Jesse Colin Young (1941–2025), Youngbloods frontman

Jesse Colin Young was the founder and frontman of the band the Youngbloods, best known for their enduring classic about peace, “Get Together,” originally written by Chet Powers.0

Cocoa Tea (1959–2025), reggae icon

Cocoa Tea was an iconic reggae singer-songwriter best known for his smooth voice and his acclaimed record and single, “Riker’s Island.” 

D'Wayne Wiggins (1961–2025), co-founder of Tony! Toni! Toné!

D'Wayne Wiggins was a singer and producer best known as the co-founder of R&B hitmakers Tony! Toni! Toné!, who repeatedly hit the charts in the 1980s and ‘90s with songs like “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” “Anniversary,” and “If I Had No Loot.”

Roy Ayers (1940–2025), influential musician and composer

Roy Ayers was a musician and composer whose work on the vibraphone helped push the boundaries of jazz, soul, and funk through works like his 1976 classic, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” 

Joey Molland (1947–2025), last surviving member of Badfinger

Joey Molland was an English guitarist and songwriter with Badfinger, who carried on the band for years after its other core members died.

David Johansen (1950–2025), New York Dolls frontman

David Johansen was the frontman for the glammy proto-punk band the New York Dolls, who ended up being one of the most influential of the era, and also had a solo career under the name Buster Poindexter. 

Robert John (1946–2025), Sad Eyes singer

Robert John was a singer and songwriter best known for his 1979 hit, “Sad Eyes,” and his version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” from 1971.

Gwen McCrae (1943–2025), Rockin’ Chair singer 

Gwen McCrae was a soul, funk, and disco singer best known for her 1975 hit, “Rockin’ Chair.” 

Roberta Flack (1937–2025), Killing Me Softly with His Song singer

Roberta Flack was a singer who had No. 1 hits with “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”

Jerry Butler (1939–2025), first leader of The Impressions

Jerry “Iceman” Butler was the original lead singer for The Impressions, who went on to a successful solo career and later became a Chicago politician.0

Paquita la del Barrio (1947–2025), acclaimed Mexican singer 

Paquita la del Barrio was a Mexican singer, songwriter, and actress whose songs often confronted women’s issues and butted heads with “macho” culture.

Tommy Hunt (1933–2025), Hall of Fame soul singer

Tommy Hunt was a soul singer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with The Flamingos, whose hits include “I Only Have Eyes for You.” 

Olga James (1929–2025), Carmen Jones actress

Olga James was an actress and singer best known for her performance in the 1954 movie musical “Carmen Jones” opposite .

Marianne Faithfull (1946–2025), As Tears Go By singer

Marianne Faithfull was a singer and actress who became a pop icon in the 1960s thanks to a string of successful singles and movies, as well as a romance with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

John Sykes (1959–2025), guitarist for Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake

John Sykes was a guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his time in the hard rock bands Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake.

Buck White (1930–2025), country musician with The Whites

Buck White was a Grand Ole Opry member and the patriarch of the family group The Whites. 

Sam Moore (1935–2025), Soul Man singer with Sam & Dave

Sam Moore was the surviving half of the Grammy-winning, Hall of Fame-honored soul and R&B duo Sam & Dave, best known for their enduring hit, “Soul Man.”

Anita Bryant (1940–2024), singer and anti-gay activist

Anita Bryant was a beauty queen and singer of the 1950s and ‘60s whose career was derailed by her high-profile crusade against LGBTQ rights.

Peter Yarrow (1938–2025), Peter, Paul and Mary singer

Peter Yarrow was a singer-songwriter and guitarist with the legendary folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary, known for their song “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

The Vivienne (1992–2025), RuPaul's Drag Race UK star

The Vivienne was a British drag performer best known as the 2019 winner of “RuPaul's Drag Race UK” and competitor on the 2022 season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars." 

Brenton Wood (1941–2025), The Oogum Boogum Song singer 

Brenton Wood was a singer and songwriter best known for a trio of hits released in 1967: "The Oogum Boogum Song," "Gimme Little Sign," and "Baby You Got It." 

Wayne Osmond (1951–2025), founding member of The Osmonds

Wayne Osmond was a founding member of The Osmond Brothers, the family singing group that later became The Osmonds.

Linda Lavin (1937–2024), star of Alice

Linda Lavin was a Tony Award-winning Broadway actress and singer who starred on TV in the hit sitcom “Alice.” 

Rodessa Barrett Porter (1930–2024), gospel music great

Rodessa Barrett Porter was the last surviving member of the beloved gospel trio The Barrett Sisters.

David Mallett (1951–2024), Maine singer-songwriter

David Mallett was a singer-songwriter from Maine best known for his children’s folk composition, “Garden Song,” which has been widely covered by other artists, including a popular version by . 

