The Death of Rock: The Alphabetical Archive

A and B

Musicians are listed individually. Search by the artist's last name. Artists commonly referred to by a stage or street name (such as "The Big Bopper," Freddie Mercury, and Jam Master Jay) are listed under those names. Musicians who performed under a single name (like Aaliyah, Nico, and Selena) will be found under those single names. There are a few instances where two or more members of the same band perished in a single incident; you will find those artists listed under the group's name. (Examples are Banda Fugaz, The Bar-Kays, Chase, Passion Fruit, and The Reba McEntire Band.) One notable exception to this rule is Lynyrd Skynyrd. Members of Skynyrd are listed individually; although three perished in the 1977 plane crash, others have since died in unrelated incidents. (The three who died in the crash are grouped as "Lynyrd Skynyrd" on the Causes of Death and Chronology pages.)

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Key

A

Aaliyah; the plane wreckage.

Aaliyah

(Aaliyah Dana Haughton), plane crash in the Bahamas in 2001. Aaliyah was a rising R&B star and actress (Romeo is Bleeding, Queen of the Damned); she was 22. Aaliyah and her entourage boarded a twin engine Cessna 402B (N8097W) for a flight to the US following a video shoot ("Rock the Boat") in the Bahamas. Aaliyah's entourage insisted that their equipment accompany them rather than leave it behind. The National Transportation and Safety Board report states that, "the total weight of the luggage, fuel on board at the time of the accident, plus the weight of the passengers showed that the total gross weight of the airplane was substantially exceeded...the center of gravity was significantly outside the flight envelope past the aft center of gravity." "(Dust Yourself Off and) Try Again," "Back and Forth," "Rock the Boat"

Johnny Ace

Johnny Ace

(John Marshall Alexander), accidentally shot himself. He was 25. Ace was an extremely popular rhythm and blues singer. While taking a break during a Christmas show in 1954, he decided to impress his girlfriend, Olivia, and blues singer, "Big Mama" Thornton. With Olivia on his lap, he put a gun to his head, certain he would not get the one bullet loaded in the chamber. He did. Ace's funeral in Memphis was attended by 5,000 mourners. His single, "Pledging My Love", was a posthumous R&B number 1 hit for ten weeks beginning February 12, 1955. Johnny Ace became the first artist to reach the Billboard pop charts only after death. Five songs in tribute to the singer were released in 1955 alone: Varetta Dillard's "Johnny Has Gone", Frankie Ervin's "Johnny Ace's Last Letter", "Salute To Johnny Ace" by The Rovers, "Why, Johnny, Why?" by Linda Hayes, and "Johnny's Still Singing" by The Five Wings. Ace's other songs include "My Song" "Cross My Heart", "Please Forgive Me", "The Clock", "Yes, Baby", and "Never Let Me Go".

Chris Acland

suicide. Acland was the drummer for Lush. He committed suicide at his parents' home in 1996. He was 30. "Ladykillers," "De-Luxe," "Desire Lines"

Stuart Adamson

suicide by hanging. Adamson was the guitarist for late-'70s Scottish punk band, The Skids, and lead singer for '80s group, Big Country, which was the first band to play a privately-promoted concert in Moscow. Adamson sang on the 1985 "Band Aid" Christmas hit, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" He was plagued by alcoholism and was found hanging in a Honolulu hotel room in 2001. He was 43. The Skids: "Into the Valley," "Charade," "The Saints Are Coming" Big Country: "Look Away," "Wonderland," "In A Big Country," "Fields of Fire (400 Miles)"

Arthur Alexander

heart attack in 1993; he was 53. Alexander was an influential soul singer whose songs have been covered by artists as diverse as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ry Cooder, and Huey Lewis and the News. "Anna (Go to Him)," "You Better Move On," "A Shot of Rhythm and Blues," "Soldier of Love," "Every Day I Have to Cry Some"

*Dave Michael Alexander

pulmonary edema; 1975. He was 27. "Zander" was the original bassist for The Stooges (featuring punk icon, Iggy Pop). Zander died of pulmonary edema in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after being admitted to a hospital for pancreatitis, probably caused by his excessive drinking. (Stooges guitarist, Ron Asheton, died of a heart attack in 2009. Original drummer, Scott Asheton, died of an undisclosed illness in 2014 at age 64.) The Stooges were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. "I Wanna Be Your Dog," "Fun House," "Dirt"

G.G. Allin

(rumored to be Jesus Christ Allin, later changed to Kevin Allin, then G.G.), heroin overose; 1993. Controversial shock rocker who often mutilated himself and defecated on stage. Allin was 36.

The Allman Brothers Band circa 1970. Top: Duane Allman (d. 1971), Gregg Allman (d. 2017). Bottom: Butch Trucks (d. 2017), Dickey Betts (d. 2024), Berry Oakley (d. 1972), Jai Johanny Johanson ("Jaimoe").

*Duane Allman

(Howard Duane Allman), motorcycle accident; 1971. He was 24. Fellow band mate, Berry Oakley, would die under similar circumstances a year later, only a few blocks away. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named Allman one of the greatest guitarists of all time (ranking #2). Allman was the guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. "Ramblin' Man," "Midnight Rider," "Melissa"

Chrissy Amphlett

breast cancer (2013); she was 58. Amphlett was the lead singer of Australian group, The Divinyls. Although popular in Australia, their only major US hit was 1991's "I Touch Myself," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Amphlett disclosed in 2010 that she had been diagnosed with cancer, but since she was also suffering from multiple sclerosis, she would be unable to undergo any radiation treatment. "Pleasure and Pain," "Make Out Alright," "Boys in Town"

Carl Anderson

leukemia, 2004. He was four days shy of his 59th birthday. Anderson was a jazz musician and actor, nominated for a Golden Globe for his perfomrance as Judas Iscariot in Broadway's Jesus Christ, Superstar. His self-titled album produced a #2 pop hit, "Friends and Lovers," a duet with Gloria Loring. "How Deep Does It Go," "Pieces Of A Heart," "Hot Coffee"

The Andrews Sisters: Patty, Maxene and LaVerne.

LaVerne Andrews

cancer; 1967. She was 55. LaVerne was a member of the singing trio, The Andrews Sisters. The Andrews Sisters were among the first artists to be inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. The ladies also accompanied such distinguished musicians as Bing Crosby, Glenn Miller (see 1944), Guy Lombardo, and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey (see 1957 and 1956, respectively). The ladies also appeared in 17 films. Their hits include "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon (Means That You're Grand)," "Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out the Barrel)," and "Rum and Coca-Cola".

Jack Anglin

car accident in 1963. He was 5 days shy of his 47th birthday. Anglin was a member of country music's Anglin Brothers, who are members of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He later teamed up with his brother-in-law, forming Johnnie and Jack. Anglin was killed in a car crash while heading to the funeral of singer Patsy Cline (also 1963). Singer Jim Reeves (see 1964) was a pallbearer at Anglin's funeral. With the Anglin Brothers: "They Are All Going Home But One" With Johnnie and Jack: "Poison Love," "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, "Stop the World and Let Me Off"

Melanie Appleby

pnuemonia after treatment for metastatic paraganglioma (a rare nueroendocrine tumor) in 1990. She was 23. Appleby was half of the English duo, Mel and Kim, who scored a UK #1 with "Respectable".

Ari Up

(Ariane Daniela Forster), breast cancer. Ari Up was a founder and lead singer of the punk band, The Slits. She died in 2010 at the age of 48. Her step-father was The Sex Pistols' John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) and she supposedly was taught guitar by Joe Strummer of The Clash.

