August 28, 2026

Musicians and singers who died in March 2023

April 20, 2023
March (73)
  1. [31 Mar 2023] Philip Balsam (Canadian songwriter for Fraggle Rock), 79
    2. It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the loss of our sweet and brilliantly talented Philip, who passed away on March 31, 2023, at his home in Toronto at the age of 79. He was in the company of his wife of 43 years, and a few dear friends, after struggling with Giant Cell Arteritis for two years, and suffering a rapid decline in his health over the last two weeks.
    … via steelesmemorialchapel
  2. [30 Mar 2023] Ray Shulman (English musician for Gentle Giant), 73
    3. Gentle Giant have confirmed via social media the death of co-founding bassist and composer Ray Shulman. Elder brother Derek posted on Facebook, “I was with him until the end as he bravely battled a long illness. At least I know he is now at peace.”
    … via loudersound
  3. [30 Mar 2023] Alfio Cantarella (Italian drummer for Equipe 84), 81
    4. Alfio Cantarella, the former drummer of Equipe 84, has passed away. As reported by some local newspapers, the musician passed away after a few days of hospitalization in the intensive care unit of the Magalini hospital in Villafranca di Verona, where Cantarella had lived for about thirty years before moving to the Little Fraternity of Dossobuono following the disappearance of his wife
    … via rockol
  4. [30 Mar 2023] Doug Mulray (Australian radio broadcaster for Triple J), 71, liver cancer
    5. Australian comedian, television and radio presenter Doug Mulray has died, his family has confirmed. He was 71.
    … via nine
  5. [29 Mar 2023] Tiberiu Ceia (Romanian singer), 82
    6. Tiberiu Ceia, the popular music performer from Banat, died. The artist was 82 years old.
    The announcement was made by his colleagues from the public television station, where he was presenting a popular music show.
    … via digi24
  6. [29 Mar 2023] Brian Gillis (American singer for LFO), 47
    7. Brian “Brizz” Gillis, one of the founders of the ’90s boy band LFO, died Wednesday, sources close to the singer confirmed to Variety. He was 47.
    … via variety
  7. [29 Mar 2023] Sweet Charles Sherrell (American bassist for James Brown), 80
    8. Today we are sad to report the passing of legendary bassist “Sweet Charles” Sherrell, best known for his time playing with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. He was 80 years old.
    … via soultracks
  8. [28 Mar 2023] Blas Durán (Dominican bachata singer), 73
    9. The bachatero Blas Durán died at the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 74, who had suffered from poor health for a long time.
    Durán died at his house, located in Los Frailles II, Santo Domingo Este, a source reported.
    … via elcaribe
  9. [28 Mar 2023] Ryuichi Sakamoto (Japanese musician for Yellow Magic Orchestra), 71, rectal cancer
    10. Ryuichi Sakamoto, the Japanese musician whose remarkably eclectic career straddled pop, experimentalism and Oscar-winning film composition, has died aged 71.
    … via theguardian
  10. [28 Mar 2023] Ladislav Jásek (Czech violinist), 93
    11. Czech violinist Ladislav Jasek, the leader of Adelaide’s Elder String Quartet and of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, has passed away.
    … via theviolinchannel
  11. [28 Mar 2023] Sanath Nandasiri (Sri Lankan singer, musician and composer), 81
    12. Veteran singer and musician Professor Sangeeth Nipun Sanath Nandasiri has passed away at the age of 81, according to family sources.
    … via adaderana
  12. [27 Mar 2023] Jocelyn Morlock (Canadian composer), 53
    13. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our dear friend and composer, UBC Music alumnae and Sessional Lecturer, Jocelyn Morlock.
    … via ubc
  13. [27 Mar 2023] Wim de Bie (Dutch comedian and singer), 83
    14. Television maker Wim de Bie has passed away at the age of 83. His broadcaster VPRO reports that he died today at home in The Hague in the presence of family. He had been seriously ill for a long time.
    … via nos
  14. [27 Mar 2023] Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou (Ethiopian nun, pianist and composer), 99
    15. Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, the Ethiopian nun revered for her distinctive piano compositions and charitable contributions, has died, according to Ethiopia’s state-run outlet Fana Broadcasting Corporate. She was 99 years old.
    … via pitchfork
  15. [27 Mar 2023] Peggy Scott-Adams (American blues and R&B singer), 74
    16. Our friends at The Boogie Report have informed us of the passing of legendary blues and R&B singer Peggy Scott-Adams at age 74, a star who had not one, but two enviable music careers.
