2022: A Look Back At Those We’ve Lost

They May Be Gone But Their Musical Legacy Will Live Forever

The new year is almost upon us and it’s time once again to reflect on the past year and the talented artists we have lost. Unfortunately, we have had to say goodbye to iconic and legendary performers whose music has inspired generations as well as those in the prime of their careers. They may no longer be with us, however, their musical legacy lives on and their songs shall become immortal serving to both entertain and inspire future generations of music lovers. This list is not comprehensive but features those musicians who have touched my life, putting a smile on my face and cementing their songs forever in my heart.

Taylor Hawkins (February 17, 1972- March 25, 2022)

In 1997, after a phone call from Dave Grohl, drummer Taylor Hawkins left Alanis Morisette’s touring band to become a permanent member of Foo Fighters and the rock world would never be the same. Gone far too soon, Hawkins will forever be remembered as our hero.

Christine McVie (July 12, 1943- November 30, 2022)

English musician and songwriter Christine McVie was best known for her long and stellar career as a vocalist and keyboardist for the rock band Fleetwood Mac. McVie was responsible for penning many of the band’s biggest hits including “Don’t Stop” and “You Make Loving Fun” from their iconic 1977 Rumours album.

Jerry Lee Lewis (September 29, 1935- October 28, 2022)

The legendary pianist, vocalist, and songwriter Jerry Lee Lewis was a true pioneer of rock and roll. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner was known as “The Killer” and gave us spectacular hits “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” Over the years, he was the one who shook our nerves and rattled our brains.

Meat Loaf (September 27, 1947- January 20, 2022)

Michael Lee Aday, known to rock fans around the world as Meat Loaf, is forever cemented as a part of my youth. His eponymous 1977 album Bat Out of Hell has stood the test of time and to this day sells hundreds of thousands of copies each year. A truce rock icon, Meat Loaf was known for his theatrical live shows where he brought his iconic hits to life with a passion for his craft that was unmatched.

Naomi Judd (January 11, 1946- April 30, 2022)

Singer and actor Naomi Judd, alongside her daughter Wynonna, became one of the most successful country acts of all time as The Judds. The multi-Grammy Ward and Country Music Association Award winner sadly took her own life the day before her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, after a lifelong struggle with mental health issues.

Trevor Strnad (May 3, 1981- May 11, 2022)

Lead vocalist of The Black Dahlia Murder, Trevor Strnad was known for his unique vocal abilities. Easily shifting between grunts and screams, Strnad was a staple of the American melodic death metal scene.

Alan White (June 14, 1949- May 26, 2022)

English drummer Alan White is best known for his time in the legendary progressive rock band Yes. Joining the band in 1972, White would remain a member up until his death, appearing on 43 albums and playing well over 3,000 live shows. Prior to his time in Yes, White was a member of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Plastic Ono Band and has appeared on over 50 albums by other musicians including George Harrison, Ginger Baker, and Joe Cocker.

Ronnie Spector (August 10, 1943- January 12, 2022)

Singer Ronnie Spector rose to fame in the 1960s with the all-girl group The Ronettes and their chart-topping hits “Be My Baby” and “Baby, I Love You.” The group would also release its own versions of classic Christmas songs like “Frosty the Snowman.” Spector was also known for her work on Eddie Money’s 1986 hit “Take Me Home Tonight.”

Coolio (August 1, 1963- September 28, 2022)

American rapper Coolio is best known for his 1995 Grammy Award-winning hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise” and the slippity-slide of “Fantastic Voyage.” He was also an accomplished actor, producer, and chef, releasing a cookbook and creating a web series Cookin’ with Coolio.

Loretta Lynn (April 14, 1932- October 4, 2022)

With a career spanning over six decades, Loretta Lynn was a true country music icon. Achieving success with numerous industry awards and accolades, not to mention Gold records, Loretta was an inspiration to all. Her life story was chronicled in the classic 1980 movie Coal Miner’s Daughter.

Olivia Newton-John (September 26, 1948- August 8, 2022)

Four-time Grammy Award winner Olivia Newton-John was the soundtrack of Seventies pop music with Billboard hits “I Honestly Love You” and “Have You Never Been Mellow.” In 1978, her acting and music career would skyrocket even further with her appearance in the movie Grease alongside John Travolta. The soundtrack would go on to become one of the biggest-selling albums in the world.

Irene Cara (March 18, 1959- November 25, 2022)

Singer, songwriter, and actress Irene Cara would rise to fame in the 1980s through her roles in the movies Fame and Flashdance. Cara won both a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for her song “Flashdance…What a Feeling.”

Aaron Carter (December 7, 1987- November 5, 2022)

American singer and rapper Aaron Carter began his career at an early age with his debut album selling over a million copies at the age of 9. He would go on to become a teen pop sensation in the late 90s. His sixth and final album was released two days after his death.

Mark Lanegan (November 25, 1964- February 22, 2022)

American singer, songwriter, and poet Mark Lanegan first rose to fame as the lead singer for the grunge band Screaming Trees. He would go on to become a member of Queens of the Stone Age and The Gutter Twins as well as countless musical collaborations and solo work.

Mickey Gilley (March 9, 1936- May 7, 2022)

Country music star Mickey Gilley got off to an early start singing with his cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and preacher Jimmy Swaggart. Gilley rose to fame in the 1970s with his classic country sound before his career would take off to a new level when his cover of “Stand By Me” was featured in the movie Urban Cowboy.

Bobby Rydell (April 26, 1942- April 5, 2022)

American singer and actor Bobby Rydell would become a true pop idol in the 1960s with his songs “Wild One” and his cover of the Italian song “Volare.” Rydell would also become a member of The Golden Boys with Frankie Avalon and Fabian Forte in the 80s. Rydell continued to tour and perform his music up until his death.

Jim Seals (October 17, 1942- June 6, 2022)

American musician Jim Seals is best known as one-half of the soft-rock duo Seals and Crofts. Their 1972 hit “Summer Breeze” would become known as one of the best summer songs of all time.

Alec John Such (November 14, 2951- June 5, 2022)

American musician Alec John Such was a founding member of the rock band Bon Jovi and played bass with the band from 1983-1994 appearing on the band’s first five albums. In 2018, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Bon Jovi.

John Hartman (March 18, 1950- September 22, 2022)

Legendary drummer John Hartman was a co-founder and the original drummer of The Doobie Brothers. He performed on all the band’s major hits of the 1970s before leaving the band in 1979 after the successful Minute by Minute album. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of the Doobie Brothers.

Dan McCafferty (October 14, 1946- November 8, 2022)

Vocalist and songwriter Dan McCafferty was the lead singer for the hard rock band, Nazareth, from its beginning in 1968 until his retirement from touring in 2013. With Nazareth, McCafferty would record the iconic 1975 album Hair of the Dog which spawned the classic rock song of love gone wrong “Love Hurts.”

Rick Anderson (August 1, 1947- December 16, 2022)

Rick Anderson was the bass player and co-founding member of the tubes. The band is best known for its 1975 debut album which included the single “White Punks on Dope” and their 1983 hit single “She’s a Beauty.”

Steve Grimmett (August 19, 1959- August 15, 2022)