There has always been a conspiracy surrounding the age of 27, and the odd death of many performers to die at that age. Yes, Janis, Jimmy, and many others did in fact die at the age of 27. We don’t think however about the soul singers who died so early in their lives. Rock and Roll is a dangerous game with many avenues to self-destruction. We do miss all the entertainers who left us early.
Here’s Part I of ‘Before Their Time.’
Sam Cooke died at the age of 33, shot by the manager of a hotel he was ‘visiting.’ This was a tragic and sudden death for one of the rising soul stars of his time. You might say love cost him his life.
Tami Terrell tragically died at the age of 24 of a brain tumor, thus the talented singer never achieved the fame and fortune she so richly deserved.
Minnie Riperton lost her life to breast cancer at the age of three, before the stream of consciousness of this dreaded disease could wake up the medical profession. “Loving You” is still considered a classic song.
Marvin Gaye was fatally shot by his father in their home at the age of 44, which ended a promising career. Marvin rekindled his 60s success with soulful sexual songs that brought new fans to the table, but died before he could take his career to the next level.
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