This is a heavy topic and might be disturbing or upsetting to some readers, particularly because it involves death, addiction, suicide, and grief.
The “27 Club” refers to celebrities, mostly musicians, who died at the age of 27. This coincidence adds a layer of intrigue and infamy to already tragic events. Members of the club include Kurt Cobain, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Robert Johnson, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and more.
This peculiar coincidence has fascinated people for decades and has given rise to numerous speculations and theories. The allure of the 27 Club lies in the remarkable talent and potential these individuals possessed, which was cut short by untimely deaths. Let’s explore the origins of the 27 Club and the famous members who have joined its ranks.
The Origins of the 27 Club
The concept of the 27 Club gained attention after the death of Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, in 1994. However, the origins of this phenomenon can be traced back to the early 1970s when several iconic musicians passed away within a short span of time. The deaths of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Brian Jones, all at the age of 27, left a profound impact on the music industry and the collective consciousness of rock fans.
The Significance of the 27 Club
There is an added notoriety, a morbid distinction, in membership—artists that lived decades apart are now assembled in the same group, sometimes curiously imagined together in “Rock and Roll Heaven.” Some people ascribe supernatural influences or conspiracy theories to prove that this is no mere coincidence. People often mythologize these musicians as Rock Gods and Goddesses and sometimes regard their early deaths as somehow inevitable. But that can be misleading and limiting. We should invite readers to look past the “Dead at 27” headlines and appreciate the gifts and struggles of real people living their lives. Also, we should consider how this excludes other brilliant and influential musicians who also died prematurely, just not at the exact age of 27 (for instance: Otis Redding at 26, Jeff Buckley at 30, Prince at 57—were these not tragic losses?). Does it really matter how old they were?
Exploring the Phenomenon
Nevertheless, for better or worse, the 27 Club is a noted and fascinating phenomenon. Using this as a basis for discussion, we have an opportunity to examine how we as a society regard talent, art, fame, death, and legacy. By exploring individual biographies, we give breath and detail to the lives of these talented and troubled human beings. This goes beyond a morbid fascination with notorious rock star deaths and the salacious details and spooky happenstance of a common age at death. We can come to a better understanding of what influenced these artists who became influential and iconic themselves.
The phenomenon known as the “27 Club” has captivated the world with its tragic coincidences and untimely deaths of famous individuals at the age of 27. This club, which gained widespread recognition after the death of Kurt Cobain in 1994, has become a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the price of fame. In this article, we will delve into the history of the 27 Club and explore some of the notable members who have tragically lost their lives at this young age.
Who are members of the 27 Club?
| Name | Date of Birth | Date of Death | Cause of Death | Reason for Fame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fredo Santana | July 4, 1990 | January 20, 2018 | Liver failure | American rapper |
| Kim Jong-hyun | April 8, 1990 | December 18, 2017 | Suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning | Lead vocalist and lyricist for Shinee |
| Thomas Fekete | July 1, 1988 | May 31, 2016 | Cancer | Guitarist for Surfer Blood |
| Tomas Lowe | December 5, 1988 | February 13, 2016 | Road accident | Bassist for Viola Beach |
| Slađa Guduraš | May 11, 1987 | December 10, 2014 | Road accident | Bosnian pop singer and actress |
| Soroush “Looloosh” Farazmand | October 31, 1985 | November 11, 2013 | Murdered | Guitarist for the Yellow Dogs |
| Nicole Bogner | March 22, 1984 | January 6, 2012 | Undisclosed illness | Singer for Visions of Atlantis |
| Richard Turner | July 30, 1984 | August 11, 2011 | Cardiac arrest | Trumpet player, collaborator with Friendly Fires |
