walt Parazaider was a founding member of Chicago and one of the group’s principal horn players, helping create the band’s signature brass-driven rock sound. His work was central to Chicago’s blend of rock, jazz, and pop that produced decades of major albums and hits. Reporting in 2026 said he died at age 81.

Born David Palmer

keyboardist, arranger, composer · progressive rock

Died January 1, 2026

Dee Palmer was a keyboardist, arranger, and composer associated with Jethro Tull and with British progressive rock more broadly. She contributed orchestral and keyboard textures to music that helped define the band’s distinctive sound, both on stage and in the studio. Reporting in 2026 said she died at age 88.

Born Robert Hall Weir

guitarist, singer · rock, psychedelic rock

Died January 1, 2026

Bob Weir is a founding member and rhythm guitarist of the Grateful Dead, a band central to American rock, improvisation, and live-concert culture. He helped define the group’s long-running sound and was also active in post-Dead projects, making him one of the most recognizable figures in the jam-band world. Reporting in 2026 listed him among the notable deaths, but the source text did not provide additional verification details beyond the mention.

Born Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr. · Known as “Boom-Boom”

singer · rock and roll, pop

Died January 1, 2026

Freddy “Boom-Boom” Cannon was an early rock and roll singer known for high-energy hits such as “Tallahassee Lassie” and “Palisades Park.” His uptempo style made him a staple of late-1950s and 1960s pop, and he remained associated with the formative era of American rock. Reporting in 2026 said he died at age 89.

77, American gospel singer-songwriter

Died December 30, 2025

Richard Smallwood, 77, American gospel singer-songwriter.

72, British blues rock bassist

Died December 28, 2025

Andy Billups, 72, British blues rock bassist (The Hamsters).

French pop singer

Died December 27, 2025

Fanny, French pop singer.

American classical pianist

Died December 27, 2025

Gary Graffman, American classical pianist.

Estonian classical conductor

Died December 27, 2025

Ants Soots, Estonian classical conductor.

Sri Lankan pop singer

Died December 27, 2025

Latha Walpola, Sri Lankan pop singer.

American R&B singer-songwriter

Died December 26, 2025

Don Bryant, American R&B singer-songwriter.

Finnish rock singer

Died December 26, 2025

Pate Mustajärvi, Finnish rock singer (Popeda).

92, Canadian-American country singer

Died December 25, 2025

Stu Phillips, 92, Canadian-American country singer.

English alternative rock multi-instrumentalist

Died December 24, 2025

Perry Bamonte, English alternative rock multi-instrumentalist (The Cure, Love Amongst Ruin).

American record label executive

Died December 24, 2025

Howie Klein, American record label executive.

Ghanaian highlife drummer

Died December 23, 2025

Paa Kow, Ghanaian highlife drummer.

74, English blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died December 22, 2025

Chris Rea, 74, English blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist.

48, Norwegian black metal singer

Died December 21, 2025

Jontho, 48, Norwegian black metal singer (Ragnarok).

Brazilian bolero singer

Died December 20, 2025

Lindomar Castilho, Brazilian bolero singer.

British IDM DJ

Died December 20, 2025

Ken Downie, British IDM DJ (The Black Dog).

Polish jazz multi-instrumentalist

Died December 20, 2025

Michał Urbaniak, Polish jazz multi-instrumentalist.

82, English blues rock guitarist

Died December 19, 2025

Mick Abrahams, 82, English blues rock guitarist (Jethro Tull, Blodwyn Pig).

British indie pop singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died December 17, 2025

Max Eider, British indie pop singer-songwriter and guitarist (The Jazz Butcher) (death announced on this date).

40, South African radio and club DJ

Died December 16, 2025

DJ Warras, 40, South African radio and club DJ.

American alternative country singer-songwriter

Died December 15, 2025

Joe Ely, American alternative country singer-songwriter (The Flatlanders).

German opera singer

Died December 15, 2025

Thomas Johannes Mayer, German opera singer.

Italian pop rock singer

Died December 15, 2025

Anna Rusticano, Italian pop rock singer.

72, American R&B, funk and soul singer-songwriter

Died December 14, 2025

Carl Carlton, 72, American R&B, funk and soul singer-songwriter.

Romanian opera singer

Died December 13, 2025

Anda-Louise Bogza, Romanian opera singer.

American tejano singer-songwriter and record producer

Died December 13, 2025

Abraham Quintanilla, American tejano singer-songwriter and record producer.

American tejano singer-songwriter and record producer

Died December 12, 2025

Manny Guerra, American tejano singer-songwriter and record producer.

American-born Danish jazz percussionist

Died December 12, 2025

Marilyn Mazur, American-born Danish jazz percussionist.

Polish pop singer-songwriter

Died December 12, 2025

Magda Umer, Polish pop singer-songwriter.

New Zealand shoegaze drummer

Died December 11, 2025

Brent McLachlan, New Zealand shoegaze drummer (Bailter Space) (death announced on this date).

Spanish hard rock singer and guitarist

Died December 9, 2025

Roberto Iniesta, Spanish hard rock singer and guitarist (Extremoduro).

English record producer and engineer

Died December 9, 2025

Phil Vinall, English record producer and engineer (death announced on this date).

American jazz pianist and saxophonist

Died December 8, 2025

Gordon Goodwin, American jazz pianist and saxophonist (Big Phat Band).

American country rock singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died December 8, 2025

Raul Malo, American country rock singer-songwriter and guitarist (The Mavericks).

Indonesian hard rock drummer

Died December 8, 2025

Yaya Moektio, Indonesian hard rock drummer (God Bless).

American opera and multi-genre singer

Died December 8, 2025

Jubilant Sykes, American opera and multi-genre singer.

Portuguese fado singer

Died December 7, 2025

Anita Guerreiro, Portuguese fado singer.

Australian hard rock drummer

Died December 7, 2025

Peter McFarlane, Australian hard rock drummer (Finch, Swanee).

Puerto Rican salsa pianist and bandleader

Died December 6, 2025

Rafael Ithier, Puerto Rican salsa pianist and bandleader (El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico).

American music producer and songwriter

Died December 6, 2025

Jerry Kasenetz, American music producer and songwriter.

American blues and swing bassist

Died December 6, 2025

Rory MacLeod, American blues and swing bassist (Roomful of Blues).

Dutch blues rock bassist

Died December 5, 2025

Herman Deinum, Dutch blues rock bassist (Cuby + Blizzards).

Italian pop singer-songwriter

Died December 5, 2025

Sandro Giacobbe, Italian pop singer-songwriter.

American pop singer

Died December 5, 2025

Camryn Magness, American pop singer.

Australian folk singer

Died December 4, 2025

Ted Egan, Australian folk singer.

Filipino reggae singer

Died December 4, 2025

Budoy Marabiles, Filipino reggae singer (Junior Kilat).

South African jazz multi-instrumentalist

Died December 4, 2025

Pops Mohamed, South African jazz multi-instrumentalist.

Japanese rock bassist

Died December 4, 2025

Tetsu Yamauchi, Japanese rock bassist (Free, Faces).

84, American R&B guitarist , songwriter and record producer

Died December 3, 2025

Steve Cropper, 84, American R&B guitarist (Booker T. & the M.G.'s), songwriter and record producer.

85, American soul guitarist and songwriter

Died December 2, 2025

Billy Nichols, 85, American soul guitarist and songwriter (death announced on this date).

Norwegian pop singer

Died November 30, 2025

Dag Spantell, Norwegian pop singer.

Australian rock musician

Died November 30, 2025

Warren Williams, Australian rock musician.

American folk singer-songwriter

Died November 29, 2025

Leslie Fish, American folk singer-songwriter.

American rapper and multi-instrumentalist

Died November 29, 2025

Poorstacy, American rapper and multi-instrumentalist.

Filipino folk singer

Died November 29, 2025

Alonzo Saclag, Filipino folk singer.

Australian rock guitarist

Died November 29, 2025

Bob "Bongo" Starkie, Australian rock guitarist (Skyhooks).

American R&B singer

Died November 29, 2025

Chubby Tavares, American R&B singer (Tavares).

Estonian classical pianist

Died November 27, 2025

Peep Lassmann, Estonian classical pianist.

Cape Verdean classical and new age multi-instrumentalist

Died November 27, 2025

Vasco Martins, Cape Verdean classical and new age multi-instrumentalist.

American soul singer

Died November 26, 2025

Judy Cheeks, American soul singer.

Albanian pop singer-songwriter

Died November 26, 2025

Shpat Kasapi, Albanian pop singer-songwriter.

73, Algerian pop rock singer

Died November 25, 2025

Biyouna, 73, Algerian pop rock singer.

81, Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter

Died November 24, 2025

Jimmy Cliff, 81, Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter.

Australian pop rock bassist

Died November 23, 2025

Ian Lees, Australian pop rock bassist (Moving Pictures).

American jazz and blues guitarist and composer

Died November 23, 2025

Phil Upchurch, American jazz and blues guitarist and composer.

Brazilian post-punk bassist

Died November 22, 2025

Dino Nascimento, Brazilian post-punk bassist (Ira!).

Haitian compas singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died November 22, 2025

Dadou Pasquet, Haitian compas singer-songwriter and guitarist (Magnum Band, Tabou Combo).

Ukrainian pop singer

Died November 22, 2025

Lesyk Sam, Ukrainian pop singer (Dzidzio).

American classical pianist

Died November 21, 2025

Leon Bates, American classical pianist.

French pop singer-songwriter

Died November 21, 2025

Jean Guidoni, French pop singer-songwriter.

American funk drummer , songwriter, and record producer

Died November 21, 2025

Jellybean Johnson, American funk drummer (The Time), songwriter, and record producer.

Irish folk singer and guitarist

Died November 21, 2025

Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, Irish folk singer and guitarist.

Italian pop singer

Died November 21, 2025

Ornella Vanoni, Italian pop singer.

French classical and electroacoustic composer

Died November 20, 2025

Jean-Claude Éloy, French classical and electroacoustic composer (death announced on this date).

