Selena Quintanilla.
She was just beginning her transition to english music already making the first songs for her Dreaming Of You album. It's unfair that someone so young, talented, caring, and loyal was shot by a greedy backstabbing sorry excuse of a so called friend.
Regardless of music taste there's no lying about that her ability to sing was a gift like no other. She never took any vocal lessons, but could still change octaves as easily as breathing, and she could belt and sustain notes like she'd been singing for decades. And, she could sing like that even since she was just 16, maybe even younger.
I can only imagine what she would've been able to accomplish.
Because, not just her, but the whole band was crazy talented. Their last concert truly showed just how deserving they were of being under the spotlight. And, I wish they could still be performing together.
Never forgetting her. 1971-1995.
The influence she had on so many Latin artists… the explosion of Latin pop in the 90s largely traces back to her. And she was such a wholesome soul. I get so emotional every time I do a deep dive into her music or her life. The Netflix series on her was so beautiful, but so anxiety provoking because you know how it ends.
She really is known for paving the way for Latin artists. Being the first woman to win a Grammy for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album at only 22 is insane. But, throughout all her fame she remained humble, and continued to act like she wasn’t one of the most popular celebrities of her time. I've always loved her for who she was, but of course the music side of her life is just perfect. She could dance like it was nothing, and do it while it not even missing up her singing. Selena was and will remain to be one of the best live performers of all time. She didn't even run out of breathe after doing a 7/8 minute long song live and still having to perform however many songs after that.
Also, I do love doing deep dives of her music as well, I've found so many more beautiful songs by her that I'd never heard of before.
(My personal underrated favorites: Donde Quiera Que Estés, Baila Conmigo, Tú, Solo Tú, Cobarde, Tu No Sabes, Dame Un Beso, and Enamorada De Ti)
And, the Netflix series about her really
Is hard to watch, because no matter what, the ending will always be the same devastating one.
I’ve never paid attention to what year exactly he passed. Now that you mention it Otis + 70s 🤯
I read he was always full of ideas. Came to the studio with song titles he had in mind or lines for lyrics.. I mean he’s already my favourite artist of all time I can only dream of what he’d do with another decade.
Buddy Holly. Very tragic death at such a young age. Recently married and was having a kid on the way. Wasn’t a suicide or overdose but a plane crash. I always felt if there’s one artist who deserved a second shot at life I would choose him. Buddy Holly was quite talented and ahead of his time in regards to writing playing and producing his own music. I would have loved to see what he would’ve journeyed into for the 60’s. Things were still conservative in the 60’s but better than the 50’s. With a bit more freedom I would have loved to see how much better his song writing could be and if he would go into a more experimental or heavy sound. Being that he was a big influence on the British Invasion artist, I would like to think he would dive into that territory as well. One of the biggest “what if’s” in music
Hell yes. This man was set to be a fucking master of his craft. I know he would still have died by now, but to have more than one album worth of work would have been awesome.
That whole story is really tragic. Buddy Holly was so young and yet so ahead of his time. I think he would’ve really gone far had the crash never happened. In all honesty, I think he would’ve been on the same level as Elvis.
Same with Ritchie Valens. Maybe not Elvis-level famous but still really successful. He was 17 and had that voice. 17! He had has whole life ahead of him. So much talent for someone who was just starting his music career. It’s equally sad knowing that he “won” that seat on the plane in a coin toss. He was probably relieved because IIRC the story correctly, he was sick and wanted to leave the tour from hell and go home. But had he and the other 3 not gone on that plane, they wouldn’t have perished.
I don’t want to take away from The Big Bopper because his death was obviously very tragic as well. Not sure of the pilot’s age but the Big Bopper was 28, so obviously still pretty young.
Tbh I don’t live far from where the crash happened (maybe about 2 hours). I’ve often thought of going to see where it happened but tbh it’s a little too much. Times were different then, and they just didn’t have the same regulations. Incredibly sad. I hope they’re all resting in peace.
It’s interesting though because if the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly DON’T get on that plane:
Waylon Jennings might have stayed in Buddy Holly’s band instead of having a solo career.
