As the year draws to a close, it's time to look back, to remember — and to celebrate — the many musicians we've lost this year. Although the artists are gone, the music remains. In this special, we’re going to shine a spotlight on the singers, musicians, songwriters, producers and others who passed away in 2022 — all of them people who helped shape the music we know and love.

2022 saw the passing of some of the early architects of pop music. Jerry Allison, who died in August, was a drummer with the Crickets, and co-wrote hit songs with Buddy Holly, including “Peggy Sue.” 

Songwriter Beverly Ross, who passed away in January, left us with her unforgettable pop confection of a song, “Lollipop,” recorded by The Chordettes. 

Jerry Lee Lewis — the last surviving member of the Million Dollar Quartet, rounded out by Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley — died on October 28. Lewis’s 1957 hit, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” popularized a barrelhouse style of piano playing in rock music later adopted by Elton John, Billy Joel, Tori Amos, and Low Cut Connie’s Adam Weiner. Jerry Lee Lewis’s legacy is complicated, though, due to many offstage scandals.   

Another influential person from the same era was Jim Stewart, a white man who grew up on a farm in Tennessee. Later, he was so moved by Memphis soul and R&B played by predominately Black musicians that he co-launched the Stax record label in 1959 with his sister, Estelle Axton. Combining the “S-T” from his last name and the “A-X” from hers, they formed Stax. Now a legendary label, Stax in its heyday nurtured the careers of influential figures like Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, the Bar-Kays, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers, and so many others, and solidified the signature “Memphis Sound.” Black people and white people worked next to each other to build Stax Records. Illustrating that partnership in musical form is the integrated lineup of Stax recording artists Booker T and the MGs; we’ll feature their hit instrumental, “Green Onions.” 

Early this year, we saw the passing of another foundational figure: singer and bandleader Ronnie Spector. Born in Spanish Harlem in Upper Manhattan in 1943, Ronnie Spector fell in love with singing at an early age. “Living in Spanish Harlem,” Spector told Fresh Air’s Terry Gross in 1987, “you could just look out the window and people on the corner singing and stuff. And I loved it from the time I was 3 years old, and I said, that's what I want to be the rest of my life. I want to perform.” 

In the 1960s, Ronnie Spector formed the Ronettes with her sister and cousin, capitalizing on their familial harmonies. Spector soon became permanently associated with the sound of women-led vocal groups, when she released a number of hits with the Ronettes, including “Walking in the Rain,” “Baby I Love You,” and the all-time classic, “Be My Baby.” 

In the rock world, we lost a founding member of longtime New Jersey rock band Bon Jovi, when bassist Alec John Such died at age 70. 

But before Bon Jovi, there was Meat Loaf, renowned for his powerful, theatrical vocals. Born Marvin Lee Aday and raised in Texas, Meat Loaf moved to Los Angeles at age 19, where he performed in bands and appeared in the Los Angeles production of the Broadway musical Hair. Meat Loaf was then cast in the stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Hollywood film that followed. With songwriter Jim Steinman, he created Meat Loaf’s 1977 debut album, Bat Out of Hell, one of the biggest-selling albums of all time. Produced by Todd Rundgren, Bat Out Of Hell includes the classic rock staple “Paradise By the Dashboard Light.” Meat Loaf returned in 1993 with the hit song “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).” Also written by Jim Steinman, the song reached No. 1 in 28 countries, and it culminated in a Grammy win.

Another musician embodying ultimate rock ‘n’ roll passion was the late Foo Fighters drummer, Taylor Hawkins. Known for his active and aggressive drumming style, Hawkins played with his his teeth clenched in a cross between a grimace and a grin. Although born in Texas, Hawkins grew up in Long Beach, California, and his style and demeanor always exuded a sort of laid-back California cool. Hawkins, who died in March while Foo Fighters were touring in South America, had been with the band since 1997. Hawkins performed on eight Foo Fighters’ albums, including 2021’s Medicine at Midnight, and also lent his talents to singing, guitar, piano and studio production work. Hawkins also played a fictionalized version of himself in the 2022 rock comedy film, Studio 666, in which Dave Grohl unwittingly rents a haunted mansion for Foo Fighters to work on their next album. Here's Taylor Hawkins playing drums with Foo Fighters in the song, “All My Life.” 

In the world of jazz, Pharoah Sanders was a revered and influential tenor saxophonist who extended the boundaries of his instrument, notably alongside John Coltrane in the 1960s. Sanders died in September at the age of 81; his best-known work is "The Creator Has a Master Plan," released in 1969. 

