All throughout time, people have been gracing our ears, radios and speakers with life-changing instruments and sounds. Some of the greatest hits still played today were played by people we lost way too soon. Men and women who have influenced the sound and style of many current day artists.

Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall, most commonly known as "Jimi" Hendrix, was not only a singer and songwriter but a inspirational guitarist. Respectfully known as "one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music" left us after only four years of a mainstream career. During his career, Hendrix received several awards like "Pop Musician of the Year" in 1967, Performer of the Year in 1968, "World Top Musician" in 1969, and "Rock Guitarist of the Year" in 1970. At the age of 27, Hendrix's life came to an end when he overdosed on barbiturates.

Jim Morrison

James Douglas "Jim" Morrison was a singer, poet, and songwriter but best known for his lead vocalist position in the band, The Doors. Morrison had a wild personality that left fans wanting more. Critics regard him as "one of the most iconic and influential frontmen in rock music history." Morrison ranked 47 on the Rolling Stone's list of "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" but sadly developed an dependency on alcohol during the 1960s. Morrison also died at the age of 27 from an "accidental" heroin overdose.

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain was an American musician who was best known because of the band Nirvana. He played the lead role as singer, guitarist, and also was the primary songwriter. During the last few years that Kurt Cobain was still alive he struggled with heroin addiction as well as health problems and depression. At the age of 27, Cobain was found dead in his home with an official ruling of suicide done with a shotgun wound to the head. Since Cobain's death Nirvana has sold over 100 million albums worldwide.

Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin was considered the top female blues vocalist of the sixties. The rise of fame took place in 1967 after making an appearance at Monterery Pop Festival. Joplin had five singles ranked on the Billboard Top 100 but sadly also died at the age of 27 due to an overdose of heroin.

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse entered the music scene at the age of sixteen. Beginning as a jazz vocalist and eventually adding a twist of electric, pop, soul, and R&B. Winehouse also died at the age of 27 from alcohol with having five times the legal "drink-drive" limit in her body at the time of death.