| Amy Winehouse | September 14, 1983 | July 23, 2011 | Alcohol poisoning | Singer-songwriter |
| Achik Spin | July 1, 1982 | April 17, 2010 | Road accident | Member of the Malaysian pop group Spin |
| Orish Grinstead | June 2, 1980 | April 20, 2008 | Kidney failure | Founding member of the R&B group 702 |
| Damien “Damo” Morris | May 22, 1980 | December 19, 2007 | Bus wreck | Vocalist of Australian deathcore band the Red Shore |
| Valentín Elizalde | February 1, 1979 | November 25, 2006 | Murdered | Mexican banda singer |
| Davor “Moskri” Bobić | November 24, 1977 | August 25, 2005 | Drug overdose | Original member and lead rapper of Prti Bee Gee |
| Bryan Ottoson | March 18, 1978 | April 19, 2005 | Drug overdose (prescription medication) | Guitarist for American Head Charge |
| Jeremy Michael Ward | May 5, 1976 | May 25, 2003 | Drug overdose (heroin) | The Mars Volta and De Facto sound manipulator |
| Maria Serrano Serrano | November 26, 1973 | November 24, 2001 | Plane crash (Crossair Flight 3597) | Background singer for Passion Fruit |
| Sean Patrick McCabe | November 13, 1972 | August 28, 2000 | Asphyxiation | Lead singer of Ink & Dagger |
| Rodrigo Bueno | May 24, 1973 | June 24, 2000 | Traffic collision (car) | Cuarteto singer |
| Kami | February 1, 1972 | June 21, 1999 | Subarachnoid hemorrhage | Drummer for Malice Mizer |
| Freaky Tah | May 14, 1971 | March 28, 1999 | Murdered | American rapper and member of the hip hop group Lost Boyz |
| Fat Pat | December 4, 1970 | February 3, 1998 | Murdered | American rapper and member of Screwed Up Click |
| Stretch | April 8, 1968 | November 30, 1995 | Murdered | Rapper |
| Richey Edwards | December 22, 1967 | February 1, 1995 | Disappeared; officially presumed dead November 23, 2008 | Lyricist and guitarist for Manic Street Preachers |
| Kristen Pfaff | May 26, 1967 | June 16, 1994 | Drug overdose (heroin) | Bass guitarist for Hole and Janitor Joe |
| Kurt Cobain | February 20, 1967 | April 5, 1994 c. | Suicide by gunshot | Founding member, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for Nirvana |
| Mia Zapata | August 25, 1965 | July 7, 1993 | Murdered | Lead singer of the Gits |
| Dimitar Voev | May 21, 1965 | September 5, 1992 | Cancer | Poet, founder of the Bulgarian new wave band New Generation |
| Chris Austin | February 24, 1964 | March 16, 1991 | Plane crash | Country singer and guitarist/fiddle player for Reba McEntire |
| Pete de Freitas | August 2, 1961 | June 14, 1989 | Traffic collision (motorcycle) | Drummer for Echo & the Bunnymen |
| Jean-Michel Basquiat | December 22, 1960 | August 12, 1988 | Drug overdose (Speedball) | Painter and graffiti artist; formed the band Gray |
| Alexander Bashlachev | May 27, 1960 | February 17, 1988 | Fall from a height, probable suicide | Poet, rock musician and songwriter |
| D. Boon | April 1, 1958 | December 22, 1985 | Traffic collision (van) | Guitarist, lead singer of punk band Minutemen |
| Jacob Miller | May 4, 1952 | March 23, 1980 | Traffic collision (car) | Reggae artist and lead singer for Inner Circle |
| Zenon De Fleur | September 9, 1951 | March 17, 1979 | Traffic collision (car) and subsequent medical complications | Guitarist for the Count Bishops |
| Chris Bell | January 12, 1951 | December 27, 1978 | Traffic collision (car) | Singer-songwriter and guitarist of power pop band Big Star and solo |
| Helmut Köllen | March 2, 1950 | May 3, 1977 | Poisoning (carbon monoxide) | Bassist for 1970s prog rock band Triumvirat |
| Cecilia | October 11, 1948 | August 2, 1976 | Traffic collision (car) | Singer |
| Gary Thain | May 15, 1948 | December 8, 1975 | Drug overdose (heroin) | Former bassist of Uriah Heep and the Keef Hartley Band |
| Pete Ham | April 27, 1947 | April 24, 1975 | Suicide by hanging | Keyboardist and guitarist, leader of Badfinger |
| Dave Alexander | June 3, 1947 | February 10, 1975 | Pulmonary edema | Bassist for the Stooges |
| Wallace “Wally” Yohn | January 12, 1947 | August 12, 1974 | Plane crash | Organ player of Chase |
| Roger Lee Durham | February 14, 1946 | July 27, 1973 | Fell off a horse and died from the injuries | Singer and percussionist of Bloodstone |
| Ron “Pigpen” McKernan | September 8, 1945 | March 8, 1973 | Gastrointestinal hemorrhage | Founding member, keyboardist and singer of the Grateful Dead |
