3 Classic Rock Guitar Players Who Died Too Soon

It would have been nice to have seen what these artists would grow into… Indeed, that’s what happens when great musicians die too soon. We lose out on decades and decades of sublime talent. In a way, remembering those artists who we lost too soon is a practice not only in the appreciation of music but a look at history and things can go wrong for even the best of us.

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Below, we wanted to take a look at the life and career of three classic rock lead guitarists who passed away far too early. Three artists who should still be here today—and what a gift that would be! Indeed, these are three six-string players who died too soon.

Jimi Hendrix

The Seattle-born guitar player who grew up to become a psychedelic rocker for the ages. Today, Jimi Hendrix is recognized as the greatest lead player ever. When people aspire to become good lead guitarists, Hendrix is almost too lofty a goal to shoot for. While his career only spanned a few years, his impact will last for thousands. Sadly, though, Hendrix passed away at just 27 years old. Born on November 27, 1942, he died on September 18, 1970, after complications attributed to drug use. With that, the world lost a lot.

Duane Allman

Born on November 20, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee (how fitting!), Duane Allman grew up to found one of the most iconic classic rock bands of all time, The Allman Brothers. Together with his brother Gregg, the band boasted such force. The brothers wielded their guitars like fists, with each note playing like an uppercut from a heavyweight. Sadly, though, Duane was only in the band for a few years before he passed away from a motorcycle crash on October 29, 1971. He was just 24. Still, today, Duane is remembered as one of the greatest guitarists ever.

Brian Jones

Born on February 28, 1942, Brian Jones would grow up to co-found the iconic British rock band the Rolling Stones. Sadly, his tenure in the group wouldn’t last long, and it may have led to his premature death. Indeed, at just 27 years old, Jones died after drowning in a swimming pool. His life was over almost before it had begun, and he officially passed away on July 3, 1969. With that, one of the more tragic rock stories ended. Who knows what else Jones could have done with his life? Sadly, we’ll never find that out.

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