These musicians left us teary-eyed in 2016

For most music lovers 2016 was a heartbreaking one with its long list of deaths of top musicians who have given us some great numbers to get over every crisis in life; heartbreak, professional failure or songs that motivates us to get up and fight it out. And as the curtains are all set to fall on this year the sad demise of 80s’ singer and poster boy George Michael, we remember all the musicians who said goodbye to us this year, leaving behind rich musical legacies and a song on our lips as we remember them over the years.

George Michael: Died: December 2016, English singer, songwriter, record producer
One song that we all love to croon during Christmas, is Last Christmas, by George Michael while he was a part of the band, Wham. However, the sad truth is that 2016’s Christmas was the last one for the singer. Best remembered for his breathtaking chocolate boy good looks and soulful music, the Careless Whisper singer died at his UK home. The 53-year-old singer’s rep later confirmed the news and said that the singer ‘passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period’.

Prince, Died: April 21, Singer, songwriter, record producer
Another singer’s death that sent shock waves was Prince, who’s worked in an array of genres; from funk, rock, R&B, new wave, soul, psychedelia, and pop. Having sold over a 100 million records worldwide and won several accolades, the 57-year-old recluse singer was known for his amazingly vocal range, unconventional and extravagant ensemble, makeup and a flamboyant stage presence. The Purple Rain singer died to an overdose of painkillers at his home in Minnesota.

David Bowie, Died: January 10, Singer, Songwriter and actor
Not only did he give us some of the famous classic rocks which is still remembered to this date but the singer was also called as 'rock 'n' roll chameleon', 'musical genius', 'Ziggy Stardust' and others. The 69-year-old singer who died on January 10, 2016 following a secret 18-month battle with cancer. His last album Blackstar, was released just few days before his death. The rock-n-roll singer ruled the music world for nearly five decades.

Leonard Cohen, Died: November 7, Canadian singer-songwriter
And just as many were reeling from the shocking deaths of singers who changed the face of music, another well-known singer bid adieu. The Canadian singer-songwriter’s career that spanned over five decades was known for his poetic and lyrical music. His most loved songs are, Hallelujah and Suzanne. Cohen’s manager later released a note saying that, ‘Leonard Cohen died during his sleep following a fall in the middle of the night on 7 November. The death was sudden, unexpected and peaceful.’

Maurice White, Died: February 4, Musician, singer-songwriter and record producer
Another musician who left us, was the co-founder of the American band Earth, Wind & Fire that spanned the musical genres of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, Latin and African. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the early '90s, forcing him to stop touring with the band in 1994. The 74-year-old singer died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles. He sold over 90 million albums, had seven Grammy wins and got a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Glenn Frey, Died: January 18, Eagles co-founder, singer, songwriter and actor
The 67-year-old guitarist is also an American singer, songwriter and actor, best known as the founding member of the rock band Eagles. While the band broke up in 1980, Glenn went on to become a successful solo singer. Many of his singles went on to be Billboard hits. As a television actor he also starred in varied roles. Glenn fought a courageous battle for several weeks but, succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia, said statement issued by Eagles.

Rick Parfitt, Died: December 24, English musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist
Rock legend and guitarist of the band Status Quo who gave us hits like Rockin’ All Over the World and Down Down, died at the age of 68, in Spain, after an infection followed by ill-health. Rick’s most celebrated career moment was his live performance on July 13 1985, when he opened the historic 16-hour concert with Status Quo in a 15-minute slot at the original Wembley Stadium which was broadcast around the world.