An Australian academic, Dianna Theodora Kenny, professor of psychology and music at the University of Sydney, conducted a study analyzing the deaths of 12,665 musicians between 1950 and June 2014. Her research delves into the age, causes, and patterns of these deaths, revealing intriguing insights about the risks associated with the profession.
Musicians’ deaths often captivate public attention due to their fame and the dramatic circumstances surrounding many of these tragedies—murder, suicide, overdoses, and plane crashes. Unlike the passing of an ordinary individual, the death of a beloved musician resonates deeply with fans who feel a personal connection through their music.
Kenny’s research challenges common myths, such as the infamous “27 Club,” which includes artists like Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, and Jimi Hendrix. While the age of 27 is legendary for tragic deaths in music, Kenny’s findings reveal that more musicians die at 28, with 56 being the most common age of death overall. The notoriety of the “27 Club” stems more from the fame and shocking nature of those deaths than from statistical significance.
Exploring genres, Kenny identifies distinct patterns in causes of death. Hip-hop artists are disproportionately affected by homicide compared to other genres. Older styles like blues, jazz, and country show higher rates of heart disease and cancer, likely reflecting longevity within those genres. In contrast, metal and punk musicians face a heightened risk of accidental deaths, such as overdoses and crashes, and nearly 20% of deceased metal musicians died by suicide. Gospel musicians, rooted in religious faith, have the lowest suicide rates.
While Kenny’s research isn’t flawless—she doesn’t clearly differentiate between some genres—it underscores the link between musical genres and specific life risks, offering a fascinating glimpse into the precarious lives of those who create the music we cherish.