    … via soultracks
  16. [27 Mar 2023] Howie Kane (American pop singer for Jay and the Americans), 81
    17. Howie Kane (born Howard Kirchembaum) of Jay & The Americans has died at age 78.
    Howie was one of the two singers for Jay & The Americans (with Jay Traynor) from 1960 to 1973 and rejoined the reformed band in 2006.
    … via noise11
  17. [26 Mar 2023] Ray Pillow (American country singer), 85
    18. Herbert Raymond “Ray” Pillow, 85, of Nashville, Tennessee passed peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
    … via legacy
  18. [25 Mar 2023] Juca Chaves (Brazilian singer and comedian), 84, respiratory failure
    19. Singer and comedian Juca Chaves died on Saturday night, March 25, aged 84. He was admitted to Hospital São Rafael, in Salvador.
    … via ofuxico
  19. [25 Mar 2023] Nick Lloyd Webber (English composer and record producer), 43, gastric cancer
    20. Andrew Lloyd Webber has announced the death of his eldest son Nicholas Lloyd Webber from gastric cancer.
    “I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital. His whole family is gathered
    … via deadline
  20. [24 Mar 2023] Christopher Gunning (English composer), 78
    21. Christopher Gunning (1944 – 2023)
    Christopher Gunning was born on August 5, 1944 in Cheltenham, England. Growing up in a household with a grand piano and tons of music and books, he was dreaming up pieces on the piano long before he could read music. Even as a teenager he listened to jazz, pop music and classical
    … via filmmusicjournal
  21. [24 Mar 2023] Scott Johnson (American composer), 70, pneumonia
    22. Scott Johnson, Playfully Inventive Composer, Is Dead at 70
    In works like “John Somebody,” he mixed the structural rigor of classical composition with the ebullient sound and attitude of rock.
    … via nytimes
  22. [23 Mar 2023] Luca Bergia (Italian drummer for Marlene Kuntz), 54
    23. Luca Bergia, historic drummer and founder of Marlene Kuntz was found dead by his sister Thursday morning in his apartment in Cuneo. The cause of death has not yet been clarified: no hypothesis is excluded. He leaves behind two children
    … via corriere
  23. [22 Mar 2023] Tom Leadon (American musician for Mudcrutch), 70
    24. Tom Leadon, guitarist and founding member of Tom Petty’s first band, Mudcrutch, has died. He was 70. “It is with great sadness, but profound love and gratitude for his life, that the family of Tom Leadon … announce his passing on March 22, 2023, peacefully of natural causes,” his brother, Mark Leadon, posted on Facebook.
    … via wbsm
  24. [22 Mar 2023] Wayne Swinny (American guitarist for Saliva), 59, brain hemorrhage
    25. Wayne Swinny, founding member and guitarist of the band Saliva, is dead after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
    A rep for the band tells us, “It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Wayne Swinny, the guitarist of Saliva.
    … via tmz
  25. [21 Mar 2023] Oleksandr Kozarenko (Ukrainian composer, pianist and musicologist), 59, COVID-19
    26. Ukrainian pianist, musicologist and composer Oleksandr Kozarenko died in Ivano-Frankivsk at the age of 59.
    … via pravda
  26. [20 Mar 2023] Dmitry Nova (Дмитрия Свиргунова) (Russian musician for Cream Soda), 34, drowned
    27. The body of the founder of the Cream Soda (Крем Сода) group, Dmitry Svirgunov, was found.
    … via peopletalk
  27. [18 Mar 2023] Sverre Valen (Norwegian choir conductor, founder of the Sandefjord Girls Choir), 97
    28. A man who has contributed a lot to the musical cultural life in Sandefjord died on Saturday. In May, Sverre Valen would have turned 98.
    … via sb
  28. [17 Mar 2023] Fuzzy Haskins (American singer for Parliament-Funkadelic), 81
    29. Former Parliament-Funkadelic singer Clarence “Fuzzy” Haskins died at the age of 81 on March 17. The news was confirmed by former bandmates Bootsy Collins and George Clinton.
    … via ultimateclassicrock
  29. [17 Mar 2023] Mick Slattery (British guitarist for Hawkwind), 77
    30. Former Hawkwind and The Famous Cure guitarist Mick Slattery has died, aged 77, after a short illness, Hawkwind have reported.
    … via loudersound
  30. [17 Mar 2023] Fito Olivares ( Mexican cumbia musician), 75
    31. The music ringing out at Fiesta next month will have a note of sadness as social media posts report that Mexican musician Fito Olivares has died. A Facebook post from San Antonio’s Tejano station KXTN on Friday, March 17 reported Olivares’ death
    … via mysanantonio
  31. [17 Mar 2023] Lance Reddick (American actor and musician), 60
    32. Lance Reddick was best known for playing Cedric Daniels in The Wire (2002–2008), Phillip Broyles in Fringe (2008–2013), and Chief Irvin Irving in Bosch (2014–2020).