*Ron Asheton

heart attack in 2009; he was 60. Asheton was guitarist for The Stooges, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. He was ranked number 29 on Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. (Original Stooges bassist, Dave Alexander ("Zander") died of of pulmonary edema in 1975, likely caused by excessive drinking. Original drummer, Scott Asheton, died of an undisclosed illness in 2014 at age 64.) "I Wanna Be Your Dog," "Fun House," "Dirt"

Matthew Ashman

diabetes; 1995. He was 35. Guitarist for ‘80s new wave group, Bow Wow Wow. "I Want Candy"

Paul Atkinson

liver and kidney disease, 2004. Atkinson was a founding member of The Zombies, a '60s British Invasion band. He later became a music executive, signing (among others) ABBA, Bruce Hornsby, Judas Priest, and Patty Smyth. Atkinson was 58 at the time of his death. "She's Not There," "Time of the Season," "Tell Her No"

B

Chet Baker

Chet Baker

(Chesney Henry Baker Jr.), fell from a second-story window. Baker was a respected and popular jazz trumpeter and singer. In 1988, he was found dead on the street below his second-story hotel window in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with serious head wounds. An autopsy found heroin and cocaine in his system. He was 58. In 2005, the state of Oklahoma (where Baker was born) named July 2, "Chet Baker Day" and he was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991. "Tenderly," "There Will Never Be Another You," "All The Things You Are," "But Not For Me"

The Supremes: Mary Wilson (d. 2021), Florence Ballard (d. 1976), and Diana Ross.

*Florence Ballard

cardiac arrest in 1976; she was 32. Ballard was one of the original Supremes, leaving the group in 1967. The proto-type for girl groups, the Supremes set a record for the most consecutive #1 hits (5) by an American group in 1965 (at the height of the "British Invasion"). The Supremes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. (Fellow Supreme, Mary Wilson, died from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in 2021. She was 76.) "Where Did Our Love Go," "Come See About Me," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "You Can’t Hurry Love," "I Hear a Symphony"

Paul Baloff

stroke in 2002. Baloff was a lead vocalist for thrash-metal band, Exodus. He appeared on the album, Bonded by Blood. Baloff was 41 at the time of his death.

Banda Fugaz

shot in 2007. All four members of Mexican techno group, Banda Fugaz, were killed when gunmen opened fire with AK-47s as the band was returning from a performance. Those killed were Carlos Alberto Hurtado Lule, age 26; Noa Camargo Mendoza, 21, Cristabal Juarez Serrano, 31; Daniel Gonzalez Pimentel, 30. The band's manager, Carlos Hurtado Gonzalez, age 57, suffered multiple gunshot wounds. No motives have been identified in the killings, and no arrests have been made. The murders are part of a recent string of killings of Mexican musicians.

The Bar-Kays with Otis Redding (seated at right).

The Bar-Kays

The original Bar-Kays were James Alexander (bass), Ronnie Caldwell (organ), Ben Cauley (trumpet), Phalon Jones (saxophone), Carl Cunningham (drums), and Jimmy King (guitar). Chosen by Otis Redding as his backing band, the group (minus James Alexander) was en route to a show with Redding when the plane crashed into Lake Monona, Wisconsin, in 1967. Ben Cauley was the only survivor. Caldwell, Jones, and Cunningham were 19 years old; King was 18. (Visit Otis Redding's Tribute for photos and detailed information about the plane crash.) "Soul Finger"

Carlton "Carly" Barrett

shot in 1987; he was 36. Barrett was a member of Bob Marley and the Wailers. As he arrived home and walked across his yard, a gunman approached behind him and shot him twice in the head. His wife, Albertine, her lover, Glenroy Carter, and another man, Junior Neil, were arrested and charged with his killing. Albertine and Carter were convicted and sentenced to seven years for conspiracy. After one year in prison, they were released on a legal technicality. Barrett was one of three Wailers to be murderded. (Peter Tosh and Junior Braithwaite were also gunned down; Tosh in 1987 and Braithwaite in 1999.) "My Cup (Runneth Over)," "Duppy Conqueror," "Soul Rebel," "Small Axe"