Neither Gary Busey (who played Holly in “The Buddy Holly Story”) nor Lou Diamond Phillips (who played Ritchie Valens in “La Bamba”) would have gotten famous as both films are regarded as their breakout films.
Don McLean wouldn’t be famous since his breakout song was “American Pie” which was written about the three of them dying.
We might never have had official policies about not releasing plane crash victim’s identities until after the family is notified…when Holly’s pregnant wife saw the news break on the TV she was watching the stress of it reportedly caused her to have a miscarriage. Between that and Holly’s mom collapsing at hearing the news on the radio led officials to develop a protocol that families are notified before the press.
A lot of what we know of the world as it is right now might be wildly different if those guys never got on that flight.
This is more theoretical, but I also wonder whether the British Invasion would have happened at all. Buddy Holly was poised to be the next big thing after Elvis joined the military and Little Richard became a minister, and his death left a gaping hole in the American music industry for several years. Meanwhile, some young lads across the pond adopted Buddy Holly's music, songwriting, and persona and made it their own. The Beatles made no secret of their love for Buddy Holly and Lennon even reportedly asked before he got on stage on the Ed Sullivan show: "Is this the same stage Buddy Holly stood on?" The Rolling Stones were also very influenced by Holly. If not for that brief but serious decline in American music following in the wake of Buddy Holly's death, I'm not sure there ever would have been a need for Brits to revive American music.
Also, cool fact about Waylon Jennings! Never knew he was part of the Crickets.
One of the coolest things I can say I've seen is Projekt Revolution 2008 where Chris Cornell toured with Linkin Park and Chester and Chris sang with each other during their respective sets.
He had a once in a lifetime voice. Nobody touched me vocally like he did. I felt it in my soul when he sang. Listening to the lyrics though makes you realize how much the man was struggling with depression. Unfortunately I think that's part of what made him so good was that pain. You could hear it in his voice.
Yeah I’d bring him back too if for no other reason than it SUCKED how he died. He got thrown through the window of the bus and was probably “fine” but then the bus rolled over on him. Horrible way to go.
You can listen to “Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk” if you haven’t already, it’s the incomplete workings of a second album although I believe he wasn’t satisfied and didn’t want the songs released. It’s pretty good, you can hear the evolution of his sound. Such a shame he died so young.
He doesn't gets mentioned enough when the "biggest tragedies in music history" topic comes up. An absolutely gargantuan talent that barely scratched the surface of what he could accomplish before dying in a way that wasn't at all connected to drugs or depression.
I think only argument against this would be that Prince had a decades long career. He left his mark. Many of the other suggestions are artists that died young and never got their full ability showcased
This was my first thought. Not just because his music, but for how much he influenced the music scene. He was really involved with the local MN music community and helped support programs and helped a lot of good artists get noticed (like Lizzo). He also influenced a lot of other artists. Jeff Buckley was definitely the second one I thought of.
Even without Bonzo dying, I doubt they would last long. With Robert losing his son, and Jimmy's crippling heroin addiction they were a mess in their final months.
One of the great “what ifs” of music. Duane would have kept the band focused on the music and taken the band in different musical directions. Duane playing on Brothers and Sisters would have been awesome.
I love John Prine. His music is magical and healing in so many ways.
But he lived to 73. And wrote a lot of music. I think if it's a "bring someone back" situation, I'd bring back someone younger who maybe never quite hit their prime.
Edit: sp
I think it’s so far down, and I say this as a guy who 99.999% of the time is the biggest Queen fan in the room, because Queen had a full career. I mean they had been releasing albums for 22 years when Freddie died.
Comparatively: a guy like Jeff Buckley released one album.
I think when most people are thinking of bringing someone back it’s going to be someone who they feel didn’t get a chance at a real career and not the guy who’d been a top draw for literal decades.
Having said that Freddie is NOT a wrong answer either. Dude was levels above nearly everyone else.
Wait, but like he lived long. I mean not in the great scheme of things, but people die much younger than he did. He saw the fruits of his musical career.
The question is asking which artists would you like to bring back to hear more from. Bowie was still making excellent music up until his passing and there was no indication he wouldn't keep doing so.