    As a teenager, he studied music at the Peabody Preparatory Institute and studied classical music composition at University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree.
    … via deadline
  32. [16 Mar 2023] Tony Coe (English jazz musician), 88
    33. Sad news. One of the understated greats of British jazz, saxophonist and clarinettist Tony Coe, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 88.
    … via londonjazznews
  33. [15 Mar 2023] Théo de Barros (Brazilian composer), 80
    34. Composer Theo de Barros, known for “Disparada”, alongside Geraldo Vandré, and for his partnership with singer Elis Regina, died early this Wednesday (15th) in São Paulo.
    … via folha
  34. [15 Mar 2023] Daniel Bourgue (French horn player), 86
    35. The virtuoso horn player Daniel Bourgue, ‘surely be the last representative of the old school of French playing’ according to the IHS, has died at the age of 86.
    … via slippedisc
  35. [14 Mar 2023] Bobby Caldwell (American singer and songwriter), 71
    36. Singer Bobby Caldwell, known for his smooth blue-eyed soul voice, is dead after battling illness for several years … TMZ has confirmed.
    Bobby, whose biggest hit is the classic “What You Won’t Do for Love,” died in his sleep Tuesday night at home in New Jersey, according to his rep.
    … via tmz
  36. [14 Mar 2023] Dix Denney (American guitarist for The Weirdos, Thelonious Monster), 65
    37. Dix Denney, guitarist and co-founder of pioneering LA punk band The Weirdos, has died.
    Along with his brother John, Dix Denney formed The Weirdos in Los Angeles in 1975. Although initially inspired by The Ramones, they soon became trailblazers
    … via louderthanwar
  37. [13 Mar 2023] Simon Emmerson (English record producer, DJ, and musician for Afro Celt Sound System), 67
    38. Simon Emmerson, the founder of Afro Celt Sound System, core founder of The Imagined Village, record producer, guitarist, bird watcher and Honorary Bard, passed away on Monday, 13th March.
    … via folkradio
  38. [13 Mar 2023] Canisso (Brazilian bassist for Raimundos), 57
    39. Bassist José Henrique Campos Pereira, known as Canisso, died this Monday (13/3), aged 57. The information was confirmed by the band’s manager, but the cause of death was not disclosed. The musician was part of the original formation of the Brasilian rock group Raimundos.
    … via metropoles
  39. [13 Mar 2023] Jim Gordon (American convicted murderer and musician for Eric Clapton, Derek and the Dominos), 77
    40. Jim Gordon, a top drummer for Eric Clapton, George Harrison and countless others who was diagnosed with schizophrenia after murdering his mother in 1983, has died.
    … via variety
  40. [12 Mar 2023] Marek Kopelent (Czech composer), 90
    41. Composer Marek Kopelent died in Prague on Sunday morning, he was 90 years old. He belonged to the founding generation of authors dedicated to New Music.
    … via lidovky
  41. [11 Mar 2023] Dave Kamien (American jazz musician for Dave Kamien Division), 68
    42. David Leo Kamien, born at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York on July 22, 1928, died on March 11, 2023 Dave was an extraordinarily gifted musician, an often impatient savant, and a curious inquisitor fascinated by, among other things, psychology; politics; and people.
    … via gormanscharpf
  42. [11 Mar 2023] Costa Titch (South African rapper), 27
    43. Popular rapper Costa Titch has died.
    The Big Flexa hitmaker, real name Costa Tsobanoglou, collapsed and died while performing at the Ulta music festival in Johannesburg.
    He was just 27 years.
    … via enca
  43. [10 Mar 2023] Tongo (Peruvian singer and comedian), 65, kidney failure
    44. The singer José Abelardo Gutiérrez, better known as Tongo, died last Friday night after he had been hospitalized since last December.
    … via rpp.pe
  44. [10 Mar 2023] Napoleon XIV (American singer), 84
    45. Jerry Samuels, who as “Napoleon XIV” wrote and recorded one of pop music’s most unusual hit singles, 1966’s “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!,” died today (March 10, 2023).
    … via bestclassicbands.com
  45. [09 Mar 2023] Robin Lumley (British jazz keyboardist for Brand X), 74, heart failure
    46. “It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Robin Lumley, songwriter, master keyboardist, friend, and founding member of Brand X.”
