Joey Ramone

popular name: Ron McKernan

date_of_death: March 8, 1973

age: 27

cause_of_death: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: At the height of the Grateful Dead's breakout success in the early 1970s, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan served as a driving force behind the jam band's legendary acclaim. The vocalist and keyboardist proved responsible for the band's blues-based tone, even taking over singing duties on tunes such as "Turn on Your Lovelight," "Alligator," "Big Boss Man," and "Mr. Charlie." Using his trusty Hammond organ, the musician helped the Dead attract mass attention. Pigpen also made a name for himself by speaking directly to the audience during live shows, sizing up to be much more of a traditional frontman than Jerry Garcia. In declining health, Pigpen played in March '72 the Academy of Music shows, one of them featuring the Dead serving as a backup band for the legendary rocker Bo Diddley. And he made it to Europe the next month, against his doc’s advice. Alas he played his last gig with the Dead in June ’72 at the Hollywood Bowl. After that, there were few excuses the band could make of his absence. Although he had seemed well enough on the European tour in the spring, Pigpen McKernan was losing his grip in life. The doctors told him what he needed wasn’t good lovin’ but a lot of rest, no booze and lots of protein to put his decaying liver back together. Despite his dedication to getting healthy again and working on a solo album, he lost his battle in March ’73 and died alone at the age of 27.

popular name: Frank Frost

date_of_death: October 12, 1999

age: 63

cause_of_death: Heart attack

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: One of the foremost Delta blues harmonica players of his generation. Frank Frost only picked up the harmonica after an accident damaged his hand that prevented him from continuing with guitar. Taught by Sonny Boy Williams II, Frank recorded with the likes of Jack Johnson, Robert Nighthawk and his son, Sam Carr and numerous other blues giants. Frost performed at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in his home town of Helena, Arkansas, on October 8th just four days before he died. He was a sick man, and playing with tears in his eyes, knowing the years of cigarettes and alcohol had taken their toll.

popular name: Jim Morrison

date_of_death: July 3, 1971

age: 27

cause_of_death: Heart failure due to chronic alcohol abuse (disputed)

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: Jim Morrison was a legendary American singer, songwriter and poet, and best known for being the lead singer for the popular rock band The Doors. Morrison is regarded by music critics and fans as one of the most iconic and influential frontmen in rock history. He was known for his wild personality, distinctive voice, and erratic performances. Of course the Doors were never part of the peace and free love movement exemplified by the Jefferson Airplane or Donavon. They really didn't fit the mold of acid rock, electric folk music or that of the Grateful Dead. And they certainly wouldn't be confused with the pop stylings of the Beatles. No the Doors were an anomaly in the world of sixties rock. Raw and powerful, dark and explosive, Jim Morrison's Dionysian lyrics and vocal energy were not an act and Jim Morrison was no rock star. Jim Morrison is now and will always be remembered as The Lizard King. Sadly at age 27, he was found dead in his bathtub by his girlfriend Pamela Courson. It was official listed as heart failure, but no autopsy was performed. It is suspected that his death might have been the result of an accidental heroin overdose.