Amar Singh Chamkila To Kurt Cobain; Artists Who Died At The Age Of 27

The '27 Club' is a phenomenon that refers to a group of influential artists who tragically died at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

New Delhi: The '27 Club' is a phenomenon that refers to a group of influential artists who tragically died at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. This club includes musicians, actors, and artists from diverse backgrounds who achieved fame and success at a young age but their illustrious careers were tragically cut short with their untimely deaths. 

Imtiaz Ali's latest directorial venture 'Amar Singh Chamkila' is based on the life of the popular Punjabi singer who was shot dead along with his wife and singing partner Amarjot at the tender age of 27 in Punjab. As the film starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra garners widespread acclaim for portraying the controversial life of one of the greatest singers of Punjab, we take a look at artists who died at the age of 27.

1. Kurt Cobain (1967-1994)

Kurt Cobain, the lead singer and guitarist of the groundbreaking band Nirvana, is perhaps one of the most iconic members of the 27 Club. Cobain's raw vocals and introspective lyrics propelled Nirvana to worldwide fame in the early 1990s, leading the grunge movement and influencing a generation of musicians. Sadly, Cobain struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout his life, and he tragically took his own life on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27.

2. Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)

Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music. His innovative playing style and groundbreaking techniques revolutionized the instrument, earning him acclaim and admiration from fans and fellow musicians alike. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, Hendrix's life was cut short when he passed away from a drug overdose on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27.

3. Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)

Amy Winehouse was a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and deeply personal lyrics. With hits like 'Rehab' and 'Back to Black', Winehouse became an international sensation, winning multiple Grammy Awards for her acclaimed album of the same name. However, Winehouse struggled with addiction and mental health issues, which ultimately led to her untimely death from alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011, at the age of 27.

4. Janis Joplin (1943-1970)

Janis Joplin was a powerhouse vocalist and one of the most iconic figures of the 1960s counterculture movement. Her raspy voice and electrifying stage presence captivated audiences around the world, earning her a reputation as the "Queen of Psychedelic Soul." Tragically, Joplin's life was cut short when she died of a heroin overdose on October 4, 1970, just 16 days after Jimi Hendrix's death, at the age of 27.

5. Jim Morrison (1943-1971)

Jim Morrison was the enigmatic frontman of the legendary rock band The Doors, known for his poetic lyrics and charismatic stage persona. Morrison's raw energy and boundary-pushing performances made him a cultural icon of the 1960s, but his tumultuous lifestyle took a toll on his health. On July 3, 1971, Morrison was found dead in his bathtub in Paris, France, at the age of 27, under mysterious circumstances.

6. Brian Jones (1942-1969)

Brian Jones was a founding member of The Rolling Stones and a pioneer of the British rock scene in the 1960s. Jones's virtuosic talent on multiple instruments, including guitar, harmonica, and sitar, helped shape the sound of the band and define the era. However, Jones struggled with substance abuse and legal issues, and he was found dead in his swimming pool on July 3, 1969, at the age of 27.

7. Jonathan Brandis (1976-2003)

Jonathan Brandis was a talented actor known for his roles in films like 'The Never Ending Story II' and the TV series 'Sea Quest DSV.' Despite his early success, Brandis struggled with personal issues and depression. He tragically died by suicide on November 12, 2003, at the age of 27.

8. Pete Ham (1947-1975)

Pete Ham was a singer-songwriter and guitarist best known as a member of the band Badfinger. Ham co-wrote many of Badfinger's hits, including "No Matter What" and "Day After Day." Despite the band's commercial success, financial troubles and legal disputes took a toll on Ham's mental health. He died by suicide on April 24, 1975, at the age of 27.

9. Richey Edwards (1967-1995)

Richey Edwards was the lyricist and guitarist for the Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers. Known for his intellectual lyrics and intense stage presence, Edwards was a key figure in the band's early success. However, he struggled with depression and self-harm, and he disappeared in February 1995. Edwards was declared legally dead in 2008, and he was presumed to have died by suicide at the age of 27.

10. Amar Singh Chamkila (1960-1988)

Amar Singh Chamkila was a legendary Punjabi singer-songwriter known for his bold and provocative lyrics that addressed social issues and cultural norms. Chamkila's unique style and powerful vocals made him a household name in the Punjabi music industry, earning him a dedicated fan base. Tragically, Chamkila's life was cut short when he and his wife were fatally shot by unknown assailants on March 8, 1988, at the age of 27.

While these artists may have left for their heavenly abode at the young age of 27, their contributions in the fields of music and the entertainment industry will last for an eternity.