In many ways, the 70s’ was the definitive era of rock and roll, it was the decade that saw the peak of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Queen, Aerosmith, Montrose, Bad Company, and even the Stones when they’ve released a couple of super albums in the mid-’70s.
The 1970s’ had also taken a lot from us, and below is a list of notable rock legends we lost during the decade.
Jimi Hendrix
The widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of all-time – James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix. He was described by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as “the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.” He died on September 18, 1970, due to Asphyxiation on vomit at the age of 27.
Janis Joplin
Janis Lyn Joplin was one of the most successful rock stars of her era due to his powerful vocals and “electric” stage persona. Joplin died of an accidental heroin overdose on October 4, 1970, at the age of 27.
Jim Morrison
James Douglas Morrison was one of the most rebellious and oft-displayed icons in pop-culture. He was the lead vocalist, of the Doors. He died at the age of 27 in Paris, and the cause of death still remains unknown.
Jim Croce
James Joseph Croce was one of the best American folk and rock singer-songwriters who had a short-lived music career between 1966 and 1973. He released five studio albums and numerous singles. Croce, after his lead single from his fifth album, I Got a Name, was released – he was killed in a plane crash along with five others.
Louis Armstrong
Armstrong had a career that spanned five decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s. He was the most influential figure in jazz. He died on July 6, 1971, due to Heart attack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWzrABouyeE
Duane Allman
Duane Allman was the founder and leader of the Allman Brothers Band who has achieved its greatest success in the early 1970s Allman, despite his brief tenure with his band, he was still best remembered as one of the most influential guitarists of all-time. He died on October 29, 1971, due to a traffic accident.
Alan Wilson
Alan Wilson was best known as the co-founder, leader, and primary songwriter of the blues band Canned Heat, he was also the lead singer for their two biggest U.S. hit singles: “On the Road Again” and “Going Up the Country.” He died on September 3, 1970, due to accidental barbiturate overdose. He was 27.
Ron “Pigpen” McKernan
Ron “Pigpen” McKernan was the founding member of the and played in the group from 1965 to 1972 as the band’s original frontman as well as playing harmonica and electric organ. McKernan was found dead due to gastrointestinal hemorrhage on March 8, 1973. He was 27.
Howlin’ Wolf
Howlin’ Wolf was a known singer, guitarist, and harmonica player, and was noted by Cub Koda as “no one could match Howlin’ Wolf for the singular ability to rock the house down to the foundation while simultaneously scaring its patrons out of its wits.” Howlin’ Wolf died on January 10, 1976, due to Congestive heart failure.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is regarded as “one of the most significant cultural icons” of the 20th century – and referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “The King”. He died on August 16, 1977, due to cardiac arrest.