Legacy: Known for her deep, soulful voice and raw lyrics, Amy was a pioneer in modern soul and R&B. Her album Back to Black became a defining record of the 2000s.
2. Kurt Cobain (1967–1994)
Age at death: 27
Cause: Suicide
Legacy: Lead singer of Nirvana and a voice of Generation X. Cobain helped shape the grunge movement with albums like Nevermind, before his tragic death shook the music world.
3. Janis Joplin (1943–1970)
Age at death: 27
Cause: Heroin overdose
Legacy: A trailblazer for women in rock, Joplin’s raw, emotional performances and bluesy vocals made her an icon of the counterculture era.
4. Jim Morrison (1943–1971)
Age at death: 27
Cause: Heart failure (suspected overdose)
Legacy: Frontman of The Doors, Morrison’s poetic lyrics and mystique made him a symbol of 1960s rebellion and artistic freedom.
5. Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970)
Age at death: 27
Cause: Asphyxiation (drug-related)
Legacy: One of the most innovative guitarists ever, Hendrix revolutionized rock and psychedelic music in just a few years.
6. Selena Quintanilla (1971–1995)
Age at death: 23
Cause: Murder
Legacy: The “Queen of Tejano,” Selena brought Latin music into the mainstream and inspired generations before her life was cut short by her former fan club manager.
7. Aaliyah (1979–2001)
Age at death: 22
Cause: Plane crash
Legacy: Known for her smooth vocals and futuristic R&B sound, Aaliyah influenced modern pop and hip-hop with hits like “Try Again” and “Are You That Somebody?”
8. Tupac Shakur (1971–1996)
Age at death: 25
Cause: Drive-by shooting
Legacy: A complex figure in hip-hop, Tupac’s music tackled race, poverty, and justice. His poetic lyrics and charisma continue to influence rap culture worldwide.
9. The Notorious B.I.G. (1972–1997)
Age at death: 24
Cause: Drive-by shooting
Legacy: A lyrical master and East Coast rap icon, Biggie’s death mirrored Tupac’s and marked a tragic chapter in hip-hop history.
10. Otis Redding (1941–1967)
Age at death: 26
Cause: Plane crash
Legacy: One of soul’s greatest voices, Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became his signature hit — released posthumously.
11. XXXTentacion (1998–2018)
Age at death: 20
Cause: Murder (shot in robbery)
Legacy: A controversial but talented figure, X explored emotional vulnerability in hip-hop and connected deeply with Gen Z audiences.
12. Juice WRLD (1998–2019)
Age at death: 21
Cause: Drug overdose
Legacy: Known for blending emo, rock, and rap, Juice WRLD’s introspective lyrics about mental health made him a generational voice.
