ten on tuesday: the music died too young

The first of two (!) posts today, inspired by Carole’s typical prodding. Her topic: list ten musicians who you wish were still on this mortal coil.

1. John Lennon. Need anything be said here?
2. George Harrison. Again, need anything be said?
3. Otis Redding. He finally had mainstream success the week he died. Such a voice…
4. Buddy Holly. I think he would’ve given The Beatles a run for their money in the early 60s.
5. Freddie Mercury. Even though his voice was damaged from smoking and his failing health, he brought the show. And now that homophobia isn’t a thing in rock, I think he would’ve flourished.
6. Eva Cassidy. She was blessed with a wonderful voice, but was only hitting the big time when cancer struck her down.
7. Keith Moon. I think he had a lot left in him, and The Who was never the same after his passing.
8. Jon Entwistle. Same goes for “The Ox,” whose bass lines and licks were always stunning.
9. Rick Wright. The quietest member of a quiet band. His keyboard sound was the glue of Pink Floyd, and his recent work with David Gilmour was most lovely.
10. Janis Joplin. Oh, those blues. Oh, what a self-destructive life.

I could carry on: Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Dusty Springfield, Cass Elliot, and so many more deserve to be on this list. But that’s my ten.

Anybody you’d add to this list? Leave a comment!

(Cover image courtesy of Getty Images.)