Category : Industry Passings
Industry Passings honoring radio, music, and media professionals whose contributions shaped the business, documenting their careers, leadership, and lasting impact on the industry.
Andre Harrell has Died
Music industry legend Andre Harrell, founder of Uptown Records and former Motown president, has died at age 59. D-Nice announced his passing during Club Quarantine....
Musician Kashif Found Dead
R&B musician and producer Kashif was found dead at age 56 in his apartment, with authorities citing natural causes as the reason for his passing....
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Producer Found Dead
Jeffrey Ian Pollack, producer of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and director of Above the Rim, was found dead at 54 while jogging in Hermosa...
Island Records mourns Millie Small’s passing
Jamaican ska legend Millie Small, who introduced ska to the world with her 1964 hit 'My Boy Lollipop,' has died at age 72 in London....
Natalie Cole’s Son Found Dead in LA’s San Fernando Valley
Natalie Cole's son Robert Yancy, 39, was found dead in his San Fernando Valley apartment from an apparent heart attack. The tragic loss follows a...
Chris Kelly of Kris Kross Found Dead: 7th Anniversary
Chris Kelly, known as Mack Daddy from the hit duo Kriss Kross, was found dead at age 34 on May 2, 2013. The rapper performed...
RIP Charlie Murphy
Actor and comedian Charlie Murphy died from leukemia at a NYC hospital after battling the disease. Known for his iconic Chappelle Show stories and comedy...
DJ Dies After Beating in Hollywood Nightclub
DJ Steez (Jose Silva) died at age 20 after being beaten by a group at Hollywood's Cashmere nightclub in 2015. The attack happened after midnight...
Colonel Abrams has Died
R&B singer Colonel Abrams, best known for hits 'Trapped' and 'Not Gonna Let,' died at age 67 on Thanksgiving night after battling illness and financial...
Singer Nancy Wilson has Died
Legendary singer Nancy Wilson died December 13, 2018 from kidney cancer. Known for sophisticated style and hits like 'Guess Who I Saw Today,' Wilson was...
Singer George Michael Found Dead on Christmas Day
Singer George Michael was found dead on Christmas Day 2016 at age 53 from heart failure. The Wham frontman and solo artist died peacefully in...
Lee Thompson Young Found Dead
Disney star Lee Thompson Young, known for The Famous Jett Jackson, was found dead at 29 from apparent suicide. The TNT Rizzoli & Isles actor...
Dennis Edwards, Former Temptation, Dies Before Birthday
Former Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards died from meningitis complications at age 74, just one day before his 75th birthday....
Legendary Balladeer James Ingram has Died
Legendary 80s singer James Ingram has died at age 66 after battling brain cancer. The Grammy-winning artist was known for hit duets and powerful vocals....
Will.i.am Says The Music Industry is Dead (video)
Will.i.am declares the music industry is dead, citing the end of record stores and physical media. The Black Eyed Peas member explains why major label...
GRAMMY-NOMINATED GOSPEL SINGER TROY SNEED PASSED
Grammy-nominated gospel singer Troy Sneed passed away April 27th from COVID-19 complications at age 52. Known for hits like "My Heart Says Yes" and entrepreneur...
Industry Icon Irene Johnson-Ware has Died
Industry icon Irene Johnson-Ware, a beloved gospel radio legend who started her career in the early 1960s, has passed away. The veteran air personality was...
Apollonia Kritik: Sheila E. Exploits Prince’s Death
Apollonia Kotero publicly criticizes Sheila E. for exploiting Prince's death, claiming the late musician cut ties with Sheila E. five years before his 2016 passing....
Actor Bernie Casey Passes Away at 78 After Brief Illness
Actor Bernie Casey, former NFL player turned acclaimed actor, has died at age 78 after brief illness. Known for roles in James Bond, Star Trek,...
Benztown Audio Tribute: Soul Icon Bill Withers Dies at 81
Soul icon Bill Withers, known for timeless hits like "Lean On Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine," died at 81 from heart complications. Benztown created an...
Joey Robinson Jr. dies at Sugar Hill Records
Joey Robinson Jr., son of hip-hop pioneer Sylvia Robinson and key figure at Sugar Hill Records, has died. He was involved in discovering the Sugar...
That Time Lil Mama Crashed Jay Z’s Stage (vid)
Lil Mama infamously crashed Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' 2009 MTV VMAs performance despite Beyonc� trying to stop her. Jay-Z was reportedly furious backstage....
Singer/Rap Pioneer Sylvia “Pillow Talk” Robinson Dies
Sylvia Robinson, the pioneering businesswoman behind the first commercial rap hit "Rapper's Delight" and founder of Sugar Hill Records, died at 75 from heart failure....
2017: World Star Hip-Hop Founder Died
WorldStar Hip-Hop founder Lee O'Denat died in his sleep at age 43 in 2017. The popular hip-hop website continues operating after its creator's unexpected passing....
R&B Singer Vesta Williams Found Dead at 53
R&B singer Vesta Williams, best known for her 1988 hit 'Congratulations,' was found dead at age 53 in a California hotel room. The beloved vocalist...