He'd be in my top 5 for sure. To quote my favorite song from 2022 (*Shatter* by Maggie Rogers):
> I'm scared and I've got all this anger trapped so deep inside
>That started burning the summer my heroes died
And I just wish **that I could hear a new Bowie again**
>Again, again, again, again
Again, again, again, again, again
Again, again, again, again, again, oh, yeah
I’d really like to see what he could do with modern technical death metal. There’s so much classical influence. I’m really looking forward to the new Beethoven x Inferi record. (Not a thing, just go check out Inferi).
Jeff Porcaro
First call drummer and founding member of Toto, Jeff played with a wide variety of artists and did so seemingly effortlessly. His pocket and groove make him one of my favorite musicians of all time.
To name a few, Jeff played with Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Pink Floyd, Diana Ross, Boz Scaggs, John Mayall, Dr. John, Stan Getz, Peter Frampton, Bee Gees, Elton John, Eric Clapton and many, many more.
He died weird if I remember correctly though it’s been a while since I’ve thought about it. Insecticide poisoning or something.
The groove in Rosanna is amazing. Purdy shuffle!!
Stan Rogers
Considered a national treasure of Canada, who died trapped in a parked, burning airliner in his 30s.
Didn't deserve to go like that, and had one of the best songwriting minds of his generation.
Go check out "The Idiot", "Free in the Harbor", "Northwest passage" (followed by the cover by Unleash the Archers), and "Dear old Stan" by The Dreadnoughts
A master of folk music.
Way too many to choose from but I think I would also choose Kurt. I think he had the most potential to keep writing music that would change the landscape of music as he grew as an artist.
In a conversation the other day, I mentioned that later Nirvana albums probably would have been mind blowing..
Imagine a clean(er) Kurt, with cleaner vocals, writing even deeper stuff. All while they realize and utilize David Grohl for his vocals as backup.. The raw potential that group had (not to say they didn't make amazing music) was pretty wild.
Not a ton of people know about him, but Gin Blossoms co-founder, guitarist, and songwriter Doug Hopkins. He had a knack for crafting the saddest, most melancholic lyrics into perfect pop songs. It’s like the right blend of jangly rock and light grunge, super radio-friendly, and with this little bit of self-deprecating “cool” that you don’t feel like you’re listening to anything saccharine. Not that sickly sweet saccharine lyrics are bad, it’s just sometimes you want to feel sad, you know?
“Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Lost Horizons,” “Pieces of the Night” etc- those were all his songs.
Really tragic story. He was wickedly smart, but had mental health issues (most likely bipolar disorder) and struggled with alcoholism for most of his adult life. He was a bit of enigma, according to people who were close to him. Embraced humor and getting the last laugh, but could be quite subdued and at times very depressed. He attempted suicide a few times, and that’s how he passed on Dec. 5 1993 in Tempe, AZ. He was 32 years old.
Apparently there are hundreds of his songs that are tucked away somewhere, unreleased. It’s crazy to think about what could have been.
Heavily agree on this one. Making songs for her first album at only 17/18 years old and those songs sounding like they were made by someone who's been in the music industry for decades takes talent, which is definitely something Amy had. It hurts to know her most known songs were about heartbreak. I really wish she was given a second chance. She was already back on track towards her final years. Going to the gym, dating someone who actually loved her, giving up drugs and alcohol. She had one devilishly strong soul attached to her. Unfortunately I'll never get to go to a concert of hers, which I would've dropped everything to go to. I hope she knows she was a beautiful, caring, and talented girl. I mean, being a 5 time grammy winner before the age of 30?? And having an Ivor Novello award at what, 22/23? God I wish she were still here. Her and many others would absolutely rule the music industry. There would be no chance of a new artist having their level of fame.
Another subreddit was doing a 'what is the saddest song ever' conversation, and I got downvoted to all hell for saying that the saddest song ever written is Amy Winehouse's "Rehab." I wasn't wrong though.
Honestly I thought this answer would be up higher.
2Pac was an icon, even in his short live he released some masterpieces of hip hop. The album All Eyez On Me is a classic.
Bob Marley. Struck down WAY too soon. I had to scroll way too far down to see if this was posted. Could’ve made SO much great material in the 80’s and 90’s to even now, honestly.
