English musicians who died due to Cancer
Here are 24 famous musicians from England died in Cancer:
Duncan Browne
Duncan Browne (March 25, 1947-May 28, 1993) also known as Ducan Browne or Browne, Duncan was an English singer.
His discography includes: The Wild Places, Streets of Fire, Duncan Browne, The Wild Places '91, The Wild Places, Give Me Take You, Songs of Love and War, Journey and Send Me the Bill for Your Friendship.
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Al Hodge
Al Hodge (February 11, 2015 Bodmin-July 6, 2006) was an English singer.
He was best known for his performances in musicals during the 1950s and 1960s. Hodge started his career in the entertainment industry as a vocalist and guitarist for various bands. He later transitioned to musical theater, where he starred in popular productions such as "My Fair Lady" and "South Pacific." Hodge's lively and charismatic performances made him a beloved figure among audiences, and he continued to perform well into his later years. In addition to his musical career, Hodge was also a talented actor, appearing in numerous films and TV shows. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved performers of his time.
Hodge was born in Bodmin, Cornwall, in 1917. He grew up in a musical family and learned to play the guitar at a young age. During World War II, Hodge served in the British Army and entertained his fellow soldiers with his singing and guitar playing.
After the war, Hodge began performing in nightclubs and on radio programs. He gained a following and was eventually offered roles in musical productions. Hodge's breakthrough role came in 1958 when he was cast as Professor Henry Higgins in the West End production of "My Fair Lady." He received critical acclaim for his performance and went on to appear in several more musicals over the years.
Hodge also had a successful career on television, appearing in popular shows such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who." He was also a regular presenter on the BBC program "Pebble Mill at One."
Hodge was known for his warm personality and his dedication to his craft. He remained active in the entertainment industry until his passing in 2006.
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Robert Heaton
Robert Heaton (July 6, 1961 Knutsford-November 4, 2004) otherwise known as Heaton, Robert, Robert Charles Heaton, Rob Heaton or Heaton, Rob was an English , .
Robert Heaton was an English musician, best known as the drummer for the British Indie rock band, The Beautiful South. He was born on July 6, 1961, in Knutsford, Cheshire, England. Heaton started playing drums when he was in secondary school and later joined various local bands.
In 1988, Heaton co-founded The Beautiful South along with Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway, both of whom he knew from a previous band, The Housemartins. He contributed to the band's success as a songwriter, writing several of their hits such as "Old Red Eyes Is Back," "36D," and "A Little Time."
Apart from his work with The Beautiful South, Heaton also released a solo album, "Realms of Gold" in 2001. Unfortunately, Heaton's health had been deteriorating due to pancreatic cancer, and he was unable to promote the album as he spent most of his time in the hospital.
Robert Heaton passed away on November 4, 2004, at the age of 43, and was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike. He is remembered as a talented and influential musician who helped shape the British Indie rock scene.
Heaton's legacy in the music industry spans beyond just his drumming and songwriting abilities. He was known for his fun-loving and vibrant personality offstage, which made him a beloved figure among fans and colleagues. In fact, Heaton's positive attitude and humor remained with him until the very end, with him even recording drum tracks for The Beautiful South's final album, "Superbi," from his hospital bed. After his passing, The Beautiful South dedicated their 2006 compilation album "Soup" to Heaton's memory. He is survived by his wife and two children.
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Tony Tyler
Tony Tyler (October 31, 1943 United Kingdom-October 28, 2006) also known as J. E. A. Tyler was an English writer and journalist.
He worked for several notable publications, including The Times and The Guardian, and was known for his expertise in aviation writing. In addition to his journalism career, Tyler was also an accomplished author, publishing several books on aviation and travel. He served as the director general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) from 2011 until his retirement in 2016. During his tenure, he led the organization through a period of significant growth and development, expanding IATA's reach and influence in the global aviation industry. Tyler was widely respected for his leadership and contributions to the field of aviation, and he left behind a lasting legacy that continues to be felt by those in the industry today.
Before his time at IATA, Tyler had an extensive career in various executive positions within the aviation industry. He served as the chief executive of Cathay Pacific Airways and was also a member of the board of directors for Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited, as well as British Airways. He was regarded as a highly influential figure in the world of aviation and was often consulted by governments and businesses around the world for his expertise in the field. Tyler's contributions to aviation were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Royal Aeronautical Society's 2016 Gold Medal. Besides his professional accomplishments, Tyler was also known for his love of music and was a skilled pianist. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 72.
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Kelly Johnson
Kelly Johnson (June 20, 1958 Edmonton, London-July 15, 2007 London) also known as Johnson, Kelly or Bernadette Jean Johnson was an English guitarist, musician, songwriter, singer, environmentalist and social worker.
Genres she performed include Heavy metal and Rock music.
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Alma Cogan
Alma Cogan (May 19, 1932 Whitechapel-October 26, 1966 London) also known as Alma Gogan, Alma Angela Cohen or Cogan, Alma was an English singer.
