4 Famed Songwriters Who Disappeared Without a Trace

Sometimes, even the most talented songwriters and musicians make it big, only to virtually disappear without a trace soon after. That’s the case for these four songwriters who virtually disappeared from the face of the planet. For some, that disappearing act. For others, it was permanent. Let’s take a look, shall we? You might recognize a few of these names.

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Cat Stevens

Everybody knows Yusuf Islam, previously known as Cat Stevens. He’s known for incredible songwriting efforts like “Wild World” and “The First Cut Is The Deepest”. After some successful time in the spotlight, at the height of his career, Yusuf Islam left music behind in the 1970s, converted to Islam, and more or less dedicated his life to philanthropy and activism instead of music. 

He disappeared for most of the 1980s and 1990s, but has since returned to music as of the late 1990s. Yusuf Islam still produces music as Yusuf / Cat Stevens today.

Syd Barrett

Syd Barrett is always heartbreaking to talk about. He’s known as the main songwriter and album lead on Pink Floyd’s legendary debut record The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. Barrett was an incredible talent. 

Sadly, though, by the time the band released their second album, Barrett’s struggles with his mental health, coupled with his use of psychedelic drugs, had taken a serious toll. He left the band in 1968 and attempted a very brief solo career. By 1974, he had completely disappeared from the music world. Barrett passed away at the age of 60 in 2006.

Rick Moranis

This entry might be a shock to some. Rick Moranis is best known for his roles as an actor, notably in the 1984 film Ghostbusters and the 1986 film Little Shop Of Horrors. However, Moranis was also an accomplished musician and songwriter. He even released a collection of parody country songs called The Agoraphobic Cowboy back in the day.

In the 1990s, Moranis took an extended break from entertainment as a whole to raise his children following the death of his wife. He has occasionally released comedy albums and provided voice-over work through the years. He has not released an album of music since My Mother’s Brisket & Other Love Songs from 2013. It seems as though Moranis is content to stay out of the limelight forever.

Bill Withers

Bill Withers was an accomplished singer/songwriter, and an unfortunate but understandable entry on our list of songwriters who disappeared. You likely know Withers from his hit song “Ain’t No Sunshine” from 1971, as well as a number of other R&B hits from the 1970s.

Sadly, by the end of the 1970s, Withers had more or less disappeared. Compilation albums would continue to get released through the years, but Withers wasn’t in the limelight at all. That was intentional, apparently. Withers said that he wasn’t satisfied with the recording industry and left in the 1980s to focus on his family and live a quiet life. Withers passed at age 80 in 2020.

Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage

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