The Times Lives Behind the Music: Era-Defining Obituaries of Rock and Pop Music Icons

This is a must-read collection for any serious music enthusiast, offering a poignant and insightful delve into the tumultuous world of music stardom through the considered obituaries published in The Times. Spanning the spectrum from the rock 'n' roll pioneers who ignited the 1950s to the pop behemoths of the 21st century – and crucially, also shining a light on lesser-known but undeniably influential boundary-pushing innovators – this collection provides a fascinating cross-section of musical lives that have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape.

Within these pages, readers will encounter tributes to true music greats. We revisit the legacy of Chuck Berry, the founding father of rock 'n' roll who sparked teenage rebellion in 1950s America, a figure never far from his own share of trouble. We reflect on the reserved intelligence of Christine McVie, the singer and songwriter who was the backbone of Fleetwood Mac, a band whose album Rumours became one of the biggest-selling of all time. The revolutionary genius of Jimi Hendrix, the American singer and songwriter who expanded the very vocabulary of the electric guitar, is thoughtfully remembered. We mourn the astonishing talent and tragic trajectory of Amy Winehouse, whose remarkable voice was sadly overshadowed by personal demons. The flamboyant brilliance of Freddie Mercury, Queen's iconic frontman and songwriter, is celebrated anew. We revisit the cultural phenomenon of Elvis Presley, "The King," rightly remembered as one of rock 'n' roll's earliest and greatest exponents. The tempestuous soul of Nina Simone, a singer with a 50-year career who ultimately left America due to the deep sting of racism, is given due respect. The profound artistic innovation of rock superstar David Bowie, whose impact on popular music and culture spanned five decades, is thoughtfully explored. We remember the shy, soulful, smoky-voiced Dusty Springfield, whose songs and beehive hair became enduring symbols of Swinging London. Finally, the raw talent and masterful songwriting of Shane MacGowan, the hard-drinking frontman of Celtic punk band The Pogues, are rightly hailed.

These era-defining obituaries are powerfully enhanced by behind-the-scenes photographs sourced from The Times archive, offering intimate glimpses into the lives behind the music. Authoritative, insightful, and endlessly engaging, this collection of concise music biographies is not just for music obsessives but for anyone with a keen interest in compelling life stories and the enduring power of artistic expression. It's a thoughtful and often moving way to remember the giants who shaped the sounds of our times.