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2016 was a year in which there were an unprecedented number of high profile deaths in the music industry. In 2017 there were not as many, however, there are some who will be remembered for their contribution for many years to come. |
Chuck Berry
One of the most iconic names in the Rock and Roll industry passed away during the year. The goose-stepping guitarist from St. Louis was actually convicted of armed robbery as a young man but he turned his attentions to Rock and Roll and had scores of hits in the 50s and 60s. He lived to the age of 90.
Tom Petty
One of the all-time great rock musicians. With his band The Heartbreakers he sold tens of millions of albums in a career spanning 30 years and won countless Grammy and other awards. He was also a founding member of The Travelling Wilburys and he toured until a month before his sudden death at the age of 66.
Glen Campbell
Was one of the first major artists to cross over from Country Music to mainstream pop. He had a string of hit singles in the 60s and 70s, notably Rhinestone Cowboy and Wichita Lineman. He won several Grammy Awards in a glittering career. He died at his home in Nashville at the age of 81.
Fats Domino
Between 1955 and 1960 he had eleven top 10 records including the iconic Blueberry Hill and he sold over 70 million records in his career. He passed away at his home in Louisiana aged 89.
David Cassidy
He was a massive heartthrob in the 1970s for his role in The Partridge Family and had a string of hit singles. He suffered with many health problems in recent years and passed away in November aged 67.
Malcom Young
Was one of original members of AC/DC and was there until his retirement due to ill health in 2014. Brother of band member Angus, he passed away in Sydney aged 64.
Greg Allman
One half of the legendary Allman brothers. His brother Duane was killed in a motor accident but the band clocked up several major hits over a twenty year period and his final album Southern Blood was released two months after his death at the age of 69.
Robert Miles
Was just 47 when he died after a long battle with cancer. The producer and writer was responsible for the biggest dance record of the 90’s: ‘Children’.
Don Williams
Arguably the biggest country music star of his generation. He had no less than 17 number one hits over his career. His music has been covered by almost every country music performer in the USA and here in Ireland over the years and he continued to tour until 2016. He passed away in September at his home in Alabama following a chest infection.