One major creator of the Motown sound was Lamont Dozier, who died in August at the age of 81. Dozier was born in Detroit, and had his own doo-wop group as a teen. When he teamed up with brothers Brian and Eddie Holland, the hits poured forth. As the songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland, the trio co-wrote dozens of hits for The Supremes (including their 1965 hit, “Stop! In the Name of Love”), Marvin Gaye, and The Four Tops. In April, the U.S. Library of Congress named Holland-Dozier-Holland's "Reach Out, I'll Be There," recorded by The Four Tops, to its National Recording Registry.

Popular music lost several luminaries this year. Andy Fletcher, a keyboardist of the band Depeche Mode, died in May at age 60. Fletcher, along with friends Vince Clarke, Martin Gore, and Dave Gahan, formed Depeche Mode in Basildon, England in 1980. Fletcher’s synth sound was a critical part of Depeche Mode hits like “Personal Jesus,” “Enjoy the Silence” and “Just Can’t Get Enough.” 

 Born in England, raised in Australia, and eventually known the world over, Olivia Newton John first captivated audiences with such songs as 1974’s “I Honestly Love You.” In the late 1970s, she became a global sensation playing naïve schoolgirl Sandy in the hit musical film, Grease. Newton-John’s biggest hit was the 1981 release, “Physical,” which spent 10 weeks at No. 1 in the Billboard Hot 100, and it was certified platinum. The song was banned on some radio stations for its sexually charged lyrics, but it morphed into an anthem for the early 1980s fitness craze.

The ‘80s fitness craze also hit Hollywood, with actor and singer Irene Cara, who passed away in November, as a featured voice. Cara played Coco, an aspiring singer-actor-dancer, in the 1980 film Fame, about a competitive New York performing arts high school. She also sang the movie’s Oscar-winning theme song. Three years later, Cara won two Grammys, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar for her performance of "What a Feeling," from the film Flashdance, another story about an aspiring dancer. Irene Cara’s music has inspired dreamers for years to come.

One of hip-hop’s biggest names in the 1990s was Coolio. He was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Pennsylvania and raised in Compton, California, south of downtown Los Angeles. In 1994, Coolio released his debut album, It Takes A Thief, and its lead single, “Fantastic Voyage” (which samples the 1981 Lakeside song of the same name) reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. But it was 1995’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” featured in the Michelle Pfeiffer drama film Dangerous Minds, that would rocket Coolio to stardom and earn him a Grammy award in 1996 for Best Solo Rap Performance. Coolio was only 59 at the time of his death. 

Another innovative artist lost too soon this year: Mimi Parker of the band Low. Parker, who co-founded the Duluth, Minnesota-based rock group with husband Alan Sparhawk, had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020. Parker and Sparhawk were the constant, essential elements of Low’s magic throughout the band’s entire run, which included the release of 13 full-length albums. Parker provided a steady drumbeat to Low's entire catalogue, and her vocals, whether solo or harmonizing with Sparhawk, added richness and depth. Here are Low performing a song later covered by Mavis Staples, "Holy Ghost," from their 2013 album, The Invisible Way. 

The past year has seen the passing of some notable behind-the-scenes people within the music world:

• Just as 2021 ended, Australian-born Ted Gardner passed away; he, along with Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell and others, co-founded the Lollapalooza music festival in 1991.  

• In January 2022, we lost Michael Lang, a co-founder of 1969’s Woodstock Music & Art Festival, a defining event of the entire 1960s counterculture movement.  

• And in May, we lost Bob Neuwirth, a folk singer, songwriter, record producer, and visual artist who is remembered for being an early road manager and associate of Bob Dylan, as well as being the co-writer of Janis Joplin's hit song, "Mercedes Benz."  

The band Fleetwood Mac redefined 20th century pop music, and on November 30 of this year, one of the band’s essential singer-songwriters, Christine McVie, died at the age of 79. McVie emerged from Britain’s 1960s blues-rock scene, joining Fleetwood Mac in 1970. The relationships among band members were complicated, but they inspired great art, like the landmark album, Rumours, which became one of the top sellers of all time. McVie wrote and sang lead for several huge Fleetwood Mac hits, like “Hold Me,” “Little Lies,” “Everywhere” and “Don’t Stop” as well as deeper cuts, like “Over and Over” from 1979’s Tusk, which truly showcases McVie’s emotive contralto voice.

Country music lost some legends this year, including Jeff Cook, who provided vocals, guitar, fiddle and keyboards for the country band Alabama. Cook and his cousins co-founded the band named after their home state in 1972. Alabama's 1982 single, "Mountain Music," was their sixth song to hit No. 1 in the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. 

