A NewsOne gallery of the celebrities who lost their lives in 2017.
1. Charlie Murphy, 57
Comedian Charlie Murphy, 57, died April 12 at a New York York City hospital after a battle with leukemia.
2. Lee “Q” O’Denat, 43
The media mogul known affectionately as “Q,” died on January 24 from heart failure after he was found unresponsive in a San Diego shopping center. O’Denat was responsible for creating WorldStarHipHop.com, a groundbreaking hub for entertainment and news pertaining to urban culture.
3. James Cotton, 81
The legendary blues musician known for his innovative harmonica style, died of pneumonia at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas on March 16. He was 81.
4. Joni Sledge, 60
Songstress Joni Sledge, a member of the group Sister Sledge, was discovered dead Friday, March 10 at her home Phoenix, Arizona. The group of sisters recorded the dance anthem “We Are Family” in 1979.
5. Bishop Eddie Long, 63
Bishop Long, a controversial Atlanta megachurch pastor, died on January 15 after a years long battle with an unspecified form of cancer. Rumors surrounding the pastor’s health swirled after he was spotted several times with a significantly thinner frame.
6. Clyde Stubblefield, 73
Clyde Stubblefield died of kidney failure on Saturday, February 18, at a Madison, Wisconsin hospital. A drummer for James Brown, Stubblefield was sampled “on 1000-plus songs, including Public Enemy’s ‘Fight the Power,’ Dr. Dre’s ‘Let Me Ride’ and George Michael’s ‘Freedom ’90,’” reports The Detroit News.
7. Roy Innis, 82
Innis, the longtime leader of the Congress of Racial Equality, died in Manhattan on January 8. He reportedly died from complications relating to Parkinson’s disease.
8. Al Jarreau, 76
Jazz legend and unique-voiced virtuoso Al Jarreau died February 12 at a Los Angeles hospital. A week earlier, he had had been hospitalized for exhaustion and was told by doctors that he had to retire from touring.
