Music Icons We Said Goodbye to in 2025

Legends never die. Their music plays forever.

We’ve already said goodbye to several music legends in 2025. Some gave us chart-topping hits. Others created entire genres. All of them changed music forever.

Here’s a chronological look at the artists who have passed away as we take a moment to remember them and their contributions.

Leo Dan (March 22, 1942 – January 1, 2025)

Leo Dan, the Argentine artist who captured hearts with romantic hits, passed away at 82.

Born Leopoldo Dante Tevez, Dan recorded more than 20 albums over the course of his career. He also created timeless songs like “Cómo Te Extraño Mi Amor,” “Celia,” and “Te He Prometido.”

His impact on Latin music earned him a Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement award in 2012.

Wayne Osmond (August 28, 1951 – January 1, 2025)

Wayne Osmond, the second-oldest of the Osmond Brothers, died at 73 after suffering a stroke.

Starting as a barbershop quartet in 1958, Wayne and his brothers found fame on The Andy Williams Show.

The Osmonds reached remarkable success with four top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including their No. 1 hit “One Bad Apple” in 1971.

Brenton Wood (July 26, 1941 – January 3, 2025)

Soul singer Brenton Wood died peacefully at his Moreno Valley home at 83.

His 1967 hits “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign” reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top positions.

Most recently, his music was featured in popular shows and movies like The Umbrella Academy and Don’t Worry Darling.

Ed Askew (December 1, 1940 – January 4, 2025)

Ed Askew passed away after ongoing health struggles. The cult singer’s musical journey spanned 11 albums, from 1968’s “Ask The Unicorn” to 2020’s “London.”

Peter Yarrow (May 31, 1938 – January 7, 2025)

Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary died at 86 after battling bladder cancer.

His high tenor voice brought life to classics like “Puff the Magic Dragon” and “Day Is Done,” which he wrote or co-wrote.

Ragne Wahlquist (October 20, 1955 – January 7, 2025)

Swedish heavy metal pioneer Ragne Wahlquist died at 69.

As the guitarist and vocalist for Heavy Load, Wahlquist helped define Sweden’s metal scene and is credited with co-founding the Viking metal genre.

Beyond his own music, Wahlquist made a lasting impact through Thunderload Studios, where he recorded classic albums from Candlemass, Hammerfall, and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Sam Moore (October 12, 1935 – January 10, 2025)

Sam Moore, half of Sam & Dave, died at 89 due to surgery complications.

His tenor voice powered hits like “Hold On, I’m Coming” and the Grammy-winning “Soul Man.”

Artists from Bruce Springsteen to Garth Brooks revered his work, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted him in 1992.

Buck White (December 13, 1930 – January 13, 2025)

Buck White, patriarch of music group The Whites, died at 94.

White formed Buck White & the Down Home Folks before his daughters joined. Together, they went on to enjoy a successful career with multiple charting country hits.

The group won two Grammys, including one for the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

Linda Nolan (February 23, 1959 – January 15, 2025)

Irish musician and TV personality Linda Nolan died at 65.

She rose to fame as a member of The Nolans, along with her sisters. They toured with Frank Sinatra in 1975 and scored seven UK top-20 hits between 1979 and 1982. Nolan was also an actress.

Melba Montgomery (October 14, 1938 – January 15, 2025)

Country music singer Melba Montgomery passed at 86.

She gained recognition through duet recordings with George Jones and Gene Pitney, reaching country chart success with her solo hit “No Charge.”

David Lynch (January 20, 1946 – January 16, 2025)

Film director David Lynch died at 78 from emphysema.

Beyond his acclaimed films, Lynch created experimental rock and ambient soundscapes, collaborating with artists like Angelo Badalamenti and Chrystabell.

He also released two studio albums, “Crazy Clown Time” and “The Big Dream.”

John Sykes (July 29, 1959 – January 20, 2025)

English guitarist John Sykes died at 65 after battling cancer.

He was well-known for his work with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. Sykes also co-wrote hits for Whitesnake’s self-titled 1987 album, helping them achieve their biggest chart success.

Barry Goldberg (December 25, 1941 – January 22, 2025)

Blues keyboardist Barry Goldberg died at 83 after fighting non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

He played with Bob Dylan at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival and worked with Leonard Cohen and the Flying Burrito Brothers.

Garth Hudson (August 2, 1937 – January 21, 2025)

Garth Hudson, The Band’s keyboard player, died peacefully at 87 in Woodstock.

As the last surviving member of The Band, his soulful playing defined their country-tinged Americana sound.

DJ Unk (November 28, 1981 – January 24, 2025)

Atlanta rapper DJ Unk died at 43.

Born Anthony Leonard Platt, his 2006 hit “Walk It Out” reached No. 10 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on Hot Rap Songs charts. His debut album “Beat’n Down Yo Block!” peaked at No. 21 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

Ryan Whyte Maloney (Januray 16, 1981 – January 28, 2025)

The Voice contestant Ryan Whyte Maloney died at 44.

After recording with his band Indulge, he competed on The Voice‘s season 6 on Blake Shelton’s team. He maintained ties with his coach, performing at the opening of Shelton’s Ole Red bar in 2024.

Marianne Faithfull (December 29, 1946 – January 30, 2025)

British icon Marianne Faithfull died at 78.

Starting as a folk singer, she hit the UK top 10 with “As Tears Go By” in 1964. After battling addiction, she made a comeback with 1979 acclaimed album “Broken English.”

Faithfull also had a highly publicized relationship with Mick Jagger.