*Syd Barrett

(Roger Keith Barrett), complications from diabetes (2006). He was 60. Barrett was a founding member of Pink Floyd, who wrote most of Floyd's first two albums, before succumbing to drug addiction and mental collapse. (He was replaced by David Gilmour and became rock's most famous recluse.) Many of the band's later hits, such as "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "Wish You Were Here" were tributes to Barrett. Pink Floyd (including Barrett) were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. With Floyd: "Arnold Layne," "Bike," "See Emily Play." Solo albums: The Madcap Laughs and Barrett

Charles Baskerville

member of Shep & the Limelites; he was 58. The cause of death (1995) is unknown. The doo-wop trio had a hit with "Daddy's Home" (1961). Lead singer, James "Shep" Sheppard, was found dead in his car in 1970, apparently the victim of a robbery. He was 34. "A Thousand Miles Away," "Everybody's Somebody's Fool"

Stiv Bators

(Stivin Bator), struck by a car and later died of his injuries in 1990. Bators was a staple of the late '70s - early '80s punk scene and leader of The Dead Boys. He was hit by a car on the way to see his girlfriend, and underestimating the extent of his injuries, refused medical attention. He died later that night in his sleep. Bators was 40. "Sonic Reducer," "Ain't It Fun"

Lisa Fay Beatty

motorcycle accident in 2011. She was 47. Beatty was the final guitarist for all-female Seattle punk group, 7 Year Bitch. A previous guitarist, Stefanie Sargent, died in 1992 from a heroin overdose at the age of 24. Read about their involvement with the Shadows of Seattle. "Tired of Nothing," "You Smell Lonely," "Dead Men Don't Rape"

Bix Beiderbecke

(Leon Beiderbecke), alcoholic seizure in 1931. The official cause of death was pneumonia and edema of the brain. He was 28. Beiderbecke was a popular coronetist with a distinct New York sound, standing apart from the New Orleans jazz that dominated the era.

Chris Bell

automobile crash in 1978; it is speculated that Bell may have been high when he drove straight into a telephone pole. Singer and guitarist for Big Star, which he co-founded with Alex Chilton (heart attack, 2010) and Andy Hummel (cancer, 2010). He was 27. "Thirteen," "September Gurls," "I Am the Cosmos" (as a solo artist)

Jesse Belvin

Jesse Belvin

car accident - suspected murder - in 1960. He was 27. Belvin was a soulful crooner, marketed as "the black Elvis" to a still-segregated South. While leaving his first integrated concert, in Little Rock, Belvin's car was involved in a head-on collision. One of the first state troopers on the scene stated that both of the rear tires on the black cadillac had been "obviously tampered with." Belvin and his driver died at the scene (Hope, AR); his wife Jo Ann (age 23) succumbed to her injuries after being denied treatment at Hope Hospital until payment could be secured. Belvin was co-author of The Penguins' hit, "Earth Angel," and his recording of "Goodnight My Love" was the closing theme for Alan Freed's rock & roll radio show for several years. Visit Jesse Belvin's Tribute, which expands on his his career and offers other suspicious details surrounding his death.

Jay Bennett

died in his sleep in 2009 from an accidental Fentanyl overdose. He was 45. Bennet founded Titanic Love Affair and, from 1994 to 2001, was a member of Wilco. After leaving Wilco, he release five more albums. Albums with Wilco: Being There, Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Solo releases include: Bigger Than Blue, The Beloved Enemy.

Chester Bennington

Chester Bennington

suicide in 2017, age 41. Bennington was the lead singer for rock outfit, Linkin Park. Their mash-up "Numb/Encore" which paired their song "Numb" with rapper Jay Z's song "Encore" scored them a Grammy Award in 2006. "In the End," "Crawling," "What I've Done," "New Divide"

Brook Benton

(Benjamin Franklin Peay), spinal meningitis. Benton died in 1988 at the age of 56. He scored a hit in 1970 with "A Rainy Night In Georgia."

