5. Whitney Houston
True, she had undergone some troubled times, but it was still a shock. When Houston broke onto the scene in 1986, she was hailed for her fantastic voice, great look and ability to rock fans. With such hits as “Dance With Somebody” and more, she achieved multiple gold, diamond and platinum status with just about every album she did. She also broke out in movies like The Bodyguard and others and seemed to have a long life ahead.
Things hit a rocky patch with her marriage to Bobby Brown led to some run-ins with the law. Also, reports of her becoming more of a diva and no-shows for concerts and events. Her health also fluctuated, shocking many by appearing to be skin and bones for some appearances. Being Bobby Brown basically showed her as a screeching mess who appeared high much of the time.
They divorced in 2007 which was quite bitter with Houston admitting her drug use and attempts at a comeback rough. Still, she seemed ready for more which was why the music world was stunned when she was found dead in the Beverly Hills Hilton on February 11, 2011. The planned Clive Davis Grammy party that evening became a memorial to her and the Grammys the next night paid tribute with a stirring performance by Jennifer Hudson. It was a tragedy to see Houston fall and how her death could silence such an amazing voice.
4. Kurt Cobain
“Grunge” wasn’t really a thing until Nirvana came along. This Seattle based band rocked fans with their wild style while also giving some soulful and insightful lyrics. Cobain was their frontman and centerpiece, winning fans with his amazing work. He was considered the voice of a generation, creating this new style of both wardrobe and attitude and becoming something of an icon as he led the alternative music wave of the 1990s.
However, Cobain also battled substance abuse and his troubled marriage to Courtney Lovebecame tabloid fodder. He reportedly didn’t enjoy his public standing and the adulation and it weighed on him. Still, it was stunning when on April 5, 1994, Cobain was found dead of a gunshot wound. It was ruled suicide but the controversy has erupted with rumors of him being murdered continuing today. Since then, Cobain’s legend and status as an icon has only grown but many are sorry that a man so brilliant could be troubled to such a hard young end and rob the world of his great voice.
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