With the recent news of the death of another talented musician, it makes one wonder how can a brutal act such as a gunshot ever replace the life it took.
What's in a composition of a song, a rap, a melody or lyrics that incites an act of violence to be committed.
There might be no logical answer to that age-old question. But these deaths surely left a huge impact on the world of music.
Christina Grimmie
She was only 22-year-old and was catapulted to fame when she became a Youtube sensation. It also didn't hurt that she joined a Reality Show, The Voice. Grimmie created quite an impression on the judges when she sang Miley Cyrus' Wrecking Ball. She was a four-chair turner and was coached by Adam Levine to Third Place. She becames famous because of her covers to popular songs. She also released her debut album after joining. The Voice.
She was shot by 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl on June 10, 2016, after her Orlando concert last Friday night. Grimmie was signing autographs when the suspect approached her and fired 3 times. Grimmie's elder brother, Marcus (aka Mark), tackled the suspect who turned the gun on himself.
Christina was rushed to the hospital but a few died hours later. As of now, the investigation is still underway as to what motivated Loibl to shoot the victim.
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| Christina Grimmie |
John Lennon
The Beatles which Lennon was part of, first came to the scene in the early 1960's. They transformed the Rock and Roll scene with their pop culture lyrics and sound.
He continued to thrive even after the Beatles disbanded. Striking on his own and with his wife, Yoko Ono. He became a controversial celebrity especially during the height of the Vietnam War. But he continued to perform and release meaningful songs that resonated with all generations. The songs, "Woman" and "Imagine" are examples of his solo hits.
He was murdered by an obsessed fan, Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980, right at the doorstep of his Dakota Apartment Building in Manhattan. Chapman waited for hours for Lennon. He even asked for an autograph when Lennon first left the building earlier in the evening.
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| John Lennon on the eve of his death, and his killer, Mark David Chapman. |
Selena Quintanilla-Perez
Selena is best known by just her first name, named the Queen of Tejano Music in the 1990's. She was on her way to be introduced to mainstream Music when the tragedy happened. She was shot to death by Yolanda Saldivar who worked for her as well as being the founder of her Fan club. They argued over financial disputes. Before she died in the hospital, Selena was able to name Saldivar as the shooter. Selena died on March 31, 1995. She was only 23-years-old.
Her songs, "I Could Fall in Love" and "Dreaming of You", were released posthumously. Jennifer Lopez also starred in a biopic movie about Selena.
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| Selena, Queen of Tejano Music |
Marvin Gaye
What's the worst thing that could happen to you? Be killed by your own father. That's what happened to Motown legend, Marvin Gaye on April 1, 1984. He was shot twice by his own father, Marvin Sr., after intervening in an argument between his parents. His death never stopped his musical legacy and influence to continue.
He was the force behind the hits, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "How Sweet it is to be loved by you", "What's Going On?", and "Sexual Healing" among others.
The song, "Missing You" by Diana Ross, was a tribute to Marvin Gaye. It was produced by Lionel Richie.
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| Multi-awarded singer and songwriter, Marvin Gaye |
Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G)
Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G. were rival American rappers who were claiming dominance between the West Coast and East Coast hip-hop scenes. Both were killed at the height of their fame and immortalized in the Music industry.
Tupac was making waves not only in the Music industry but also in Hollywood. He starred in the following films, "Juice", "Poetic Justice", and "Above the Rim".
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| Tupac Shakur |
Notorious B.I.G. was even implicated in Tupac's death was exonerated when he was able to show proof that he was not in Los Angeles at that time.
Christopher Wallace was a protege of Puff Daddy (P. Diddy) and his Bad Boy records.
On March 9, 1997, seven months after Tupac's death, Notorious B.I.G was murdered in a drive-by shooting by an unknown assailant. He suffered the same fate as his rival, Tupac. He was a month shy of his 25th birthday. his death remains unsolved.
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| Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious B.I.G. |
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