Photo: Donaldson Collection (Getty Images)
The best thing about 2016 is that it’s finally coming to an end. Well, the rise of the Hadid Sisters wasn’t so bad. From beginning to end it was one of the worst years in a long time, not just in what we gained (Hello President Trump) to what we lost (David Bowie, Gene Wilder, and now Alan Thicke!).
Also: In Memoriam: “Art AIDS America” Pays Tribute to a Lost Generation
No more was loss felt than in the music world where deaths came not just in threes, but waves of them. The Musicians We Lost in 2016 is a memoriam that features some of the most influential voices of their generations, behind the scenes players, and underground artists whose legacies will live on forever.
In Memoriam | Musicians We Lost in 2016
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David Bowie (Jan. 8, 1947 – Jan. 10, 2016)
One of the most iconic artists of his generation died in true Bowie form, just two days after releasing his 25th and final album, Blackstar, which was nominated for several Grammy nominations, including Best Alternative Music Album.
Photo: Terry O'Neill (Getty Images)
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Prince (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016)
The yin to Michael Jackson’s yang. The two bitter rivals (born in the same year BTW) were the face of pop music and pop culture through the ‘80s and ‘90s. Whereas Michael was the king of pop, Prince was like the "Loki" of pop. A bad boy singer, songwriter, producer, one-man band who defied genre, he was one of the first to embrace androgyny from an urban perspective, while his provocative music videos and exuberant stage shows would set standards for generations to come.
Photo by Michael Ochs (Getty Images)
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David Mancuso (Oct. 20, 1944 - Nov. 14, 2016)
The mastermind behind The Loft disco during the early ‘70s, which changed the New York nightlife scene and the style of dance music for decades, he is credited with starting and nurturing aspects of DJ and club culture that are still relevant today.
Photo by Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images
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Phife Dawg (Nov. 20, 1970 – March 22, 2016)
2016 marked the return and farewell of A Tribe Called Quest. Core member Malik Taylor, better known as Phife Dawg, was the heart and soul of the legendary New York hip hop group who went out with a loud bark by squashing a long running beef with Q-Tip to record their sixth and final album, We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service.
Photo: Rodrigo Vaz (Getty Images)
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Glen Frey (Nov. 6, 1948 – Jan. 18, 2016)
Eagles co-founder was a legendary guitarist, who co-wrote some of the band's most famous hits, like "Desperado" and "Hotel California”, and also provided vocals for "Take It Easy," "Heartache Tonight," and "Lyin' Eyes.” He also had a memorable solo career highlighted by “Smuggler’s Blues,” featured in Miami Vice, which he also acted in.
Photo: R. Diamond (Getty Images)
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Afeni Shakur (Jan. 10, 1947 – May 2, 2016)
The American political activist, Black Panther, film producer, music businesswoman was the mother of Tupac Shakur. In many ways she was the woman behind the late, great rapper, actor, activist, who guarded his music and financial legacy after he was shot and killed in 1996 at age 25.
Photo: David Fenton (Getty Images)
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Alan Vega (June 23, 1938 – July 16, 2016)
The punk legend was the singer of Suicide, a two person avant duo (with instrumentalist Martin Rev) whose aggressive, abstract live performances and against the grain music would set many of the staples that would be staples of punk rock. Outside of music, Vega also enjoyed a long career as a visual artist.
Photo: Frank Perry (AFP/Getty Images)
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Leonard Cohen (Sept. 21, 1934 – Nov. 7, 2016)
Cohen is best known for his song “Hallelujah," which has been featured on countless soundtracks and reality singing shows. The song is revered, much like Cohen, in that it has everything: sadness, hope, and triumph. He released his final album, You Want It Darker, just weeks before his death.
Photo: Valery Hache (AFP/Getty Images)
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Sharon Jones (May 4, 1956 – Nov. 18, 2016)
Often compared to the “female James Brown,” the electrifying frontwoman of the Dap-Kings was a tireless performer, who found success late in a colorful life that included 20 years as a Rikers prison guard, before gaining countless fans, critical acclaim and Grammy nominations. Jones was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, but fought bravely, recording music and touring until suffering a stroke on election night (thanks Trump!), eventually succumbing to pancreatic cancer at age 60.
Photo: Tim Mosenfelder (Getty Images)
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