21 Famous Musicians Who All Tragically Died Young at Age 27

Celebrity Singer Janis Joplin Wax Anton Ivanov Shutterstock
image credit: Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock

Musicians live fast-paced lives in a culture surrounded by drugs and risky decisions. It’s not uncommon for these artists to die young, but a chilling pattern emerges: many have tragically passed away at the age of 27. Let’s look at the stories of iconic rock ‘n’ roll stars who became members of the “27 Club.”

Jimi Hendrix

Celebrity Singer Jimi Hendrix album cover Stefano Chiacchiarini '74 Shutterstock
image credit: Stefano-Chiacchiarini-’74/Shutterstock

Jimi Hendrix died at the age of 27 in 1970. His innovative guitar playing, including his use of feedback and distortion, revolutionized rock music. Hendrix’s untimely death was due to asphyxia related to barbiturate intoxication.

Janis Joplin

Celebrity Singer Janis Joplin Wax Anton Ivanov Shutterstock
image credit: Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock

Janis Joplin passed away at 27 in 1970. She was a leading figure in the late 1960s rock and blues scene, with hits like “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Joplin’s cause of death was a heroin overdose.

Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison The Doors Mr TACT HILL Shutterstock
image credit: Mr TACT HILL/Shutterstock

Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors, died in 1971 at the age of 27. Morrison was known for his poetic lyrics, deep voice, and wild stage presence. His death in Paris was officially recorded as heart failure, though no autopsy was performed.

Kurt Cobain

Celebrity Singer Kurt Cobain Courtney Love Baby 1993 Kathy Hutchins Shutterstock
image credit: Kathy-Hutchins/Shutterstock

Kurt Cobain, the iconic frontman of Nirvana, died by suicide at the age of 27 in 1994. Cobain’s raw, emotional songwriting and the band’s groundbreaking album “Nevermind” defined the grunge movement of the early 1990s. His struggles with addiction and depression were well-documented.

Amy Winehouse

Celebrity Singer Amy Winehouse 2007 Featureflash Photo Agency Shutterstock
image credit: Featureflash-Photo-Agency/Shutterstock

Amy Winehouse, famous for her deep, expressive voice and hits like “Rehab” and “Back to Black,” died in 2011 at the age of 27. Winehouse’s music was deeply influenced by jazz, soul, and blues. Her death was attributed to alcohol poisoning after a long battle with addiction.

Brian Jones

Celebrity Singer Rolling Stones Band Mick Jagger young Stefano Chiacchiarini '74 Shutterstock
image credit: Stefano-Chiacchiarini’74/Shutterstock

Brian Jones, a founding member of The Rolling Stones, died at 27 in 1969. Jones was known for his multi-instrumental talent, contributing to the band’s unique sound. He was found drowned in his swimming pool, with the death ruled as “death by misadventure.”

Ron “Pigpen” McKernan

Record store fair market vinyl Jorge Elizaquibel Shutterstock
image credit: Jorge Elizaquibel/Shutterstock

Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, founding member of the Grateful Dead, died at the age of 27 in 1973 from gastrointestinal hemorrhage. McKernan’s bluesy organ playing and gravelly vocals were a distinctive part of the Dead’s early sound. His death marked a significant loss for the band.

Jesse Belvin

Woman Headphones Listening to Music Dancing Living Room House Evgeny Atamanenko Shutterstock
image credit: Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock

Jesse Belvin, an R&B singer and songwriter, died in a car accident at the age of 27 in 1960. Belvin co-wrote the classic “Earth Angel” and had hits with songs like “Goodnight My Love.” His promising career was tragically cut short just as he was gaining wider recognition.

Robert Johnson

Male Listening Music headphones phone city walk night Gorodenkoff Shutterstock
image credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Robert Johnson, a legendary blues guitarist, died at the age of 27 in 1938. His mysterious life and death contributed to the myth of him having sold his soul to the devil for musical talent. Johnson’s death was likely due to strychnine poisoning, though exact details remain unclear.

Richey Edwards

Woman Listening to Turntable Records Vinyl Music Alexander Grumeth Shutterstock
image credit: Alexander Grumeth/Shutterstock

Richey Edwards, guitarist and lyricist for the Manic Street Preachers, disappeared in 1995 at the age of 27. He was declared legally dead in 2008, with his body never found. Edwards was known for his intense, often dark lyrics and enigmatic personality.

Pete Ham

Vinyl Record Store Headphones Young Woman Teenager Zamrznuti tonovi Shutterstock
image credit: Zamrznuti tonovi/Shutterstock

Pete Ham, lead singer and guitarist for Badfinger, died by suicide at the age of 27 in 1975. Ham co-wrote the hit song “Without You,” which became a massive success for both Badfinger and later for Harry Nilsson. Financial and managerial issues plagued his later career.

