Singers Who Died In 2023

The year 2023 witnessed the music world bid farewell to several iconic voices, each leaving an indelible mark on the industry. From revered legends to rising talents, these artists contributed to the diverse tapestry of musical genres. As we reflect on their journeys, we remember the multifaceted impact they had on fans globally.

In this tribute, we honor their legacies, celebrating the melodies that resonated with generations. From rock singers who died young to pop sensations, each artist’s story is a testament to the profound influence music holds in our lives. Join us as we pay homage to the singers who, though no longer with us, continue to live on through the timeless melodies they gifted to the world.

David Crosby

David Van Cortlandt Crosby, born on August 14, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, emerged as a seminal figure in American music. Raised in a distinguished family, Crosby’s journey unfolded through the folk scene, leading to the formation of the Byrds in 1964 and subsequently Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1968. His distinctive harmonies and songwriting contributions defined these iconic bands.

Beyond group endeavors, Crosby’s solo career and collaborations showcased his musical versatility. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, he left an indelible mark on the industry. Despite personal challenges, political activism, and acting pursuits, Crosby’s impact resonated across genres. On January 18, 2023, Crosby passed away at 81 in Santa Ynez, California, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of famous singers who died.

Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie Presley, born on February 1, 1968, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, was the singular offspring of the iconic singer and actor Elvis Presley and actress Priscilla Presley. Following her parents’ divorce, Lisa Marie split her time between her mother in Los Angeles and her father’s famed Graceland estate in Memphis.

At the age of nine, she inherited joint ownership of Elvis’s estate alongside her grandfather Vernon Presley, and great-grandmother Minnie Mae Presley. As the sole heir after their passing, she inherited the estate on her 25th birthday in 1993, estimated to be worth $100 million. Lisa Marie Presley’s journey extended beyond her familial legacy, encompassing a musical career, high-profile relationships, personal struggles, and ultimately, a tragic demise on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54, leaving an indelible mark on the world as she joined her father and son in the Graceland Meditation Garden. The music industry mourned the loss of one of its iconic female singers who died, reflecting on her lasting impact and contributions.

Hans Sven Poulsen

Hans Sven Poulsen, born as Bruce Gordon Poulsen on March 7, 1945, in Melbourne, Australia, was an Australian singer-songwriter and musician renowned for his eccentric hippie style during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite often being mistakenly linked to Denmark, Poulsen’s Danish descent influenced his choice of the name “Hans Sven” as a teenager. He gained fame with hits like “Boom Sha La La Lo” and “There’s a Light Across the Valley” in 1970, and also found success as a songwriter, contributing notable pieces for artists like Johnny Farnham and Zoot.

In 1972, Poulsen shifted to the Findhorn Foundation spiritual community in Scotland, recording three albums before departing in 1976. Unfortunately, Poulsen’s career faced a setback in the late 1970s due to cancer and a stroke. After his recovery, he transitioned into a career as a music therapist. Hans Poulsen passed away on February 17, 2023, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of unique musical contributions.

Bobby Caldwell

Bobby Caldwell, born on August 15, 1951, in Manhattan, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician celebrated for his versatile vocals across genres like R&B, soul, jazz, and adult contemporary. His breakthrough came with the 1978 double platinum debut album “Bobby Caldwell,” featuring the iconic hit “What You Won’t Do for Love.” Over the years, Caldwell diversified his musical repertoire, contributing to the Great American Songbook and writing for artists like Amy Grant and Peter Cetera.

Caldwell’s impact extends to hip hop and R&B, with his work being sampled by prominent artists. Despite facing challenges, such as racial anonymity imposed by his record label, Caldwell’s talent shone through. He continued to evolve, exploring big band arrangements and singing standards.

Tragically, Bobby Caldwell passed away on March 14, 2023, at the age of 71, at his home in Independence Township, New Jersey. His wife revealed that Caldwell’s health had deteriorated due to severe side effects from fluoroquinolone in 2017. The announcement of his death on Twitter expressed deep gratitude for the support and prayers received over the years.

Paul Cattermole

Paul Gerald Cattermole, born on 7 March 1977, was an English singer and actor renowned for his time as a member of the pop group S Club 7 from 1998 to 2002. His contribution to the band’s success included numerous chart-topping hits and a significant impact on their global popularity. Cattermole rejoined S Club 7 for the reunion tour in 2014 and was set to return for a second reunion tour in 2023 before his untimely death on 6 April 2023.

