Looking back at 2017, music fans have lost many greats in the industry. From arguably the creator of rock 'n' roll, Chuck Berry, to teen idol and beloved The Partridge Family actor David Cassidy, here’s a look back at 10 musicians the world lost in 2017:
Tom Petty
With songs such as “Free Fallin’” and “I Won’t Back Down”, American rock artist Tom Petty is hands down one of the greatest artists of late 1970s. Most notably, Petty led rock group Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, but was also involved with Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. Unfortunately, Petty suffered cardiac arrest in early October. Though he’s no longer around, his music still remains a staple of great rock music.
Chris Cornell
Audioslave and Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell was a staple of '80s, '90s and 2000s rock. With hits such as “Black Hole Sun” and “Like a Stone,” Cornell cranked out hits since the formation of Soundgarden in 1984. The singer also had a successful solo career and released four studio albums. Often praised by artists and critics, Cornell was one of the major influences of modern rock. Cornell suffered from depression and alcohol abuse, leading to his eventual suicide in May. His music, voice and legacy will live on to influence the rock bands of the future.
Chester Bennington
The lead singer of Linkin Park and an influential songwriter, Chester Bennington served as a mouthpiece and beacon of hope for teens of the early 2000s. Releasing songs such as “In the End” and “Numb”, Linkin Park had been creating music since 1996 and is arguably one of the best modern alternative rock bands around.
Bennington was known to speak out about mental health, and Linkin Park even released multiple songs that touched on the topic. Bennington killed himself in July. In the months after his death, the remaining members of Linkin Park have been shedding a light on just how important talking about mental health is.
David Cassidy
American singer-songwriter David Cassidy got his fame from portraying Keith Partridge in the hit sitcom The Partridge Family. Making many girls of the '70s swoon, Cassidy quickly became a teen idol and won over many hearts. With hits such as “I Think I Love You”, Cassidy skyrocketed in his career as a solo artist. While acting and performing, Cassidy toured until his untimely death in November.
Malcolm Young
Hard rock band AC/DC would be nothing without Malcolm Young. The co-founder, guitarist and songwriter for AC/DC, Young was great in his own accord. From creating the memorable riffs to songs such as “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell,” Young was definitely a staple and even a major part of the driving force of AC/DC. Though Young left the band in 2014 to receive treatment for dementia and later retired completely, he remains one of the most important members, and AC/DC would be nothing without his contributions.
Fats Domino
Singing songs such as "Ain’t That A Shame?" and “Blueberry Hill,” Fats Domino cemented himself as a pioneer of rock 'n' roll music in the 1950s and '60s. Though none of Fats Domino’s music ever reached No. 1 on the charts, his legacy stretches far and is quite influential. The singer influenced artists such as Elvis Presley and Paul McCartney, and ultimately left a lasting effect on rock 'n' roll and R&B forever.
Glen Campbell
From hosting his own variety show to cranking out hit after hit, Glen Campbell remains one of country music’s greatest artists. His hit “Rhinestone Cowboy” not only reached fans of country music but also spread over to the pop charts in the '70s. Campbell won many awards in his career, and successfully hosted his variety show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, from 1969 to 1972. The country singer announced in 2011 that he’d been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and he documented his experience in the documentary I’ll Be Me. The singer fought the disease for years but passed away in August.
Gregg Allman
The co-founder and vocalist of The Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman blended R&B with rock to create a unique soulful sound. Having both a successful solo career and a career with the band, Allman has received accolades from all over, and the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Allman wrote hits such as "Midnight Rider” and “Whipping Post” and has cemented himself as a pioneer in southern rock music. Allman passed away back in May due to complications from liver cancer.
Al Jarreau
R&B and jazz singer Al Jarreau was most known for songs such as “We’re In This Love Together” and the theme song for the '80s crime show Moonlighting. Jarreau received many Grammy awards and much praise for his work throughout the years.
Though the singer had medical problems throughout his life, he continued to tour until February, when he announced his retirement. Along with the announcement of his retirement, fans were once again saddened when Jarreau underwent respiratory failure and died just two days after his retirement.
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was arguably the founder of rock 'n' roll, but he never got the recognition he deserved. From his trademark “duck walk” to the multitude of artists influenced by him, Berry is a monumental artist in rock music.
Though Berry had a successful career himself, many of his songs were covered by and reached larger success via The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and more. Berry’s exciting stage presence became a highlight in his music and boosted his popularity even more. Deservingly, Berry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Though Berry died in March, his music and his legacy live on as one of, if not the, greatest artists in rock 'n' roll history.
