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25 Singers Who Were Murdered

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The world has its fair share of cruel folks. Anyone, even people who amassed huge influence and fame, can end up victims of murder. It’s a reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences that come along with fame.

In this article, we’ll explore 25 famous singers who were murdered, reflecting on their music and the chilling circumstances that cut their journeys tragically short.

1. John Lennon

john lennon statue at madam tussands
Prague, Czech republic, July 22, 2017: John Lenon in Grevin museum of the wax figures in Prague. Image from Shutterstock.

First on the list of singers who were murdered is John Lennon, who, of course, was rhythm guitarist and co-leader of one of the most influential and popular bands in rock history, the Beatles

The “Imagine” singer was tragically shot and killed on December 8, 1980. He was shot multiple times in front of his residence, the Dakota in New York City, by Mark David Chapman, a disturbed Beatles fan who had been stalking Lennon.

Years after committing the murder, Mark David Chapman expressed deep regret for his actions.

Related: How Did John Lennon Die?

2. Tupac Shakur

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Rome, January 11, 2019: Collection of covers and cd inserts of the singer Tupac Shakur, considered by many to be one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time. selective focus. Image from shutterstock.

Legendary rapper Tupac Shakur is one of the musicians whose life met a tragic end. The murder remains unsolved.

The rapper was shot on September 7, 1996, in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. Though he was rushed to the hospital, he died on September 13.

Related: 20 Rappers Who Got Shot

3. The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)

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Another rapper on our list of singers who were murdered is one of the all-time greats, Notorious B.I.G., who was killed in Los Angeles, California, on March 9, 1997. The victim of a drive-by shooting, he was shot multiple times and eventually died of his injuries at a local hospital.

Similar to Tupac, the circumstances surrounding his death continue to raise questions about who was responsible. Many people draw connections between the deaths of Tupac and Biggie, and one theory suggests that a hitman was hired for revenge following Tupac’s death.

Numerous individuals have faced accusations in connection with his murder, yet no arrests have ever been made.

Related: 14 Best Rappers

4. Selena Quintanilla

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The untimely death of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla, better known as Selena, remains one of the most tragic and profound losses in the music world, especially to the Latino community. 

To everyone’s surprise, Selena was fatally shot by Yolanda Saldivar, the president of the superstar’s fan club, making Selena one of many singers who were murdered.

The confrontation arose when Selena discovered that Yolanda had been embezzling money, leading to the tragic death in a Corpus Christi motel room. 

Though Selena was rushed to the hospital, she eventually succumbed to her injuries. 

The trial was closely followed by the Latino community, and in the end, Yolanda was convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence in prison.

Related: 15 Best Spanish Singers

5. Marvin Gaye

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It’s crucial to be mindful of the company you keep because, at times, it can indeed be those closest to you. The death of Marvin Gaye stands as a heart-wrenching example, as he was fatally shot by his own father. Marvin Gay Sr. shot his son multiple times during an argument between the two in their Los Angeles home.

The two were reported to have long-standing family beef and personal conflicts. During an interview, Gay Sr. claimed that the shooting was accidental and that he had acted out of fear for his own safety, stating that he was acting in self-defense. 

Nevertheless, he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and subsequently sentenced to a prison term.

Related: 30 Best 70s Songs

6. XXXTentacion 

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XXXTentacion is another artist who tragically met an untimely death. On June 18, 2018, Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was shot and killed in Deerfield Beach, Florida. 

Just as he was about to leave the motorcycle dealership, two masked individuals approached him with the intention of robbing him. During the confrontation, XXXTentacion was shot multiple times, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he sadly succumbed to his injuries. 

As of 2023, the proceedings against the possible suspects are still ongoing.

Related: 21 Best Rap Songs

7. Sam Cooke

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Regarded as one of the greatest soul and R&B artists of all time, Sam Cooke is also one of the many singers who were murdered. He was killed in a shooting on December 11, 1964, in Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California. 

Cooke had gone to the motel with a woman named Elisa Boyer, and there was a confrontation between Cooke and the motel’s manager, Bertha Franklin.

During the confrontation, Bertha Franklin shot and killed Sam Cooke. She claimed that she had acted in self-defense. However, there’s a lot of controversy and debate regarding the details of the shooting.