Chris Bell

Woman mature senior music headphones listening fizkes Shutterstock
image credit: fizkes/Shutterstock

Chris Bell, co-founder of the influential power pop band Big Star, died in a car accident at the age of 27 in 1978. Bell’s work with Big Star, particularly on the album “#1 Record,” gained critical acclaim and influenced future generations of musicians.

Mia Zapata

Concert musician electric guitar Ground Picture Shutterstock
image credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Mia Zapata, lead singer of the punk band The Gits, was murdered at the age of 27 in 1993. Zapata’s raw, powerful voice and the band’s energetic performances left a lasting impact on the punk scene. Her murder remained unsolved for a decade before DNA evidence led to the conviction of her killer.

D. Boon

Woman Airplane Headphones working movie computer GaudiLab Shutterstock
image credit: GaudiLab/Shutterstock

D. Boon, guitarist and vocalist for the punk band Minutemen, died in a car accident at the age of 27 in 1985. The Minutemen were known for their eclectic style and politically charged lyrics. Boon’s untimely death marked the end of the band’s influential run.

Alan Wilson

Woman Listening Music Headphones Pink Hair sergey causelove shutterstock
image credit: sergey-causelove/shutterstock

Alan Wilson, lead singer and guitarist for Canned Heat, died of a drug overdose at the age of 27 in 1970. Known as “Blind Owl” due to his poor eyesight, Wilson was a key figure in the blues revival of the 1960s. His soulful voice and slide guitar work were integral to the band’s success.

Dave Alexander

Shag Rug Listening to Vinyl Records 1970s sirtravelalot Shutterstock
image credit: sirtravelalot/Shutterstock

Dave Alexander, the original bassist for The Stooges, died of pulmonary edema related to alcoholism at the age of 27 in 1975. Alexander’s bass lines helped define the raw, primal sound of The Stooges’ early albums. His departure from the band due to his drinking problems preceded his untimely death.

Rudy Lewis

Woman listening music headphones chair decor Look Studio Shutterstock
image credit: Look-Studio/Shutterstock

Rudy Lewis, lead singer of The Drifters, died of a suspected drug overdose at the age of 27 in 1964. Lewis’s smooth, soulful voice was featured on hits like “Up on the Roof” and “On Broadway.” His sudden death shocked the music world and his fans.

Alexander Bashlachev

Male middle seat Airplane music headphones phone Grusho Anna Shutterstock
image credit: Grusho-Anna/Shutterstock

Alexander Bashlachev, a Soviet rock musician and poet, died by suicide at the age of 27 in 1988. Bashlachev was known for his poignant, politically charged lyrics that resonated with the Soviet youth. His death marked the loss of a powerful voice in Russian rock music.

Linda Jones

Woman Young Runner Smartwatch Fitness Headphones Wearable Outdoor City Cast Of Thousands Shutterstock
image credit: Cast Of Thousands/Shutterstock

Linda Jones, an R&B and soul singer, died of diabetes complications at the age of 27 in 1972. Jones was known for her powerful voice and hits like “Hypnotized.” Her death left a significant void in the soul music community.

Arlester “Dyke” Christian

Leather Jacket Public Transportation Phone LightField Studios Shutterstock
image credit: LightField Studios/Shutterstock

Arlester “Dyke” Christian, leader of the funk band Dyke & the Blazers, was shot and killed at the age of 27 in 1971. The band is best known for their hit “Funky Broadway,” which was later covered by Wilson Pickett. Christian’s death was a tragic loss for the funk genre.

Gary Thain

Maine Coon cat with teenager on phone listening to music larisa Stefanjuk Shutterstock
image credit: larisa Stefanjuk/Shutterstock

Gary Thain, bassist for Uriah Heep, died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27 in 1975. Thain’s bass playing was a critical component of Uriah Heep’s sound during their peak years. His death highlighted the dangers of the rock and roll lifestyle during that era.

Total
12
Shares
117 comments
  1. Great weblog here! Also your site a lot up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink in your host? I want my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  2. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

  3. Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I to find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to offer one thing back and aid others such as you helped me.

  4. There are some interesting cut-off dates on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

  5. Amazing blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks a lot

  6. Nearly all of the things you articulate is astonishingly legitimate and it makes me ponder why I hadn’t looked at this in this light before. Your piece truly did switch the light on for me personally as far as this specific topic goes. However at this time there is 1 factor I am not too comfy with so whilst I try to reconcile that with the main theme of your issue, allow me see what all the rest of the subscribers have to say.Well done.

