Tom Petty (age 66): We ain't no punk band, we ain't folk rock, jazz rock, or any of that bullshit. Just rock, and we don't put no other name on it than that. We'd be stupid if we did, he told Rolling Stone in the '70s of his style, which -- despite his knack for inventive songcraft -- would stay largely the same throughout his career. Tom also played in The Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne.
Chuck Berry (age 90): We lost a giant this year. Chuck Berry was innovative and created the elements of his style that became rock-n-roll.
Malcolm Young (age 64): co-founder of hard rock AC/DC. Guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, Malcolm was a driving force in shaping the sound of early hard rock.
Glen Campbell (age 81): Glen was a master guitarist. A member of The Wrecking Crew that laid background for numerous artists. He had his own TV show. He acted in a couple movies. And was a great songwriter, singer, and performer.
Fats Domino (age 89): His humility and shyness contributed to the underappreciation of many of his talents. Despite that, he sold over 65 million albums and had 10 number 1 hits in a 5 year stretch. His 1949 release "The Fat Man" is widely regarded as the first million-selling Rock 'n Roll record.
David Cassidy (age 67): For me, the inclusion of David Cassidy is sort of a realization of the lost of innocence. As the teenage girls heartthrob of The Partridge Family passes, so does a little of our youth.
Walter Becker (age 67): best known as co-founder of Steely Dan jazz rock band with Donald Fagen. Becker guitar playing was smooth, glossy, a perfect match with Fagen. Elusive and quiet, Steely Dan, and Becker/Fagen never became big touring acts and showmen. The music says it all.
Gregg Allman:(age 69): Of course this southern rock pioneer was accomplished guitarist, keyboardist, singer and songwriter. He admittedly struggled with alcohol and substance abuse.
There were many more losses from jazz singer Al Jarreau to lead guitarist of the Surfaris Jim Fuller and all the men and women behind the scenes that make it possible for the stars to shine!
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