There has been a large number of (predominantly rock) musicians over the years that have all died at the age of 27…which, in some circles has been dubbed “The 27 Club”. There is even a Wikipedia article on this very subject, as with most other subject of great importance. Thats why I freaked out when I heard Amy Winehouse was 27 years old. ( in 2 months she would have be 28 ) .
The first four musicians in this group all rose to fame in the 1960s, and have achieved quite a good level of, shall we say, immortality!
-Brian Jones, 1941-1969, drowned in his backyard swimming pool
-Jimi Hendrix, 1942-1970, died of asphyxiation of vomit after overdose of sleeping pills
-Janis Joplin, 1943-1970, heroin overdose
-Jim Morrison, 1943-1971, unknown causes, though rumors of heroin and heart failure abound
The list however, also includes:
-Kurt Cobain, 1967-1994, self inflicted gunshot wound
-Robert Johnson (bluesman), 1911-1938, either strychinine poisoning or gunshot
-Alan Wilson (Canned Heat), 1943-1970, overdose
-Pete Ham (Badfinger), 1947-1975, suicide by hanging
-Chris Bell (Big Star), 1951-1978, car accident
-d. boon (Minutemen), 1958-1985, car accident
etc etc.
What is it about the age of 27 that causes or influences so many deaths of musicians? Of course, one could look at it as a major coincidence, and say “hey, there’s plenty of musicians who died at any age!”, but it’s also tempting to thing there’s some sort of karmic or other spiritual or devilish spirit at play here.
Rebecca Davis
Thanks for including Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson of Canned Heat on your list! Though not the best known of the “27s”, for me he’s always been the most fascinating. Passing away on September 3, 1970, shortly before Jimi and Janis, his mysterious death was fully explored in my independently published book, “Blind Owl Blues”, in 2007. I’ve also been honored to contribute to a family-operated website established in his honor. It features many rare videos, photos, memorabilia, and great information. It also carries out his vision of establishing a non-profit fund to preserve the coast redwoods of California. Music fans are invited to check it out at http://AlanWilsonCannedHeat.com. Thanks again for remembering him and don’t forget to boogie!