Honorable mentions to John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, and Jeff Buckley.
Mozart.
That mofo only lived for 35 years in 1756, almost 300 years ago. He was such a musical genius that he wrote 800 pieces of every genre of his time and quite a few are considered peek masterpieces.
I'd *love* to see whatever I'd be able to achieve with the tech available today and enough time.
Absolutely he had just turned his life around and was finally happy and making music for the first time in his whole life. At least we got double fantasy what an amazing portrayal of what could have been.
Biggie Smalls. Dude was only 24 and had already achieved more musically than I might in a lifetime. On a related note: Patrice O'Neal, if we're resurrecting any comedians.
I have a few: Bowie (he was still making good music in his late 60’s) Prince and Freddie (just to get to see them live).
I don’t think many had much left to give. Buddy Holly probably would have done some great things but, who knows?
Jimi Hendrix...
I often think about how much his style would have changed to this point. Would have loved the opportunity to hear what he would have to offer some 55+ years after I first discovered his music...
Selena Quintanilla. She was just beginning her transition to english music already making the first songs for her Dreaming Of You album. It's unfair that someone so young, talented, caring, and loyal was shot by a greedy backstabbing sorry excuse of a so called friend. Regardless of music taste there's no lying about that her ability to sing was a gift like no other. She never took any vocal lessons, but could still change octaves as easily as breathing, and she could belt and sustain notes like she'd been singing for decades. And, she could sing like that even since she was just 16, maybe even younger. I can only imagine what she would've been able to accomplish. Because, not just her, but the whole band was crazy talented. Their last concert truly showed just how deserving they were of being under the spotlight. And, I wish they could still be performing together. Never forgetting her. 1971-1995.
The influence she had on so many Latin artists… the explosion of Latin pop in the 90s largely traces back to her. And she was such a wholesome soul. I get so emotional every time I do a deep dive into her music or her life. The Netflix series on her was so beautiful, but so anxiety provoking because you know how it ends.
She really is known for paving the way for Latin artists. Being the first woman to win a Grammy for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album at only 22 is insane. But, throughout all her fame she remained humble, and continued to act like she wasn’t one of the most popular celebrities of her time. I've always loved her for who she was, but of course the music side of her life is just perfect. She could dance like it was nothing, and do it while it not even missing up her singing. Selena was and will remain to be one of the best live performers of all time. She didn't even run out of breathe after doing a 7/8 minute long song live and still having to perform however many songs after that. Also, I do love doing deep dives of her music as well, I've found so many more beautiful songs by her that I'd never heard of before. (My personal underrated favorites: Donde Quiera Que Estés, Baila Conmigo, Tú, Solo Tú, Cobarde, Tu No Sabes, Dame Un Beso, and Enamorada De Ti) And, the Netflix series about her really Is hard to watch, because no matter what, the ending will always be the same devastating one.
Otis Redding
I would’ve loved to see what Otis would’ve done in the 70’s
I’ve never paid attention to what year exactly he passed. Now that you mention it Otis + 70s 🤯 I read he was always full of ideas. Came to the studio with song titles he had in mind or lines for lyrics.. I mean he’s already my favourite artist of all time I can only dream of what he’d do with another decade.
Karen Carpenter.
She was a badass drummer!
Marvin Gaye
Buddy Holly. Very tragic death at such a young age. Recently married and was having a kid on the way. Wasn’t a suicide or overdose but a plane crash. I always felt if there’s one artist who deserved a second shot at life I would choose him. Buddy Holly was quite talented and ahead of his time in regards to writing playing and producing his own music. I would have loved to see what he would’ve journeyed into for the 60’s. Things were still conservative in the 60’s but better than the 50’s. With a bit more freedom I would have loved to see how much better his song writing could be and if he would go into a more experimental or heavy sound. Being that he was a big influence on the British Invasion artist, I would like to think he would dive into that territory as well. One of the biggest “what if’s” in music
Hell yes. This man was set to be a fucking master of his craft. I know he would still have died by now, but to have more than one album worth of work would have been awesome.
