Celebrities Gone Too Soon
The entertainment world has lost more than a few pioneering entertainers in recent years. This list serves to highlight those who’ve left an impression so strong that their inspiration is still iconic. Gone but never forgotten.
Michael Jackson
Died: June 25, 2009
The King of Pop has been swagger-jacked by artists across almost every genre. His sudden death shocked the universe and still hits hard for MJ fans.
Photo Credit: wordpress
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Adam Yauch
Died: May 4, 2012 An advocator, musician and filmmaker, MCA did it all. He passed away at the age of 47 from cancer and left a mark on hip-hop for generations to come. Photo Credit: NPR
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Whitney Houston
Died: February 11, 2012 At age 48, your favorite artist’s favorite vocalist Whitney Houston passed away, leaving an untouchable music catalog and unique pipes that can never be copied. Photo Credit: CBC
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Amy Winehouse
Died: July 23, 2011 At the age of 27, Amy Winehouse died from alcohol poisoning. Even while borrowing her sound from old soul, the “Back to Black” songstress still brought a fresh style to music. Photo Credit: Rolling Stone
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Bernie Mac
Died: August 9, 2008 One of the greatest comedians of all time, Bernie Mac never failed to have your stomach muscles hurting after a session of stand-up. The legend, who died at 50, lives on through The Bernie Mac Show and his various films. Photo Credit: quizz
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Steve Jobs
Died: October 5, 2011 The iconic Apple co-founder and tech figurehead revolutionized the way we view desktops and later cell phones and tablets. Photo Credit: WKAR
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Chuck Brown
Died: May 16, 2012 Known as the Godfather of Go-go music, Chuck Brown paved the way for other leaders of this “beat your feet” sound. Photo Credit: Zimbio
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Don Cornelius
Died: February 1, 2012 The creator and host of Soul Train epitomized the black arts through dance, fashion and music. And he never failed to promote his “love, peace and soul” statement. Photo Credit: NPR
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Nate Dogg
Died: March 15, 2011 If you needed an R&B crooner on a gangster track, Nate Dogg was the go-to person, whose harmonies and effortless vocals mellowed out any hardcore rap song. Photo Credit: Etonline
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Chris Lighty
Died: August 30, 2012 The legendary hip-hop manager and founder of Violator Management left the community in shock after his passing. His presence is still felt, as he helped artists like 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Ja Rule, Busta Rhymes and many more reach stardom. Photo Credit: NBC
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Donna Summer
Died: May 17, 2012 The Disco queen kept listeners on their toes and broke a sweat with her energetic hits and powerhouse vocals. Photo Credit: news92fm
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Nickolas Ashford
Died: August 22, 2011 One of music’s greatest songwriters, Ashford, along with his wife Valerie Simpson, penned hit after hit, all of which stand the test of time and radio airplay. Photo Credit: ABC
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Heavy D
Died: November 8, 2011 The lovable rapper's absence is felt even more when his melodies and “smooth raps” get much-deserved spin. Photo Credit: ABCNews
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Etta James
Died: January 20, 2012 With a voice that made everyone stop in their tracks, Etta James’ iconic sound influenced dozens of future superstars, Beyonce included. Photo Credit: abcnews
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Sylvia Robinson
Died: September 29, 2011 A pioneer in hip-hop for future female figures, the “Pillow Talk” singer produced classic cuts like “The Message” and “Rapper’s Delight.” Photo Credit: NPR
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Clarence Clemons
Died: June 18, 2011 A master of the saxophone, Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band member worked with Aretha Franklin and contributed sounds to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way album. Photo Credit: Spinner
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Dick Clark
Died: April 18, 2012 Nicknamed “the world’s oldest teenager,” the host of American Bandstand for over 50 years never ceased to keep the crowd captivated with his charisma and easy-going interview skills. Photo Credit: abcnews
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