stars who had to leave this ephemeral world for, perhaps, a better one. The beginning of the decade was marked by the death of a one of the greatest guitarists to have lived. James Marshall Hendrix, better known as Jimi Hendrix, passed away the night of September 18th, 1970. Death came too early for Hendrix who was only 27 years old when death knocked on his door. However, by that time Hendrix had already enjoyed the adoration of thousands who flocked to see his fingers do wonders when he played the guitar. Hendrix will always be remembered by those who attended the Woodstock music festival and got chills during his rendition of the American national anthem in 1969.
Not yet a month after Hendrix’s death came the death of another young rock star of Woodstock fame. On October 4th, 1970, John Cooke found Janis Lyn Joplin dead in her room at the Landmark Hotel in Los Angeles. Joplin will always be remembered by her soulful voice and her lyrics that resonated with millions across the nation. She had a short career spanning four years, however, those four years were powerful enough to establish her as a rock icon. The New York Times wrote that Joplin was an artist who was, “overpowering and deeply vulnerable.” Before her tragic death at the age of 27, Joplin had the chance to headline her own tour and various music festivals. Long live the Queen of Rock and Roll.
During the late 1960s, one could not be around music fans without hearing mention of The Doors. Their poetic lyrics could not be denied. The writer of those lyrics and lead singer of the Doors, James Douglas Morrison, passed away the summer of 1971. On July 3rd, 1971, Morrison was found dead in the bathtub of his Paris apartment. He was 27 years old at the time his death, as well. Morrison had breathed and lived the tremendous fame rock had brought him at a young age. His knack for poetic lyricism will be missed in the music world.
Before the end of the decade, music lovers all over the world were in mourning on August 16th, 1977. The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley, had died that afternoon. With his signature look and energetic presence on stage Presley captured the attention of American audiences like no one ever had before. Women swooned at his presence, and men envied his charisma during the 1950s and the 1960s. Although only a shell of his former self during the 1970s, Presley still sold out concerts and made headlines.
These four music icons left a legacy for the music world that cannot be surpassed. Always wrapped up in controversy, going concert after concert, and giving powerful renditions of our favorite tunes means that the four were the embodiment of rock and roll. Their lives serve as a reminder of what it is like when someone gives it their all of the music, but it is also a stark reminder of how their demise was caused by a drug culture instilled in the psychedelic era. However, let us turn up that radio a little louder and remember them as they were when they were on stage, always.
