walif chbeir: musicians who died too young
TRANSCRIPT
WCARTISTS WHO DIEDBEFORE THEIR TIME
By Walif Chbeir
Photos via Flickr, from Mina Pina, MisJordan, Rosanno AKA Bud Care and Scott Penner
OUR IDOLSWhile browsing through our music libraries or strolling through
an art gallery, we sometimes are inclined to learn more about
the artists at hand. Often, you’ll hear stories about certain
painters or musicians who only became famous
posthumously–those who enjoyed more success after their
passing than they did before it. Names like Van Gogh and
Selena come to mind in this case.
MUSICIANS WHO DIED TOO YOUNG
01
MUSICIANS WHO DIED TOO YOUNG
Leaving a Legacy
02
Unfortunately, for many artists in these cases, they were taken
from Earth far too soon, only just as they were beginning to hit
their stride. Death, in absolutely any capacity, is a tragedy.
When unrealized potential is added on top of death, it becomes
a nation-wide tragedy for the arts.
Here are four musicians who passed away before their time,
leaving potential albums of future hits on the table.
BUDDY HOLLY
03
Buddy Holly was an enormous figure and influence on1950’s rock and roll.
Recognized for his voice, his guitar skills, his formaldress wear and, of course, hit thick glasses, Buddy
Holly was a huge hit in America and abroad, amassingnumber one hits in the US and the UK.
Unfortunately, at the age of just 22, the lives of Holly,Richie Valens and the Big Bopper were taken in a
plane crash, commonly called The Day the Music Died.
However, echoing the title of one of his biggest hits,Buddy Holly’s legacy and his music will certainly “Not
Fade Away.”
MUSICIANS WHO DIED TOO YOUNG
Defining Tracks: Everyday, Not Fade Away
ELVIS PRESLEY
04
When Elvis Presley died in 1973, his health had alreadybeen in decline for some time, due in part to a severe
dependence on drugs.
Despite his canceled and abbreviated tours towardsthe end of his life, Presley will still be remembered as agenre-defining and charismatic performer whose voice
inspired and excited a generation.
MUSICIANS WHO DIED TOO YOUNG
Defining Tracks: Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock
JIMI HENDRIX
05
Largely considered to be one of if not the bestguitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix is the defining artistof psychedelic rock. In the late 1960’s, Hendrix rose
meteorically to become the world’s highest paid rockguitarist and one of the biggest draws at Woodstock.
Another artist plagued by drug and alcohol problems,Hendrix died at 27 after aspirating on vomit, havingtaken far too many sleeping pills and laying down.
MUSICIANS WHO DIED TOO YOUNG
Defining Tracks: All Along the Watchtower, Purple Haze
PRINCE
06
Despite living to an almost-close-to-normal 57 years ofage, few would argue that Prince’s death was anythingshort of tragic and premature. When Prince overdosed
on fentanyl in April of 2016, the entire world took amoment to soak in just how large a musical icon they
had lost.
Prince was a magician not only on the guitar–whichwas his greatest instrument–but also the drums, bass,synthesizer and a large number of other instruments
that he utilized during his illustrious career.
MUSICIANS WHO DIED TOO YOUNG
Defining Tacks: Purple Rain, Raspberry Beret
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Musicians Who Died Too Soon
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