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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