Beyond S Club 7, Cattermole pursued various musical endeavors, including the formation of the nu-metal band Skua. Despite facing financial challenges and declaring bankruptcy in 2014, he remained active in the music scene, participating in projects like Skua’s 2014 reunion and touring with The Rocky Horror Show in 2015.

Edmund Dantes Urick

Edmund Dantes Urick, professionally known as Ed Ames or Eddie Ames, was an American pop singer and actor, born on July 9, 1927. Ames achieved fame for his role as Mingo in the TV series Daniel Boone and for his Easy Listening number #1 hits in the 1960s, including “My Cup Runneth Over” and “When the Snow Is on the Roses.” He was also a part of the popular singing group, the Ames Brothers, in the 1950s.

Ames transitioned to acting in the early 1960s after the Ames Brothers disbanded. He played Mingo in Daniel Boone and continued his acting career in theater productions. Known for his baritone voice, Ames returned to singing as a solo artist in 1965 and recorded chart-topping hits like “My Cup Runneth Over.”

Ed Ames passed away on May 21, 2023, at the age of 95, at his home in Beverly Hills, California, succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease.

Choi Sung-bong

Choi Sung-bong was born on February 18, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea. Despite a challenging early life, being abandoned at an orphanage at the age of three, Choi’s determination led him to escape physical abuse. He ran away to Daejeon, living in red-light districts. Seeking refuge in music, he approached Jeong-So Park for lessons, receiving support from the church and ChildFund Korea.

Choi’s journey included passing qualification exams, graduating from Dae-Jeon Art High School, and studying Cultural Art Management at Kyung-Hee Cyber University. His breakthrough came on Korea’s Got Talent in 2011, where he finished as the first runner-up. Despite controversies surrounding his education, Choi garnered global attention, with his performance video on YouTube reaching millions of views.

Tragically, Choi faced health issues, falsely claiming cancer in 2021. On October 29, 2021, he admitted to fabricating his illness. Regrettably, Choi died by suicide on June 20, 2023, leaving a poignant suicide note on his online channel. He was 33 years old.

Coco Lee

Coco Lee, born on January 17, 1975, was a prominent Chinese-American singer and songwriter who gained international acclaim. Raised in Hong Kong and the United States, Lee started her career in Hong Kong before expanding to Taiwan and beyond. Known as Asia’s Mariah Carey, she released 18 studio albums and was the first Chinese singer to break into the American market with her English-language R&B album, “Just No Other Way,” in 1999.

Tragically, Coco Lee faced health challenges, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. Her struggle with depression and physical ailments culminated in her death at the age of 48. On July 2, 2023, Lee attempted suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills. Rushed to the hospital, she fell into a coma and passed away on July 5, 2023. Her death sparked widespread attention and mourning, leaving a significant impact on the music industry and her devoted fans. The incident added to the narrative of famous singers who died of drug overdose, emphasizing the complexities they may face behind the scenes.

Faye Fantarrow

Faye Fantarrow, the English singer from Sunderland, passed away on August 26, 2023, at 21, after bravely battling leukemia twice as a child and, later, a rare brain tumor diagnosed in August 2022. Her music journey included notable performances on BBC Music Introducing in 2022, and she won the 2021 Lindisfarne’s Alan Hull Award.

Mentored by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, Faye recorded tracks for her new EP in The Bahamas in 2022. Despite her health challenges, she garnered support from the local music community, raising £265,000 for her treatment. Faye’s death left a profound void, leading to heartfelt tributes. Her funeral on September 21, 2023, at Sunderland Minster, became a poignant gathering for the hundreds touched by her life and music.

Richard Laviolette

Richard Andrew Laviolette, born on August 22, 1982, in Port Colborne, Ontario, emerged as a prominent Canadian singer-songwriter based in Guelph. Raised in Tara, he honed his musical skills, influenced by his family’s musical background. Despite beginning studies at the University of Guelph with aspirations of teaching, Laviolette’s passion for music led him to drop out and pursue a full-time musical career.