Country matriarch Naomi Judd, who performed with her daughter Wynonna in the Judds, died in April. From 1980 to 1991, the Judds racked up numerous hits, along with five Grammys and nine CMA Awards, not to mention the admiration of countless fans. Naomi Judd died by suicide, and if you, or someone you know, are having feelings of hopelessness or distress, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 

It was Loretta Lynn who paved the way for the Judds, and many other women in country music. Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, in 1932. True to her hit song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Lynn’s childhood was marked by poverty. She married at age 15, and by 18, she was a mother of four children. Eventually she learned to play guitar and began writing unfiltered, personal songs about sexuality, birth control, and marital infidelity that broke new ground. Even as some radio stations banned Lynn’s music, she was winning admiration from fans and fellow artists. Lynn was the first woman named entertainer of the year by the Country Music Association in 1972 and the Academy of Country Music three years later. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988. Loretta Lynn’s 2004 collaboration with rock guitarist Jack White, Van Lear Rose, won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album in 2005. To remember Loretta Lynn, Queen of Country Music, Jack White gave this performance of the title track from her Grammy-winning album, Van Lear Rose. 

In Americana music, November saw the loss of a true pioneer when singer-songwriter Patrick Haggerty of Lavender Country died. Hagerty was a vocal member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Earlier in the year, we said goodbye to Procol Harum founder and lead singer Gary Brooker. In 1967, Procol Harum released their debut single, “Whiter Shade of Pale,” an anthem of the Summer of Love. 

Soul, funk and R&B saw many pioneers pass on in 2022. In August, soul singer Sam Gooden died at age 87. A founding member of The Impressions, Gooden often traded lead vocals with bandmate Curtis Mayfield. Gooden provides lead vocals on the Impressions’ song, “Aware of Love.” 

The Miles Davis collaborator James Mtume died in January. In 1983, his R&B group called Mtume had the hit “Juicy Fruit,” which was famously sampled in rapper the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy.” 

We also lost funk legend Betty Davis – whose early-’70s music influenced artists like OutKast and Janelle Monáe. Davis pushed the envelope with her frank lyrics and bold fashion sense.  

Also, Calvin Simon, who sang with Parliament-Funkadelic and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. 

Doo-wop fans remember Fred Parris, who co-founded The Five Satins, best known for their hit song from 1956, “In The Still of the Night.”  

Part of departed blues and soul musician Syl Johnson’s legacy is the 1969 hit “Is It Because I’m Black,” a song inspired by the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Johnson said, “I didn’t want to write [a] song about hating [these] people or hating [those] people... I really didn’t have [a] vendetta against people. It’s a sympathy song." 

Philadelphia R&B band The Delfonics lost co-founder William “Poogie” Hart this year. The Delfonics are best known for their hits “La-La (Means I Love You)” as well as “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love),” which influenced the Fugees’ hit “Ready or Not.” 

And the first woman artist signed to Motown’s Tamla label, Mable John, died in August. A longtime collaborator with Ray Charles, John had a hit on the Stax label in 1966 with “Your Good Thing (Is About to End).” 

The world of rock lost innovative musician Ian McDonald in February. A multi-instrumentalist from London, McDonald was a co-founder of the progressive rock band King Crimson. That’s McDonald playing saxophone on the King Crimson track, “21st Century Schizoid Man.” After leaving King Crimson, McDonald moved to New York City, where he formed the band Foreigner. McDonald played guitar, keys and saxophone on Foreigner’s first three albums, and co-wrote “Long, Long Way from Home” off their debut album. McDonald also played the smokin’ saxophone on T. Rex’s glam classic “Get It On (Bang a Gong).” 

A singer and songwriter for the Scottish rock band Nazareth for 45 years, Dan McCafferty died in November. He wrote many of their songs and sang passionately on Nazareth’s hit cover of “Love Hurts.”  

A founding member of The Clash, London-born guitarist Keith Levene also passed in November. The innovative Levene left The Clash before they became successful, going on to co-found Public Image Ltd with a post-Sex Pistols Johnny Rotten. Later, Levene moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a session player for Red Hot Chili Peppers and many hip-hop groups.  

Another rock pioneer from England we lost this year was Nik Turner, a singer, composer, saxophonist and flutist, Turner was a member of the groundbreaking 1960s space-rock group, Hawkwind.  

In this next part of the program, we’ll honor and remember artists with Minnesota ties. 

In late 2021, Minneapolis mourned the loss of KMOJ radio host and club DJ Brother Jules. A longtime Minneapolis club scene fixture, Brother Jules became a favorite DJ of Prince. Brother Jules played parties at Paisley Park as well as Prince’s collection of Glam Slam nightclubs in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, and Tokyo. 

Minneapolis mourned another pioneering DJ: Tredis Adams, better known as Disco T. Known for his work on KMOJ as well as being a member of the Soul Technicians DJ crew, Disco T helped nurture hip-hop culture in the Twin Cities. 

