themusicaddict: themusicaddict's Just Some of the Great Musicians We've Lost in 2016 (Updated December 25th, 2016)

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

themusicaddict's Just Some of the Great Musicians We've Lost in 2016 (Updated December 25th, 2016)

Hello,

In order of their death as I'll keep this blog updated as we go throughout the year- I'd be glad to not add any more musicians to this list though.

Natalie Cole died December 31, 2015. That's close enough for the terms of this blog.

David Bowie died January 10th, 2016, he died just two days after both his birthday and the release of his last CD "Blackstar". This is perhaps his most famous and beloved CD "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars":

Glenn Frey died January 18th, 2016. Obviously he did a lot of great work with The Eagles, but when I think of Glenn Frey, this is the first song I think of. "The One That You Love":

Paul Kantner died January 28th, 2016. Kantner co-founded Jefferson Airplane. I read the tribute to him by Rolling Stone. Kantner was big into science fiction and he was heavily influenced by it. One of his favorite books was "Stranger In A Strange Land". His fascination with that book look up the book.

"Somebody To Love":

"White Rabbit":

Also dying on the same day as Kantner was Signe Toly Anderson, she sang on Jefferson Airplane's first CD "Jefferson Airplane Takes Off". She sang the lead vocals on "Chauffeur Blues". When she decided to leave the band, she was replaced by Grace Slick.

Maurice White, singer and founder of Earth, Wind and Fire, died on February 4th, 2016. I've never heard White's name mentioned as a great singer, but he's actually a great singer.

If "September" doesn't make you want to get up and dance then I hope they bury you soon:

"Boogie Wonderland":

Although not as a famous musician in her own right, Vanity will always be linked with Prince due to their work on "Purple Rain". I find it interesting that they die in the same year- both at relatively young ages. She was also engaged to Nikki Sixx at one time? I bet those two had some interesting conversations. Vanity died on February 15th, 2016.

"Under The Influence":

"Nasty Girl":

Keith Emerson died on March 10th, 2016. Emerson, Lake & Palmer were founded in 1970.

Merle Haggard, Country music legend, died on April 6th, 2016.

Just an amazing song, "If We Make It Through December":

"Mama Tried":

Prince died on April 21st, 2016. Of all the singers that have died this year, this is the one that hurts the most. A great singer, a brilliant guitarist and an amazing songwriter. Granted he wasn't the best actor and the movie "Purple Rain" hasn't aged well. However the "Purple Rain" soundtrack is the best soundtrack ever. Some of the greatest music ever recorded- every song is a winner. I could probably write a list of his 100 best songs and even the 100th song would be amazing. A lot of his obscure songs are also amazing.

Bruce Springsteen paying tribute to Prince with "Purple Rain":

I have no idea how long this song will stay on the blog as Prince didn't like his music on YouTube, but here goes, "Cream":

"Baby, I'm A Star":

"I Would Die 4 U":

Who's next? I don't want to jinx anyone by mentioning their name, but a lot of great musicians are getting quite old or have been battling illnesses for a long time. Then of course there are all the amazing musicians that have survived despite all the abuse they've done to their bodies. It wouldn't be surprising if a couple of those die soon. Then of course there's always the unexpected deaths that completely surprise us- still feeling the loss of the the great Prince.

Following the death of Prince it was a pretty quiet year in the terms of death for major music icons, that is until Christmas Day. When the answer to who's next was George Michael. A former member of Wham, a tremendous solo artist who exploded with "Faith" and a man that also had a few magnificent duets. I'll be writing more extensively about Michael when I write his Top 106 80's musicians ever. But for the terms of this specific blog, here are a few of his best songs. Rest in peace George and thanks for all the great music. Since he died on Christmas Day, I'll start with "Last Christmas":