The 27 Club, also referred to as (The Forever 27 Club), is a term used for the startling high percentage of famous musicians, who have died at the age of 27. Many claim that the club is nothing more than a strange coincidence, but the shocking number of musicians who have died at the age of 27, seems far too high for it to be possible.
Seattle writer and biographer, Charles Cross has said of the club, “the number of musicians who passed away at 27 is truly remarkable by any standard. Though humans die regularly at all ages, there is a statistical spike for musicians who die at 27”,("P-I's Writer in Residence Charles R. Cross explores the darker side of 'only the good die young" Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 23 February, 2007).
The prominent musicians and controversial deaths associated with the 27 Club, have helped to create it a permanent place in rock history. Here are the stories behind the founding members of rock's most contentious club.
The Death of A Rolling Stone.
The Club's first member, was former Rolling Stones guitarist and founder, Brian Jones (1942-1969). On July 3, 1969, after spending the night drinking wine with friends; Brian Jones was found dead at the bottom of the pool in his home, Crotchford Farm in Sussex, England.
The guitarist, who had a long history of drug abuse, was reportedly seen taking “downers” the night of his death, and is believed to have drowned due to his severe intoxication.
Johnny Allen Hendrix, also known as, Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970)
Guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, passed away on the morning of September 18th 1970. The musician had reportedly died from asphyxiation , choking on his own vomit as a result of taking too much sleep medication. There have been allegations, that Hendrix's death, was ultimately caused by not receiving proper medical care while being transported to the hospital. Nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding Hendrix's death, have never fully been disclosed.
Janis Lynn Joplin (January 19, 1943-October 4, 1970)
Janis Joplin, was the most influential female singer of the 1960's; her death followed Hendrix's by a mere month. On October 4th 1970, Joplin, was found dead in her hotel room, after working all night, in a recording studio, on her next album. The Singer died from an apparent heroin overdose. Allegedly, the drugs that Joplin consumed the night of her death, were eight times stronger than average and were responsible for the deaths of seven others.
James Douglas Morrison, also known as, Jim Morrison (December 8, 1943—July 3, 1971)
The lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison, was the last to join the club's founding members. Jim Morrison died in Paris on July 3, 1971, his death was exactly two years after Jones' and was within only a ten month span of Joplin and Hendrix.
The singer died while in the bath tub, from a reported “heart attack”, though never confirmed by autopsy. Morrison had recently moved to Paris with long time girlfriend Pamela Courson, supposedly, to escape his fame and live in a more private life. A physician in Paris had reported that the singer, had been in “declining health”, from excessive weight gain, and ruled Morrison's death without autopsy. Since , no autopsy was performed, the singer's death continues to be one of the most controversial and highly speculated in Rock History; his grave in Paris, is still one of the city's most visited attractions.
The age 27, has become a well known phenomena within the music industry; some consider the club to be a conspiracy; others consider it to be an unavoidable curse. No Matter what the cause behind the 27 Club, its impact has forever changed the music industry, claiming some of the greatest musician's of all time.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
