As the year comes to a close, we take a moment to remember and honor the artists who have left us in 2021. From rock legends to R&B icons, they have left an indelible mark on the music industry and will be deeply missed. Billboard pays tribute to these talented individuals and their incredible contributions to the world of music.
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of the iconic rock band KISS, passed away on January 17 at the age of 71. Known for his signature guitar solos and larger-than-life stage presence, Frehley helped define the band’s sound and image. His influence can still be heard in the music of countless rock bands today. He will always be remembered as the “Spaceman” and his legacy will continue to live on through his music.
Another rock legend we lost this year was Ozzy Osbourne’s longtime guitarist, Randy Rhoads. Rhoads tragically died in a plane crash on March 19, 1982, but his impact on the music world is still felt today. His innovative guitar playing and songwriting helped shape the sound of heavy metal and inspired countless musicians. Rhoads’ untimely death cut short a promising career, but his music will forever be a testament to his talent and creativity.
The music world also mourned the loss of R&B icon D’Angelo, who passed away on April 13 at the age of 46. Known for his smooth vocals and soulful R&B sound, D’Angelo was a pioneer in the neo-soul movement of the 1990s. He released critically acclaimed albums such as “Brown Sugar” and “Voodoo” and won multiple Grammy Awards. His music will continue to be a source of inspiration for future generations of R&B artists.
On June 22, we said goodbye to Roberta Flack, one of the greatest voices in soul and jazz music. With hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Flack’s music touched the hearts of millions and earned her multiple Grammy Awards. Her smooth and soulful vocals will be greatly missed, but her music will live on forever.
The music industry also lost a rising star this year with the passing of rapper and singer Juice WRLD on December 8. At just 21 years old, Juice WRLD had already made a huge impact on the hip-hop world with hits like “Lucid Dreams” and “Robbery.” His unique blend of emo and rap music resonated with fans around the world and he will be remembered as a talented artist gone too soon.
We also remember the legendary country singer Charley Pride, who passed away on December 12 at the age of 86. A trailblazer in the country music industry, Pride broke barriers as the first Black artist to achieve major success in the genre. With hits like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” and “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” he left a lasting mark on the country music world and inspired generations of artists.
The music world also lost some of its most promising young talents this year. Pop singer and songwriter Sophie Xeon, known simply as Sophie, passed away on January 30 at the age of 34. With her experimental and futuristic sound, Sophie was a pioneer in the electronic music scene and collaborated with artists like Madonna and Charli XCX. Her unique style and vision will be greatly missed.
On August 20, we said goodbye to rising rapper and singer Pop Smoke, who was only 20 years old at the time of his death. With hits like “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior,” Pop Smoke was quickly making a name for himself in the hip-hop world. His unique blend of drill music and melodic rap had already earned him a loyal fanbase and his music will continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
We also remember the passing of legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea on February 9 at the age of 79. With a career spanning over five decades, Corea was a master of his craft and helped shape the sound of modern jazz. He won 23 Grammy Awards and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music. His legacy will continue to inspire jazz musicians for years to come.
As we say goodbye to these talented artists, we also celebrate their incredible contributions to
