In Memorium, 2006

As tends to happen with the passage of time, a good number of important and ground-breaking musicians passed away in 2006. The R&B community lost some of its legends and a young star, and influential jazz, ska, and country artists left us as well. Rock, punk, hip-hop, and indie fans were hard-hit by the demise of important stars from both the past and present.

Below is a gallery of some of those who passed this year, though they will surely live on through their music. This list is not all-inclusive, so feel free to note anyone I overlooked. A link to an obituary is provided for each, along with a musical sample and links to learn more. Apologies if some of the songs are a bit melancholy, but I thought they were appropriate. Thanks to each of these individuals for their works and impact.

Syd Barrett (1946-2006)

Syd Barrett - Here I Go
Syd Barrett - Wouldn't You Miss Me?

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

James Brown (1933-2006)

James Brown - Soul Power
James Brown - That's Life

Obituary @ New York Times
Wikipedia - Amazon

Ruth Brown (1928-2006)

Ruth Brown - So Long
Ruth Brown - As Long as I'm Moving

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Desmond Dekker (1941-2006)

Desmond Dekker - Israelites
Desmond Dekker - My Precious World (The Man)

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

J Dilla (1974-2006)

J Dilla - Won't Do

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Freddy Fender (1937-2006)

Freddy Fender - Vaya con Dios
Freddy Fender - Wasted Days and Wasted Nights (live)

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Maynard Ferguson (1928-2006)

Maynard Ferguson - Gospel John
Maynard Ferguson - Spinning Wheel

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Arthur Lee (1945-2006)

Love - Always See Your Face
Love - Live and Let Live

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Gerald LeVert (1966-2006)

Gerald LeVert - Made to Love Ya

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Grant McLennan (1958-2006)

The Go-Betweens - He Lives My Life (live at Barbican)
The Go-Betweens - Right Here (live at Barbican)

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Buck Owens (1929-2006)

Buck Owens - Cryin' Time
Buck Owens - Close Up the Honky Tonks

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Wilson Pickett (1941-2006)

Wilson Pickett - In the Midnight Hour
Wilson Pickett - Hey Joe

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Billy Preston (1946-2006)

Billy Preston - Will It Go Round in Circles?
Billy Preston - As One

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Lou Rawls (1933-2006)

Lou Rawls - See You When I Get There
Lou Rawls - Georgia on my Mind

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Nikki Sudden (1956-2006)

Nikki Sudden - Fall Any Further
Nikki Sudden & Dave Kusworth's Jacobites - Shame for the Angels

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon

Vince Welnick (1951-2006)

Vince Welnick - Heaven's Reign
Jerry Lawson & Vince Welnick - Home of the Angels

Obituary @ BBC
Wikipedia - Amazon


Will Westbrook (1970-2006)

The Gerbils - Sunshine Soul

Obituary @ Pitchfork
Wikipedia - Amazon

Please feel free to mention others in the comments. Now, enjoy the music!