2017: Many Musical Legends Left Us....Some,Way Too Soon!

Known as the Elvis Presley of France, Johnny Hallyday is often cited as the one who brought rock ‘n’ roll to France. He released 79 albums over his 57-year career, sold over 100 million records, and, like Elvis, acted in more than 30 films.

Paul Buckmaster provided orchestral arrangements for a variety of radio hits from artists and bands like Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and David Bowie. "He helped make me the artist I am. A revolutionary arranger who took my songs and made them soar." - Elton John

Over his long career, Fats Domino collected 23 gold records, three dozen Top 40 hits—including "Ain’t That a Shame" and "Blueberry Hill"—and sold over 65 million singles. He has been cited by many early rock ‘n’ rollers—like Elvis and the Beatles—as well as more modern performers as a major musical influence.

"I find some solace knowing that he will continue to inspire love and music in this world for generations to come. I told him as much a few days ago. He smiled and told me, ‘I tried.’ It was probably the simplest and most inspiring thing he ever told me. I think he wanted to hug each person on this planet individually." - Gabriel Roth, co-founder of Bradley’s label Daptone Records.

Grant Hart is most known as the drummer and co-songwriter for the seminal hardcore band Hüsker Dü. "Grant Hart was a gifted visual artist, a wonderful storyteller, and a frighteningly talented musician. Everyone touched by his spirit will always remember." - Bob Mould

After a hard-fought battle with cervical cancer, Jessi Zazu passed away this year at just 28 years old. She’s best-known for the Nashville-based indie rock band that she fronted from 2006 to 2016 called Those Darlins. The group was popular for its unique style that mixed genres like garage rock and punk with bluegrass and country.

Walter Becker was a founding member of Steely Dan and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. "Walter Becker was my friend, my writing partner, and my bandmate since we met as students at Bard College in 1967. ... He was smart as a whip, an excellent guitarist, and a great songwriter." - Donald Fagen

"Bill was what we call ‘a character’—a unique, memorable, and lovable personality. It was always an adventure to talk with him. … Bill led the way forward for so many builders. The sky over the guitar world is a little darker today, and it’s hard to imagine it being as bright again without Bill." - Walter Carter of Carter Vintage Guitars

"He was a beautiful, masterful guitarist and an inventive musician. He will be remembered as a patriot who used his music to fight apartheid and brought that message to the world. His contribution to Graceland was immense, and I am grateful and honored to have worked with him." - Paul Simon

Dave Rosser was an established session player in New Orleans, who was known for collaborating with artists like Mark Lanegan, Ani DeFranco, and Tim Heidecker. In 2014, he joined the Afghan Whigs during the band’s reformation.

Prodigy was best known for being a part of the hip-hop duo Mobb Deep. "Damn. RIP to the great one Prodigy. Rap game lost a legend and the world lost a G. [Prayers] to and for his fam. Love. MOBB" - Lil Wayne

"Jonghyun was one of the most talented and well-rounded artists in K-pop. He had a wonderful voice and was so versatile and composed beautiful music. He was an even better person and he will be forever missed. The world of K-pop has lost one of its brightest stars." - Paul Han

Gregg Allman, alongside late older brother Duane, founded the Allman Brothers Band in 1969, which rose to international acclaim not long after. He was responsible for writing some of the biggest hits, like "Whipping Post," "Midnight Rider," and "Melissa."

Col. Bruce Hampton was a prominent figure in the jam band scene, starting with the Hampton Grease Band and continuing onto a variety of other collaborative projects. He also acted in a handful of films and television show episodes, like Sling Blade and Space Ghost Coast to Coast.

Allan Holdsworth was an inventive jazz fusion guitarist who came to prominence along with others like John McLaughlin and John Scofield. He often played innovative, futuristic guitars, like headless models and the SynthAxe.

Jonathan Demme was an award-winning director known for critically acclaimed films like Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia. Demme was also one of the most influential music documentarians of his time with credits that include his landmark collaboration with the Talking Heads for 1984’s Stop Making Sense.

J. Geils was best-known as the frontman for The J. Geils Band, which topped the charts in the ‘80s with hits like "Love Stinks," "Centerfold," and "Freeze-Frame." Billy Joel, U2, and the Eagles all opened for The J. Geils Band during that time, before its disbandment in 1985.

Clyde Stubblefield was a legendary funk drummer who will be most remembered for his work with James Brown from 1965 to 1971. Stubblefield drummed on classic tracks like "Cold Sweat" and "Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud."

John Wetton was a noted progressive rock bassist who started his career with Mogul Thrash, played with King Crimson for the last two years before its disbandment, and went on to form the supergroup Asia—his largest commercial success.

Butch Trucks was the drummer and co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band. He was one of the most steadfast band members, continuing to play with the band until its official retirement in 2014.

"Pat had the magic touch. He channeled the essence of joy and heartbreak into hook-laden three minute pop songs infused with a lifelong passion for rock & roll. Our journey with Pat was long, storied and a hell of a lot of fun." - The Smithereens

"Mel Tillis spent a lifetime giving us joy and laughter and music. … He wrote some of country music's most compelling and consequential songs, he fronted a remarkable band, and he sang with power and emotion. He also shone as an inspiration, revealing what others called an impediment as a vehicle for humor and hope." - Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young

"Peep was the nicest person. Hanging out with him, talking to him about music, the song ideas we were going to do together and touring was so amazing. Everyone will miss you man." - Marshmello

"I have known, loved, and admired David Cassidy for 48 out of my 58 years. He has been as kind to me as any real brother could ever be. We’ve been through a lot together and he was always there for me. This loss is huge. RIP my dear friend." - Danny Bonaduce

"[Della] was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and pastor, as well as an award-winning actress and singer. Through her life and work she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people. … Della Reese will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, sweet angel. We love you." - Roma Downey

Nicknamed the "Godfather of Fusion," Larry Coryell was best-known for the more than 60 solo albums that he put out over the course of his career. He was a pioneer of the jazz-rock genre and collaborated with a list of jazz greats including Chet Baker and Miles Davis.

Al Jarreau was best known for his jazz-pop hits like "Breakin’ Away" and "We’re in This Love Together." He was also known for writing the theme song for the popular television show Moonlighting in the 1980s.

Keely Smith was a singer known for tracks like "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön," "I’ve Got You Under My Skin," and "That Old Black Magic," which won a Grammy for best pop vocal performance by a duo or group in 1959. The duo also played the hit at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration.