3 Iconic Musical Artists Who Died on New Year’s Day

When the calendar turns from December 31 to January 1 and a new year is upon us, it’s supposed to indicate a fresh start. A chance at rebirth. But that is not the case for some, of course. For some, the changing of the calendar actually marks the end of life, not the beginning.

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Here below, we wanted to explore three such examples of this. A trio of artists who didn’t get the chance to see another year and instead passed away on January 1. Indeed, these are three iconic songwriters and performers who all died on New Year’s Day.

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Hank Williams

The Butler County, Alabama-born songwriter and performer Hank Williams is one of the most influential artists in country music and perhaps music at large. Not only did he make songs like “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Hey, Good Lookin’” famous, but his family tree has produced some impactful and indelible artists, too, including his son and grandson. But it was on a cross-country tour when he fell ill (perhaps from drugs and excessive drinking) that led to his death in the back seat of a car on January 1, 1953. Sadly, Williams hadn’t even turned 30 years old yet (he was just 29). And with that the legacy of one of the best in the genre was cut way short. If still alive, he would be 101 years old today.

Townes Van Zandt

The Fort Worth, Texas-born country star Townes Van Zandt was known for songs like “Pancho and Lefty” and “To Live Is to Fly.” Influential as an artist, Van Zandt inspired others, including country star Steve Earle, who later named his son after his friend. Sadly though, Van Zandt suffered from addiction and mental health issues, which contributed to his death on New Year’s Day in 1997. But since then, his work has lived on as it’s been covered by such artists as Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, and Bob Dylan. If alive today, Van Zandt would be 80 years old.

Patti Page

Though perhaps not a household name today, the Claremore, Oklahoma-born Patti Page was the top-charting female vocalist and best-selling female artist of the 1950s. Known for songs like “With My Eyes Wide Open, I’m Dreaming” and the classic “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?” Page’s pop-country voice was a mainstay in the middle of the 20th century. And in 2013, shortly after passing away on New Year’s Day, she was awarded a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Grammy for her impact on music. If alive today, she would be 97 years old.

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