J. P. Richardson - "The Big Bopper"

"The Big Bopper"

(Jiles Perry "J.P." Richardson, Jr.), plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens in 1959. (Visit the Archive's Tribute to Rock's Royal Trinity.) Richardson was a radio disc jockey and novelty rocker. He took the seat on the plane that was intended for Holly's bassist, Waylon Jennings. (Read about the connection to the Curse of Buddy Holly.) Elvis Presley (see 1977) sent flowers to Richardson's funeral. Richardson was 28. He was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and he was also inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. "Chantilly Lace," "Little Red Riding Hood," "That's What I'm Talking About," "White Lightnin'," "Purple People Eater Meets the Witch Doctor," wrote and sang back-up on Johnny Preston's "Running Bear"

The Honkettes: Cassie Gaines, Leslie Hawkins, and Jo Jo Billingsley.

Jo Jo Billingsley

(Deborah Jo White), cancer (2010); she was 58. Billigsley was one of The Honkettes, the trio of back-up singers for Southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Billingsley had a dream prior to the 1977 plane crash in which she foresaw the tragedy. She was the only band member not on the fatal flight. Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. For the entire story of the legendary plane crash, visit the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute. "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Simple Man"

Black

(Colin Vearncombe), car accident in 2016. He was 53. Vearncombe, stage name "Black", was in a car accident near Cork Airport (Ireland) and placed in a medically-induced coma after suffering severe head injuries. He never regained consciousness. Black was an English singer-songwriter who enjoyed pop success in the 1980s, most notably with his 1986 single, "Wonderful Life".

Bill Black

brain tumor. He was 39 (1965). Black backed Elvis Presley (see 1977) before forming Bill Black's Combo and placing eight hits in the US Top 40. "White Silver Sands," "Josephine," "Smokie - Part 2"

Lorne Black

(Lorne Stuart Doyle), original bassist for '80s hair band, Great White. It is rumored that his death in 2013 was from congestive heart failure. Black was 49. He appeared on the group's album Once Bitten. . . which included the hits "Rock Me" and "Save Your Love." (Black left the band in 1987. In 2003, the group made national headlines when pyrotechnics at one of their club shows started a fire which killed over 100 people, including guitarist Ty Longley.) Post-Black, Great White had their biggest hit with "Once Bitten, Twice Shy."

Dave Blood

(David Schulthise), suicide in 2004. He was 47. Bassist for the Dead Milkmen, popular on the '80s college circuit. The band broke up in 1995, when Blood developed tendinitis in both hands, forcing him to stop playing music. "Bitchin' Camaro," "Punk Rock Girl"

Bobby Bloom

gunshot wound in 1974. He was 28. Although a few different sequence of events exist, the widely accepted version is that Bloom accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun. "Montego Bay," "Heavy Makes You Happy"

Mike Bloomfield

drug overdose in 1981. He was 38. Bloomfield was the lead guitarist for The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (Paul Butterfield, see 1987) and founder of The Electric Flag. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the greatest guitarists of all time (ranking #22). The Paul Butterfield Blues Band recorded the album "A Long Time Comin'" and the soundtrack to the 1967 psychedelic film, "The Trip."

Buddy Blue

(Bernard Seigal), heart attack in 2006 at the age of 48. Blue was a rock journalist and founder of country-rock band, the Beat Farmers. "Happy Boy"

One version of T.Rex: Bill Legend, Mickey Finn (d. 2003), singer Marc Bolan (d. 1977), and Steve Currie (d. 1981).

*Marc Bolan

(Marc Feld), car accident in 1977. Lead singer of T-Rex, he was 29. Bolan and his girlfriend, Gloria Jones, were out clubbing when she crashed their car into a fence post and then a tree. (Ironically, Bolan did not drive, fearing death in a car accident.) Jones was seriously injured; Bolan died at the scene. Four other members of T-Rex, Steve Peregrin Took (see 1980), Steve Currie (see 1981), Mickey Finn (see 2003), and "Dino" Dines (see 2004) would also die prematurely. T-Rex was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Read about Bolan's connection to the Curse of Buddy Holly. "Bang a Gong (Get it On)," "Hot Love," "Telegram Sam," "Metal Guru"

Tommy Bolin

overdose of heroin, alcohol, cocaine and barbiturates in 1976. He was 25. Supposedly, a few hours before his death, Bolin told a reporter, "Don't worry about me. I'm going to be around for a long time." Bolin played guitar for The James Gang (1973-74) and he replaced Ritchie Blackmore as guitarist for Deep Purple (1975-76). Deep Purple, minus Bolin, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple (pre-Bolin): "Smoke On the Water"

Ronnie Bond

(Ronald Bullis), lengthy illness in 1992. He was 50. Bond was a member of The Troggs, who scored a number two hit with 1966's "Wild Thing." Other hits include "A Girl Like You" and "I Can't Control Myself."