Alfa Anderson (1946–2024), legend of disco with Chic

Alfa Anderson was a singer best known for her work with the disco icons Chic, who created enduring dance hits with songs like “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” 

Mike Brewer (1944–2024), One Toke Over the Line singer

Mike Brewer was half of the folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley, best known for their 1971 hit song, “One Toke Over the Line.” 

íngela ílvarez (1927–2024), singer who won a Latin Grammy at 95

íngela ílvarez was a Cuban singer and songwriter who won a Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2022, when she was 95 years old.

Miho Nakayama (1970–2024), Japanese singer and actress

Miho Nakayama was an award-winning Japanese singer and actress who rose to fame with a succession of Top 10 singles and the 1995 film “Love Letter.” 

Leah Kunkel (1948–2024), singer and sister of Cass Elliot

Leah Kunkel was a singer, songwriter, member of The Coyote Sisters, and the younger sibling of “Mama” Cass Elliot of the Mamas & the Papas.

Chuck Woolery (1941–2024), Love Connection host

Chuck Woolery was a longtime game show host best known for “Love Connection” and as the original daytime host of “Wheel of Fortune.” 

Peter Sinfield (1943–2024), co-founder of King Crimson

Peter Sinfield was a poet and songwriter best known as co-founder and lyricist for influential progressive rock band King Crimson, penning the lyrics on their acclaimed debut LP, “In the Court of the Crimson King.” 

Andy Paley (1952–2024), SpongeBob SquarePants composer

Andy Paley was a veteran record producer and songwriter who worked with icons like the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Chris Isaak, and and composed music for shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Ren & Stimpy.”

Sir Lady Java (1942–2024), entertainer and transgender rights activist 

Sir Lady Java was a noted singer, dancer, and entertainer of the 1960s and ‘70s club scene in Los Angeles who became an early transgender activist.

Ella Jenkins (1924–2024), first lady of children’s music

Ella Jenkins was a singer and songwriter who focused on creating music for children during her entire decades-long career.

Tyka Nelson (1960–2024), singer and sister of Prince

Tyka Nelson was a Minneapolis-based singer who had a Top 40 song in 1988, and the lone full sibling of music legend  

Phil Lesh (1940–2024), Grateful Dead bassist

Phil Lesh was a founding member of the Grateful Dead and remained the band’s bassist for its entire 30-year career.

Jack Jones (1938–2024), The Love Boat theme singer

Jack Jones was a singer and actor best known for such songs as “Wives and Lovers” and the theme song to the TV show “The Love Boat.” 

Mimi Hines (1933–2024), Funny Girl star 

Mimi Hines was an actress, singer, and comedian who stepped in to replace Barbra Streisand in the lead role of “Funny Girl” on Broadway.

Barbara Dane (1927–2024), folk singer and activist

Barbara Dane was a folk, blues, and jazz singer who spent her career fighting for peace and justice through the power of song.

Paul Di’Anno (1958–2024), former Iron Maiden vocalist

Paul Di’Anno was a rock singer-songwriter best known as an early frontman for the legendary band Iron Maiden, performing on their debut and “Killers” albums, as well as co-writing the latter’s title track.

Mitzi Gaynor (1931–2024), star of “South Pacific”

Mitzi Gaynor was an actress and singer known for movie musicals including “South Pacific” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”

Liam Payne (1993–2024), One Direction singer

Liam Payne was a singer and pop star best known for his time with the best-selling British group One Direction, one of the biggest boy bands of all time.

Libby Titus (1947–2024), Love Has No Pride singer-songwriter

Libby Titus was a singer and songwriter known for “Love Has No Pride,” which has been covered by such artists as Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt.

Nell Smith (2007–2024), young singer with the Flaming Lips

Nell Smith was a singer known for her 2021 collaboration with the Flaming Lips, released when she was just 14 years old. 

Cissy Houston (1933–2024), gospel singer and Whitney Houston’s mother

Cissy Houston was a legendary gospel and soul singer, as well as the mother of and the aunt of Dionne and .

Gavin Creel (1976–2024), award-winning Broadway headliner

Gavin Creel was an award-winning Broadway musical star known for his work in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Hair,” and “Hello, Dolly!” 

Ken Page (1954–2024), voice of Oogie Boogie

Ken Page was a cabaret singer and Broadway star known for playing Old Deuteronomy in “Cats,” as well as for his work in “Ain't Misbehavin'” and “The Wiz” and for voicing Oogie Boogie in the film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Kris Kristofferson (1936–2024), singer, songwriter and actor

Kris Kristofferson was a singer, songwriter, and actor whose writing helped reshape country music and whose successful jump into acting made him one of the 1970s’ biggest stars.