| Leslie Harvey | September 13, 1944 | May 3, 1972 | Electrocution | Guitarist for Stone the Crows and brother of Alex Harvey |
| Linda Jones | December 14, 1944 | March 14, 1972 | Complications from diabetes | Soul singer |
| Jim Morrison | December 8, 1943 | July 3, 1971 | Heart failure | Singer, lyricist, and leader of the Doors |
| Arlester “Dyke” Christian | June 13, 1943 | March 13, 1971 | Murdered | Frontman, vocalist and bassist of Dyke and the Blazers |
| Janis Joplin | January 19, 1943 | October 4, 1970 | Drug overdose (probably heroin) | Lead vocalist and songwriter for Big Brother and the Holding Company, the Kozmic Blues Band and Full Tilt Boogie Band |
| Jimi Hendrix | November 27, 1942 | September 18, 1970 | Asphyxiation | Pioneering electric guitarist, singer and songwriter for the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys |
| Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson | July 4, 1943 | September 3, 1970 | Drug overdose (barbiturate), possible suicide | Leader, singer and primary composer of Canned Heat |
| Alexandra | May 19, 1942 | July 31, 1969 | Road accident | German schlager vocalist |
| Brian Jones | February 28, 1942 | July 3, 1969 | Drowning (coroner’s report states “death by misadventure”) | Rolling Stones founder, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist |
| Dickie Pride | October 21, 1941 | March 26, 1969 | Drug overdose (sleeping pills) | Rock and roll singer |
| Malcolm Hale | May 17, 1941 | October 31, 1968 | Poisoning (carbon monoxide) | Original member and lead guitarist of Spanky and Our Gang |
| Joe Henderson | April 24, 1937 | October 24, 1964 | Heart attack | R&B and gospel singer |
| Rudy Lewis | August 23, 1936 | May 20, 1964 | Drug overdose | Vocalist of the Drifters |
| Jesse Belvin | December 15, 1932 | February 6, 1960 | Traffic collision (car) | R&B singer, pianist and songwriter |
| Nat Jaffe | January 1, 1918 | August 5, 1945 | Complications from high blood pressure | Swing jazz pianist |
| Robert Johnson | May 8, 1911 | August 16, 1938 | Poisoning (strychnine) | Blues singer and musician |
| Louis Chauvin | March 13, 1881 | March 26, 1908 | Neurosyphilitic sclerosis | Ragtime musician |
| Alexandre Levy | November 10, 1864 | January 17, 1892 | Unknown | Composer, pianist and conductor |
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson, a Delta blues musician, is often considered one of the founding members of the 27 Club. Known for his influential guitar playing and haunting lyrics, Johnson’s music continues to resonate with audiences to this day. His untimely death in 1938 due to strychnine poisoning and pneumonia left a void in the blues community and set the stage for future members of the 27 Club.
On August 16, 1938, just a few months after his 27th birthday, tragedy struck Robert Johnson. While performing at a roadhouse, he made advances toward the wife of the establishment’s owner. In a twist of fate, he drank from an open bottle of whiskey offered to him. Three days later, Johnson succumbed to strychnine poisoning and pneumonia. He was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in Mississippi, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to resonate.
Brian Jones
Brian Jones, the founding member of The Rolling Stones, met a tragic end in 1969. His death, officially ruled as drowning in his swimming pool, has remained shrouded in mystery and controversy. Jones’ inclusion in the 27 Club further solidified the notion that this age held a peculiar significance for talented individuals in the music industry.
Jones was found dead in the swimming pool of his country home in Sussex, England. The official cause of death was listed as drowning due to misadventure, as he had mixed alcohol and drugs. However, doubts and questions surrounding his death persist to this day, with some speculating foul play. The mysteries surrounding Brian Jones’ demise have added to the enigma of the 27 Club.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix, an iconic guitarist, and singer-songwriter, revolutionized the world of rock music with his innovative style and electrifying performances. His sudden death in 1970, attributed to a barbiturate overdose, shocked the music community and left a void that could never be filled.
