Every year, we must say goodbye to so many artists and musicians. Whether they’re lead singers, guitarists, or just the brains behind the songs, these artists are well-known to many. But while they’re gone, they won’t be forgotten. There have been many notable musicians who died in 2025, unfortunately. Let’s take a moment to look back and pay tribute to a few of these brilliant individuals.
10. Dave Burgess
The leader of the band, The Champs, Dave Burgess, known for their hit song Tequila, died on October 19 of this year. Burgess was a prominent musician, songwriter, and producer who earned a Grammy for his work in 1958. He had a long and successful career, writing over 700 copyrighted songs along with playing the rhythm guitar for The Champs, which formed around the mid 1950s.
9. Steve Cropper
Also known as “The Colonel,” Steve Cropper was an American guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. He was the guitarist for a couple of bands, the Stax Records house band, and Booker T. & The M.G.s. He is also a member of the Blued Brothers. According to the Rolling Stones, he was ranked 36th on the list of the 100 best guitarists. He unfortunately died in Nashville on December 3 at the age of 84.
8. Wayne Osmond
One of the most notable musicians who died in 2025 is Wayne Osmond, who was the second-oldest of the original Osmond Brothers singers. Unfortunately, the singer suffered a severe stroke and died at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake Cityon January 1, 2025.
7. Brett James
While you might not be familiar with Brett James, you’ll be familiar with his music. The country music singer, songwriter, and record producer was based in Nashville and died in a plane crash. The man co-wrote and wrote many songs for Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, and even Carrie Underwood. He’s most known for Underwood’s iconic song, Jesus Take the Wheel.
6. Connie Francis
From country to pop, the music industry has suffered much this year. One of the most notable musicians who died in 2025 is Connie Francis, the singer and actress. She was one of the top-charting female vocalists in the 1950s, with some of her most famous work being Who’s Sorry Now?, Pretty Little Baby, and Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool. She died July 16 of this year.
5. Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson is a musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. He served as the Beach Boys’ songwriter, producer, co-lead vocalist, bassist, and more. He’s mostly known for his complex harmonies and versatile head voice. Unfortunately, he died at 82 after experiencing several minutes of respiratory arrest on the morning of June 11.
4. Sam Rivers
Samuel Robert Rivers, or Sam Rivers, is mostly known for his work as the bassist and backing vocalist for the popular nu metal band Limp Bizkit. Unfortunately, though, the band member died on October 18 at the age of 48 in his home in Florida.
3. Ace Frehley
One of the most notable musicians who died in 2025 is Ace Frehley, the lead guitarist, occasional vocalist, and founding member of the band Kiss. After leaving Kiss in 1982, Frehley then formed the band, Frehley’s Comet and released two albums with the group. The icon died September 25 at the age of 61 after suffering a fall in his studio.
2. Jeannie Seely
Marilyn Jeannie Seely, or just Jeannie Seely, was a singer, songwriter, record producer, and author, and was recognisable in the country music scene. She’s most known for her Grammy Award-winning song Don’t Touch Me (1966). She was also a member of and performer on the Grand Ole Opry. In 2024, Seely died of an intestinal infection on August 1 at the age of 85.
1. Ozzy Osbourne
One of the most notable musicians who died in 2025 is Ozzy Osbourne, real name John Michael Osbourne, and known as the Prince of Darkness. The singer, songwriter, and media personality is credited as a pioneer of heavy metal music and the co-founder of the band Black Sabbath in 1968. Unfortunately, the icon passed on July 22 at the age of 76 due to a cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease, but was also previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.