RIP

Keith Emerson

Keith Emerson - founder and keyboardist of the rock group - Emerson, Lake and Palmer - has died at the age of 71. Police say he took his own life. Emerson played the keyboard in the group, who released nine studio albums during the 1970s.

The death has been announced of Christoph Schmökel, legal adviser to the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic orchestras and to many leading musicians and music companies. Most recently he advised the top-selling German-American violinist, David Garrett. Christoph died suddenly on April 4, his Berlin law firm has announced.

Gogi Grant, whose rendition of “The Wayward Wind” replaced Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” on top of the Billboard singles chart in 1956, died on Thursday at her home in Los Angeles. She was 91. Her death was announced by her family.


Steve Dillon, the bassist in Sondura, and " a brother, a tour buddy and above all the best friend anyone could ever wish for" has died. Steve passed away peacefully in his sleep after a suspected aneurysm, aged just 34. Band manager Steve Andrews said: “Steve was always more than just a member of Sondura – to us he was a friend, a brother and a family member and we are devastated by this loss. Everyone who knew Steve loved him and the incredible outpouring of messages and condolences on social media in the days after his death are testament to that fact, as is the shrine to him at the George in Andover"

Chip Hooper, Paradigm Talent's worldwide head of music has died aged just 53. Chip had battled cancer for four years. His clients included the Dave Matthews Band and Phish. He is survived by his son and daughter, Max and Valerie, their mother Laura, and his partner Tamara.

Percy Sledge

US soul singer Percy Sledge, famed for his song "When a Man Loves a Woman", has died aged 74. Steve Green from talent agency Artists International Management Inc confirmed to the BBC that he died at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Tuesday. Musician Bootsy Collins paid tribute on his Facebook page with the words: "Just lost another legend funkateers, Mr Percy Sledge."

Lady Melinda Rose Woodward, who was married to Sir Tom Jones for 59 years, has died at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles after a 'short but fierce' battle with cancer. A statement on the singer's website said: 'Surrounded by her husband and loved ones, she passed away peacefully.' Tom and Linda had one son, Mark, who manages his career. Sir Tom had cancelled a series of shows in Japan, Thailand, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates due to 'serious illness in his immediate family.'

The influential Congolese musician Papa Wemba, the King of Rumba Rock, has died aged 66 after collapsing during a concert. His pioneering blend of African, Cuban and Western sounds became one of Africa's most popular music styles. Despite a short spell in prison in 2003 for an immigration scam, where he found God, Wemba also toured around the world, and worked with superstars Peter Gabriel and Stevie Wonder during his career.