As one of the many unexplained occurrences of the world, the 27 Club is an immensely interesting concept. It consists of a large group of well-known musicians who all died at 27. The connection was acknowledged in 1969-1971, after the successive deaths of Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones), Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison (The Doors). However, the first idea of “The 27 Club” was popularized with the death of Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) in 1994.  The most recent notable addition was Amy Winehouse in 2011. There has often been a common fear about the “Curse of 27” and thorough coverage of the idea through films, music, and the media. The deaths are always due to the abuse of alcohol or drugs, or by violent means, as in suicide or homicide. Though each of these musicians died young, the legacy of their music will live on forever, continuing to affect lives for years to come.

Brian Jones was one of the original members of the Rolling Stones, playing a wide variety of instruments. After being kicked out of the band because of his drug problems, it was suspected that he spiraled out of control, a spiral which lead to death by accidental drowning. However, there have been multiple conspiracies about his death in relation to the occurrences surrounding it. Nonetheless, he was a very accomplished musician, who planned to focus on blues after his separation with the band, and continue his career further.

 Jimi Hendrix is often called “one of the greatest guitarists of all time.” He played the guitar in an innovative way that created unprecedented levels of excitement for the audience. Also a singer, he worked with many different groups and even had some solo music, leaving a lasting influence that continues to affect all ages. With an eccentric sound and the other distinguished characteristics of his music, he brought a quality to his genre that hasn’t been topped yet. He also died from drug-related complications, yet he left a mark on the world that will undoubtedly last indefinitely.

 Janis Joplin is another very unique musician, known especially for her soulful, bluesy, and raspy voice. She set standards for women in rock and roll, breaking previous perceptions, and rose to fame with her strong, vibrant vocals. Often, she connected with the audience on a wide emotional level, with a voice so raw and beautiful that was always passionate. Overall, her ambition and truth were what allowed for such a connection to happen, one that forever affects those who listen to her music. After a heroin overdose, she met her demise, and the world lost one of the most distinctive and beautiful female artists to date.

 Jim Morrison was the lead singer of the Doors, which was formed at the college he attended, UCLA. The Doors had an interesting sound, which can be defined as “psychedelic rock.” Though the band only created music for 4 years, they have changed the world with a series of classic songs that remain popular today. The influence never ceases, especially due to the “darkly poetic” yet relatable lyrics of Jim Morrison that have affected so many people. Shortly after he left the group, he began writing poetry in Paris, his final resting place, where he died from suspected heroin overdose. He will forever be seen as one of the legends of rock and roll, always continuing to inspire people.

Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse both died years after these original four. Kurt Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvana, a true rock legend who produced music that defined the era of the 90’s. Additionally, the music took ahold of many young people at the time, and was very influential overall. For Winehouse, though she had a more recent death, she similarly had a great following and sang with an unforgettably soulful tone and style, but had problems with drug and alcohol abuse, like Cobain. Nonetheless, they are both seen as great musicians to this day, who passed too soon, but left behind amazing music.

 Consequently, though there have been multiple controversies about these deaths at 27, there is no doubt that though these musician’s lives were cut short, their music will live on forever; constantly defining individuals and influencing people in various ways. Accordingly, each music artist was truly great, leaving with us a cultural richness that is forever embedded within the past, present, and future.

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Amy Winehouse: "Amy Winehouse Takes On A Timeless ‘Girl’." Soul Bounce. Kimberly Shines Media, 2011. Web. 27 Sept. 2014.

Citations:

“James Marshall Hendrix.” Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 22 Sep. 2014.

“Jim Morrison.” Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 22 Sep. 2014.

“Janis Joplin.” Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 22 Sep. 2014.

“Kurt Cobain.” Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 22 Sep. 2014.

Bletchly, Rachael. “Rolling Stones Brian Jones’ Death.” MIRROR. MIRROR Online, 6 July 2013. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.

“10 Things You Never Knew About… Brian Jones.” Clash Magazine. N.p., 4 Jan. 2013. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.

Grant, Drew. “The “27 Club” — Curse or Myth?” SALON. Salon Media Group, 26 July 2011. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.

“27 Club.” Wikepedia. Wikimedia, 15 Sept. 2014. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.

Astraya. “20 Notable People Who Died at 27.” LISTVERSE. Listverse Ltd, 2008. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.