"Bonzo"

*John Bonham

aspiration of vomit (1980). Bonham was the drummer for the legendary Led Zeppelin; he was 32. He had ingested a massive amount of alcohol on the day he died - about 40 shots (1–1.4 liters) of 40% ABV vodka. (Meaning, 40% alcohol by volume, or 80% proof.) That night Bonham vomited in his sleep, and unable to wake himself, he choked. Led Zeppelin were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. "Whole Lotta Love," "Stairway to Heaven," "When the Levee Breaks," All My Love," "D'yer Ma'ker", "Immigrant Song", "Kashmir", "Ramble On"

D. Boon

(Dennes Dale Boon), van accident in 1985. Boon was the guitarist for the Minutemen. On a trip to Arizona, Boon's girlfriend fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed their van. Boon was ejected form the vehicle and broke his neck, killing him instantly. He was 27. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the greatest guitarists of all time (ranking #89). Album: Double Nickels on the Dime

David Box

(Harold David Box), plane crash in 1964; he was 21. Box was one of several lead singers employed by The Crickets, Buddy Holly's backing band, after Holly's death. Box also worked with Roy Orbison, and had a regional hit with "Little Lonely Summer Girl" by his group, the Ravens. On 23 October 1964, Box was a passenger in a small Cessna 172 Skyhawk when the plance crashed, according to authorities, because of pilot error. (Buddy Holly died in a plane crash, and at the same age (see 1959).) Read about the connection to the Curse of Buddy Holly. David Box was inducted into the West Texas Music Hall of Fame. "Peggy Sue Got Married"

Tommy Boyce

suicide. He was 55. Boyce suffered from depression, and in 1994 he shot himself in his home. He reportedly left two suicide notes indicating his desire to "go and be with" his dead mother, Elvis Presley (see 1977), and Del Shannon (see 1990). (He had been friends with both.) Boyce teamed with Bobby Hart on the '60s hits "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight" and "I'll Blow You a Kiss in the Wind."

Junior Braithwaite

(Franklin Delano Alexander Braithwaite), shot in 1999. He was 50. Braithwaite was one of the founders and the first lead singer of The Wailers (which also featured Bob Marley, see 1981). Braithwaite was one of three Wailers to be murderded. (Carlton Barrett and Peter Tosh were both shot in 1987.) "Simmer Down," "Stir It Up," "Get Up, Stand Up"

Laura Branigan

Laura Branigan

aneurysm, 2004. She was 47. Songstress of the '80s, scoring four Grammy nominations. "Gloria," "Self-Control," "Solitaire," "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?"

Erik Brann

(born Rick Davis), heart attack in 2003. He was 52. Brann was guitarist for the psychedelic rock group Iron Butterfly at the age of 17. The band achieved immortality with their 17 minute metal epic, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" (1968). Brann survived fellow bandmates, bassist Philip Taylor Kramer (see 1995) and original singer Darryl DeLoach (see 2002). "Are You Happy," "Most Anything That You Want"

Audrey Brickley

acute respiratory distress syndrome in 2005. She was 58. Brickley was a member of girl group, The Orlons, who were popular in the 1960s. Shirley Brickley, Audrey's sister and fellow Orlon, was shot to death in 1977 when an intruder invaded her home. She was 35. Marlena Davis died of lung cancer in 1993 (age 48). "The Wah Watusi," "Don't Hang Up," "South Street"