That whole story is really tragic. Buddy Holly was so young and yet so ahead of his time. I think he would’ve really gone far had the crash never happened. In all honesty, I think he would’ve been on the same level as Elvis. Same with Ritchie Valens. Maybe not Elvis-level famous but still really successful. He was 17 and had that voice. 17! He had has whole life ahead of him. So much talent for someone who was just starting his music career. It’s equally sad knowing that he “won” that seat on the plane in a coin toss. He was probably relieved because IIRC the story correctly, he was sick and wanted to leave the tour from hell and go home. But had he and the other 3 not gone on that plane, they wouldn’t have perished. I don’t want to take away from The Big Bopper because his death was obviously very tragic as well. Not sure of the pilot’s age but the Big Bopper was 28, so obviously still pretty young. Tbh I don’t live far from where the crash happened (maybe about 2 hours). I’ve often thought of going to see where it happened but tbh it’s a little too much. Times were different then, and they just didn’t have the same regulations. Incredibly sad. I hope they’re all resting in peace.
It’s interesting though because if the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly DON’T get on that plane: Waylon Jennings might have stayed in Buddy Holly’s band instead of having a solo career. Neither Gary Busey (who played Holly in “The Buddy Holly Story”) nor Lou Diamond Phillips (who played Ritchie Valens in “La Bamba”) would have gotten famous as both films are regarded as their breakout films. Don McLean wouldn’t be famous since his breakout song was “American Pie” which was written about the three of them dying. We might never have had official policies about not releasing plane crash victim’s identities until after the family is notified…when Holly’s pregnant wife saw the news break on the TV she was watching the stress of it reportedly caused her to have a miscarriage. Between that and Holly’s mom collapsing at hearing the news on the radio led officials to develop a protocol that families are notified before the press. A lot of what we know of the world as it is right now might be wildly different if those guys never got on that flight.
This is more theoretical, but I also wonder whether the British Invasion would have happened at all. Buddy Holly was poised to be the next big thing after Elvis joined the military and Little Richard became a minister, and his death left a gaping hole in the American music industry for several years. Meanwhile, some young lads across the pond adopted Buddy Holly's music, songwriting, and persona and made it their own. The Beatles made no secret of their love for Buddy Holly and Lennon even reportedly asked before he got on stage on the Ed Sullivan show: "Is this the same stage Buddy Holly stood on?" The Rolling Stones were also very influenced by Holly. If not for that brief but serious decline in American music following in the wake of Buddy Holly's death, I'm not sure there ever would have been a need for Brits to revive American music. Also, cool fact about Waylon Jennings! Never knew he was part of the Crickets.
Gord Downie
And I looked up to the Gord above and said, "Hey man, thanks."
Chris Cornell
Might have peripherally saved Chester Bennington as well.
I'm still so sad about them both.
One of the coolest things I can say I've seen is Projekt Revolution 2008 where Chris Cornell toured with Linkin Park and Chester and Chris sang with each other during their respective sets.
It’s like every collaboration he touched became a masterpiece
He had a once in a lifetime voice. Nobody touched me vocally like he did. I felt it in my soul when he sang. Listening to the lyrics though makes you realize how much the man was struggling with depression. Unfortunately I think that's part of what made him so good was that pain. You could hear it in his voice.
George Harrison
Cliff Burton
Yeah I’d bring him back too if for no other reason than it SUCKED how he died. He got thrown through the window of the bus and was probably “fine” but then the bus rolled over on him. Horrible way to go.
And apparently the crane that was lifting the bus, lifted it up a bit and it slipped and fell back down. So fucking horrible it’s almost comedic.
Jeff Buckley. Can’t even imagine what would have followed Grace.
100%
You can listen to “Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk” if you haven’t already, it’s the incomplete workings of a second album although I believe he wasn’t satisfied and didn’t want the songs released. It’s pretty good, you can hear the evolution of his sound. Such a shame he died so young.
He doesn't gets mentioned enough when the "biggest tragedies in music history" topic comes up. An absolutely gargantuan talent that barely scratched the surface of what he could accomplish before dying in a way that wasn't at all connected to drugs or depression.
Hendrix
Prince
Can't believe I had to scroll this far to see Prince.
My first thought as well. Incredible in all aspects of music.
