Every Major Musician Who Died in 2025
The year 2025 brought heavy losses to the music world, with the passing of artists who defined genres and inspired generations. Their songs, riffs, and performances shaped the soundtrack of our lives.
This article honors each musician we lost, reflecting on their unique contributions. Let’s dive into their stories and the music that keeps their legacies alive.
Wayne Osmond – January 1, 2025
Wayne Osmond, the baritone voice of The Osmonds, died at 73. Part of the family band from 1962 to 2007, he helped craft their cheerful pop sound.
His harmonies on hits like ‘One Bad Apple’ won hearts. Wayne’s warmth made the Osmonds beloved. His music remains a pop classic.
Bobby Sherman – January 10, 2025
Bobby Sherman, teen idol and pop singer, died at 81. Known for his heartthrob charm in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he delivered hits like “Little Woman” and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me.”
Sherman’s smooth voice and boyish appeal won millions of fans. Beyond music, his later work as an EMT showed his caring spirit. His songs remain nostalgic treasures.
Sam Moore – January 10, 2025
Sam Moore, soul icon of Sam & Dave, passed at 89. His powerful vocals on ‘Soul Man’ defined 1960s soul with raw energy.
Moore’s stage presence was electric, captivating audiences. His work with Dave Prater created enduring anthems. His voice still stirs souls.
John Sykes – January 20, 2025
John Sykes, guitarist for Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, died at 65. His fiery riffs from 1982 to 1987 powered hits like ‘Here I Go Again.’
Sykes brought intensity to every chord. His work shaped hard rock’s golden era. His guitar legacy burns bright.
Garth Hudson – January 21, 2025
Garth Hudson, keyboardist for The Band, passed at 87. A Rock Hall inductee, he defined their roots-rock sound from 1968 to 1977.
His organ on ‘The Weight’ added soulful depth. Hudson’s genius was quiet but profound. His music lives in rock history.
Barry Goldberg – January 22, 2025
Barry Goldberg, blues-rock keyboardist, died at 83. Playing with the Electric Flag and producing, he jammed with legends like Dylan.
His gritty keys gave songs heart. Goldberg’s style blended blues and rock perfectly. His influence echoes in blues music.
Marianne Faithfull – January 30, 2025
Marianne Faithfull, folk-rock singer and actress, passed at 78. Her haunting voice on ‘As Tears Go By’ marked the 1960s.
Faithfull’s raw, emotive style evolved over decades. Her storytelling captivated fans. Her songs remain folk-rock treasures.
Susan Alcorn – January 31, 2025
Susan Alcorn, innovative pedal steel guitarist, died at 71. She mixed country, jazz, and avant-garde, redefining her instrument.
Her music was bold and otherworldly, inspiring players. Alcorn’s experimental spirit stood out. Her work lives on in adventurous sounds.
Roberta Flack – February 24, 2025
Roberta Flack, soul star of ‘Killing Me Softly,’ died at 88. Her smooth voice ruled R&B and pop from the 1960s to 1980s.
Flack’s songs felt like heartfelt confessions. Her warmth touched millions. Her music remains a soulful classic.
David Johansen – February 28, 2025
David Johansen, New York Dolls frontman, died at 75. As Buster Poindexter, he mixed punk and cabaret from 1971 to 1977.
His raw ‘Personality Crisis’ sparked punk’s fire. Johansen’s bold reinventions inspired artists. His legacy thrives in New York’s scene.
Amadou Bagayoko – April 4, 2025
Amadou Bagayoko, of Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, passed at 70. Their world music fused African rhythms with blues from 1980 to 2025.
His guitar carried Mali’s spirit globally. Bagayoko’s joyful sound united cultures. His music bridges continents.
Dave Allen – April 5, 2025
Dave Allen, Gang of Four bassist, died at 69 after battling dementia. His sharp basslines drove post-punk from 1977 to 2008.
Tracks like ‘Damaged Goods’ owed their edge to Allen. His style shaped alternative rock. His influence rocks on.
Roy Thomas Baker – April 12, 2025
Roy Thomas Baker, legendary producer, passed at 78. He shaped Queen’s albums from 1973 to 1978 and The Cars’ debut.
His work on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ set new standards. Baker’s vision amplified rock’s grandeur. His productions still resonate.