  7. The Pink Salt Trick is a minimalist but effective morning routine: Just drink a glass of lukewarm water mixed with a pinch of Himalayan pink salt as soon as you wake up.

  8. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100 certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

  9. Howdy very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?KI’m happy to seek out numerous helpful info right here in the submit, we want develop extra strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  10. Hello my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I would like to see extra posts like this.

  11. Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your website is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What a great site.

  12. My partner and I stumbled over here by a different web address and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking into your web page repeatedly.

  13. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100 certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

  14. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  15. Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  16. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i?¦m happy to exhibit that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most indubitably will make sure to don?¦t forget this website and give it a glance regularly.

  17. Greetings! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics? Thank you!

  18. Howdy very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to seek out numerous useful information here within the submit, we’d like work out more techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  19. I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for newbies. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  20. It’s really a nice and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  21. Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your website in internet explorer, might test this… IE still is the market chief and a large component to folks will miss your wonderful writing because of this problem.

  22. I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks , I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?

  23. Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all seem to get something done.

  24. Hi there, I discovered your site by way of Google at the same time as looking for a similar matter, your web site came up, it looks good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  25. Together with almost everything which appears to be building within this specific subject material, all your viewpoints tend to be somewhat exciting. Nonetheless, I beg your pardon, because I do not give credence to your whole strategy, all be it stimulating none the less. It appears to everyone that your commentary are generally not entirely justified and in simple fact you are generally yourself not even fully confident of the argument. In any case I did take pleasure in looking at it.

  26. I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  27. I really enjoy looking through on this web site, it has got fantastic articles. “Do what you fear, and the death of fear is certain.” by Anthony Robbins.

  28. Wow! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!

  29. Just wanna input on few general things, The website design is perfect, the articles is really excellent. “I delight in men over seventy. They always offer one the devotion of a lifetime.” by Oscar Fingall O’Flahertie Wills Wilde.

  30. Hi there very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds alsoKI’m satisfied to search out so many helpful info here within the put up, we need develop extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  31. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Great work!

  32. I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  33. Hey, you used to write excellent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!

  34. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  35. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your site. You have some really good articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested. Kudos!

  36. Hi there, simply became alert to your weblog via Google, and found that it is really informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll be grateful in case you proceed this in future. Numerous folks will likely be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  37. You could certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart. “We are near waking when we dream we are dreaming.” by Friedrich von Hardenberg Novalis.

  38. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  39. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  40. Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.” by James Stephens.

  41. Hello There. I found your weblog using msn. That is a really neatly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your helpful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.

  42. Nice post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed! Very useful information specially the final part 🙂 I handle such info much. I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  43. Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Thanks!

  44. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  45. I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?

  46. of course like your website however you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to tell the reality nevertheless I will definitely come back again.

  47. I was just seeking this information for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative sites in top of the list. Generally the top web sites are full of garbage.

  48. Excellent blog right here! Also your web site quite a bit up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink in your host? I desire my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  49. naturally like your website however you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to tell the truth on the other hand I will definitely come back again.

  50. Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, awesome blog!

  51. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  52. Thank you, I have recently been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon so far. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the supply?

  53. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one these days..

  54. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  55. Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.

  56. Dr Julie K is a Doctor of Psychology working as a Life Coach and Human Design Advisor online and in person in Miami FL. Dr Julie Kokesch holds a Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Dr Kokesch offers individual, couples and group psychological consulting and leads Human Design Workshops online and in person for various community organizations and corporations.

  57. Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have truly loved surfing around your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing for your rss feed and I’m hoping you write again soon!

  58. What i don’t realize is if truth be told how you are now not really a lot more well-favored than you might be right now. You are very intelligent. You recognize thus significantly in relation to this subject, made me in my opinion consider it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women are not involved except it¦s something to do with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. All the time care for it up!

  59. Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

  60. What i do not understood is in fact how you are not really much more well-favored than you might be now. You’re very intelligent. You already know thus considerably when it comes to this matter, produced me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men are not interested until it¦s one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always take care of it up!

  61. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  62. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  63. Nerve Calm is a scientifically designed nerve health supplement that targets the root causes of nerve discomfort, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutrient deficiencies.

  64. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Post
Alex Jones Vic Hinterlang Shutterstock

Sandy Hook Families Can Access Funds From Conspiracy Theorist’s Alex Jones’s Liquidated Assets

Next Post
Friends POC Women Happy Travel DavideAngelini Shutterstock

23 Ways Shy People Can Make New Adult Friends

Related Posts