By cave 
The 27 Club is a term referring to a group of artists who tragically passed away at the age of 27. While there is no scientific evidence of a statistical peak in deaths at this age, it remains a fascinating cultural phenomenon.
Introduction
The term 27 Club gained popularity after the consecutive deaths of Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison between 1969 and 1971. Later, the list expanded to include other iconic artists such as Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse. Most members of this club lived intense and often self-destructive lives, marked by addiction, mental health struggles, and the pressures of fame. Even before Brian Jones‘ passing, there were notable members of this tragic group.
Prominent Members of the 27 Club
Robert Johnson (1911-1938)
Robert Johnson is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Born on May 8, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, he grew up in poverty and developed a deep passion for music. According to legend, Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his extraordinary guitar skills. His recordings from 1936 and 1937, including Cross Road Blues and Hellhound on My Trail, influenced generations of musicians. Johnson died on August 16, 1938, under mysterious circumstances, possibly due to poisoning.
Alan Wilson (1943-1970)
Alan Wilson, nicknamed Blind Owl, was an American musician and co-founder of the blues-rock band Canned Heat. Born on July 4, 1943, in Arlington, Massachusetts, he was known for his unique voice and virtuoso harmonica playing. Wilson was the lead singer on hits such as On the Road Again and Going Up the Country. He had a deep love for nature and ecology but struggled with depression. On September 3, 1970, he was found dead in Topanga, California, due to an overdose of barbiturates.
Ron “Pigpen” McKernan (1945-1973)
Ron McKernan was a founding member of Grateful Dead and played a crucial role in the band’s early years. Born on September 8, 1945, in San Bruno, California, he was influenced by blues and R&B, shaping his musical style. He played organ, harmonica, and was a charismatic frontman. McKernan had a severe alcohol addiction, which led to serious liver problems. He stopped touring in 1972 and was found dead on March 8, 1973, at his home in Corte Madera, California, due to gastrointestinal bleeding.
Pete Ham (1947-1975)
Pete Ham was a Welsh musician and songwriter, best known as a member of Badfinger. Born on April 27, 1947, in Swansea, Wales, he was a talented guitarist and composer. He wrote hits such as No Matter What, Day After Day, and Baby Blue. Along with Tom Evans, he co-wrote Without You, which became a global hit for Harry Nilsson. Financial troubles and mismanagement led Ham into deep depression. On April 24, 1975, he died by suicide, hanging himself in his garage in Woking, England.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988)
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an influential American artist known for his expressive painting style and graffiti art. Born on December 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, he started as a street artist under the name SAMO. His work combined social critique, poetry, and abstract art. He became an icon of the 1980s and collaborated with Andy Warhol. Basquiat struggled with drug addiction and was found dead on August 12, 1988, in his New York apartment due to a heroin overdose.
Brian Jones (1942-1969)
Brian Jones was an English musician and founder of The Rolling Stones. Born on February 28, 1942, in Cheltenham, England, he was a multi-instrumentalist who played guitar, harmonica, sitar, and marimba. He named the band and was initially its leader but was later overshadowed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. His increasing alcohol and drug use diminished his role in the band, leading to his departure in June 1969. Less than a month later, he was found dead in his swimming pool, officially ruled as drowning.
Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)
Jimi Hendrix is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Born on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, USA, he started playing guitar at a young age and developed a revolutionary style using feedback and distortion. He rose to fame in 1967 with The Jimi Hendrix Experience and became legendary after his Monterey Pop Festival performance. His third album, Electric Ladyland, was a major success. Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, in London from asphyxiation caused by a barbiturate overdose.
Janis Joplin (1943-1970)
Janis Joplin was an American singer with a powerful and raw voice. Born on January 19, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, she became famous as the frontwoman of Big Brother and the Holding Company before pursuing a solo career. Her album Pearl was released posthumously, featuring her biggest hit, Me and Bobby McGee. Joplin struggled with addiction and was found dead on October 4, 1970, in her Los Angeles hotel room due to a heroin overdose.
Jim Morrison (1943-1971)
Jim Morrison was the charismatic frontman of The Doors, known for his poetic lyrics and intense performances. Born on December 8, 1943, in Melbourne, Florida, he had a deep interest in literature and philosophy, influencing his songwriting. He struggled with alcohol and drug use and moved to Paris in 1971 to escape the pressures of fame. On July 3, 1971, he was found dead in his bathtub, presumably due to heart failure, although no autopsy was conducted.
Kurt Cobain (1967-1994)
Kurt Cobain was the frontman of Nirvana and a pioneer of the grunge movement. Born on February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington, he gained fame with the album Nevermind and the hit Smells Like Teen Spirit, defining a generation. He struggled with depression and addiction and was found dead on April 5, 1994, at his Seattle home, due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
Amy Winehouse was a British singer known for her distinctive voice and blend of soul, jazz, and R&B. Born on September 14, 1983, in London, her album Back to Black became a worldwide success, earning her five Grammy Awards. Winehouse struggled with addiction and mental health issues. On July 23, 2011, she was found dead in her London home due to alcohol poisoning.