11 Music Icons Who Died in 2016, From David Bowie to Prince (Photos)

Malik Taylor, a.k.a. Phife Dawg, died on Mar. 23 at age 45. The rapper was a co-founder of the legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest.

Robert Stigwood, former manager of Cream and The Bee Gees, died in London on Jan. 4 at the age of 81. He produced the smash hit albums “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease.”

Glenn Frey, a singer, guitarist and founding member of The Eagles, died on Jan. 18 at 67. The musician and co-writer of hits like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy” had been struggling with rheumatoid arthritis and attendant intestinal issues.

Paul Kantner, founding member of Jefferson Airplane, died on Jan. 28 at 74. Kantner was the only member of Jefferson Airplane to also appear on all albums recorded by the band’s successor, Jefferson Starship.

Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind, and Fire, died on Feb. 3 at age 74. Under White’s leadership, the group won six Grammys and reached the top of the charts with songs like “Shining Star” and “September.” Though a Parkinson’s diagnosis ended his touring career in 1994, he remained an active part of the music industry until his death.

George Martin, producer for the Beatles, died on Mar. 8 at age 90. The mastermind behind the band’s unparalleled success was affectionately known as “The Fifth Beatle.”

Natalie Cole died on New Year’s Eve 2015 due to heart failure caused by lung disease. She technically passed last year, but the Grammy-winning singer deserves to be on this list. 

Keith Emerson, founding member of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Mar. 11 at age 71. ELP is known as one of the most famous rock bands of the ’70s, and Emerson also worked as a film composer on movies like the Sylvester Stallone thriller, “Nighthawks.”

Denise Matthews, a.k.a. Vanity, died on February 15 at 57. Matthews was known as the protege of Prince and a member of Vanity 6. Matthews had long suffered from kidney failure and was being treated for abdominal illness shortly before her death.

Denise Matthews, a.k.a. Vanity, died on February 15 at 57. Matthews was known as the protege of Prince and a member of Vanity 6. Matthews had long suffered from kidney failure and was being treated for abdominal illness shortly before her death.