What is common between Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin? They all iconic musicians who gifted their timeless music to the world. Also, they all died at the age of 27. The tragic phenomenon of several of the world’s greatest musicians dying at the age of 27 is what makes the infamous ‘club 27’.
Though not an official group, the term has become a cultural fixture. It symbolizes the tragic pattern of the famous musician leaving the world at such a young age. The idea of living fast and dying young has recurred in rock and roll mythology. Let us look at some well-known figures who unfortunately became the part of the pattern.
1. Kurt Cobain (1967- 1994):
The front man of the band Nirvana, Cobain was a was an American musician. He was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter of the band. His music had a unique sound that mixed the rawness of punk rock with pop hooks. In March 1994 he was hospitalized after overdosing (substance use) which was later characterized as a failed suicide attempt. One month later he snuck out of a drug treatment centre and returned to his Seattle home, where he shot and killed himself.
2. Robert Johnson (1911- 1938):
Legendary blues singer and guitarist Johnson was recognized as a master of the blues. He is know for his falsetto singing voice and masterful rhythmic slide guitar. Johnson died after drinking poisoned whiskey in a juke joint.
3. Bryan Jones (1942- 1969):
Founder of rolling stones, Jones was an English musician. He was a slide guitarist but played a wide variety of instruments on Rolling Stones recordings and in concerts. He also used to sing backing vocals and Was fired from The Rolling Stones because of his heavy drug use in 1969 and he died in the same year.
4. Janis Joplin (1943-1970):
Known for her for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals as well as her “electric” stage presence, Jophlin was an American singer. She was the most iconic and successful rock performers of het era. Joplin had suffered from serious substance abuse issues and died from heroin overdose.
5. Jim Morrison (1943-1971):
Vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band ‘The Doors’, Morrison was known for his poetic lyrics, distinctive voice, erratic and unpredictable performances. Morrison is regarded by music critics and fans as one of the most influential frontmen in rock history. There has been a number of conspiracy theories surrounding his death as on July 3, 1971 he was found dead in the bathtub of his girlfriend’s rented apartment in France.
6. Amy Winehouse (1983-2011):
Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for she is known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues, reggae, and jazz. Her struggles with substance use and mental health issues such as Bulimia were well known. Winehouse’s official cause of death was alcohol toxicity.