Related: 21 Best 60s Songs

8. Christina Grimmie

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Among the most haunting stories on this list is the tragic death of Christina Grimmie, a former contestant on The Voice.

On June 10, 2016, Christina hosted a meet-and-greet event with fans after her concert in Orlando, Florida. During the event, Kevin James Loibl, armed with a weapon, approached Christina Grimmie and fired multiple shots at her. After the shooting, Loibl then took his own life at the scene.

Though Grimmie was rushed to the hospital, she passed away from her injuries, leaving her fans shocked. Though the motive for the attack was not clear, it was reported that the murderer had traveled from another city with the intention to harm her.

9. Scott La Rock

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Regarded as one of the pioneers of hip-hop, Scott La Rock also met an untimely death. 

On August 27, 1987, La Rock attempted to diffuse a situation between one of his friends and another individual. The situation got heated, and La Rock was shot in the head.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Scott La Rock tragically passed away in the operating room. Two men were arrested and charged with his murder, but they were later acquitted during the trial.

Related: 21 Best Rap Songs

10. Mia Zapata

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Perhaps out of all deaths in this list, the one that stands out as particularly gruesome is the tragic and brutal killing of Mia Zapata, the lead singer of the punk rock band The Gits.

On July 7, 1993, after a night of partying with friends, she was brutally attacked, sexually assaulted, and strangled to death. 

For over a decade, Mia’s murder remained unsolved, causing distress within the music community and among friends and family.

However, in 2003, D.N.A. evidence led to the arrest of Jesus Mezquia, who was sentenced to 37 in prison for her murder.

In the end, justice was served. Her death deeply affected the punk rock scene and her bandmates, and she is remembered as a talented and influential artist.

Related: How Did Pop Smoke Die?

11. Big L

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Big L met a tragic death in Harlem, New York City, on February 15, 1999. Another victim of a drive-by shooting, he was shot multiple times in the head and chest.

Just like Tupac and Notorious B.I.G., his death remains unsolved until the present, and the motive behind the shooting is not entirely clear.

12. Big Hawk

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Adding to the list of unsolved murders is Big Hawk, a respected underground rapper from Houston.

Hawkins arrived early at a house on Redfern Drive when an unidentified assailant suddenly shot him multiple times.

To this day, his murder remains unsolved, and there are speculations that it may be connected to the death of his younger brother, who was killed eight years earlier.

13. Brian Jones

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Image is in the Public Domain.

Accident or murder? Rolling Stones co-founder Brian Jones was found dead in his swimming pool at his home in Sussex, England, on July 3, 1969. 

The cause of his death was ruled as “death by misadventure” by drowning while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

While there have been various theories and claims about foul play and possible murder, no conclusive evidence has emerged.

Related: 27 Club: Famous Musicians Who Died at 27

14. Peter Tosh

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Jamaican Reggae legend Peter Tosh also met a tragic and violent death. On September 11, 1987, while at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, a group of armed men forcibly entered his residence and opened fire.

During this harrowing invasion, Peter Tosh, along with several others in the house, including his close associate and drummer, Carlton Barrett, lost their lives to the assailants. 

To this day, murderers remain free, and the case is still unsolved. Many have speculated that it may have been connected to Tosh’s outspoken advocacy and his criticism of the Jamaican government.

Related: How Did Bob Marley Die?

15. Cornell Gunter

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(No licensable photo available) Image by Bruno Cervera on Unsplash.

Adding to the long list of singers who were murdered is Cornell Gunter, a member of the doo-wop group The Coasters. 

On February 26, 1990, he was shot and killed in his automobile in Las Vegas, Nevada. Witnesses reported Gunter arguing with a man shortly before the shooting.

Like so many on this list of famous singers who were murdered, the case remains unsolved, and both the murder itself and the legal proceedings surrounding it have been subjects of ongoing debate and uncertainty.

16. Lee Morgan

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The tragic fate of talented trumpet player Lee Morgan shocked the jazz world. 

On February 19, 1972, during a break in his performance at the nightclub called Slug’s in New York City, Morgan engaged in a heated argument with his wife, Helen Moore. This dispute escalated to the point where Helen Moore shot him.

