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

WCTHANKS FORVIEWING

FOR MORE: WALIFCHBEIR.ORG

Musicians Who Died Too Soon

WalifChbeir.org