The lives of multiple celebrities have been claimed in 2016, and while many actors made up this list, a majority of people who passed away were musicians. 2016 seems to be determined to take beloved famous folks up until it's last day, it seems, especially since we heard the news of Wham!'s George Michael passing today. In the spirit of remembering the lives we lost this year in an honorable and happy way, here's a playlist comprised of songs from our favorite musicians who entered the gates of Heaven this year.
1. David Bowie - "Modern Love"
Definitely one of Bowie's happier and more upbeat tunes. This will have you thinking of him with a smile, for sure.
2. Glenn Frey - "You Belong to the City"
This song is so '80s it hurts. I miss Glenn so much!
3. Dio - "Rainbow in the Dark"
Frontman Ronnie James Dio passed away a couple of years ago, but Jimmy Bain, bassist of Dio and previous band Rainbow, passed this year.
4. Jefferson Airplane - "Somebody to Love"
Paul Kantner, rhythm guitarist for the band, passed away this year. His work is featured in this classic song.
5. Earth, Wind & Fire - "Shining Star"
Songwriter and singer, Maurice White, passed away due to Parkinson's disease complications this year.
6. Vanity 6 - "Nasty Girl"
Prince's creation, Vanity 6's, frontwoman passed away a few months before the world's beloved Prince.
7. Rory+Joey - "When I'm Gone"
The entire world melted when we heard of the passing of Joey Feek after she battled cervical cancer in front of our very eyes on social media.
8. Emerson, Lake & Palmer - "Fanfare for the Common Man"
Keyboardist Keith Emerson passed away early this year in the very tragic manner of suicide. He is missed greatly by fans and fellow musicians.
9. Merle Haggard and the Strangers- "Mama Tried"
The well-known outlaw country musician passed on his birthday, April 6th, this year.
10. Prince - "The Beautiful Ones"
One of this year's most upsetting deaths was that of the Purple One, Prince. This song is one of the most moving from Prince's catalog.
11. Christina Grimme - "Hold On, We're Going Home (from The Voice)"
The death of Christina Grimmie is extremely tragic to think about. Her life ended far too soon.
12. Y&T - "Summertime Girls"
One-hit wonder band Y&T lost one of their founding members and drummer, Leonard Haze, this year.
13. Heatwave - "Boogie Nights"
Original songwriter and performer of the hit "Boogie Nights," Rod Temperton, passed away this year. Temperton was also famous for his work with Michael Jackson.
14. Dead or Alive - "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)"
The ever-so-eccentric Pete Burns, vocalist of the band, passed away from cardiac issues in October.
15. Leonard Cohen - "Hallelujah"
"Hallelujah" is one of the most well-known songs in the Western world, and the passing of Leonard Cohen was heartbreaking.
16. Leon Russell - "Stranger in a Strange Land"
Russell's 6-decade career ended this year, but his music and influence will live on forever.
17. King Crimson - "21st Century Schizoid Man"
Greg Lake was known for being in the band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but he is also known for his work with another progressive rock band called King Crimson. His expansive talent is greatly missed.
18. George Michael - "Careless Whisper"
The most recent death of this year is that of George Michael, former frontman of Wham! His death was on Christmas day.
The playlist can be found here on Spotify. Remember these musicians with love and happiness! They wouldn't want anything else.