Wizz Jones – April 27, 2025
Wizz Jones, British folk guitarist, died at 86. His fingerpicking and warm vocals defined folk from the 1950s to 2020s.
He mentored artists like John Renbourn. Jones’ authentic songs kept folk alive. His music feels timeless.
Mike Peters – April 29, 2025
Mike Peters, lead singer of The Alarm, passed at 66. A cancer activist, he led the band’s anthemic rock from 1981 to 2025.
His voice on ‘Rain in the Summertime’ inspired fans. Peters’ passion fueled their sound. His legacy lives in rock activism.
James Lowe – May 22, 2025
James Lowe, The Electric Prunes singer, died at 82. His voice on ‘I Had Too Much to Dream’ led 1960s psychedelic rock.
Lowe’s haunting vocals defined their sound. He later shone as an engineer. His music thrills psych-rock fans.
Alf Clausen – May 29, 2025
Alf Clausen, Emmy-winning composer for ‘The Simpsons’ from 1990 to 2017, passed at 84. His scores gave the show its playful vibe.
Clausen’s blend of jazz and pop became iconic. His music shaped TV animation. His themes linger in pop culture.
Sly Stone – June 9, 2025
Sly Stone, the revolutionary force of Sly & the Family Stone, passed at 82. From 1966 to 1987, his genre-blending funk, soul, and rock electrified the airwaves with hits like “Dance to the Music.”
Stone’s vibrant energy and socially conscious lyrics broke barriers. His integrated band reshaped music’s landscape. His groove continues to inspire and move souls.
Brian Wilson – June 11, 2025
Brian Wilson, the visionary genius behind The Beach Boys, died at 82. As co-founder and chief songwriter from 1961 to 2012, he crafted the iconic California sound with lush harmonies and innovative production.
His masterpieces like “Good Vibrations” and Pet Sounds redefined pop music. Wilson’s melancholic brilliance and intricate arrangements captivated generations. His legacy as a musical pioneer endures forever.
Lou Christie – June 18, 2025
Lou Christie, falsetto star of ‘Lightnin’ Strikes,’ died at 82. His dramatic 1960s pop hits made him a teen idol.
His soaring voice packed emotion. Christie’s theatrical style stood out. His songs spark nostalgia today.
Mick Ralphs – June 23, 2025
Mick Ralphs, guitarist for Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, died at 81. His riffs on ‘Can’t Get Enough’ rocked from 1969 to 1986.
Ralphs’ gritty style fueled arena anthems. His songwriting gave both bands edge. His sound lives in classic rock.
Ozzy Osbourne – July 22, 2025
Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal pioneer of Black Sabbath, passed at 76. His wild vocals from 1968 to 1979 shaped the genre.
Osbourne’s solo hits like ‘Crazy Train’ thrilled fans. His larger-than-life persona defined metal. His music roars on.
Chuck Mangione – July 22, 2025
Chuck Mangione, jazz flugelhornist, died at 84. His hit ‘Feels So Good’ blended jazz and pop, earning Grammys in the 1970s.
Mangione’s warm melodies felt like a breeze. His concerts drew huge crowds. His music remains a jazz staple.
Cleo Laine – July 24, 2025
Cleo Laine, British jazz and pop singer, passed at 97. Her versatile voice shone in musicals and clubs from the 1950s to 1990s.
Laine’s expressive style won global acclaim. Her work with John Dankworth was legendary. Her voice inspires singers.
Tom Lehrer – July 26, 2025
Tom Lehrer, satirical songwriter, died at 97. His witty ‘The Elements’ poked fun at society in the 1950s and 1960s.
Lehrer’s sharp humor made him a cult favorite. He later taught math, but his songs endured. His wit stays timeless.
Gary Karr – July 29/30, 2025
Gary Karr, classical double-bass virtuoso, passed at 83. His expressive playing from the 1960s to 2010s elevated the instrument.
Karr’s performances brought warmth to classical music. He inspired bassists worldwide. His artistry remains unmatched.
Flaco Jiménez – July 31, 2025
Flaco Jiménez, Tex-Mex accordionist, died at 86. His Grammy-winning work from the 1960s to 2020s defined Tejano music.
Jiménez’s lively playing energized every song. He brought Tex-Mex to global stages. His music dances on.
Which musician’s work hit you hardest, or is there someone I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!