English alternative rock bassist

Died November 20, 2025

Mani, English alternative rock bassist (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream).

American country singer-songwriter

Died November 19, 2025

Walt Aldridge, American country singer-songwriter (The Shooters).

Brazilian jazz guitarist and composer

Died November 19, 2025

André Geraissati, Brazilian jazz guitarist and composer.

German pop singers

Died November 17, 2025

Alice and Ellen Kessler, German pop singers.

Indian Ollywood singer

Died November 17, 2025

Humane Sagar, Indian Ollywood singer.

21, American rapper

Died November 16, 2025

Maxon Margiela, 21, American rapper.

77, American new wave singer-songwriter and drummer

Died November 15, 2025

Hilly Michaels, 77, American new wave singer-songwriter and drummer (Sparks).

59, American folk and alternative country singer-songwriter

Died November 14, 2025

Todd Snider, 59, American folk and alternative country singer-songwriter.

Spanish flamenco singer

Died November 13, 2025

Fosforito, Spanish flamenco singer.

New Zealand opera singer

Died November 13, 2025

Donald McIntyre, New Zealand opera singer.

Turkish classical singer

Died November 12, 2025

Muazzez Abacı, Turkish classical singer.

Slovak musicologist and liturgical composer

Died November 12, 2025

Juraj Lexmann, Slovak musicologist and liturgical composer.

Eritrean folk singer-songwriter and krar player

Died November 12, 2025

Bereket Mengisteab, Eritrean folk singer-songwriter and krar player.

Romanian classical pianist and composer

Died November 12, 2025

Horia Moculescu, Romanian classical pianist and composer.

Italian jazz guitarist

Died November 11, 2025

Guido Di Leone, Italian jazz guitarist.

American jazz saxophonist and bandleader

Died November 11, 2025

Cleto Escobedo III, American jazz saxophonist and bandleader (Cleto and the Cletones).

Polish jazz singer

Died November 11, 2025

Carmen Moreno, Polish jazz singer.

65, English new wave singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died November 10, 2025

Richard Darbyshire, 65, English new wave singer-songwriter and guitarist (Living in a Box).

British heavy metal bassist

Died November 6, 2025

Chris Bradley, British heavy metal bassist (Savage).

Polish rapper

Died November 6, 2025

Pono, Polish rapper (Zipera).

American Christian metal drummer

Died November 6, 2025

Steve Whitaker, American Christian metal drummer (Barren Cross).

74, English new wave drummer

Died November 5, 2025

Gilson Lavis, 74, English new wave drummer (Squeeze, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra).

74, New Zealand rock guitarist

Died November 4, 2025

Robert Taylor, 74, New Zealand rock guitarist (Dragon).

75, American jazz bassist

Died November 3, 2025

Victor Conte, 75, American jazz bassist (Tower of Power).

Brazilian MPB singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died November 2, 2025

Lô Borges, Brazilian MPB singer-songwriter and guitarist.

American psychedelic rock multi-instrumentalist , songwriter, and film composer

Died November 2, 2025

Joseph Byrd, American psychedelic rock multi-instrumentalist (The United States of America), songwriter, and film composer.

American rock singer

Died November 2, 2025

Donna Jean Godchaux, American rock singer (Grateful Dead).

German speed metal guitarist

Died November 2, 2025

Thomas Klein, German speed metal guitarist (Warrant).

American tubist and film composer

Died November 2, 2025

Jim Self, American tubist and film composer.

American jazz bassist, composer and bandleader

Died November 1, 2025

Ray Drummond, American jazz bassist, composer and bandleader.

Scottish folk singer-songwriter

Died November 1, 2025

Archie Fisher, Scottish folk singer-songwriter.

American rapper

Died November 1, 2025

Young Bleed, American rapper.

77, Polish music festival organiser

Died October 31, 2025

Elżbieta Penderecka, 77, Polish music festival organiser.

47, American rock bassist

Died October 30, 2025

Scott Sorry, 47, American rock bassist (The Wildhearts, Sorry and the Sinatras, Amen).

English alternative rock singer

Died October 29, 2025

Andrew Metcalfe, English alternative rock singer (Sound of Guns) (death announced on this date).

Italian jazz saxophonist

Died October 29, 2025

James Senese, Italian jazz saxophonist (Napoli Centrale).

American band director

Died October 29, 2025

Gladys Stone Wright, American band director.

67, French comedy rock singer

Died October 28, 2025

Richard Bonnot, 67, French comedy rock singer (Les Charlots).

68, Jamaican-born British reggae singer

Died October 27, 2025

Vivian Jones, 68, Jamaican-born British reggae singer.

83, American jazz drummer, pianist and composer

Died October 26, 2025

Jack DeJohnette, 83, American jazz drummer, pianist and composer.

French jazz saxophonist

Died October 25, 2025

Gérard Badini, French jazz saxophonist.

Venezuelan bolero singer

Died October 25, 2025

Floria Márquez, Venezuelan bolero singer.

American rapper

Died October 25, 2025

Peace, American rapper (Freestyle Fellowship) (death announced on this date).

American heavy metal and rock singer

Died October 24, 2025

Marcie Free, American heavy metal and rock singer (King Kobra, Unruly Child) (death announced on this date).

American opera singer

Died October 24, 2025

Benita Valente, American opera singer.

Australian blues rock guitarist

Died October 23, 2025

Chris Turner, Australian blues rock guitarist (Buffalo, Rose Tattoo).

English classical pianist

Died October 23, 2025

David Wilde, English classical pianist.

66, English synthpop and house keyboardist

Died October 22, 2025

David Ball, 66, English synthpop and house keyboardist (Soft Cell, The Grid).

Czech folk bagpiper

Died October 21, 2025

Zdeněk Bláha, Czech folk bagpiper.

Filipino pop singer-songwriter

Died October 21, 2025

Davey Langit, Filipino pop singer-songwriter.

Congolese afrobeat singer-songwriter

Died October 21, 2025

Achille Mouebo, Congolese afrobeat singer-songwriter.

Greek pop singer-songwriter

Died October 21, 2025

Dionysis Savvopoulos, Greek pop singer-songwriter.

American rock and roll singer and saxophonist

Died October 19, 2025

Dave Burgess, American rock and roll singer and saxophonist (The Champs).

American jazz bassist

Died October 19, 2025

Anthony Jackson, American jazz bassist.

American R&B and house singer-songwriter

Died October 19, 2025

Erik Rico, American R&B and house singer-songwriter (death announced on this date).

48, American nu metal bassist

Died October 18, 2025

Sam Rivers, 48, American nu metal bassist (Limp Bizkit).

Moldovan rock guitarist

Died October 17, 2025

Alexandru Cazacu, Moldovan rock guitarist (Noroc).

German lyricist

Died October 17, 2025

Bernd Meinunger, German lyricist.

Italian-Canadian music video director

Died October 16, 2025

Chris Di Staulo, Italian-Canadian music video director.

German jazz saxophonist and composer

Died October 16, 2025

Klaus Doldinger, German jazz saxophonist and composer.

American folk singer-songwriter

Died October 16, 2025

Bob Franke, American folk singer-songwriter.

American rock guitarist and singer

Died October 16, 2025

Ace Frehley, American rock guitarist and singer (Kiss).

German music producer

Died October 16, 2025

Jack White, German music producer (body discovered on this date).

American pop singer and songwriter

Died October 14, 2025

Richard Addrisi, American pop singer (Addrisi Brothers) and songwriter.

American neo-soul singer-songwriter

Died October 14, 2025

D'Angelo, American neo-soul singer-songwriter.

44, English electronic DJ, record producer and label owner

Died October 13, 2025

Matt Tolfrey, 44, English electronic DJ, record producer and label owner (death announced on this date).

American metal bassist

Died October 12, 2025

Jody Henry, American metal bassist (Omen).

British metal guitarist

Died October 12, 2025

John Waterhouse, British metal guitarist (Demon).

48, Welsh rock singer

Died October 11, 2025

Ian Watkins, 48, Welsh rock singer (Lostprophets).

German classical conductor

Died October 10, 2025

Bernhard Klee, German classical conductor.

English progressive rock bassist and singer-songwriter

Died October 10, 2025

John Lodge, English progressive rock bassist and singer-songwriter (The Moody Blues).

American rock drummer

Died October 10, 2025

Thommy Price, American rock drummer (Scandal, Love Crushed Velvet, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts) (death announced on this date).

29, Argentine pop singer

Died October 9, 2025

Fede Dorcaz, 29, Argentine pop singer.

British metal drummer

Died October 8, 2025

Ace Finchum, British metal drummer (Tigertailz, Marseille, Tokyo Blade) (death announced on this date).

Indian Punjabi singer

Died October 8, 2025

Rajvir Jawanda, Indian Punjabi singer.

American R&B singer-songwriter

Died October 8, 2025

Terry "Buzzy" Johnson, American R&B singer-songwriter (The Flamingos).

Congolese soukous singer

Died October 8, 2025

Pierre Moutouari, Congolese soukous singer.

Turkish classical ney flautist and music educator

Died October 8, 2025

Niyazi Sayın, Turkish classical ney flautist and music educator.

Bosnian folk singer

Died October 7, 2025

Halid Bešlić, Bosnian folk singer.

American film and television composer

Died October 7, 2025

Ian Freebairn-Smith, American film and television composer.

Polish-Canadian synthpop and singer

Died October 7, 2025

Marta Jaciubek-McKeever, Polish-Canadian synthpop and singer (Fan Death, E.S.L.).

American country rock bassist

Died October 7, 2025

Speedy Sparks, American country rock bassist (Texas Tornados) (death announced on this date).

German jazz clarinetist

Died October 6, 2025

Theo Jörgensmann, German jazz clarinetist.

Chadian rapper

Died October 6, 2025

Ray's Kim Edm, Chadian rapper.

singer · K-pop

Died October 6, 2025

Jang Hae-young was a South Korean singer best known as a member of the boy band F-IV, which was active in the early 2000s and scored hits that helped define that era of K-pop. He was reported to have died on 10 October at age 45. His death drew attention from fans because F-IV remained associated with melodic pop-ballad vocals and the mainstream boy-band boom of the period.