Shirley Brickley

shot to death; 1977. Brickley was a member of girl group, The Orlons, who were popular in the 1960s. Brickley was shot and killed by an intruder in her home; she was 35. Audrey Brickley, Shirley's sister and fellow Orlon, died of acute respiratory distress syndrome in 2005 (age 58). Marlena Davis died of lung cancer in 1993 (age 48). "The Wah Watusi," "Don't Hang Up," "South Street"

Dave Brockie

heroin overdose in 2014; age 50. Brockie was the lead singer of Gwar, "earth's only openly extraterrestrial rock band." His body was found at his home in Richmond, Virginia by a band mate. Brockie performed in costume as Gwar's frontman under the persona of "Oderus Urungus." The group was nominated for two Grammy Awards. "Sammy," "If I Could Be That," "Mary Anne"

Herman Brood

suicide. Brood was a well known artist and musician on the Dutch rock scene for 30 years. As the leader of Wild Romance, he enjoyed massive success with the 1978 hit, "Saturday Night." Brood often spoke about the difficulty of stopping his famous drug habit and had been complaining of poor health and depression. He had told a close friend he didn't want to "fade away." (See Kurt Cobain's suicide note, 1994.) He jumped to his death from the roof of an Amsterdam hotel in 2001. He was 55.

Danny Joe Brown

complications from diabetes, including renal failure and pneumonia (2005). He was 53. Brown sang lead for the Southern rock band, Molly Hatchet, which was named after a prostitute who supposedly beheaded her clients. Hatchet's 1978 eponymous album went platinum. "Flirtin' With Disaster," "Bounty Hunter," "Whisky Man"

*David Brown

liver and kidney failure; 2000. He was 53. Brown was the original bassist for Santana, playing with the band from 1966 until 1971. He rejoined the band in 1973, remaining until 1976. Santana were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Brown played on classics like "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen," "Oye Como Va," "Samba Pa Ti," and "Evil Ways"

Jeremy Brown

multiple drug intoxication in 2015; he was 34. Brown, the guitarist for Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, died the day before the release of the band's debut album, Blaster. Weiland would also be dead by the end of the year.

Dave Brubeck; photo I took at Brubeck's grave.

David Brubeck

heart failure in 2012, a day before his 92nd birthday. Brubeck was a jazz legend, a pianist and composer. Among his numerous awards are the National Medal of Arts, from the National Endowment for the Arts (1994), induction into the DownBeat Hall of Fame (1994), a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1996), a BBC Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award (2007) and Kennedy Center Honors (2009). Albums include Jazz: Red Hot and Cool, Take Five Live, and Bossa Nova U.S.A. (Although Brubeck passed at an age too advanced to normally be considered for The Archive, I included him because I was able to obtain my own photo of his burial site.)

*Elbridge "Al" Bryant

cirrhosis of the liver (1975). He was 36. Bryant was a founding member of The Temptations. Because of his unreliablilty and volatile behvior (due to alcohol) and/or his frustration with the band's lack of success, Bryant's behavior became intolerable. In 1963, Bryant and fellow Temptation, Paul Williams (suicide; see 1973), had an argument that culminated with Bryant smashing a beer bottle across Williams's face; Williams had to be hospitalized. Bryant was replaced by David Ruffin (cocaine overdose; see 1991). Two other former Temps are recognized in The Archive: Eddie Kendricks, who succumbed to lung cancer in 1992, and Melvin Franklin, who died after a seizure in 1995. The Temptations were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, and both the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1999. "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"

Bob Bryar

(Robert Cory Bryar), found dead in his home of undisclosed causes in 2024; he was 44. Bryar was the drummer for My Chemical Romance from 2004 - 2010. "Welcome to the Black Parade," "Helena," "Under Pressure"

Roy Buchanan

suicide (murdered?) at age 48. Buchanan was a pioneer in blues guitar who influenced other musicians such as Jeff Beck and Robbie Robertson of The Band. Buchanan struggled with alcohol abuse; in 1988 he was arrested for public intoxication and was found hanged with his shirt in his cell. It is speculated that Buchanan was actually murdered; he had bruises on his head and a shattered larynx. His son stated that Buchanan hated the police and most likely fought with them. When his family asked to see the police tapes, they were informed that they had been lost. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named Buchanan one of the greatest guitarists of all time (ranking #57). Buchanan's albums include: Roy Buchanan, That's What I Am Here For, Street Called Straight, and When a Guitar Plays the Blues.