    … via rockaxis.com
  46. [08 Mar 2023] Josua Madsen (Danish drummer for Artillery), 45, traffic collision
    47. Longtime ARTILLERY drummer Josua Madsen, who played on the band’s last four albums, has died at the age of 45.
    … via blabbermouth
  47. [08 Mar 2023] Jim Durkin (American thrash metal guitarist for Dark Angel), 58
    48. DARK ANGEL guitarist Jim Durkin has died at the age of 58.
    Jim’s passing was confirmed by his wife Annie on his Facebook
    … via blabbermouth
  48. [08 Mar 2023] Marcel Amont (French singer), 93
    49. French singer Marcel Amont, a music-hall star known for hits such as “Bleu, blanc, blond”, died on Wednesday at the age of 93, his family said.
    The whimsical showman, who had a 75-year career, died at his home in Saint-Cloud, on the outskirts of Paris, according to a statement from his family.
    … via barrons
  49. [08 Mar 2023] Chaim Topol (Israeli musician and actor for Fiddler on the Roof), 87, Alzheimer’s disease
    50. Actor, singer and Israel Prize laureate Chaim Topol dies at 87
    Topol, best known for his role as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, and his condition deteriorated in recent days.
    … via israelnationalnews
  50. [07 Mar 2023] Serghei Ciuhrii (Сергей Чухрий) (Moldovan conductor, composer and teacher), 84
    51. The well-known conductor, composer and teacher Serghei Ciuhrii has passed away. He died today at the age of 84. The announcement was announced by his daughter-in-law, the singer Nătălița Munteanu, on social networks, writes MOLDPRES.
    … via realitatea.md
  51. [06 Mar 2023] Eric Alan Livingston (American musician for Mamaleek), 38
    52. Eric Alan Livingston, a member of the experimental metal group Mamaleek, has died, the band wrote on social media yesterday. The multi-instrumentalist had played with the group since 2015 and joined as a full-time member in 2019. The musician’s cause of death has not been announced. Livingston was 38 years old.
    … via realitatea.md
  52. [05 Mar 2023] Mighty Ha (American rapper for Cru)
    53. We are sad to say Mighty Ha from the group Cru has passed away over the weekend. Everyone at Boom Bap Nation sends our deepest condolences to all of Mighty Ha’s family and friends.
    … via boombapnation.com
  53. [05 Mar 2023] Sharifa Fadel (Egyptian singer and actress), 84
    54. At the age of 85, the family of the Egyptian actress Sharifa Fadel said that she died today, Sunday, after a struggle with illness.
    … via al-ain.com
  54. [05 Mar 2023] Gary Rossington (American Hall of Fame guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd), 71
    55. Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Last Original Member, Dead at 71.
    The founding member and guitarist, who provided the seagull-like slide guitar leads to Skynyrd’s signature “Free Bird,” survived the band’s infamous 1977 plane crash
    … via rollingstone.com
  55. [05 Mar 2023] Arif Cooper (Jamaican disc jockey)
    56. Popular disc jockey (DJ), music producer and radio personality Arif Cooper died early this morning after collapsing at Recall Throwback Edition held at the Police Officers’ Club on Hope Road.
    The son of famous musician and music teacher Ibo Cooper, Arif Cooper has been DJing since 1991 and had become one of Jamaica’s most loved selectors at home and abroad.
    … via jamaica-gleaner.com
  56. [04 Mar 2023] James “Owl” Walsh (American musician for Gypsy), 74, heart failure
    57. James ‘Owl’ Walsh, stalwart Minnesota musician from the band Gypsy, dies at 74 …
    Walsh died Saturday at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital of congestive heart failure. He had been in declining health with diabetes, heart issues and mobility concerns. He was 74.
    … via startribune.com
  57. [04 Mar 2023] Artie Barnes (aka Robert Haimer) (American musician for Barnes & Barnes), 69
    58. Robert Haimer, aka Artie Barnes of experimental pop duo who gave the world the forever-weird novelty hit “Fish Heads” (Dr Demento’s #1 Most Requested Song of All Time, has died after a long illness. He was 69.
    … via brooklynvegan.com
  58. [04 Mar 2023] Michael Rhodes (American bassist for The Notorious Cherry Bombs), 69
    59. Michael Rhodes, Esteemed Bassist and Nashville Session Musician, Dies at 69
    Rhodes passed away at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, the morning of March 4.