On September 18, 1970, tragedy struck when Hendrix was found unconscious in his London apartment. He had taken a fatal combination of barbiturates and alcohol, leading to his untimely death. The circumstances surrounding his passing remain the subject of speculation, adding to the allure and mystique of the 27 Club.
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin, known for her powerful and soulful voice, captivated audiences with her raw and emotional performances. Tragically, her life was cut short in 1970 due to a heroin overdose. Joplin’s impact on the music industry and her inclusion in the 27 Club solidified its connection to talented and troubled artists.
On October 4, 1970, Joplin’s life was tragically cut short. She was found dead in her Hollywood hotel room due to a heroin overdose. The news of her passing sent shockwaves through the music world, leaving fans mourning the loss of a true talent.
Jim Morrison
Jim Morrison, the enigmatic lead singer of The Doors, was one of the most iconic figures of the 1960s counterculture movement. His death in 1971, attributed to heart failure, further contributed to the mystique surrounding the 27 Club and its association with legendary musicians.
While several eyewitnesses, including Marianne Faithfull, claimed that Morrison’s death resulted from an accidental heroin overdose, the absence of an official autopsy report prevented confirmation of these claims.
The legacy of Jim Morrison lives on through his poetic lyrics, charismatic stage presence, and the enduring popularity of The Doors’ music.
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain, the frontman of Nirvana, became an emblem of the grunge movement in the 1990s. His suicide in 1994 propelled the 27 Club into the mainstream consciousness, leading to increased scrutiny and fascination with the age of 27 and its association with tragedy.
Prior to his suicide, Kurt Cobain had made previous attempts at self-destruction. One such incident occurred when he overdosed on a combination of Rohypnol and champagne. His wife, Courtney Love, had called the police on March 18, 1994, after he locked himself in a room with a gun, once again attempting to end his life.
It was on April 8, three days after his death, that an electrician discovered Kurt Cobain’s lifeless body at his Lake Washington Boulevard home. The circumstances surrounding his passing and his immense impact on the grunge music scene continue to be subjects of fascination and speculation.
Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse, a talented and troubled singer-songwriter, joined the 27 Club in 2011. Her struggles with addiction and personal demons were widely publicized, and her death served as a stark reminder of the toll fame can take on one’s life. Winehouse’s inclusion expanded the scope of the 27 Club to include artists from various genres.
On the day of her death, Amy Winehouse’s bodyguard found her unresponsive and immediately called the police. Sadly, she was declared dead at the scene. Her intimate funeral took place on July 26, 2011, at Edgwarebury Lane Cemetery, where her family and close friends bid her a final farewell.
Amy Winehouse struggled with substance abuse throughout her life and openly admitted to using hard drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. Her battle with addiction, along with her unparalleled talent, made her a symbol of both triumph and tragedy.
Kristen Pfaff
Kristen Pfaff, best known as the bassist for the alternative rock band Hole, contributed to the grunge movement with her distinctive playing style. Born on May 26, 1967, in Buffalo, New York, Pfaff’s musical talent and passion were evident in her performances. Tragically, her life was cut short at the age of 27.
On June 16, 1994, Kristen Pfaff died of acute opiate intoxication. Her passing occurred just two months after the death of Kurt Cobain, a close friend and fellow musician. Pfaff’s contributions to the music world were significant, and her loss was deeply felt by those who knew and admired her.
Other Famous Rock Stars in the 27 Club
The 27 Club encompasses several other famous rock stars who left a lasting impact on the music industry. Some of these notable individuals include:
- Helmut Köllen (May 3, 1977)
- Alexander Bashlachev (February 17, 1988)
- Richey Edwards (February 1, 1995)
- Chris Bell (December 27, 1978)
- Alan Wilson (September 3, 1970)
- D. Boon (December 22, 1985)
Each of these musicians contributed their unique talents to the world of rock music and left an enduring legacy.
The Most Famous 27 Club Member Rappers
The 27 Club is not limited to rock musicians alone; it also includes notable rappers who met untimely deaths at the age of 27. These talented individuals left an impact on the rap genre and continue to be remembered for their contributions. Some of the most famous 27 Club member rappers include:
Fredo Santana
Freaky Tah
Davor “Moskri” Bobić
And more…
Fredo Santana: A Promising Rapper’s Demise
Fredo Santana, born Derrick Coleman on July 4, 1990, in Chicago, Illinois, was a rising star in the world of rap. Known for his unique style and powerful lyrics, Santana gained recognition for his contributions to the drill music scene. However, his life was tragically cut short.
On January 19, 2018, Fredo Santana passed away. The cause of his death was a fatal seizure, aggravated by his pre-existing cardiovascular disease and drug-related issues. Santana’s talent and potential were evident, and his loss was deeply felt within the rap community.
Freaky Tah
Freaky Tah, born Raymond Rogers on May 14, 1971, in New York City, was a member of the rap group Lost Boyz. Known for his energetic performances and charismatic personality, Tah made significant contributions to the rap scene in the 1990s. Unfortunately, his life ended in tragedy.
On March 28, 1999, Freaky Tah was fatally shot after leaving a birthday party. His unexpected death shocked the music community and highlighted the violence that can accompany fame and success.
Davor “Moskri” Bobić
Davor “Moskri” Bobić, a prominent member of the rap group Prti BeeGee, left a lasting impact on the Serbian rap scene. Known for his gritty lyrics and unfiltered expression, Bobić’s music resonated with audiences. However, his life came to a tragic end.
On August 25, 2005, Davor “Moskri” Bobić passed away due to a heroin overdose. His raw and authentic approach to rap music continues to inspire aspiring artists in Serbia and beyond.
Who is in the 27 Club recently?
The 27 Club also includes other notable rappers who tragically lost their lives at the age of 27. These individuals left behind a musical legacy that continues to influence the rap genre. Some of the rappers in the 27 Club include:
- Stretch (November 30, 1995)
- Fat Pat (February 3, 1998)
- Shot (September 21, 2017)
- Murda Killa (July 13, 2020)
- Walkie (September 30, 2022)
- Yung Trappa (February 2, 2023)
The members of the 27 Club left an indelible mark on the music industry, and their legacies continue to influence and inspire new generations of musicians. The tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths have fueled speculation and intrigue, turning them into enduring legends.
While the mysteries of the 27 Club may never be fully resolved, their music lives on, reminding us of their immense talent and the price they paid for their art.
The Enduring Legacy of the 27 Club
The 27 Club has become a symbol of the tragic allure and enduring fascination surrounding young talents lost too soon. The club’s origins can be traced back to the untimely deaths of iconic musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, and Janis Joplin, who passed away between 1969 and 1971, all at the age of 27.
The term gained renewed attention following the death of Kurt Cobain in 1994, as fans drew connections between his passing and the earlier deaths of artists like Hendrix. However, the phenomenon reached new heights of public awareness with the death of Amy Winehouse in 2011.
While the club is primarily associated with musicians, it has expanded over time to include other artists from different disciplines, such as actors. Jonathan Brandis, a television actor who passed away at 27 in 2003, was included as a member by Rolling Stone.
In conclusion, the members of the 27 Club left behind a powerful and enduring legacy. Their immense talent, often accompanied by personal struggles and tragic endings, has solidified their status as immortal legends. Their contributions to the arts continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
FAQs
What is the 27 Club?
The 27 Club refers to a group of musicians who tragically passed away at the age of 27. This group includes iconic figures such as Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, and Jim Morrison.
Why is the age of 27 significant in the music industry?
The age of 27 is significant in the music industry because it marks the untimely deaths of several talented musicians who were at the height of their careers. This phenomenon has given rise to the concept of the 27 Club.
How did Amy Winehouse die?
Amy Winehouse died due to accidental alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011. Her struggle with substance abuse and addiction ultimately led to her tragic demise.
What caused Kurt Cobain’s death?
Kurt Cobain’s death was ruled as suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He tragically took his own life on April 5, 1994.
Who are some other famous members of the 27 Club?
Some other famous members of the 27 Club include Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Kristen Pfaff. These musicians also made significant contributions to their respective genres before their untimely deaths.