RIP – Rock In Perpetuity

Mourning the loss of classic rock stars, other musical greats and related figures

Jean Knight, Singer of #1 Hit ‘Mr. Big Stuff,’ Dies at 80

The New Orleans native held the #1 spot for five weeks in 1971 on the Billboard R&B chart, and reached the top of the pop singles chart of competitor Record World

Read More

Kool & the Gang Co-Founder George Brown Dies at 74

The co-writer of such huge R&B/pop hits as “Celebration,” “Ladies Night” and “Jungle Boogie” was still active in 2023.

Read More

Dwight Twilley, Power Pop Legend Who Was Denied Success, Dies

The singer, songwriter and guitarist’s first recordings with musical partner Phil Seymour in the mid-1970s pre-dated the genre

Read More

Rudolph Isley, Founding Member of the Isley Brothers, Dies

With his siblings Ronald and O’Kelly, he founded the celebrated R&B group who wrote and/or recorded such classics as “Shout,” “Twist and Shout” and “It’s Your Thing”

Read More

Nektar Founding Member, Ron Howden, Dies

The drummer and founding member for the 1970s era progressive rock band was still performing earlier in the year

Read More

Terry Kirkman, Co-Founder of the Association, and Composer of ‘Cherish,’ Dies

His biggest hit was nominated for three Grammys and he co-wrote and sang many of the group’s other classics.

Read More

Gary Wright, Spooky Tooth Leader and ‘Dream Weaver’ Hitmaker, Dead at 80

The American musician first experienced success as an expat with a British band before returning home and enjoying two huge hits.

Read More

Former Smash Mouth Lead Singer Steve Harwell Dies

The rock band’s biggest hit was the 1999 single, “All Star.” The news of his death arrived one day after it was revealed he was in hospice care

Read More

Jimmy Buffett, ‘Margaritaville’ Singer Who Led the Parrot Heads, Dead at 76

With his Coral Reefer Band, he established a laid-back style that ultimately led to a business empire

Read More

Longtime Whitesnake Guitarist, Bernie Marsden, Dies

Tributes were led by his longtime Whitesnake bandmate David Coverdale with whom he wrote their biggest hit. The guitarist was 72

Read More