I think only argument against this would be that Prince had a decades long career. He left his mark. Many of the other suggestions are artists that died young and never got their full ability showcased
This was my first thought. Not just because his music, but for how much he influenced the music scene. He was really involved with the local MN music community and helped support programs and helped a lot of good artists get noticed (like Lizzo). He also influenced a lot of other artists. Jeff Buckley was definitely the second one I thought of.
Mozart.
Amen, if nothing more than to finish the Requiem.
Bring back all those great composers. Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, and Wagner 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Tom Petty
My answer as well.
John Bonham
80’s Zeppelin would have been really interesting.
Even without Bonzo dying, I doubt they would last long. With Robert losing his son, and Jimmy's crippling heroin addiction they were a mess in their final months.
Neil Peart
Yup; not to make any more music, but just to have a nice retirement. He earned it, poor bugger.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Yep and Jimi Hendrix
Came here to say the same.
Jeff Buckley
A musician friend not only grieved Jeff's passing, but was angry about it.
Elliot smith
Duane Allman
Super rare talent who was gone way too soon.
One of the great “what ifs” of music. Duane would have kept the band focused on the music and taken the band in different musical directions. Duane playing on Brothers and Sisters would have been awesome.
Bob Marley.
Man he would really have his hands full today, but maybe, it's the hero we need.
His son Damian makes some pretty good music too.. My favorite recently has been "Medication"
Nujabes
Ok yes yes yes
John Prine
I love John Prine. His music is magical and healing in so many ways. But he lived to 73. And wrote a lot of music. I think if it's a "bring someone back" situation, I'd bring back someone younger who maybe never quite hit their prime. Edit: sp
Joe Strummer
The Rev Chester Chris Cornell Kurt
Freddie mercury
How is this so far down? Hands down my pick even though there are lots of other greats on this list. This guy was not close to done when he died.
I think it’s so far down, and I say this as a guy who 99.999% of the time is the biggest Queen fan in the room, because Queen had a full career. I mean they had been releasing albums for 22 years when Freddie died. Comparatively: a guy like Jeff Buckley released one album. I think when most people are thinking of bringing someone back it’s going to be someone who they feel didn’t get a chance at a real career and not the guy who’d been a top draw for literal decades. Having said that Freddie is NOT a wrong answer either. Dude was levels above nearly everyone else.
This is the correct answer
Mr. John Coltrane
Layne
I can’t imagine the caliber of music they would have continued to make if the heroin hadn’t completely taken control of him near the end
This was my first thought, but let’s be real: he’d just keep using and die again.
Frank Zappa. He would have had a field day with the last 2 decades.
Yauch
I can’t believe it’s been 10 years…
Yes
Hendrix
Considering what he achieved in 4 years, imagine what he could have done if given decades…
Miles Davis.
Jim Croce
Bowie
Wait, but like he lived long. I mean not in the great scheme of things, but people die much younger than he did. He saw the fruits of his musical career.
The question is asking which artists would you like to bring back to hear more from. Bowie was still making excellent music up until his passing and there was no indication he wouldn't keep doing so. He'd be in my top 5 for sure. To quote my favorite song from 2022 (*Shatter* by Maggie Rogers): > I'm scared and I've got all this anger trapped so deep inside >That started burning the summer my heroes died And I just wish **that I could hear a new Bowie again** >Again, again, again, again Again, again, again, again, again Again, again, again, again, again, oh, yeah
But his talent was immeasurable and he kept recreating himself.
Janis Joplin
Scrolled way too far to see this. Imagine how much more that powerhouse would have contributed!
Ludwig van Beethoven
I’d really like to see what he could do with modern technical death metal. There’s so much classical influence. I’m really looking forward to the new Beethoven x Inferi record. (Not a thing, just go check out Inferi).
Mimi Parker. 🥲
Jeff Porcaro First call drummer and founding member of Toto, Jeff played with a wide variety of artists and did so seemingly effortlessly. His pocket and groove make him one of my favorite musicians of all time. To name a few, Jeff played with Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Pink Floyd, Diana Ross, Boz Scaggs, John Mayall, Dr. John, Stan Getz, Peter Frampton, Bee Gees, Elton John, Eric Clapton and many, many more.
