Music Industry Legends Who Died Too Young
The music industry can be notoriously unforgiving. Some of the world’s greatest guitarists died before reaching the ripe age of 30. Drugs, alcohol, suicide, and plane crashes have all claimed the lives of talented musicians too soon. Here’s a look at some music legends who died young:
Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain
Jimi Hendrix died in London on September 18, 1970; he was only 27 years old. The exact cause of Hendrix’s death is somewhat unclear. Sources agree that Hendrix choked on his own vomit and that there were traces of his girlfriend’s sleeping pills in his system. “Guitar wizard Jimi Hendrix was one of the most charismatic performers of his generation, and he helped redefine the sound of rock. His sonic explorations drew from a wide range of influences, and he stretched the boundaries of what could be accomplished with an electric guitar,” Encyclopedia Britannica states.
Kurt Cobain also died at exactly 27 years old. Cobain shot himself in the head on April 5, 1994, nearly two weeks after he fled from a Los Angeles detox center. Encyclopedia Britannica adequately describes Cobain as the “reluctant face of grunge.” “Combining guitar distortion, anguished vocals, and heartfelt, angst-ridden lyrics, Nirvana and Pearl Jam won a rapidly increasing audience, moved to major labels, and released multimillion-selling albums,” the publication adds.
Music Legends Live on Through Their Music
Although Hendrix and Cobain (and other influential musicians, including Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist Randy Rhodes) did not live long enough to celebrate their 30th birthdays, their legacy lives on in their music. Hendrix encouraged the world to explore the endless possibilities of the electric guitar, inspiring today’s guitar multi effects, EMG pickups, and signature sound equipment.
Although the popularity of grunge may have faded after Cobain’s death, its influences can easily be seen in modern alternative rock. Grunge’s angst, guitar distortion, and electric guitar pedals are largely responsible for the widespread, enduring popularity of alternative rock.
Even though alcohol, drugs, and depression claimed the lives of some of the industry’s finest too soon, their legacy continues to live on in their music and the music they continue to inspire. Enthusiasts can easily see Hendrix and Cobain’s lingering influence in the guitar distortion and guitar multi effects in today’s music. Get more info here: www.lawkstarguitars.com
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