Thus far in 2025, the music industry has lost a number of extraordinarily gifted artists.
A brief look at five performers whose deaths shocked fans around the world is provided below:
Marianne Faithfull
On January 30, the well-known singer and actress Marianne Faithfull passed away.
Her age was 78.
Faithfull’s rendition of the Rolling Stones’ “As Tears Go By,” which peaked at number 10 in the UK in 1964, is what made her most famous.
She dated Mick Jagger in the 1960s and was well-known for her work with bands like Metallica.
According to the BBC and the Guardian, a spokeswoman said in a statement, “We regret to inform you of the passing of singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull.” Today, Marianne died quietly in London, surrounded by her devoted family. We will miss her terribly.
Go here to learn more about Faitfhull.
Sam Moore
According to several sources, legendary soul singer Sam Moore passed away on January 10.
He was eighty-nine.
According to reports, Moore passed away due to complications following surgery.
As one half of the R&B group Sam & Dave, Moore gained the most notoriety. Dave Prater, his group mate, passed away in 1988.
Soul Man, Hold On, I’m Comin, You Don’t Know Like I Know, I Thank You, When Something Is Wrong with My Baby, and Wrap It Up are just a few of the songs that Sam and Dave have released together.
Soul Man earned the pair a Grammy for Best R&B group performance and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. In 2019, they won a Lifetime Achievement Award and were nominated for three additional Grammys.
At the moment, Moore stated, “It means more to me than anything in the world.” It indicates that the work I have done and will do in the near future is not for nothing.
The couple broke up in 1970 due to their turbulent relationship, despite their almost unmatched success. Among those honoring Moore was Bruce Springsteen.
He posted on Instagram, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sam Moore, one of America’s greatest soul voices.” He told tales about the golden age of soul music and, towards the end, his voice had a depth of genuineness that left me wondering.
In 1988, Sam & Dave received their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Wayne Osmond
On January 1, Wayne Osmond, the Osmond Brothers’ second-eldest member, passed away.
He was seventy-three.
Amy Cook, his daughter, posted the news on Facebook.
Cook wrote that Wayne Osmond, a cherished husband and father, died quietly last night in the company of his five children and devoted wife. Many people all throughout the world have been impacted by his legacy of religion, music, love, and laughter. He would want everyone to know that banana splits are the greatest dessert, that families are forever, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is real. We shall really miss him and we love him.
Cook stated that she was finding it difficult to convey how very saddened she was to know that she would not be seeing her twin for some time.
However, she added, “I am really appreciative of the time I got to spend with him.” I am appreciative of the amazing recollections. His strength, devotion to our family, extraordinary talent and energy, and most importantly, his love, are all things for which I am thankful. I eagerly await the day when I will be able to see him once more on the other side.
Dad, you have my undying affection.
He died quietly last night after suffering a stroke, according to a post made by his younger brother, Donny Osmond, on Instagram.
Wayne remarked, “Everyone who knew him, especially me, was filled with so much love, laughter, and light.” He was universally adored and the epitome of optimism.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Osmond also underwent surgery in 1997 to remove a brain tumor, and he suffered another stroke in 2012 that prevented him from playing the guitar.
Ogden, Utah, was Osmond’s hometown.
He founded The Osmond Brothers with his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay. They were regarded as idols by teenagers.
John Sykes
On January 20, guitarist John Sykes, who was a member of both Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, passed away.
He was sixty-five.
The announcement was initially made on Sykes’ Facebook page.
We regret to inform you of John Sykes’s passing following a valiant fight with cancer, the post stated. Many people will remember him as a man with extraordinary musical ability, but for those who did not know him personally, he was a kind, considerate, and vivacious individual whose presence brightened the atmosphere.
The post went on to say that he undoubtedly followed his own path and consistently supported the underdog. He expressed his genuine love and gratitude to his admirers for supporting him over the years in his last days. Even though his passing has had a significant and depressing impact, we hope that the brightness of his memories will drive out the shadow of his absence.
Born in England, Sykes started playing the guitar as a teenager, according to Billboard. In 1980, he started performing with Tygers of Pan Tang, and in 1984, he joined Whitesnake.
In the 1980s, he created his own band, Blue Murder, and also played with Thin Lizzy.
I recently learned of John’s untimely death, as reported by David Coverdale of Whitesnake. My deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones, friends, and supporters.
Brenton Wood
On January 3, legendary soul vocalist Brenton Wood passed away.
He was eighty-three.
Manny Gallegos, his manager, informed Variety that he passed away at home with family by his side and from natural causes.
Wood had one last message for admirers, according to Gallegos, who spoke to Variety: See you on the rebound.
According to the website, that was a reference to his song from 1967.
Wood was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1941. His true name is Alfred Jesse Smith.
His 1967 song, The Oogum Boogum Song, which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts, is arguably his most well-known work. According to Variety, the song gained new fans over time when it appeared in TV series and movies including The Umbrella Academy and Almost Famous.
Gimme Little Sing, another of his 1967 hits, peaked at number nine on the pop charts.
According to Variety, Wood just started a farewell tour dubbed Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour, but it was put on hold when he needed to be admitted to the hospital.