Another local hip-hop pioneer lost was Jason Heinrichs, a producer who worked under the name Anomaly who collaborated with artists including Atmosphere and Muja Messiah. 

Minnesota bluegrass music fans remember Alan Jesperson. The longtime music booker at Dulono’s Pizza in Minneapolis’ Lyn Lake neighborhood, Jesperson was known for mentoring younger musicians coming into the bluegrass genre. Jesperson was also part of the Minnesota bluegrass outfit Middle Spunk Creek Boys for many years. 

Yet another artist from Minnesota we lost this year wasn’t a musician — but he was one of the state’s best performers. Comedian, writer, and actor Louie Anderson died in January at age 68. Back in 2018, Louie Anderson visited The Current, and he told me about his fondness for Prince. “Talk about being connected to his fans,” Anderson said. “Talk about being in the moment; talk about fearless; talk about maybe the most sensitive of all the artists and not afraid to show it but also, it just goes to show you how hard it is sometimes to be that, to be that, and to be as famous as he was must have just been excruciating at times, but I loved him and always will love him, and he's a big part of Minnesota, and I remember when I saw him on TV the first time he was on American Bandstand and he did ‘When You Were Mine.’” 

Over in Michigan, the Detroit Cobras lost founding vocalist Rachel Nagy, who died in January at the age of 48. The band was mainly known for retro garage-rock covers, but on their 2004 album, Baby, they released the original track, “Hot Dog (Watch Me Eat).”  

Another indie artist gone too soon was Paul Ryder, bassist for the Manchester band Happy Mondays, a vital part of the 1980s Madchester music scene.  

Anyone who watched the children’s television series Sesame Street likely heard Stephen J. Lawrence’s work. Although he didn’t write the show’s theme, Lawrence composed more than 300 songs and scores for Sesame Street, winning three Emmys. Lawrence was also the music director and composer for Marlo Thomas’ ABC television special Free To Be … You And Me.  

New York-based singer Diane Luckey, better known as Q Lazzarus, attained cult screen fame with a different crowd. Her 1988 song “Goodbye Horses” was included in the 1991 thriller, The Silence of the Lambs. The film's director Jonathan Demme also featured Q Lazzarus performing a cover of Talking Heads’ “Heaven” in his next film, 1993’s Philadelphia, starring Tom Hanks. 

This past year also saw the passing of Best Coast frontwoman Bethany Cosentino’s beloved pet cat, Snacks, who appeared on the cover of Best Coast‘s 2010 album, Crazy For You. 

In September, Drive-By Truckers lost longtime album artist Wes Freed, who made art that “looks like how Drive-By Truckers’ music sounds.” 

We also said goodbye to D.H. Peligro, real name Darren Henley, who was the drummer for San Francisco punk outfit the Dead Kennedys between 1981 until the group disbanded in 1986. 

A foundational member in the platinum-selling Atlanta hip-hop trio Migos, Takeoff died after being shot after a party in Houston. Born Kirshnik Khari Ball, Takeoff was known for his deep baritone voice and his seemingly effortless flow. He was just 28.  

Further up the West Coast, a foundational member of Seattle’s grunge rock scene was Mark Lanegan. With an unmistakable, rumbling rasp in his voice, Lanegan led Screaming Trees for nearly 16 years. Their song, “Nearly Lost You,” landed in Cameron Crowe’s 1992 film Singles. Lanegan was also a member of Mad Season, featuring members of Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains, and attempted a Lead Belly covers album with Kurt Cobain. Lanegan was also a member of Queens of the Stone Age, and collaborated with former Belle & Sebastian singer Isobel Campbell. He was 57. 

On December 18, Terry Hall, the iconic frontman of pioneering ska band The Specials, died at the age of 63 after a brief illness. Formed in Coventry, England, in 1977, the Specials recruited Hall. Just like his heroes the Clash, Hall used music as a tool against injustice, especially racism in England and elsewhere. As a result, the Specials were leaders of the racially integrated 2 Tone ska movement, advancing a style of music popularized by Black people who had immigrated to Britain from the Caribbean. Beyond the Specials, Terry Hall formed the group Fun Boy Three, and collaborated with Bananarama, the Lightning Seeds, Sinead O’Connor, Lily Allen, and Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz. Terry Hall also co-wrote the hit song, “Our Lips Are Sealed” with Jane Weidlin of the Go-Go’s. But the Specials remain central to Terry Hall’s legacy, and we remember that by revisiting their signature ska sound in the song, “A Message To You, Rudy.” 

Thank you for joining in our celebration of the artists we lost over the past year. This has been 2022 Remembered from The Current.

Credits

The 2022 Remembered Production team are Reed Fischer, David Safar, Lindsay Kimball, Luke Taylor and Derrick Stevens. Jill Riley is the host.