Although the injury was not immediately fatal, the heavy snowfall on that night delayed the arrival of the ambulance, leading to Morgan’s bleeding to death. 

Helen Moore later pleaded guilty to the second-degree manslaughter of Lee Morgan and was sentenced to a short prison term.

17. Jam Master Jay

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The hip-hop community suffered another devastating loss when Jam Master Jay was tragically killed in a shooting on October 30, 2002. He was inside a recording studio in Queens, New York City, when an unknown assailant entered the studio and shot him in the head.

Though the case remained unsolved for many years, 18 years later federal prosecutors announced that two individuals, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., had been charged with the murder of Jam Master Jay. 

It was said that the motive behind the shooting was related to a drug dispute. This announcement provided some long-awaited clarity and closure to the mystery surrounding his murder.

18. Valentin Elizalde

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Another shooting that remains unsolved is that of Valentin Elizalde, who was killed on November 25, 2006. 

As he was driving away in his car after performing at a concert in the city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, a group of armed assailants intercepted him and opened fire.

Valentin Elizalde and two others in the vehicle were fatally shot during the attack. The murder remains unsolved, and no one has been convicted in connection with the case.

19. Dimebag Darell

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Dimebag Darell, celebrated guitarist for Pantera and Damageplan, was killed during a shooting incident on December 8, 2004. 

While performing on stage with Damageplan at a Columbus, Ohio venue called the Alrosa Villa nightclub, a gunman named Nathan Gale stormed the stage and opened fire.

Nathan Gale was fatally shot after a police officer arrived at the scene, ending the violence. This tragic event affected the world of heavy metal music, leaving an impact on fans and the music community.

20. Clarence “Pinetop” Smith

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(No licensable photos available) Image by Geert Pieters on Unsplash

Clarence “Pinetop” Smith, the influential blues and boogie-woogie pianist, was one of the first musicians of the 20th century who had his life tragically cut short. 

On March 15, 1929, during a fight at a dance in Chicago, Illinois, Smith was shot and seriously wounded. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries a day later.

To this day, the identity of his killer and the motive behind the shooting remain uncertain and unsolved.

Related: 30 Best Blues Songs

21. Darrell Banks

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American soul singer Darrell Banks is also one of the musicians whose life ended tragically and violently. On August 24, 1970, he was fatally shot in Detroit, Michigan. 

In 2006, three decades after his death, James A. Sheppard was arrested and charged with the murder of Darrell Banks. The motive for the shooting was a dispute over a woman.

22. Eddie Jefferson

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American jazz and blues vocalist Eddie Jefferson was shot in Detroit, Michigan, near the club where he had been performing on May 9, 1979. 

Years after his death, Herman K. Hawkins was arrested in connection with the crime. He reportedly had a dispute with Jefferson over money and royalties. 

He was convicted of second-degree murder in 1993 and sentenced to prison for his role in the killing of Eddie Jefferson.

23. Jaco Pastorius

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On September 11, 1987, influential jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius found himself caught in a confrontation at a nightclub in Wilton Manors, Florida. During the altercation, he was severely beaten by a club bouncer, Luc Havan, and fell into a coma. He passed away ten days later. 

Luc Havan was initially charged with second-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. 

Related: 21 Best Jazz Songs

24. Lenny Breau

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The killing of Lenny Breau is another unsolved mystery case on our list of singers who were murdered. 

Breau’s body was found in a swimming pool at his apartment complex on August 12, 1984. The death was initially ruled as an accidental drowning, but it was reported that Breau had been strangled. Breau’s wife Jewel was a suspect, but she has not been charged. 

The exact cause of Lenny Breau’s death remains a subject of debate and mystery.

25. Haryanvi Singer Sangeeta

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Last on our list of singers who were murdered is Sangeeta, a renowned Haryani singer. 

After she went missing on May 11, 2022, her family filed a missing person report. Her disappearance garnered nationwide attention, prompting people to initiate their own efforts to locate her.

Tragically, she was discovered buried near a highway in Haryana’s Rohtak district. Following this discovery, two individuals, Ravi and Anil, were promptly apprehended. It was later unveiled that the two had conspired for a significant period to carry out the singer’s murder.

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Written by Anna Paulson

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