Debuting with “Mary Carl” in 2005, Laviolette showcased his musical range, releasing albums like “Aging Recycling Plant” (2009) and “Taking the Long Way Home” (2017). In 2022, he faced the rapid onset of Huntington’s disease, prompting him to opt for medical assistance in dying (MAiD). On September 5, 2023, Laviolette passed away at 41. His legacy endures with a posthumous release, “All Wild Things Are Shy,” recorded in early 2023, leaving an indelible mark on the Canadian music landscape.

Charlie Robison

Charlie Robison, the esteemed American country singer-songwriter, left an indelible mark on music, born on September 1, 1964. His journey, shaped by a Southwest Texas State University knee injury redirecting him from football, unfolded in Austin’s late 1980s scene and bands like Chaparral. Transitioning to a solo career with “Bandera” in 1996, he gained acclaim with hits like “My Hometown.” Label-hopping brought Sony, Lucky Dog Records, and Dualtone into his narrative, enabling creative autonomy. Departing from mainstream country, Robison embraced Southern and hard rock influences, evident in albums like “Good Times” and “Beautiful Day,” his first self-produced work.

Tragically, 2018’s surgery complications silenced his singing voice. A 2022 comeback marked a brief resurgence, cut short by his demise on September 10, 2023, succumbing to cardiac arrest and complications in a San Antonio hospital at 59. Robison’s legacy echoes through his impactful contributions to country and rock, a lasting influence on the musical landscape.

Aérea Negrot

Aérea Negrot, the Venezuelan performer and electronic musician, left an indelible mark on the global music scene. Born on October 9, 1980, she resided in Berlin, Germany, where her artistic journey flourished. Inspired by her love for travel and aviation, her name reflected influences from Toña La Negra and Olga Guillot’s voices. Negrot’s musical repertoire seamlessly blended electronica, techno, cabaret, and pop, showcasing her diverse talents. Notably, she contributed to Hercules & Love Affair, lending her vocals to tracks on their second album, “Blue Songs.”

Her debut album, “Arabxilla,” released in 2011 on BPitch Control, exemplified her innovative approach. Tragically, Negrot’s artistic journey was cut short as she passed away on October 11, 2023, at the age of 43. Her impact resonates through her solo work, collaborations, and contributions to the electronic music landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends genres and borders.

Johnny Ruffo

Johnny Ruffo, the multi-talented Australian artist, made a significant impact in music, dance, and television. Born on March 8, 1988, in Balcatta, Western Australia, Ruffo’s journey unfolded with a passion for music inspired by his idol, Michael Jackson. Rising to fame as the third-place finalist on The X Factor Australia’s third season, his debut single “On Top” (2012) and the subsequent release “Take It Home” earned him accolades.

Beyond music, Ruffo showcased his versatility by winning Dancing with the Stars Australia’s twelfth season. His acting debut in Home and Away as Chris Harrington marked another milestone, earning him a Logie Nomination. The artist’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2017 when he faced a brain tumor diagnosis. Despite a period of remission, he bravely navigated cancer’s challenges, sharing his experiences through music.

Jeffrey Foskett

Jeffrey Foskett, the accomplished American singer, songwriter, and producer, left an indelible mark as a key figure in the Beach Boys’ touring and studio lineup. Born on February 17, 1956, in San Jose, California, Foskett’s musical journey began with his band Cherry in the 1970s, eventually gaining recognition in revered groups like The Reverie Rhythm Rockers and The Pranks.

Foskett’s connection with Brian Wilson started in 1976 when he tracked down Wilson’s house, leading to a lasting friendship. His role expanded to replacing Carl Wilson in The Beach Boys and providing vocals for Brian Wilson’s solo projects, showcasing his versatility. Foskett’s significant contributions continued during the Beach Boys’ 50th Anniversary Reunion Tour and subsequent collaborations with Brian Wilson.

However, health challenges surfaced, with Foskett undergoing throat surgery in 2019 and later revealing a battle with stage 4 anaplastic thyroid cancer in 2018. Sadly, Jeffrey Foskett passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 67, succumbing to the effects of stage 4 anaplastic thyroid cancer. He became one of the singers who died of cancer, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.

Conclusion

In 2023, we said goodbye to some incredible singers who died young, leaving a lasting impact on music. Their songs and stories touched our hearts, creating a musical legacy that will always be remembered. Though they’re no longer with us, the melodies they shared will forever play on, bringing comfort and inspiration to fans around the world. As we cherish their contributions, we celebrate the lives of these talented artists, grateful for the beauty they brought into the world through their timeless tunes.