68, French experimental rock singer

Died October 5, 2025

Véronique Vincent, 68, French experimental rock singer (The Honeymoon Killers, Aksak Maboul).

66, Belgian rock bassist

Died October 4, 2025

Paul Van Bruystegem, 66, Belgian rock bassist (Triggerfinger) (death announced on this date).

96, English pop singer

Died October 3, 2025

Patricia Routledge, 96, English pop singer.

89, Indian Hindustani classical singer

Died October 2, 2025

Chhannulal Mishra, 89, Indian Hindustani classical singer.

50, Ukrainian a cappella singer

Died October 1, 2025

Bohdan Bohach, 50, Ukrainian a cappella singer (Pikkardiyska Tertsiya).

78, Spanish jazz singer-songwriter

Died September 30, 2025

Pablo Guerrero, 78, Spanish jazz singer-songwriter.

101, Serbian jazz composer and conductor

Died September 29, 2025

Vojislav Simić, 101, Serbian jazz composer and conductor.

88, German opera singer

Died September 27, 2025

Franz Grundheber, 88, German opera singer.

Italian pop singer

Died September 26, 2025

Christian, Italian pop singer.

American jazz composer, arranger and pianist

Died September 26, 2025

Jim McNeely, American jazz composer, arranger and pianist.

79, English rock bass guitarist

Died September 25, 2025

Chris Dreja, 79, English rock bass guitarist (The Yardbirds).

Austrian electroacoustic composer

Died September 23, 2025

Dieter Kaufmann, Austrian electroacoustic composer.

Scottish-Irish traditional music pianist, fiddler and composer

Died September 23, 2025

Josephine Keegan, Scottish-Irish traditional music pianist, fiddler and composer.

English folk rock bassist

Died September 23, 2025

Danny Thompson, English folk rock bassist (Pentangle, Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated).

American club DJ

Died September 21, 2025

Ron Carroll, American club DJ.

French classical cellist and conductor

Died September 21, 2025

Roland Pidoux, French classical cellist (Via Nova Quartet) and conductor.

American rock and roll singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died September 19, 2025

Sonny Curtis, American rock and roll singer-songwriter and guitarist (The Crickets).

Australian pop rock singer and guitarist

Died September 19, 2025

Chris Doheny, Australian pop rock singer and guitarist (Geisha).

Indian folk singer

Died September 19, 2025

Zubeen Garg, Indian folk singer.

Scottish club DJ

Died September 19, 2025

JD Twitch, Scottish club DJ (Optimo).

American jazz pianist

Died September 19, 2025

Mike Wofford, American jazz pianist.

Italian folk singer-songwriter and musicologist

Died September 18, 2025

Fausto Amodei, Italian folk singer-songwriter and musicologist.

American country singer-songwriter and record producer

Died September 18, 2025

Brett James, American country singer-songwriter and record producer.

American music video director and choreographer

Died September 18, 2025

Diane Martel, American music video director and choreographer.

Born Bayron Sánchez Salazar · Known as “B-King”

singer · reggaeton

Died September 17, 2025

Bayron Sánchez Salazar, known professionally as B King, was a Colombian reggaeton and urban-music artist whose work circulated in the Latin music scene before his death in Mexico. Reporting said he was found dead after being reported missing, and Mexican authorities identified him among the bodies recovered in Cocotitlán, State of Mexico. News accounts described him as a reggaeton and corrido artist and noted that his death prompted a homicide investigation.

Swedish death metal singer

Died September 16, 2025

Tomas Lindberg, Swedish death metal singer (At the Gates).

Australian funk rock drummer

Died September 16, 2025

Michael Sutherland, Australian funk rock drummer (Skunkhour).

American music producer, engineer and mixer

Died September 15, 2025

Joel Moss, American music producer, engineer and mixer.

American music producer

Died September 15, 2025

Omen, American music producer.

British synth-pop keyboardist and songwriter

Died September 13, 2025

Stephen Luscombe, British synth-pop keyboardist and songwriter (Blancmange).

German schlager singer

Died September 13, 2025

Andreas Martin, German schlager singer.

Bangladeshi folk singer

Died September 13, 2025

Farida Parveen, Bangladeshi folk singer.

Brazilian jazz multi-instrumentalist

Died September 13, 2025

Hermeto Pascoal, Brazilian jazz multi-instrumentalist.

English rock drummer

Died September 11, 2025

Viv Prince, English rock drummer (Pretty Things) (death announced on this date).

Irish music producer

Died September 11, 2025

Nicky Ryan, Irish music producer.

86, American pop singer-songwriter

Died September 10, 2025

Bobby Hart, 86, American pop singer-songwriter (Boyce and Hart).

Jamaican songwriter

Died September 9, 2025

Allan Cole, Jamaican songwriter.

Portuguese-born Canadian classical composer and conductor

Died September 9, 2025

Armando Santiago, Portuguese-born Canadian classical composer and conductor.

75, Brazilian pop singer-songwriter

Died September 8, 2025

Angela Ro Ro, 75, Brazilian pop singer-songwriter.

42, American heavy metal drummer

Died September 7, 2025

Allen Blickle, 42, American heavy metal drummer (Baroness) (death announced on this date).

English rock singer-songwriter and keyboardist

Died September 6, 2025

Rick Davies, English rock singer-songwriter and keyboardist (Supertramp).

German classical conductor

Died September 6, 2025

Christoph von Dohnányi, German classical conductor.

German thrash metal drummer

Died September 6, 2025

Atomic Steif, German thrash metal drummer (Sodom) (death announced on this date).

Iranian pop and folk singer

Died September 5, 2025

Hooshmand Aghili, Iranian pop and folk singer.

American punk rock singer and bassist

Died September 5, 2025

Bruce Loose, American punk rock singer and bassist (Flipper).

Namibian reggae singer

Died September 5, 2025

Ras Sheehama, Namibian reggae singer.

American gospel singer

Died September 5, 2025

Spencer Taylor Jr, American gospel singer (The Highway Q.C.'s).

American rock singer

Died September 5, 2025

Mark Volman, American rock singer (The Turtles, Flo & Eddie).

Japanese enka singer

Died September 4, 2025

Yukio Hashi, Japanese enka singer.

American pedal steel guitarist

Died September 4, 2025

Robby Turner, American pedal steel guitarist.

Italian pop singer

Died September 4, 2025

Pia Velsi, Italian pop singer.

81, Swiss pop singer-songwriter

Died September 3, 2025

Ted Robert, 81, Swiss pop singer-songwriter.

57, Canadian classical conductor

Died September 2, 2025

Robert Franz, 57, Canadian classical conductor (Windsor Symphony Orchestra).

82, Indonesian pop singer

Died September 1, 2025

Darmawan Hardjakusumah, 82, Indonesian pop singer (Bimbo).

78, Spanish flamenco guitarist

Died August 31, 2025

Diego de Morón, 78, Spanish flamenco guitarist.

Russian classical pianist

Died August 30, 2025

Evgeny Levitan, Russian classical pianist.

Finnish pop singer

Died August 30, 2025

Juhani Markola, Finnish pop singer.

Finnish rapper

Died August 29, 2025

Ex Tuuttiz, Finnish rapper (death announced on this date).

German classical conductor

Died August 29, 2025

Gabriel Feltz, German classical conductor.

Finnish humppa drummer

Died August 29, 2025

Ema Hurskainen, Finnish humppa drummer (Eläkeläiset).

Indian Konkani music composer

Died August 29, 2025

Eric Ozario, Indian Konkani music composer.

Iranian-American classical composer

Died August 29, 2025

Ahmad Pejman, Iranian-American classical composer.

Russian opera composer and pianist

Died August 29, 2025

Rodion Shchedrin, Russian opera composer and pianist.

German classical bassoonist

Died August 29, 2025

Klaus Thunemann, German classical bassoonist.

Estonian opera singer

Died August 29, 2025

Taimo Toomast, Estonian opera singer.

British new wave drummer

Died August 28, 2025

Ray Mayhew, British new wave drummer (Sigue Sigue Sputnik).

Haitian compas singer-songwriter

Died August 28, 2025

Gary Didier Perez, Haitian compas singer-songwriter.

German extreme metal bassist and keyboardist

Died August 27, 2025

Jürgen Bartsch, German extreme metal bassist and keyboardist (Bethlehem).

American punk and post-hardcore drummer

Died August 27, 2025

Jim Kimball, American punk and post-hardcore drummer (Laughing Hyenas, Mule, The Jesus Lizard).

Spanish pop singer

Died August 26, 2025

Manuel de la Calva, Spanish pop singer (Dúo Dinámico).

Brazilian carimbó singer

Died August 26, 2025

Mestre Damasceno, Brazilian carimbó singer.

American folk singer

Died August 26, 2025

Tony Saletan, American folk singer.

Russian new age singer

Died August 25, 2025

Igor Kalinauskas, Russian new age singer (Duo Zikr).

Swedish melodic black metal singer and bassist

Died August 25, 2025

Nisse Karlén, Swedish melodic black metal singer and bassist (Sacramentum) (death announced on this date).

Brazilian rock guitarist

Died August 25, 2025

Rogério Meanda, Brazilian rock guitarist (Blitz).

Born Thomas Goodman

pianist, arranger · Jazz, popular music

Born December 20, 1924 · Died August 25, 2025 (age 100)

Tommy Goodman was an American pianist and arranger whose long career included work on Louis Armstrong’s recording of 'What a Wonderful World.' He worked across decades in jazz and popular music, building a reputation as a versatile studio and performance musician. Goodman’s credits and longevity reflected the important but often behind-the-scenes role of arrangers and accompanists in American music.

84, American folk rock singer-songwriter

Died August 24, 2025

Tom Shipley, 84, American folk rock singer-songwriter (Brewer & Shipley).

Brazilian classical pianist

Died August 22, 2025

Miguel Proença, Brazilian classical pianist.

Ukrainian-born Belarusian singer

Died August 22, 2025

Yaroslav Yevdokimov, Ukrainian-born Belarusian singer.

Mexican rock singer

Died August 21, 2025

Salvador Aguilar, Mexican rock singer (Coda).

Polish jazz and pop singer, pianist and composer

Died August 21, 2025

Stanisław Sojka, Polish jazz and pop singer, pianist and composer.

American metal singer and guitarist

Died August 20, 2025

Brent Hinds, American metal singer and guitarist (Mastodon, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra).

Norwegian a capella singer

Died August 20, 2025

Frank Øren, Norwegian a capella singer (Bjelleklang).

American rock saxophonist

Died August 19, 2025

Michael Antunes, American rock saxophonist (John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Ernie and the Automatics).

Japanese pop rock singer

Died August 19, 2025

Luz, Japanese pop rock singer.

American rapper

Died August 18, 2025

Aesop The Black Wolf, American rapper (Living Legends) (death announced on this date).

Turkish pop singer

Died August 18, 2025

Banu Kırbağ, Turkish pop singer.

89, American folk singer

Died August 17, 2025

Joe Hickerson, 89, American folk singer.

90, Polish classical organist

Died August 16, 2025

Joachim Grubich, 90, Polish classical organist.

Ukrainian classical pianist

Died August 15, 2025

Maria Krushelnytska, Ukrainian classical pianist.

American classical composer and multi-instrumentalist

Died August 15, 2025

Jamshied Sharifi, American classical composer and multi-instrumentalist.

82, American rock bassist

Died August 14, 2025

Roy Estrada, 82, American rock bassist (The Mothers of Invention, Little Feat, Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band).

Algerian Kabyle singer

Died August 13, 2025

Rachid Ferhani, Algerian Kabyle singer.

German ambient keyboardist

Died August 13, 2025

Mathias Grassow, German ambient keyboardist.

Finnish rock singer and guitarist

Died August 13, 2025

Klaus Wirzenius, Finnish rock singer and guitarist.

71, American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died August 12, 2025

Cool John Ferguson, 71, American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist.

Peruvian classical composer

Died August 11, 2025

Celso Garrido Lecca, Peruvian classical composer.

American Christian rock singer and pianist

Died August 11, 2025

Chuck Girard, American Christian rock singer and pianist (Love Song, The Castells, The Hondells).

Singaporean classical violinist and conductor

Died August 11, 2025

Choo Hoey, Singaporean classical violinist and conductor.

American jazz singer

Died August 11, 2025

Sheila Jordan, American jazz singer.

Croatian pop singer

Died August 11, 2025

Gabi Novak, Croatian pop singer.

English rockabilly singer

Died August 10, 2025

Graham Fenton, English rockabilly singer (Matchbox).

American rock singer-songwriter and keyboardist

Died August 10, 2025

Bobby Whitlock, American rock singer-songwriter and keyboardist (Derek and the Dominos, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends).

61, Japanese hard rock singer

Died August 9, 2025

NoB, 61, Japanese hard rock singer (Make-Up, Project.R).

New Zealand-Australian jazz pianist

Died August 8, 2025

Judy Bailey, New Zealand-Australian jazz pianist.

Brazilian samba singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died August 8, 2025

Arlindo Cruz, Brazilian samba singer-songwriter and guitarist (Fundo de Quintal).

American rock singer

Died August 8, 2025

Robert Jaramillo, American rock singer (Cannibal & the Headhunters).

88, American jazz pianist, composer and bandleader

Died August 6, 2025

Eddie Palmieri, 88, American jazz pianist, composer and bandleader.

Australian rock and pop singer-songwriter

Died August 5, 2025

Col Joye, Australian rock and pop singer-songwriter.

American jazz singer

Died August 5, 2025

Nancy King, American jazz singer.

South Korean R&B singer

Died August 5, 2025

Lee Min, South Korean R&B singer (As One) (body discovered on this date).

Canadian heavy metal guitarist

Died August 4, 2025

Larry Gillstrom, Canadian heavy metal guitarist (Kick Axe).

American pop singer

Died August 4, 2025

Jane Morgan, American pop singer.

English rock singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died August 4, 2025

Terry Reid, English rock singer-songwriter and guitarist.

61, English-born American hip-hop DJ and producer

Died August 2, 2025

Howie Tee, 61, English-born American hip-hop DJ and producer.

American heavy metal singer

Died August 1, 2025

David Roach, American heavy metal singer (Junkyard).

American country singer

Died August 1, 2025

Jeannie Seely, American country singer.

Italian rapper

Died July 31, 2025

Jesto, Italian rapper.

American tejano singer-songwriter and accordionist

Died July 31, 2025

Flaco Jiménez, American tejano singer-songwriter and accordionist.

American black metal and folk rock multi-instrumentalist

Died July 31, 2025

Erik Wunder, American black metal and folk rock multi-instrumentalist (Cobalt, Man's Gin).

English heavy metal singer

Died July 29, 2025

Paul Mario Day, English heavy metal singer (Iron Maiden, More).

Italian pop singer and guitarist

Died July 29, 2025

Livio Macchia, Italian pop singer and guitarist (I Camaleonti).

74, Puerto Rican nueva trova singer

Died July 28, 2025

Rosita Velázquez, 74, Puerto Rican nueva trova singer (Moliendo Vidrio).

75, Italian record producer and composer

Died July 27, 2025

Celso Valli, 75, Italian record producer and composer.

American comedy and satire singer-songwriter and pianist

Died July 26, 2025

Tom Lehrer, American comedy and satire singer-songwriter and pianist.

Ghanaian highlife singer-songwriter

Died July 26, 2025

Daddy Lumba, Ghanaian highlife singer-songwriter.

Scottish punk rock singer

Died July 26, 2025

Jock McDonald, Scottish punk rock singer (Bollock Brothers).

Lebanese composer and pianist

Died July 26, 2025

Ziad Rahbani, Lebanese composer and pianist.

English jazz singer

Died July 24, 2025

Cleo Laine, English jazz singer.

Mexican ranchera singer

Died July 24, 2025

Amalia Macías, Mexican ranchera singer.

American swamp pop singer-songwriter

Died July 24, 2025

Tommy McLain, American swamp pop singer-songwriter.

Fijian ska and reggae singer-songwriter

Died July 23, 2025

George Veikoso, Fijian ska and reggae singer-songwriter.

American smooth jazz flugelhornist

Died July 22, 2025

Chuck Mangione, American smooth jazz flugelhornist.

English heavy metal singer-songwriter

Died July 22, 2025

Ozzy Osbourne, English heavy metal singer-songwriter (Black Sabbath).

English progressive rock multi-instrumentalist

Died July 22, 2025

John Palmer, English progressive rock multi-instrumentalist (Family, Blossom Toes, Bakerloo) (death announced on this date).

guitarist, singer, songwriter · rock

Died July 22, 2025

George Kooymans was a Dutch rock guitarist, singer and songwriter best known as a founding member of Golden Earring. He co-wrote and performed on major hits including 'Radar Love' and 'Twilight Zone', helping make the band one of the Netherlands’ most successful international rock acts. His death was confirmed in 2025, and he was reported to have died at age 77.

British breakbeat hardcore DJ

Died July 21, 2025

Eamon Downes, British breakbeat hardcore DJ (Liquid) (death announced on this date).

English opera singer

Died July 21, 2025

David Rendall, English opera singer.

Brazilian pop singer

Died July 20, 2025

Preta Gil, Brazilian pop singer.

Jamaican ska and reggae singer

Died July 20, 2025

Owen Gray, Jamaican ska and reggae singer.

American jazz poet and bassist

Died July 20, 2025

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, American jazz poet and bassist.

American doo-wop singer

Died July 19, 2025

Frank Maffei, American doo-wop singer (Danny & the Juniors).

Argentine folk singer

Died July 19, 2025

Aldo Monges, Argentine folk singer.

Russian theater singer

Died July 19, 2025

Rezeda Sharafieva, Russian theater singer.

Russian classical violinist and conductor

Died July 19, 2025

Rustem Suleymanov, Russian classical violinist and conductor.

French opera singer

Died July 19, 2025

Béatrice Uria-Monzon, French opera singer.

American country singer-songwriter

Died July 18, 2025

Helen Cornelius, American country singer-songwriter.

British classical conductor

Died July 18, 2025

Roger Norrington, British classical conductor.

American pop composer and songwriter

Died July 17, 2025

Alan Bergman, American pop composer and songwriter.

American R&B singer-songwriter

Died July 17, 2025

Robbie Pardlo, American R&B singer-songwriter (City High).

New Zealand pop singer

Died July 17, 2025

Daphne Walker, New Zealand pop singer.

New Zealand reggae dub percussionist

Died July 16, 2025

Chris Faiumu, New Zealand reggae dub percussionist (Fat Freddy's Drop).

American pop singer

Died July 16, 2025

Connie Francis, American pop singer.

American classical bassist

Died July 16, 2025

Gary Karr, American classical bassist.

Finnish pop rock singer

Died July 16, 2025

Eero Raittinen, Finnish pop rock singer (The Boys).

61, British dance producer and remixer

Died July 15, 2025

Billy April, 61, British dance producer and remixer (Driza Bone) (death announced on this date).

Canadian hardcore punk bassist

Died July 14, 2025

Matt Keil, Canadian hardcore punk bassist (Comeback Kid) (death announced on this date).

85, English folk rock singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died July 13, 2025

Dave Cousins, 85, English folk rock singer-songwriter and guitarist (Strawbs).

Spanish pop singer

Died July 11, 2025

Toni Cruz, Spanish pop singer.

French classical and jazz flutist, pianist and composer

Died July 11, 2025

Raymond Guiot, French classical and jazz flutist, pianist and composer.

British rock keyboardist

Died July 11, 2025

David Kaff, British rock keyboardist (Rare Bird, Spinal Tap).

Welsh jazz singer

Died July 11, 2025

Iris Williams, Welsh jazz singer (death announced on this date).

83, Ukrainian composer

Died July 9, 2025

Ihor Poklad, 83, Ukrainian composer.

63, American stoner rock drummer

Died July 8, 2025

Tim Cronin, 63, American stoner rock drummer (Monster Magnet).

92, American gospel singer

Died July 7, 2025

Mosie Burks, 92, American gospel singer (Mississippi Mass Choir).

Portuguese pop rock percussionist and bassist

Died July 4, 2025

Luís Jardim, Portuguese pop rock percussionist and bassist.

American film and television composer

Died July 4, 2025

Mark Snow, American film and television composer.

American rapper

Died July 4, 2025

Young Noble, American rapper (Outlawz).

75, Belgian rock guitarist

Died July 3, 2025

Dany Lademacher, 75, Belgian rock guitarist (Herman Brood and his Wild Romance, Vitesse, The Radios).

99, Bulgarian folk singer

Died July 2, 2025

Verka Siderova, 99, Bulgarian folk singer.

Canadian indie pop bassist

Died July 1, 2025

Brendan Berg, Canadian indie pop bassist (Royal Canoe).

Indonesian dangdut singer

Died July 1, 2025

Hamdan ATT, Indonesian dangdut singer.

American gospel singer

Died July 1, 2025

Jimmy Swaggart, American gospel singer.

bassist · funk / soul

Died June 30, 2025

Ronald LaPread was an American bassist best known for playing with The Commodores, one of the major funk and soul groups of the 1970s and 1980s. His playing helped anchor the band’s rhythm section on songs that balanced R&B, funk, and pop, contributing to the group’s success alongside Lionel Richie. A 2025/2026 music-industry death notice reported his death at age 75. [15]

Born Foster James Sylvers

singer, bassist · R&B / soul

Died June 30, 2025

Foster Sylvers was an American singer, songwriter, and bass player best known as a member of The Sylvers, the family group that scored several R&B and pop hits in the 1970s. He sang on group records that helped define polished West Coast soul, and he also worked as a solo artist and session musician. A 2025/2026 music-industry death notice reported his death at age 64. [15]

92, Welsh opera singer

Died June 29, 2025

Stuart Burrows, 92, Welsh opera singer.

44, American rock singer-songwriter

Died June 27, 2025

Derek A. E. Fuhrmann, 44, American rock singer-songwriter (The Crash Motive).

Bolivian rapper

Died June 26, 2025

Ocasional Talento, Bolivian rapper.

Argentine-born American film and television composer

Died June 26, 2025

Lalo Schifrin, Argentine-born American film and television composer.

American R&B singer

Died June 26, 2025

Walter Scott, American R&B singer (The Whispers).

Canadian progressive rock singer and guitarist

Died June 24, 2025

Serge Fiori, Canadian progressive rock singer and guitarist (Harmonium).

American pop singer

Died June 24, 2025

Bobby Sherman, American pop singer.

American pop singer-songwriter

Died June 23, 2025

Rebekah Del Rio, American pop singer-songwriter.

South African jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist

Died June 23, 2025

Feya Faku, South African jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist.

Russian jazz and alternative rock trumpeter

Died June 23, 2025

Yuriy Parfyonov, Russian jazz and alternative rock trumpeter (Auktyon).

English rock guitarist and songwriter

Died June 23, 2025

Mick Ralphs, English rock guitarist and songwriter (Mott the Hoople, Bad Company) (death announced on this date).

American progressive rock keyboardist and composer

Died June 20, 2025

David L. Hamilton, American progressive rock keyboardist and composer (Pavlov's Dog).

English indie rock guitarist

Died June 20, 2025

Patrick Walden, English indie rock guitarist (Babyshambles).

Norwegian visa singer

Died June 19, 2025

Geirr Lystrup, Norwegian visa singer (death announced on this date).

Scottish pop rock keyboardist

Died June 19, 2025

James Prime, Scottish pop rock keyboardist (Deacon Blue).

English pop rock singer

Died June 19, 2025

Ron Woodbridge, English pop rock singer (The Searchers) (death announced on this date).

American R&B singer

Died June 19, 2025

Cavin Yarbrough, American R&B singer (Yarbrough and Peoples).

82, American pop and soft rock singer-songwriter

Died June 18, 2025

Lou Christie, 82, American pop and soft rock singer-songwriter.

Czech-born Austrian classical pianist

Died June 17, 2025

Alfred Brendel, Czech-born Austrian classical pianist.

American classical and jazz bassist

Died June 17, 2025

Charles Burrell, American classical and jazz bassist.

Brazilian jazz guitarist

Died June 16, 2025

Hélio Delmiro, Brazilian jazz guitarist.

American R&B singer

Died June 16, 2025

Patti Drew, American R&B singer.

Scottish acid jazz singer-songwriter

Died June 16, 2025

John Reid, Scottish acid jazz singer-songwriter (Nightcrawlers) (death announced on this date).

Greek traditional music clarinettist

Died June 15, 2025

Petroloukas Chalkias, Greek traditional music clarinettist.

Swedish free jazz drummer and composer

Died June 15, 2025

Sven-Åke Johansson, Swedish free jazz drummer and composer (death announced on this date).

Japanese enka singer

Died June 15, 2025

Masuiyama Daishirō II, Japanese enka singer.

New Zealand jazz and electronic composer

Died June 15, 2025

Barry Vercoe, New Zealand jazz and electronic composer.

Brazilian samba singer-songwriter and percussionist

Died June 14, 2025

Bira Presidente(pt), Brazilian samba singer-songwriter and percussionist (Fundo de Quintal).

Indian folk singer

Died June 14, 2025

Kollangudi Karuppayee, Indian folk singer.

Canadian punk rock singer

Died June 14, 2025

Steven Leckie, Canadian punk rock singer (The Viletones).

Filipino pop singer and pianist

Died June 14, 2025

Cocoy Laurel, Filipino pop singer and pianist.

, 88, Brazilian samba singer-songwriter and percussionist

Died June 14, 2025

Bira Presidente, (pt), 88, Brazilian samba singer-songwriter and percussionist (Fundo de Quintal).

South African jazz drummer

Died June 13, 2025

Louis Moholo, South African jazz drummer (The Blue Notes, Brotherhood of Breath, Assagai).

English punk rock guitarist and singer

Died June 13, 2025

Honest John Plain, English punk rock guitarist and singer (The Boys).

English EBM singer-songwriter

Died June 11, 2025

Douglas McCarthy, English EBM singer-songwriter (Nitzer Ebb).

American pop rock singer-songwriter, bassist and keyboardist

Died June 11, 2025

Brian Wilson, American pop rock singer-songwriter, bassist and keyboardist (The Beach Boys).

86, American jazz bassist

Died June 10, 2025

Don Moore, 86, American jazz bassist.

Norwegian jazz drummer

Died June 9, 2025

Axel Skalstad, Norwegian jazz drummer.

American funk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist

Died June 9, 2025

Sly Stone, American funk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (Sly and the Family Stone).

78, French new age composer

Died June 8, 2025

Ariel Kalma, 78, French new age composer (death announced on this date).

95, Nigerian folk singer and guitarist

Died June 6, 2025

Mike Ejeagha, 95, Nigerian folk singer and guitarist.

English new wave keyboardist

Died June 5, 2025

Bob Andrews, English new wave keyboardist (Brinsley Schwarz, The Rumour).

Russian rock lyricist

Died June 5, 2025

Anatoly Gunitsky, Russian rock lyricist (Aquarium) (death announced on this date).

American gospel singer-songwriter

Died June 5, 2025

Norman Hutchins, American gospel singer-songwriter.

American R&B singer-songwriter and keyboardist

Died June 5, 2025

Wayne Lewis, American R&B singer-songwriter and keyboardist (Atlantic Starr).

French pop singer

Died June 4, 2025

Nicole Croisille, French pop singer.

American pop songwriter

Died June 4, 2025

Arthur Hamilton, American pop songwriter (death announced on this date).

French rock and roll singer

Died June 4, 2025

Frankie Jordan, French rock and roll singer.

British classical composer

Died June 4, 2025

Raymond Warren, British classical composer.

88, Moldovan film and theatre composer

Died June 3, 2025

Eugen Doga, 88, Moldovan film and theatre composer.

Saint Lucian soca singer

Died June 2, 2025

Nicole David, Saint Lucian soca singer.

English anarcho-punk singer

Died June 2, 2025

Colin Jerwood, English anarcho-punk singer (Conflict).

Yemeni-born Israeli traditional music singer and composer

Died June 1, 2025

Aharon Amram, Yemeni-born Israeli traditional music singer and composer.

Swedish pop singer

Died June 1, 2025

Monica Nielsen, Swedish pop singer.

79, Australian pop singer

Died May 31, 2025

Marcie Jones, 79, Australian pop singer (Marcie and The Cookies) (death announced on this date).

86, American pop singer

Died May 30, 2025

Renée Victor, 86, American pop singer.

American television composer

Died May 29, 2025

Alf Clausen, American television composer.

American classical harpist

Died May 29, 2025

Susann McDonald, American classical harpist.

American classical pianist

Died May 29, 2025

Charles Wadsworth, American classical pianist.

American jazz drummer

Died May 28, 2025

Al Foster, American jazz drummer.

Danish classical composer and music theorist

Died May 28, 2025

Per Nørgård, Danish classical composer and music theorist.

Filipino pop singer-songwriter

Died May 27, 2025

Freddie Aguilar, Filipino pop singer-songwriter.

Scottish jazz pianist

Died May 27, 2025

Brian Kellock, Scottish jazz pianist.

Indonesian pop singer-songwriter

Died May 27, 2025

Irianti Erningpraja, Indonesian pop singer-songwriter.

Italian electronic dance guitarist

Died May 26, 2025

Gigi Canu, Italian electronic dance guitarist (Planet Funk).

American rock singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died May 26, 2025

Rick Derringer, American rock singer-songwriter and guitarist (The McCoys).

English progressive rock keyboardist and violinist

Died May 25, 2025

Simon House, English progressive rock keyboardist and violinist (Hawkwind, Third Ear Band).

American choreographer and stylist

Died May 25, 2025

Michael Sumler, American choreographer and stylist (Kool & the Gang).

Gambian mandé singer and kora player

Died May 25, 2025

Foday Musa Suso, Gambian mandé singer and kora player.

78, Canadian rock guitarist

Died May 24, 2025

Kenny Marco, 78, Canadian rock guitarist (Grant Smith & The Power, Motherlode, Blood, Sweat & Tears).

75, American jazz singer

Died May 23, 2025

Lillian Boutté, 75, American jazz singer.

American psychedelic rock singer

Died May 22, 2025

James Lowe, American psychedelic rock singer (The Electric Prunes).

American music agent

Died May 22, 2025

Dave Shapiro, American music agent.

American record label executive

Died May 22, 2025

Dan Storper, American record label executive (Putumayo World Music).

American metalcore drummer

Died May 22, 2025

Daniel Williams, American metalcore drummer (The Devil Wears Prada).

American R&B singer

Died May 20, 2025

Mark Greene, American R&B singer (The Moments) (death announced on this date).

Swedish record producer, sound engineer and composer

Died May 20, 2025

Michael B. Tretow, Swedish record producer, sound engineer and composer.

New Zealand jazz drummer

Died May 20, 2025

Frank Gibson Jr, New Zealand jazz drummer.

Ukrainian classical composer, conductor, and violinst

Died May 19, 2025

Heorhiy Gina, Ukrainian classical composer, conductor, and violinst.

American glam metal guitarist

Died May 19, 2025

Chris Hager, American glam metal guitarist (Rough Cutt, Mickey Ratt) (death announced on this date).

American nu metal singer

Died May 19, 2025

Adam Ramey, American nu metal singer (Dropout Kings).

American funk drummer

Died May 17, 2025

Rodney Brown, American funk drummer (Dyke and the Blazers).

American pop songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist

Died May 17, 2025

Roger Nichols, American pop songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist.

French rapper

Died May 17, 2025

Werenoi, French rapper.

73, Polish opera singer

Died May 16, 2025

Jadwiga Rappé, 73, Polish opera singer.

Peruvian opera singer

Died May 15, 2025

Luigi Alva, Peruvian opera singer.

Jamaican reggae singer

Died May 15, 2025

Junior Byles, Jamaican reggae singer.

Canadian progressive rock singer-songwriter and drummer

Died May 15, 2025

Terry Draper, Canadian progressive rock singer-songwriter and drummer (Klaatu).

American musical theater composer and lyricist

Died May 15, 2025

Charles Strouse, American musical theater composer and lyricist.

59, American thrash metal singer

Died May 14, 2025

Dale Henderson, 59, American thrash metal singer (Beowülf) (death announced on this date).

71, American country keyboardist

Died May 13, 2025

Billy Earheart, 71, American country keyboardist (The Amazing Rhythm Aces, The Bama Band).

German-Brazilian orchestra composer and conductor

Died May 12, 2025

Ernst Mahle, German-Brazilian orchestra composer and conductor.

Japanese jazz composer and sound artist

Died May 12, 2025

Yasunao Tone, Japanese jazz composer and sound artist.

American R&B singer

Died May 11, 2025

John Edwards, American R&B singer (The Spinners).

German pop singer

Died May 11, 2025

Leila Negra, German pop singer.

Czech classical organist and musical teacher

Died May 11, 2025

Alena Veselá, Czech classical organist and musical teacher.

British choral singer and conductor

Died May 10, 2025

Matthew Best, British choral singer and conductor.

American country rock multi-instrumentalist

Died May 10, 2025

Larry Lee, American country rock multi-instrumentalist (The Ozark Mountain Daredevils).

Tunisian rapper

Died May 10, 2025

Kafon, Tunisian rapper.

American pop singer-songwriter

Died May 9, 2025

Stewart Francke, American pop singer-songwriter.

American country singer

Died May 9, 2025

Johnny Rodriguez, American country singer.

43, Kurdish-German rapper

Died May 8, 2025

Xatar, 43, Kurdish-German rapper.

74, British classical composer and conductor

Died May 7, 2025

Ronald Corp, 74, British classical composer and conductor.

Italian pop singer-songwriter

Died May 6, 2025

Luigi Lopez, Italian pop singer-songwriter.

Georgian classical composer and conductor

Died May 6, 2025

Vakhtang Machavariani, Georgian classical composer and conductor.

South African opera singer

Died May 5, 2025

May Abrahamse, South African opera singer.

Australian rock drummer

Died May 5, 2025

James Baker, Australian rock drummer (The Victims, The Scientists, Hoodoo Gurus, Beasts of Bourbon).

American garage rock drummer

Died May 5, 2025

Nathan Jerde, American garage rock drummer (The Ponys).

American Southern gospel singer-songwriter

Died May 5, 2025

Squire Parsons, American Southern gospel singer-songwriter.

77, Czech opera singer

Died May 2, 2025

Karel Bláha, 77, Czech opera singer.

Brazilian MPB singer

Died May 1, 2025

Nana Caymmi, Brazilian MPB singer.

American folk and alternative rock singer-songwriter

Died May 1, 2025

Jill Sobule, American folk and alternative rock singer-songwriter.

Norwegian opera singer

Died April 30, 2025

Kari Løvaas, Norwegian opera singer (death announced on this date).

American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died April 30, 2025

Joe Louis Walker, American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist.

92, German classical composer and arranger

Died April 29, 2025

Christfried Schmidt, 92, German classical composer and arranger.

American death metal guitarist

Died April 28, 2025

Brian Montana, American death metal guitarist (Possessed).

Welsh alternative rock singer-songwriter

Died April 28, 2025

Mike Peters, Welsh alternative rock singer-songwriter (The Alarm).

86, English folk singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died April 27, 2025

Wizz Jones, 86, English folk singer-songwriter and guitarist.

British luthier and violin expert

Died April 26, 2025

Charles Beare, British luthier and violin expert.

American jazz singer and pianist

Died April 26, 2025

Andy Bey, American jazz singer and pianist.

91, American classical composer

Died April 25, 2025

Richard Wernick, 91, American classical composer.

American rock keyboardist and record producer

Died April 24, 2025

Peter McIan, American rock keyboardist (The City) and record producer (death announced on this date).

British jazz pop singer and keyboardist

Died April 24, 2025

Roy Phillips, British jazz pop singer and keyboardist (The Peddlers).

American country and southern gospel singer

Died April 23, 2025

Lulu Roman, American country and southern gospel singer.

American rock singer-songwriter

Died April 23, 2025

David Thomas, American rock singer-songwriter (Pere Ubu, Rocket from the Tombs).

American rock and country keyboardist

Died April 22, 2025

David Briggs, American rock and country keyboardist (Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, The Nashville A-Team, TCB Band).

Norwegian jazz bassist

Died April 22, 2025

Odd Magne Gridseth, Norwegian jazz bassist.

70, Filipino pop singer

Died April 21, 2025

Hajji Alejandro, 70, Filipino pop singer.

Brazilian samba singer and composer

Died April 20, 2025

Cristina Buarque, Brazilian samba singer and composer.

Australian post-punk and alternative rock singer and guitarist

Died April 20, 2025

Kimble Rendall, Australian post-punk and alternative rock singer and guitarist (XL Capris, Hoodoo Gurus) (death announced on this date).

48, Indonesian heavy metal guitarist

Died April 19, 2025

Ricky Siahaan, 48, Indonesian heavy metal guitarist (Seringai).

78, Northern Irish pop singer

Died April 18, 2025

Clodagh Rodgers, 78, Northern Irish pop singer.

Austrian classical composer

Died April 17, 2025

Peter Ablinger, Austrian classical composer.

Portuguese pop singer

Died April 17, 2025

Nuno Guerreiro, Portuguese pop singer (Ala dos Namorados).

New Zealand pop rock bassist

Died April 17, 2025

Roger McLachlan, New Zealand pop rock bassist (Little River Band) (death announced on this date).

Filipino pop singer

Died April 16, 2025

Nora Aunor, Filipino pop singer.

British radio DJ

Died April 16, 2025

Colin Berry, British radio DJ.

American rock and country singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died April 16, 2025

Mac Gayden, American rock and country singer-songwriter and guitarist.

American classical cellist

Died April 16, 2025

Joel Krosnick, American classical cellist (Juilliard String Quartet) (death announced on this date).

American radio DJ

Died April 14, 2025

Jed the Fish, American radio DJ.

German opera singer

Died April 14, 2025

Peter Seiffert, German opera singer.

English record producer

Died April 12, 2025

Roy Thomas Baker, English record producer.

Filipino pop singer

Died April 12, 2025

Pilita Corrales, Filipino pop singer.

English pop singer

Died April 11, 2025

Mike Berry, English pop singer.

Jamaican reggae singer

Died April 11, 2025

Max Romeo, Jamaican reggae singer.

Swedish classical trumpeter

Died April 10, 2025

Niklas Eklund, Swedish classical trumpeter.

Indonesian pop singer-songwriter

Died April 10, 2025

Titiek Puspa, Indonesian pop singer-songwriter.

American pop singer and saxophonist

Died April 10, 2025

Nino Tempo, American pop singer and saxophonist (Nino Tempo & April Stevens, The Wrecking Crew).

American rock guitarist

Died April 10, 2025

Drew Zingg, American rock guitarist (death announced on this date).

Italian classical violinist

Died April 9, 2025

Roberto Cani, Italian classical violinist.

Norwegian jazz bassist

Died April 9, 2025

Terje Venaas, Norwegian jazz bassist.

Dominican merengue singer

Died April 8, 2025

Rubby Pérez, Dominican merengue singer.

American pop singer

Died April 8, 2025

Lenny Welch, American pop singer.

73, American composer and lyricist

Died April 7, 2025

William Finn, 73, American composer and lyricist.

American hardcore punk guitarist

Died April 6, 2025

Al Barile, American hardcore punk guitarist (SSD).

American new wave drummer

Died April 6, 2025

Clem Burke, American new wave drummer (Blondie).

Italian composer and musicologist

Died April 6, 2025

Roberto De Simone, Italian composer and musicologist.

Czech pop singer

Died April 6, 2025

Anna Slováčková, Czech pop singer.

Thai luk thung singer

Died April 6, 2025

Pongsri Woranuch, Thai luk thung singer.

English post-punk bassist

Died April 5, 2025

Dave Allen, English post-punk bassist (Gang of Four, Shriekback, King Swamp).

Russian rapper

Died April 5, 2025

Pasha Technique, Russian rapper.

70, Malian worldbeat singer and guitarist

Died April 4, 2025

Amadou Bagayoko, 70, Malian worldbeat singer and guitarist (Amadou & Mariam).

American jazz guitarist

Died April 1, 2025

George Freeman, American jazz guitarist.

American rock and roll singer

Died April 1, 2025

Wayne Handy, American rock and roll singer.

American folk singer-songwriter

Died April 1, 2025

Michael Hurley, American folk singer-songwriter.

Croatian classical composer

Died April 1, 2025

Alfi Kabiljo, Croatian classical composer.

American country singer-songwriter

Died April 1, 2025

Johnny Tillotson, American country singer-songwriter.

Burmese pop singer

Died March 31, 2025

J Nyi Nyi, Burmese pop singer.

Turkish folk singer

Died March 31, 2025

Volkan Konak, Turkish folk singer.

American classical conductor

Died March 31, 2025

John Nelson, American classical conductor.

Mexican classical conductor and pianist

Died March 30, 2025

Enrique Bátiz, Mexican classical conductor and pianist.

Croatian pop singer

Died March 30, 2025

Marinko Colnago, Croatian pop singer (Novi fosili).

American pop singer

Died March 29, 2025

Richard Chamberlain, American pop singer.

Canadian country singer-songwriter

Died March 29, 2025

Dick Damron, Canadian country singer-songwriter.

American old-time singer

Died March 29, 2025

Tracy Schwarz, American old-time singer (New Lost City Ramblers).

39, American rapper

Died March 28, 2025

Young Scooter, 39, American rapper.

Bangladeshi folk singer

Died March 26, 2025

Shushama Das, Bangladeshi folk singer.

Chilean cumbia singer

Died March 26, 2025

Tommy Rey, Chilean cumbia singer (Sonora Palacios).

Finnish pop singer

Died March 25, 2025

Tapani Kansa, Finnish pop singer.

Bangladeshi musicologist

Died March 25, 2025

Sanjida Khatun, Bangladeshi musicologist.

American recording engineer and producer

Died March 25, 2025

Terry Manning, American recording engineer and producer.

American gospel and R&B singer

Died March 25, 2025

Alice Tan Ridley, American gospel and R&B singer.

English classical harpsichordist

Died March 24, 2025

Alan Cuckston, English classical harpsichordist (death announced on this date).

American gospel singer

Died March 24, 2025

Huey Williams, American gospel singer (Jackson Southernaires).

74, Canadian alternative rock guitarist and singer

Died March 23, 2025

Kevan Staples, 74, Canadian alternative rock guitarist and singer (Rough Trade).

English radio DJ

Died March 22, 2025

Andy Peebles, English radio DJ.

Black Grape)

Died March 22, 2025

Paul Wagstaff, Black Grape) (death announced on this date).

82, American garage rock singer and keyboardist

Died March 21, 2025

Larry Tamblyn, 82, American garage rock singer and keyboardist (The Standells).

American bluegrass banjo player

Died March 20, 2025

Eddie Adcock, American bluegrass banjo player (The Country Gentlemen).

Russian alternative rock guitarist

Died March 20, 2025

Oleg Baranov, Russian alternative rock guitarist (Tequilajazzz).

Australian garage rock drummer

Died March 20, 2025

Leanne Cowie, Australian garage rock drummer (The Scientists).

92, Bulgarian-Russian pop singer

Died March 18, 2025

Bedros Kirkorov, 92, Bulgarian-Russian pop singer.

German pop singer

Died March 17, 2025

AnNa R, German pop singer (Rosenstolz, Gleis 8) (death announced on this date).

Northern Irish progressive rock bassist and singer

Died March 17, 2025

Peter Farrelly, Northern Irish progressive rock bassist and singer (Fruupp).

Honduran garifuna singer and guitarist

Died March 17, 2025

Aurelio Martínez, Honduran garifuna singer and guitarist.

Italian comedy punk guitarist

Died March 16, 2025

Dandy Bestia, Italian comedy punk guitarist (Skiantos).

Dutch pop singer

Died March 16, 2025

Rob de Nijs, Dutch pop singer.

Macedonian hip hop singer

Died March 16, 2025

Andrej Gjorgieski, Macedonian hip hop singer (DNK).

American folk rock singer-songwriter

Died March 16, 2025

Jesse Colin Young, American folk rock singer-songwriter (The Youngbloods).

73, Northern Irish heavy metal drummer

Died March 15, 2025

Les Binks, 73, Northern Irish heavy metal drummer (Judas Priest).

65, Italian jazz saxophonist, flutist and composer

Died March 14, 2025

Bruno Romani, 65, Italian jazz saxophonist, flutist and composer.

Soviet/Russian composer of modernist and modernist/sacred music

Died March 13, 2025

Sofia Gubaidulina, Soviet/Russian composer of modernist and modernist/sacred music.

American blues guitarist

Died March 13, 2025

Mark Holder, American blues guitarist (Black Diamond Heavies).

South African afro-soul singer-songwriter

Died March 13, 2025

Yallunder, South African afro-soul singer-songwriter.

Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter

Died March 11, 2025

Cocoa Tea, Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter.

American radio personality and parody musician

Died March 11, 2025

Bob Rivers, American radio personality and parody musician.

British pop singer

Died March 10, 2025

Stedman Pearson, British pop singer (Five Star).

South Korean R&B singer

Died March 10, 2025

Wheesung, South Korean R&B singer (body discovered on this date).

British jazz saxophonist, band leader and composer

Died March 8, 2025

Bill Ashton, British jazz saxophonist, band leader and composer.

American R&B and hip hop songwriter and record producer

Died March 8, 2025

Beau Dozier, American R&B and hip hop songwriter and record producer (death announced on this date).

Australian classical violinist

Died March 8, 2025

Donald Hazelwood, Australian classical violinist.

Indian lyricist

Died March 8, 2025

Harbans Jandu, Indian lyricist.

Moroccan khaliji singer

Died March 8, 2025

Naima Samih, Moroccan khaliji singer.

American folk rock singer-songwriter

Died March 7, 2025

Danny Cox, American folk rock singer-songwriter.

American R&B singer and guitarist

Died March 7, 2025

D'Wayne Wiggins, American R&B singer and guitarist (Tony! Toni! Toné!).

English punk rock guitarist and songwriter

Died March 6, 2025

Brian James, English punk rock guitarist and songwriter (The Damned, The Lords of the New Church).

American country singer-songwriter and guitarist

Died March 6, 2025

Troy Seals, American country singer-songwriter and guitarist.

Cuban film composer

Died March 5, 2025

Edesio Alejandro, Cuban film composer.

American R&B singer

Died March 5, 2025

Randy Brown, American R&B singer (death announced on this date).

American ghetto house DJ

Died March 5, 2025

DJ Funk, American ghetto house DJ (death announced on this date).

American jazz singer, vibraphonist, keyboardist and record producer

Died March 4, 2025

Roy Ayers, American jazz singer, vibraphonist, keyboardist and record producer.

American soul singer

Died March 4, 2025

Harry Elston, American soul singer (The Friends of Distinction).

Italian classical violinist

Died March 4, 2025

Mario Trabucco, Italian classical violinist.

Welsh rock singer-songwriter

Died March 3, 2025

Geraint Jarman, Welsh rock singer-songwriter.

French classical saxophonist

Died March 3, 2025

Jean-Marie Londeix, French classical saxophonist.

American post-punk singer-songwriter and bassist

Died March 3, 2025

Jeffrey Runnings, American post-punk singer-songwriter and bassist (For Against).

American alternative rock bassist

Died March 3, 2025

Bob Rupe, American alternative rock bassist (The Silos, Cracker, House of Freaks, Sparklehorse).

Turkish folk and rock singer-songwriter

Died March 2, 2025

Edip Akbayram, Turkish folk and rock singer-songwriter.

French pop singer

Died March 2, 2025

Herbert Léonard, French pop singer.

Canadian folk accordionist

Died March 2, 2025

Frank Maher, Canadian folk accordionist.

Scottish folk singer

Died March 1, 2025

Bill Smith, Scottish folk singer (The Corries).

English power pop guitarist and songwriter

Died March 1, 2025

Joey Molland, English power pop guitarist (Badfinger) and songwriter.

Cuban salsa and timba singer

Died March 1, 2025

Paulito FG, Cuban salsa and timba singer.

American neo-soul singer-songwriter and rapper

Died March 1, 2025

Angie Stone, American neo-soul singer-songwriter and rapper (The Sequence).

75, American rock singer-songwriter

Died February 28, 2025

David Johansen, 75, American rock singer-songwriter (New York Dolls).

English classical organist, choirmaster, conductor and composer

Died February 25, 2025

Simon Lindley, English classical organist, choirmaster, conductor and composer.

Canadian thrash metal singer

Died February 25, 2025

Coburn Pharr, Canadian thrash metal singer (Annihilator).

Hungarian classical pianist

Died February 25, 2025

Ferenc Rados, Hungarian classical pianist.

American soul and jazz singer-songwriter and keyboardist

Died February 24, 2025

Roberta Flack, American soul and jazz singer-songwriter and keyboardist.

American soft rock singer-songwriter

Died February 24, 2025

Robert John, American soft rock singer-songwriter.

Brazilian classical flautist

Died February 24, 2025

Ricardo Kanji, Brazilian classical flautist.

Australian glam rock guitarist and bassist

Died February 23, 2025

Jacques de Jongh, Australian glam rock guitarist and bassist (Hush).

American R&B singer-songwriter and keyboardist

Died February 23, 2025

Chris Jasper, American R&B singer-songwriter and keyboardist (The Isley Brothers, Isley-Jasper-Isley).

Jamaican reggae singer

Died February 22, 2025

Ken Parker, Jamaican reggae singer.

Italian pop rock singer

Died February 22, 2025

Gianni Pettenati, Italian pop rock singer.

English folk rock singer-songwriter

Died February 22, 2025

Bill Fay, English folk rock singer-songwriter.

Belgian rock singer and guitarist

Died February 21, 2025

Fred Bekky, Belgian rock singer and guitarist (The Pebbles).

Hong Kong mandopop singer-songwriter

Died February 21, 2025

Khalil Fong, Hong Kong mandopop singer-songwriter.

American soul and disco singer

Died February 21, 2025

Gwen McCrae, American soul and disco singer (death announced on this date).

Dutch electronic multi-instrumentalist

Died February 20, 2025

Gerry Arling, Dutch electronic multi-instrumentalist (Arling & Cameron) (death announced on this date).

American soul singer-songwriter

Died February 20, 2025

Jerry Butler, American soul singer-songwriter (The Impressions).

Finnish opera composer, conductor, choirmaster, and organist

Died February 20, 2025

Ilkka Kuusisto, Finnish opera composer, conductor, choirmaster, and organist.

American rock guitarist

Died February 19, 2025

Karl Cochran, American rock guitarist (Eric Singer Project).

English-born Australian rock drummer

Died February 19, 2025

Snowy Fleet, English-born Australian rock drummer (The Easybeats).

French comedy rock singer

Died February 19, 2025

Jean Sarrus, French comedy rock singer (Les Charlots).

English new wave drummer

Died February 17, 2025

Rick Buckler, English new wave drummer (The Jam).

Scottish progressive rock percussionist

Died February 17, 2025

Jamie Muir, Scottish progressive rock percussionist (King Crimson).

Mexican pop singer

Died February 17, 2025

Paquita la del Barrio, Mexican pop singer.

89, Czech classical conductor

Died February 16, 2025

Vladimír Válek, 89, Czech classical conductor.

88, Indian folk singer

Died February 13, 2025

Sukri Bommagowda, 88, Indian folk singer.

American soul singer

Died February 12, 2025

Tommy Hunt, American soul singer (The Flamingos).

Senegalese mbalax guitarist

Died February 12, 2025

Jimi Mbaye, Senegalese mbalax guitarist.

93, Italian classical pianist

Died February 10, 2025

Maria Tipo, 93, Italian classical pianist.

86, Swiss opera singer

Died February 9, 2025

Edith Mathis, 86, Swiss opera singer.

80, Canadian comedic music singer

Died February 8, 2025

Corey Crewe, 80, Canadian comedic music singer (Corey and Trina).

French reggae singer

Died February 7, 2025

Naâman, French reggae singer.

South Korean trot singer

Died February 7, 2025

Song Dae-kwan, South Korean trot singer.

American R&B singer

Died February 6, 2025

Bobby Hamilton, American R&B singer (The Choice Four) (death announced on this date).

American record producer and executive

Died February 5, 2025

Irv Gotti, American record producer and executive (Murder Inc. Records).

American record producer, audio engineer and mixer

Died February 5, 2025

Dave Jerden, American record producer, audio engineer and mixer.

German opera director

Died February 5, 2025

Hans-Peter Lehmann, German opera director.

British psychedelic rock keyboardist

Died February 5, 2025

Mike Ratledge, British psychedelic rock keyboardist (Soft Machine).

American garage rock drummer

Died February 4, 2025

Bob Bennett, American garage rock drummer (The Sonics).

Spanish opera singer

Died February 4, 2025

Ana María Iriarte, Spanish opera singer.

Beninese pop singer

Died February 4, 2025

Wily Mignon, Beninese pop singer.

American rock and roll saxophonist

Died February 2, 2025

Gene Barge, American rock and roll saxophonist.

Taiwanese pop singer

Died February 2, 2025

Barbie Hsu, Taiwanese pop singer.

English opera singer

Died February 2, 2025

Patricia Johnson, English opera singer (death announced on this date).

French video game music composer

Died February 2, 2025

Stéphane Picq, French video game music composer.

American opera singer

Died February 2, 2025

Paul Plishka, American opera singer.

English classical trombonist and conductor

Died February 1, 2025

Peter Bassano, English classical trombonist and conductor.

Swiss classical singer and composer

Died February 1, 2025

André Ducret, Swiss classical singer and composer.

American rock bassist

Died February 1, 2025

Sal Maida, American rock bassist (Milk 'N' Cookies, Roxy Music, Sparks).

Austrian classical clarinetist

Died February 1, 2025

Peter Schmidl, Austrian classical clarinetist.

71–72, American avant garde composer and pedal steel guitarist

Died January 31, 2025

Susan Alcorn, 71–72, American avant garde composer and pedal steel guitarist (death announced on this date).

English pop and rock singer-songwriter

Died January 30, 2025

Marianne Faithfull, English pop and rock singer-songwriter.

77, Australian progressive rock bassist and singer

Died January 29, 2025

Bruce Howe, 77, Australian progressive rock bassist and singer (Fraternity).

Indonesian dangdut and pop singer

Died January 27, 2025

Emilia Contessa, Indonesian dangdut and pop singer.

American industrial metal drummer

Died January 27, 2025

Aaron Rossi, American industrial metal drummer (Ministry, Prong, John 5).

Japanese classical conductor

Died January 26, 2025

Kazuyoshi Akiyama, Japanese classical conductor.

American classical pianist

Died January 26, 2025

Betsy Arakawa, American classical pianist (body discovered on this date).

American R&B singer

Died January 26, 2025

Gary Grier, American R&B singer (The Contours).

British punk rock singer

Died January 25, 2025

Edweena Banger, British punk rock singer (The Nosebleeds, Slaughter & The Dogs) (death announced on this date).

43, American rapper

Died January 24, 2025

Unk, 43, American rapper.

Irish showband saxophonist

Died January 22, 2025

Paddy Cole, Irish showband saxophonist.

American blues and rock keyboardist

Died January 22, 2025

Barry Goldberg, American blues and rock keyboardist (The Electric Flag, The Rides).

Dutch progressive rock guitarist

Died January 22, 2025

Johan Slager, Dutch progressive rock guitarist (Kayak) (death announced on this date).

French folk singer

Died January 22, 2025

Gabriel Yacoub, French folk singer (Malicorne).

American psychedelic rock guitarist

Died January 21, 2025

Elliot Ingber, American psychedelic rock guitarist (The Mothers of Invention, Fraternity of Man, The Magic Band).

Canadian rock multi-instrumentalist

Died January 21, 2025

Garth Hudson, Canadian rock multi-instrumentalist (The Band).

American R&B drummer

Died January 20, 2025

Bob Kuban, American R&B drummer.

English hard rock guitarist

Died January 20, 2025

John Sykes, English hard rock guitarist (Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) (death announced on this date).

71, English theater composer

Died January 18, 2025

Claire van Kampen, 71, English theater composer (Royal Shakespeare Company).

83, Canadian pop singer-songwriter, arranger and producer

Died January 17, 2025

Stéphane Venne, 83, Canadian pop singer-songwriter, arranger and producer.

American musical theater singer

Died January 15, 2025

Tommy Dix, American musical theater singer.

American country singer-songwriter

Died January 15, 2025

Melba Montgomery, American country singer-songwriter.

Irish pop singer

Died January 15, 2025

Linda Nolan, Irish pop singer (The Nolans).

87, Ghanaian jazz rock saxophonist

Died January 14, 2025

Teddy Osei, 87, Ghanaian jazz rock saxophonist (Osibisa).

American funk metal singer

Died January 13, 2025

P. Fluid, American funk metal singer (24-7 Spyz).

English classical conductor, composer and trumpeter

Died January 13, 2025

Elgar Howarth, English classical conductor, composer and trumpeter (death announced on this date).

American country and bluegrass singer and mandolinist

Died January 13, 2025

Buck White, American country and bluegrass singer and mandolinist (The Whites).

70, American jazz double bass player and composer

Died January 12, 2025

Mark Izu, 70, American jazz double bass player and composer.

Czech classical conductor

Died January 11, 2025

Mario Klemens, Czech classical conductor.

Iranian classical composer, conductor, and multi-instrumentalist

Died January 11, 2025

Fereydoon Shahbazyan, Iranian classical composer, conductor, and multi-instrumentalist.

89, American soul singer-songwriter

Died January 10, 2025

Sam Moore, 89, American soul singer-songwriter (Sam & Dave).

singer-songwriter · música popular

Died January 10, 2025

Yeison Jiménez was a Colombian singer-songwriter and one of the best-known recent figures in música popular, a style closely tied to Colombia’s regional and Latin music markets. Billboard and People reported that he died in a plane crash near Paipa, Boyacá, in an accident that killed all six people on board. His death at 34 ended a career that had made him a prominent crossover voice in contemporary Colombian music.

English jazz pianist, television musical director, and composer

Died January 9, 2025

Laurie Holloway, English jazz pianist, television musical director, and composer.

Indian playback singer

Died January 9, 2025

P. Jayachandran, Indian playback singer.

South African kwaito singer

Died January 9, 2025

Doc Shebeleza, South African kwaito singer.

Turkish classical violinist

Died January 7, 2025

Ayla Erduran, Turkish classical violinist.

American folk singer-songwriter

Died January 7, 2025

Peter Yarrow, American folk singer-songwriter (Peter, Paul and Mary).

American folk singer

Died January 6, 2025

Hope Foye, American folk singer.

Greek pop singer

Died January 6, 2025

Stella Greka, Greek pop singer.