    … via billboard.com
  59. [04 Mar 2023] Sueli Costa (Brazilian composer and singer), 79
    60. Sueli Costa, one of the greatest and most sensitive melodists in Brazil, dies in Rio at the age of 79
    … via globo.com
  60. [04 Mar 2023] Spot (aka Glen Lockett) (American record producer for SST Records), 72
    61. Glen Lockett, the in-house producer and engineer for legendary punk label SST Records who was better known as SPOT, has died, reports former SST co-owner Joe Carducci. He had been on oxygen after his fibrosis impaired his lung function in late 2021, and three months ago he was placed in a hospital following a stroke, Carducci revealed in a Facebook post
    … via pitchfork.com
  61. [03 Mar 2023] David Lindley (American musician), 78
    62. Acclaimed Claremont musician and songwriter David Lindley has died.
    Lindley died today after reportedly being in ill health for several months. He was 78.
    … via claremont-courier.com
  62. [03 Mar 2023] Joshuah Tasi (New Zealand musician), 28, stabbing
    63. Joshuah Tasi was a talented musician and a brother who loved and looked after his siblings, says a high school friend.
    … via nzherald.co.nz
  63. [02 Mar 2023] Larry Hunt (aka Bucket Man) (American drummer), 64
    64. Larry “Bucket Man” Hunt, who appeared in Will Smith’s 2006 movie The Pursuit of Happyness and on TV show America’s Got Talent, has died at the age of 64.
    The news was confirmed by Hunt’s close friend, bassist and music producer Brian Compton, who said that the San Francisco-based drummer died on Thursday.
    … via newsweek.com
  64. [02 Mar 2023] Steve Mackey (English record producer and bassist for Pulp), 56
    65. Pulp bass player Steve Mackey has died.
    Initial reports moved across social media earlier today, with Pulp now sharing an official statement confirming his death. Steve Mackey was 56 years old, and had been living in North London with his wife and family.
    … via clashmusic.com
  65. [02 Mar 2023] Gothart Stier (German singer), 84
    66. Gothart Taurus (1938-2023)
    Gothart Stier received his first musical training in the Stadtsingechor zu Halle, which he was a member of until he graduated from high school. He studied conducting and church music at the Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy University of Music
    … via monteverdi-chor.de
  66. [02 Mar 2023] Wayne Shorter (American jazz saxophonist), 89
    67. One of the giants of modern jazz, saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter passed away at the age of 89 in Los Angeles, his publicist confirmed this morning to the New York Times.
    … via weheartmusic.com
  67. [01 Mar 2023] Steven Cain (American singer for Critical Khaos), 50, murdered
    68. Ohio-based thrash metal band Critical Khaos identified Steven Cain, one of the victims, as their lead singer. His 13-year-old son was also killed.
    … via wsbtv.com
  68. [01 Mar 2023] Wally Fawkes (aka Trog) (Canadian-British jazz clarinettist and satirical cartoonist), 98
    69. RIP the great Oldie cartoonist Wally Fawkes at 98
    TROG – aka Wally Fawkes – was a regular Oldie illustrator, drawing a caricature for the books pages every month between 2001 and 2005 before failing eyesight forced him to retire.
    … via theoldie.co.uk
  69. [01 Mar 2023] Jean Sands (American musician for Mid-Columbia Symphony ), 91
    70. Jean Sands, who with her late husband Victor formed a lasting musical power duo in the Tri-Cities, died Thursday in Richland.
    She was 91 and had lived in the Tri-Cities for 68 years.
    … via tri-cityherald.com
  70. [01 Mar 2023] Ronald McFadden (American entertainer for The McFadden Brothers), 66
    71. Kansas City jazz legend Ronald McFadden, known for his singing, tap dancing and playing the saxophone, died Monday at 66.
    He was one part of the iconic pair The McFadden Brothers, with his brother Lonnie McFadden.
    … via kansascity.com
  71. [01 Mar 2023] Irma Serrano (aka La Tigresa) (Mexican actress and singer), heart attack
    72. Performer Irma Serrano has died at the age of 89.
    The star suffered a fatal heart attack on Wednesday morning in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico, the Mexican news station Foro TV reported.
    The Mexican-born star – who also went by the nickname La Tigresa – worked as a singer and actress in her native country for over five decades.
    … via dailymail.co.uk
  72. [01 Mar 2023] Ida McBeth (American singer), 70
    73. Ida McBeth started her career as a teenager singing at the Playboy Club in downtown Kansas City. She went on to earn mayoral proclamations and a lifetime achievement award from the American Jazz Museum.
    … via kcur.org
  73. [01 Mar 2023] Neela Ramgopal (Indian Carnatic vocalist), 87
    74. Noted Carnatic vocalist and teacher Neela Ramgopal, 86, passed away in Bengaluru on Wednesday (March 1). She was suffering from age-related ailments but had remained high-spirited till the end.
    … via thehindu.com



Leave a Reply

Discover more from W♥M

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading