This Week we Celebrate the life of The 27 Club
In the late 1960’s to the early 1970’s talented musicians, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Brian Jones all passed away at 27 years old, creating what is known as the 27 club. What prompt me to write about the 27 club was the death of Amy Winehouse who was 27 when she passed away. Inquisitively I did some more research and what I quickly learned was that Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Brian Jones were not the only members of this club, but the most famous. Below is a list of talented people in one way or another departed this world either at their own hand through drug problems or from other circumstances but the commonality is each person died at the young age of 27.
Jim Morrison - Poet, lyrists, and lead singer of the Doors, The Lizard King, as he was called passed away July 3, 1971. While his cause of death remains somewhat a mystery every article I referenced mentioned his drug use as eventually causing his death.
Jimi Hendrix- Performing in the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967 introduced this great talent to the world. For a three-year period Jimi Hendrix was on fire, establishing himself as one of the best guitarist around. His reign was not to last long on Sept 18, 1970 Jimi Hendrix died due to drug complications.
Janis Joplin- With hits “Mercedes Benz”, and “Me and Bobby McGee” Janis Joplin sang with a bluesy voice that grabbed your senses. Like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin also played at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967, a performance that left an impression. Janis struggled with drugs and after receiving a potent batch of heroin that had not been cut she overdosed October 4, 1970.
Brian Jones- Founding member of the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones was a multitalented musician. Playing on the early Rolling Stones albums his relationship with his fellow band members began to sour, reportedly due to his receiving more money per month than his band mates. This led to his departure from the band and while he had planned to start another band it was not to be. Brian Jones died July 3, 1969, the official cause of death “Death by Misadventure” he was found dead at the bottom of his pool.
Robert Johnson- Known as one of the best guitarist of all time: a true Delta Bluesman. Robert Johnson influenced such artist as The Stones, Eric Clapton and others. His songs have been covered by such bands as Cream and are considered blues classics to this day. Said to poisoned by a jealous husband, Robert Johnson passed away Aug 16, 1938.
Ron “Pigpen” McKernan- One of the founding members of the Grateful Dead McKernan played keyboards, harmonica, and vocals on such songs as “Midnight Hour” and “Death Don’t Have no Mercy”. After health issues he left the band in 1972 and on March 8, 1973 he died of a stomach hemorrhage.
Gary Thain- Songwriter and bassist he wrote “Crystal Ball” and “Gary’s Song” for the rock group Uriah Heep. Gary Thain was found dead of a heroin overdose Dec 8, 1975.
Kristen Pfaff- Played bass for the band Hole, formed by Courtney Love. Playing on only one album “Live Through This”, she was found dead of a heroin overdose June 16, 1994.
Kurt Cobain- Lead singer for the grunge band Nirvana Kurt Cobain was thrust into the limelight of fame with Nirvana’s huge hit single “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. Cobain never enjoyed the spotlight and started using heroin in the 90’s. Troubled he tried to commit suicide March of 1994 swallowing painkillers and alcohol. On April 5, 1994 he succeeded in his suicide attempt by using a shotgun to end his life.
Amy Winehouse- Known for her song “Rehab” and winner of 5 Grammy awards in 2008, Amy Winehouse struggled with drug and alcohol issues, sometimes using alcohol before a performance. The initial autopsy proved no cause of death, further toxicology tests will be conducted to determine the cause of death, but results take up to four weeks. Amy Winehouse passed away on July 23, 2011
Such a young age to not of lived more..........
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