2022

Olivia Newton-John died on August 8, 2022

Olivia Newton-John (September 26, 1948 – August 8, 2022) was a British-Australian singer, actress, and philanthropist whose career spanned over five decades. She achieved international fame for her hit songs and memorable roles in film, most notably as Sandy in the 1978 musical film Grease. Throughout her career, Newton-John became a cultural icon, not only for her contributions to entertainment but also for her advocacy in cancer awareness, environmentalism, and animal rights. Her music and image resonated with generations of fans, and her legacy remains firmly entrenched in popular culture. Early Life and Background Olivia Newton-John was born on September…
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Alec John Such died on June 5, 2022.

Alec John Such: The Man Behind Bon Jovi’s Thunderous Bass Alec John Such, born on November 14, 1951, was an American musician, singer, and record producer. His name is most famously associated with Bon Jovi, the iconic rock band that dominated the music scene in the 1980s and early 1990s. As the bassist of Bon Jovi from 1983 to 1994, Such contributed not only his musical talents but also his role as a pivotal figure in shaping the band’s lineup and sound during their formative years. His involvement with Bon Jovi during their rise to stardom remains an essential part…
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Yes drummer Alan White died on May 26, 2022

Alan White (June 14, 1949 – May 26, 2022) was an iconic English drummer and songwriter, best known for his nearly five-decade tenure as the drummer of the progressive rock band Yes. White’s contribution to music, especially within the realms of progressive rock and his role in shaping the sound of Yes, solidified his legacy as one of the most influential drummers in rock history. Over the course of his career, White’s musicianship was noted for its versatility, power, and creativity, which not only made him a fixture in the rock world but also led to collaborations with a wide…
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Andy Fletcher died May 26, 2022

Andy Fletcher: A Founding Member of Depeche Mode Andy Fletcher, affectionately known as “Fletch,” was a cornerstone of one of the most influential electronic bands of all time, Depeche Mode. Born on July 8, 1961, in Nottingham, England, Fletcher played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound, image, and global appeal. His contributions to the music industry, while often understated in comparison to some of his more flamboyant bandmates, were essential in maintaining the cohesion and longevity of Depeche Mode. Fletcher passed away on May 26, 2022, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate with fans of electronic…
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Vangelis died on May 17, 2022

Vangelis: A Pioneer of Electronic and Cinematic Music Vangelis, born Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou on March 29, 1943, in Agria, Greece, was a pioneering composer whose music transcended the boundaries of traditional genres. He gained global recognition for his synthesizer-driven compositions, particularly in the realms of electronic music and film scoring. Throughout his six-decade career, Vangelis left an indelible mark on music, seamlessly blending technology and artistry to create evocative soundscapes that resonated with audiences worldwide. His most iconic works, including the scores for Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner, are often cited as quintessential examples of how electronic music can…
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Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins died March 25, 2022

Taylor Hawkins (February 17, 1972 – March 25, 2022) was an American musician and drummer with the rock band Foo Fighters. Oliver Taylor Hawkins was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and his family moved to Laguna Beach, California, in 1976, where he grew up. Taylor Hawkins graduated from Laguna Beach High School in 1990. Taylor Hawkins played in the Orange County-based band Sylvia before he became the drummer for Sass Jordan. From June 1995 until March 1997, Taylor Hawkins was Alanis Morissette’s drummer on the tour supporting “Jagged Little Pill” and her “Can’t Not” tour. He appeared in the videos…
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Gary Brooker died on February 19, 2022.

Gary Brooker: The Soulful Voice and Piano Behind Procol Harum (1945-2022) Gary Brooker was born on May 29, 1945, in Hackney, East London, England. Music played a significant role in his life from an early age. His father, Harry Brooker, was a professional musician, primarily playing pedal steel guitar, a unique instrument in British music. This early exposure to music undoubtedly influenced young Gary, who started learning classical piano. His natural inclination toward music blossomed throughout his childhood, and by his teenage years, Brooker was already a competent pianist and had taken an interest in popular music. He later attended…
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Bat out of Hell, Meat Loaf died January 20, 2022

Meat Loaf (September 27, 1947 – January 20, 2022), real name was Michael Lee Aday but he was born Marvin Lee Aday, and was an American rock singer and actor with a powerful, wide-ranging voice, famous for his theatrical live shows. He is on the list of best-selling music artists. His Bat Out of Hell trilogy — Bat Out of Hell (1977), Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell (1993), and Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose (2006) — has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. The first album stayed on the charts for over…
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Ronnie Spector died January 12, 2022.

Ronnie Spector, born Veronica Yvette Bennett on August 10, 1943, was an American singer who became an iconic figure in rock and roll history. As the lead singer of the Ronettes, one of the most influential girl groups of the 1960s, she helped shape the sound of popular music, leaving a lasting legacy that influenced generations of artists. Known for her distinctive voice, bold style, and charismatic stage presence, she was often referred to as the original “bad girl of rock and roll.” Her life was marked by both triumph and hardship, with her music and persona reflecting the rebellious…
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