Rob Buck

liver failure (2000); he was 42. Buck was a guitarist for 10,000 Maniacs (which featured lead singer, Natalie Merchant). "My Mother the War," "Hey Jack Kerouac," MTV Unplugged cover of Patty Smith's "Because the Night"

Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley

drowned at age 30 in the Mississippi River (1997). Once named one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" (#12). Son of musician Tim Buckley (see 1975). For additional information about Buckley and the recognition his album, Grace has received, visit The Archive's Tribute to Jeff Buckley. "So Real," "Last Goodbye," "Hallelujah"

Tim Buckley

(Timothy Charles Buckley III), heroin and morphine overdose in 1975. He was 28. Musician and father of Jeff Buckley (see 1997). "Song to the Siren"

Cornelius Bumpus

heart attack on a flight from New York City to California in 2004; age 58. Saxophonist, formerly of the Doobie Brothers; member of Steely Dan since 1993. Steely Dan (Walter Becker and Donald Fagen) were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. Fellow Doobies Bobby LaKind (congas, see 1992) and Keith Knudsen (drummer, see 2005) are also members of the Archive. Doobies: "Takin it to the Streets," "Black Water," "China Grove"

Dorsey Burnette

heart attack in 1979. He was 46. Dorsey and his brother, Johnny (see 1964), enjoyed success as '60s teen idols. Burnette was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. "There Was A Tall Oak Tree," "Hey Little One"

Johnny Burnette

boating accident. Johnny, along with his brother, Dorsey (see 1979), enjoyed success as a teen-idol crooner during the early 1960s. In 1964, he was boating after dark when a cabin cruiser rammed his unlit fishing boat. The impact threw him from the boat and he drowned. He was 30. (Johnny's son, Rocky, would have a hit in 1980 with "Tired Of Toein' The Line.") Burnette was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. "Dreamin'," "You're Sixteen," "Little Boy Sad," "God, Country and My Baby"

Pete Burns

cardiac arrest in 2016, age 57. Burns was the lead singer of Dead or Alive, popular for their 1985 dance hit, "You Spin Me Round." The artist also appeared on television's Celebrity Big Brother in 2006.

Clive Burr

multiple sclerosis; 2013. Burr was the original drummer for metal band, Iron Maiden. He joined the group in 1979 and appeared on the band's first three albums. He was 56. Iron Maiden, Killers, The Number of the Beast

Cliff Burton

*Cliff Burton

tour bus accident in Sweden (1986); he was 25. Burton was the bassist for Metallica. He "won" his particular bunk for that night. When their tourbus skidded off the road Burton was thrown out the window. The bus then flipped over and landed on him. Burton was inducted with Metallica into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. "One," "Fade to Black," "Enter Sandman"

Floyd Butler

heart attack in 1990. He was 52. Butler was a singer with Friends of Distinction, who had a hit with their 1969 version of “Grazing in the Grass”.

^Paul Butterfield

heroin overdose (1987). He was 44. Butterfield lead The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006.

*Glenn Buxton

pneumonia; 1997. He was 49. Buxton was guitarist for Alice Cooper. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the greatest guitarists of all time (ranking #90). Buxton, as part of the Alice Cooper Band, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. "Welcome to My Nightmare," "School's Out," "No More Mr. Nice Guy"

David Byron

excessive alcohol consumption. Byron was the lead singer of 70's rock band Uriah Heep, until he was dismissed from the band because of his drinking problem. He was found dead in his home in 1985; he had suffered a heart attack brought on by severe alcoholism. Byron was 38. (Heep bassist, Gary Thain, died from a heroin overdose in 1975.) "Easy Livin'," "Sweet Lorraine," "Stealin'"