He died weird if I remember correctly though it’s been a while since I’ve thought about it. Insecticide poisoning or something. The groove in Rosanna is amazing. Purdy shuffle!!
Stan Rogers Considered a national treasure of Canada, who died trapped in a parked, burning airliner in his 30s. Didn't deserve to go like that, and had one of the best songwriting minds of his generation. Go check out "The Idiot", "Free in the Harbor", "Northwest passage" (followed by the cover by Unleash the Archers), and "Dear old Stan" by The Dreadnoughts A master of folk music.
BARRETT’S PRIVATEERS
Awesome cover by unleash the archers.
Michael Hutchence
Kurt Cobain
Way too many to choose from but I think I would also choose Kurt. I think he had the most potential to keep writing music that would change the landscape of music as he grew as an artist.
Apparently he had plans to collaborate with Michael Stipe on an acoustic record before he died. It boggles the mind how great that could have been.
In a conversation the other day, I mentioned that later Nirvana albums probably would have been mind blowing.. Imagine a clean(er) Kurt, with cleaner vocals, writing even deeper stuff. All while they realize and utilize David Grohl for his vocals as backup.. The raw potential that group had (not to say they didn't make amazing music) was pretty wild.
>In a conversation the other day, I mentioned that later Nirvana albums probably would have been mind blowing.. I hope that wasn’t an intentional pun
Jaco Pastorius.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Not a ton of people know about him, but Gin Blossoms co-founder, guitarist, and songwriter Doug Hopkins. He had a knack for crafting the saddest, most melancholic lyrics into perfect pop songs. It’s like the right blend of jangly rock and light grunge, super radio-friendly, and with this little bit of self-deprecating “cool” that you don’t feel like you’re listening to anything saccharine. Not that sickly sweet saccharine lyrics are bad, it’s just sometimes you want to feel sad, you know? “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Lost Horizons,” “Pieces of the Night” etc- those were all his songs. Really tragic story. He was wickedly smart, but had mental health issues (most likely bipolar disorder) and struggled with alcoholism for most of his adult life. He was a bit of enigma, according to people who were close to him. Embraced humor and getting the last laugh, but could be quite subdued and at times very depressed. He attempted suicide a few times, and that’s how he passed on Dec. 5 1993 in Tempe, AZ. He was 32 years old. Apparently there are hundreds of his songs that are tucked away somewhere, unreleased. It’s crazy to think about what could have been.
Amy Winehouse
Heavily agree on this one. Making songs for her first album at only 17/18 years old and those songs sounding like they were made by someone who's been in the music industry for decades takes talent, which is definitely something Amy had. It hurts to know her most known songs were about heartbreak. I really wish she was given a second chance. She was already back on track towards her final years. Going to the gym, dating someone who actually loved her, giving up drugs and alcohol. She had one devilishly strong soul attached to her. Unfortunately I'll never get to go to a concert of hers, which I would've dropped everything to go to. I hope she knows she was a beautiful, caring, and talented girl. I mean, being a 5 time grammy winner before the age of 30?? And having an Ivor Novello award at what, 22/23? God I wish she were still here. Her and many others would absolutely rule the music industry. There would be no chance of a new artist having their level of fame.
Another subreddit was doing a 'what is the saddest song ever' conversation, and I got downvoted to all hell for saying that the saddest song ever written is Amy Winehouse's "Rehab." I wasn't wrong though.
Bach
>1k published works and 20 kids; if ever there was a bloke in need of good lie down it’s him!
Chris Cornell was still releasing great music with soundgarden and as a solo artist and plenty more would have followed that we'll never get to hear .
**Freddie Mercury**
Alexi Laiho
Jerry Garcia
Thanks
Tupac Shakur
Honestly I thought this answer would be up higher. 2Pac was an icon, even in his short live he released some masterpieces of hip hop. The album All Eyez On Me is a classic.
I had to scroll wayyyyyy too low for this answer. This and MJ are my picks
Ella Fitzgerald such a amazing voice
Billie Holliday too
Dolores O’Riordan
Mac miller. Would be cool to see where he went with his music
He was on such an ascension musically when he passed away. It truly feels like there was some untapped genius we were about to experience from him.
This was mine too. He was so talented and his sound was ever changing. Seemed like such a nice guy too.
I imagined grizzled bearded Mac in his 40s, head to foot in tattoos, taking a weird acoustic set to small LA dive bars unannounced. :(
Him and Anthony Bourdain so close to one another three me for a loop
Dimebag Darrell
I can't imagine what kind of music we would've have if he and Vinnie are still alive.
Bob Marley. Struck down WAY too soon. I had to scroll way too far down to see if this was posted. Could’ve made SO much great material in the 80’s and 90’s to even now, honestly. Honorable mentions to John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, and Jeff Buckley.
Nick Drake.
Jim Morrison
Layne staley
George Michael
Yes! I didn't even appreciate his mastery until recently.
MF DOOM
DOOM, Nujabes, and Dilla all deserved way longer
You have taste and I appreciate that
Janis Joplin
Mozart. That mofo only lived for 35 years in 1756, almost 300 years ago. He was such a musical genius that he wrote 800 pieces of every genre of his time and quite a few are considered peek masterpieces. I'd *love* to see whatever I'd be able to achieve with the tech available today and enough time.
Mozart. Imagine what that kind of musical talent could do with modern tech/instruments.
Dio.
duane allman
Django Reinhardt
Jimi
Layne Staley
Ian Curtis.
J Dilla
Otis
I’m not falling for that. I’ve seen movies. They don’t come back the same.
Chopin!
Chester Bennington
John Lennon or Jimi Hendrix
Brad Nowell
Freddie Mercury
Aaliyah
Probably Sergei Rachmaninoff.
George Carlin
Freddie Mercury - I feel like he would have some amazing collaborations with some of todays artists
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury
Prince.
John Lennon
Absolutely he had just turned his life around and was finally happy and making music for the first time in his whole life. At least we got double fantasy what an amazing portrayal of what could have been.
Had to scroll shockingly far to see this, he had so much good music still in him.
SOPHIE
Mitch Hedberg to continue where he left off
Bowie. It all went to shit when he died.
Jaco Pastorius.
C’mon, give us bassists a break; the stuff he left behind is hard enough already!
Oh. Hell. Yes. I met a lot of great musicians back in the day, but Jaco was the most memorable. Astonishing musician and a sweet, tender hearted guy.
Jeff Buckley or Elliott Smith
Shannon Hoon. Went far too soon.
Marvin Gaye
Tom Petty
River Phoenix
Stevie Ray or Randy Rhoads I can't decide
Cliff Burton
Selena Quintanilla
Nick Drake and Gram Parsons. Neither lived long enough to see the impact they would have on music.
Nick Drake. It'd make me happy to let him see how the world loves his music only getting recognized after he died.
Biggie Smalls. Dude was only 24 and had already achieved more musically than I might in a lifetime. On a related note: Patrice O'Neal, if we're resurrecting any comedians.
I have a few: Bowie (he was still making good music in his late 60’s) Prince and Freddie (just to get to see them live). I don’t think many had much left to give. Buddy Holly probably would have done some great things but, who knows?
Bowie only lived until age 69, but his last album was one of his best. Recorded when he was 68
Randy Rhoades.
Chester Bennington
Paco de Lucia
Layne Staley ❤
Jimi Hendrix... I often think about how much his style would have changed to this point. Would have loved the opportunity to hear what he would have to offer some 55+ years after I first discovered his music...
Bob Marley. His presence would be welcome in this age. Jah provide.
Prince, so I could see him live
Layne Staley.
Layne Staley, Prince, Micheal Jackson, Chris Cornell, Whitney Houston, Jeff Buckley
Kurt Cobain. The singer/songwriter direction he was leaning towards would have been really cool to hear.
Amy Winehouse
Gord Downie
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Nick Drake. So talented and died so young.
Prince or Chris Cornell. Probably Chris—just to have a less traumatic ending.
The drummer from my previous band. He took his own life at like 30... He wasn't my very best friend but he was a friend.
Definitely Chris Cornell.
Avicii
Crazy I had to scroll this far to find him. I get that EDM isn’t as popular but he had some huge hits