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Artists Who Have Died on Stage

Musicians Who Have Died On StageGetty Images

When drummer Brad Parker passed away during a concert in Brazil last weekend, it was just a matter of time before people muttered the obligatory line: "At least he died doing what he loved."

The 59-year-old member of the disco band Generation Esmeralda might have preferred it happen decades later, but it soothes some to think he died before a crowd of adoring fans.

Through the years, a handful of musicians have experienced their final breath and final act at the same time. Here a few others who collapsed while doing what they loved.

Artists Who Have Died Onstage
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afunkfan

Some of these folks didn't literally die on stage. James Brown died of pneumonia a day after performing. Tammi Terell collapsed on stage,and was limited afterwards. Having had several tumor operations, she tragically died young. Curtis Mayfield lived years after his freak accident but he was paralyzed and was later amputated due to diabetes. He recorded one critically acclaimed last album in that time. Philippe Wynne of the Spinners ,who was building a solo career,had a heart attack onstage and died the next day. Tragically,Blues legend Johnny "Guitar" Watson,Saxophonist Grover Washington Jr,Papa Dee of War and comedian Redd Foxx got their calling on the set of their performances. Sadly, we dearly miss these great artists, but please be accurate about your info in respect to these artists. In later years,James Brown had a premonition when he said "Doin it to death!"

October 08 2012 at 1:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
afunkfan

Some of these folks didnt literally die on stage. James Brown died of pneumonia a day after performing. Tammi Terell collapsed on stage,and was limited afterwards , having had several tumor operations but she tragically died young. Curtis Mayfield lived years after his freak accident but he was paralyzed and was later amputated due to diabetes. He recorded one critically acclaimed last album in that time. Philippe Wynne of the Spinners ,who was building a solo career,had a heart attack onstage and died the next day. Teddy Pendergrass lived a long time after his accident and continued to record. Tragically,Blues legend Johnny "Guitar" Watson,Saxophonist Grover Washington Jr and comedian Redd Foxx had heart attacks on the set of their performances. Sadly, we dearly miss these great artists, but please be accurate about your info in respect to these artists. In later years,James Brown had a premonition when he said "Doin it to death!"

October 08 2012 at 1:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gigchick

*Tammi Terrell passed away March 16, 1970

October 07 2012 at 6:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gigchick

On October 14, 1967, while performing with Marvin Gaye at Hampden-Sydney College, outside of the college of Farmville, Virginia, Tammi Terrell fell and buckled onstage; Gaye quickly responded by grabbing her by the arms and helping her offstage. Shortly after returning from Virginia, doctors diagnosed a malignant tumor on the right side of her brain. On March 16, Terrell died of complications from brain cancer. She was six weeks short of her 25th birthday.

October 07 2012 at 6:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cassynightingale

It is truely sad of such great artist. They gave us so much joy.

Their talent will be /and is missed.

October 07 2012 at 3:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nellazadra

mi cousin Fausto Zadra, concertist, died in Rome wen performedone of the Mozart sonatas, and put his head over the piano. People tough he did the finishing touch. Sadly, was it.

October 07 2012 at 3:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
VLE in PALM SPGS

Its sad that our generation is close it's book in history, The great's of the babys boomer's where are they going?

October 07 2012 at 3:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wbmrav223

2012 has proven a sad year for the entertainment business. Rest in Peace

October 07 2012 at 3:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to wbmrav223's comment
pj512

You are correct. I didn't realize just how many "big" stars had died this year. Including my dad.

October 07 2012 at 7:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Raymond Crowe

R.I.P

October 07 2012 at 2:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marie Speranza

...to all those mentiioned here and those not, but mentioned elsewhere,...by fans and posters...we can bow our head for a moment in their memory...as we see they are thought of and missed...talented and loved...God Bless them all.

October 07 2012 at 2:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply