In the six months since the start of 2024, the world has felt the loss of singers and musicians who sadly died.
Though most of us have never met them, we feel immeasurable close to the celebrities we have watched and listened to for years, whether that be on the big screen, on Netflix, or even on Spotify.
Naturally, when a celebrity dies, social media is flooded with messages from adoring fans, many of which feel personally touched by the passing of their favorite celeb. A recent example would be the love and tributes that poured in following Darryl Hickman’s death.
While these singers might be gone, their impact on the music industry and its fans will continue forever.
Toby Keith was surrounded by family when he passed
In February, the country music scene was shaken when Toby Keith died at the age of 62 following a 3-year battle with stomach cancer. He was survived by his wife Tricia Lucas and their kids, Krystal, Shelley, and Stelen.
With chart-topping songs like Should’ve Been a Cowboy and American Soldier, it should come as no surprise that Toby Keith’s albums all reached a certification of gold or higher.
John Barbata played drums for a number of bands
Drumming superstar John Barbata rose to fame in 1966 when he joined The Turtles, a band known for hits like Happy Together and You Showed Me. Over his career, he also played with Jefferson Starship, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Jefferson Airplane.
John Barbata passed away on May 8, with his death later confirmed on the Facebook page of his former band, Jefferson Starship.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great John Barbata, Jefferson Starship’s original drummer,” they penned. “Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans. Rock in peace, Johnny!”
Francoise Hardy’s career spanned 5 decades
Earlier this week on June 12, the son of legendary French performer Francoise Hardy confirmed the news of her death. Throughout her career, which began in Paris in 1962, Hardy recorded and released over 30 albums, written over 10 books, and appeared in 13 TV shows and films.
Having worked with some of the music industry’s great artists, Hardy is often said to have inspired other icons like David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Morrissey.
Charlie Colin was an original member of Train
On Wednesday, May 22, Train took to social media with the heartbreaking news that Charlie Colin had died after allegedly slipping in the shower.
“You’re a legend, Charlie. Go charm the pants off those angels,” Train penned to their followers on Instagram.
The world lost a ‘champion’ in Ignatius Jones
Following a short illness in the Philippines, rockstar Ignatius Jones died at the age of 67, his sister confirmed on May 7.
“Iggy had immense creative energy, and spent over 50 years contributing to the arts, both in Australia and internationally. He was one of the world’s leading event directors, devisors and designers,” she noted.
Ignatius Jones was most known for his work in the Australian rock band, Jimmy and the Boys, from 1976 to 1982. After releasing two albums, the band split and Iggy pursued a solo career alongside a swing jazz-cabaret band called Pardon Me Boys.
Duane Eddy was a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer in the early ‘60s
Rockstar Duane Eddy lost his life following a battle with cancer on May 2, 2024. He was 86 years old when he passed away surrounded by loved ones at a hospital in Franklin, Tennessee.
During his star-studded career, Duane Eddy released 16 top-40 singles that are said to have inspired the likes of Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles’ George Harrison.
Rico Wad worked with the greats
Music producer Rico Wad, who founded the Dungeon Family collective in the early 1990s, worked with everyone from Killer Mike to TLC, OutKast to CeeLo Green. At just 52 years old, Rico died from heart failure.
“I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all,” Killer Mike wrote on Instagram.
Park Bo Ram was only 30 years old when she died
K-pop has taken the Western world by storm over the last few years, with Park Bo Ram being a firm staple in the South Korean music industry for over 10 years.
Park Bo Ram died on April 12, with investigators calling for an autopsy over possibly suspicious circumstances. Medical professionals later confirmed that she had died from acute alcohol poisoning.
MC Conrad dominated the Drum and Bass scene
MC Conrad, full name Conrad Thompson, passed away at 52 after years of defining the Drum and Bass scene at venues like Coachella and Ministry of Sound. The MC made his big break in London when he teamed up with DJ LTJ Bukem to launch Good Looking Records in 1991.
“We’re sorry to say that MC Conrad passed away in April 2024,” Clinic Records released in a statement. “One of the most recognizable and best-loved voices in D&B, he leaves behind him an unmatched legacy. Conrad will be deeply missed by all of us, and by all of you who were touched by his performances over the years.”
Brother Marquis fronted 2 Live Crew
Mark D. Ross, known professionally as Brother Marquis, was a member of the 2 Live Crew Hip-Hop group with Luke, Fresh Kid Ice, and Mr. Mixx. They defined their niche with sexually explicit music, drawing criticisms in the US from fans and critics alike.
Brother Marquis’ death was announced on June 3 when 2 Live Crew penned the following on social media: “Mark Ross AKA Brother Marquis of the 2 Live Crew has passed away.”
The post 10 music icons who have died in 2024, but their impact will remain forever appeared first on Celebrity Tidbit.
