In 2016, we’ve experienced loss after loss of far too many beloved celebrities. They may be gone, but never forgotten. Here’s a look back.
Natalie Cole died Dec. 31, 2015, at 65.
Maurice White, a founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire, died Feb. 3 at 74.
Vanity, an ’80s singer-actress and Prince protege also known as Denise Katrina Matthews, died Feb. 15 at 57.
Tony Burton, who played Apollo Creed’s trainer Duke in six “Rocky” movies, died Feb. 25 at 78.
Daryl Coley, Grammy-nominated gospel singer, died the week of March 16 at age 60.
Phife Dawg, Grammy-nominated A Tribe Called Quest rapper, died March 22 of diabetes at 45.
Nationally-syndicated radio host Doug Banks died April 11, 2016.
Prince, music legend behind hits “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” “Batdance,” “1999,” “Kiss” and others, died April 21 at 57.
Billy Paul, Grammy-winning jazz and soul singer best known for the 1972 hit “Me and Mrs. Jones,” died April 24 at 80.
Afeni Shakur, film/music producer and mother of rapper Tupac Shakur, died May 2 at 69.
Radio Legend for over 70 years, Herb Kent died October 22nd at 88.