The often-discussed ’27 Club’ is a notorious topic, yet in reality, many musicians just die young. Here are some musicians who died young, but not at the age of 27.
1. Bob Marley (36)
Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley was not just a Jamaican reggae singer, but also a cultural icon. His music, infused with political and social messages, resonated worldwide. Marley’s album “Exodus” was declared the best album of the 20th century by Time Magazine. He died on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36 from melanoma, a form of skin cancer. His last words to his son Ziggy were “Money can’t buy life”.
2. Tupac (25)
Tupac Amaru Shakur, better known as 2Pac, is one of the greatest rappers of all time. He didn’t rap about nonsense, but was a social activist. His lyrics often reflected his views on racial inequality and poverty. Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, was an active member of the Black Panther Party. His influence extends far beyond music; he is often mentioned in discussions about social justice and racial issues. Be sure to listen to his best songs here.
3. The Notorious B.I.G (24)
Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G, was a master at storytelling through his rap lyrics. His debut album “Ready to Die” is considered one of the best hip-hop albums of all time. Biggie’s death, just six months after Tupac’s, exacerbated tensions in the hip-hop community but also led to calls for peace.
4. Buddy Holly (22)
Buddy Holly’s influence on music is significant. He was one of the first in rock ‘n’ roll to use studio techniques such as double tracking. His glasses became an iconic image in rock ‘n’ roll. The day of his death, February 3, 1959, is known as “The Day the Music Died,” following the song “American Pie” by Don McLean.
5. Aaliyah (22)
Aaliyah Dana Haughton, known for her soft, whispering voice, was a pioneer in R&B and hip-hop. She collaborated closely with producer Timbaland and singer-songwriter Missy Elliott, resulting in several massive hits. Aaliyah’s influence is still visible in contemporary artists, and her style and music remain a source of inspiration for many.
6. Selena (23)
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, often referred to as the “Mexican Madonna,” changed the rules of Tejano music, a genre mainly dominated by men. Her album “Live!” won a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album. After her death, Selena became a cultural icon, and her life was portrayed in the movie “Selena” with Jennifer Lopez in the lead role.
7. Ritchie Valens (17)
Ritchie Valens, born Richard Steven Valenzuela, was a pioneer of Chicano rock and is best known for his hit “La Bamba,” a rock ‘n’ roll version of a traditional Mexican folk song. His career lasted only eight months before he tragically died, but his influence on music and the Latin American community continues.
8. Otis Redding (26)
With deep and emotional singing, Otis Redding is often considered the embodiment of soul music. His posthumously released song “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became his biggest hit and was the first posthumous number one single in the US. Redding’s style and voice have influenced countless artists, from soul to rock.
9. Jim Croce (30)
Jim Croce was known for his narrative songs and his ability to turn everyday stories into captivating music. His sudden death came just as his career was reaching a peak. His music remains popular, and his song “Time in a Bottle” became a number one hit after his death.
10. Jeff Buckley (30)
Jeff Buckley, although he released only one studio album, “Grace,” has had a lasting impact on the music world. His version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is one of the most successful covers of all time. Buckley’s vocal range and emotional intensity make him a lasting figure in music history.