Her albums include The Magic of Alma Cogan, The Ultimate Alma Cogan, Alma Cogan, I Love to Sing, With You in Mind, The a-z of Alma, Bell Bottoms, Dreamboats, Tangos & Eskimos and The Girl With The Laugh In Her Voice. Genres she performed include Traditional pop music.
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Marti Caine
Marti Caine (January 26, 1945 Sheffield-November 4, 1995 Wycombe District) a.k.a. Lynne Shepherd, Lynne Denise Shepherd or Caine, Marti was an English comedian, actor, dancer, presenter, singer and writer. Her children are called Lee Stringer and Max Stringer.
Caine began her career as a dancer in the 1960s, performing in nightclubs and cabarets across the UK. She later transitioned to comedy, becoming a popular stand-up comedian in the 1980s. Caine also appeared in several television shows, including "New Faces," "The Kenny Everett Television Show," and "Blankety Blank."
In addition to her work in entertainment, Caine was also a writer, penning several books including her autobiography "Marti Caine: The Lady's Not For Turning Left." She was also known for her philanthropic work, supporting a number of charities including cancer research and children's hospitals.
Sadly, Caine passed away in 1995 at the age of 50 after a battle with lymphatic cancer. She is remembered as a trailblazing entertainer and a beloved figure in the UK comedy scene.
During her time in the entertainment industry, Marti Caine was known for being a multi-talented performer who could sing, dance, act, and tell jokes with equal ease. Her stand-up comedy, in particular, was praised for its sharp wit and irreverent humor.
In addition to her television work and live performances, Caine also appeared in a number of films, including "The Wildcats of St. Trinian's" and "That's Life." She also hosted her own talk show, "Marti," in the late 1980s, and acted as a guest host on various game shows and variety shows.
Offstage, Caine was known for her charitable work, including her support of cancer research and efforts to improve children's hospitals. She was also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and was a patron of various animal welfare organizations in the UK.
Despite her untimely death, Marti Caine's legacy as a pioneering entertainer continues to inspire new generations of performers. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Caine was posthumously awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1996.
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Ray Martin
Ray Martin (October 11, 1918 Vienna-February 7, 1988 Johannesburg) otherwise known as Kurt Kohn, Marshall Ross, Raymond Stuart Martin or Martin, Ray was an English conductor, composer and music director.
His discography includes: The Sound of Sight and In the Ray Martin Manner.
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Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett (January 6, 1946 Cambridge-July 7, 2006 Cambridge) also known as Syd Barret, Roger Keith Barrett or Barrett, Syd was an English singer, musician, singer-songwriter, guitarist and songwriter.
His discography includes: The Radio One Sessions, Octopus, The Peel Session, Opel, Barrett, The Madcap Laughs, Octopus / Golden Hair, Syd Barrett, Crazy Diamond and The Best of Syd Barrett: Wouldn't You Miss Me?. Genres he performed include Psychedelic rock, Psychedelic folk, Space rock, Blues, Blues rock, Experimental rock, Psychedelic pop and Avant-garde music.
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Don Lang
Don Lang (January 19, 1925 Halifax-August 3, 1992 Surrey) also known as Lang, Don was an English singer.
He rose to fame in the 1950s rock and roll era with hits such as "Six-Five Special" and "Witch Doctor". Don Lang was also a talented trombonist and formed his own band, the Frantic Five, which included his brother, Ted Lang. He appeared in several films, including "The Six-Five Special" and "The Golden Disc", and made numerous television appearances. Later in his career, Don Lang became a successful session musician and worked with artists such as Dusty Springfield and Tom Jones. He continued to perform until his death in 1992.
Don Lang was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, in 1925. He was the son of a pianist and had a musical upbringing. He learned to play the trombone as a child and started performing in local dance bands when he was a teenager. During World War II, Lang served in the Royal Air Force and played in the RAF dance band.
After the war, Lang formed his own band, the Frantic Five, and began playing in clubs and dance halls around London. In 1955, he signed a record deal and released the single "Rock Pretty Baby", which reached number 10 in the UK charts. He followed this up with the hits "Six-Five Special" and "Witch Doctor". Lang was known for his energetic performances and wild stage presence.
Lang continued to tour and record throughout the 1960s, but his popularity began to wane with the advent of the British Invasion. He turned to session work and became a sought-after trombonist, playing on recordings by Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, and other artists. He also appeared on television shows and in films, such as "The Six-Five Special" and "The Golden Disc".
In the 1970s and 1980s, Lang continued to perform and record, but he never regained the level of success he had in the 1950s. He died in 1992 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of British rock and roll.
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Derek Leckenby
Derek Leckenby (May 14, 1943 Leeds-June 4, 1994 Manchester) a.k.a. Leckenby, Derek was an English musician.
His related genres: Pop music and Rock music.
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John W. Duarte
John W. Duarte (October 2, 1919 Sheffield-December 23, 2004) also known as Duarte, John W. was an English , .
His albums: John Duarte Guitar Music.
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Paul Ryan
Paul Ryan (October 24, 1948 Leeds-November 29, 1992) a.k.a. Ryan, Paul was an English singer.
He was the frontman of the pop duo Paul & Barry Ryan, which was active in the 1960s. Born in Leeds, England, Paul Ryan began his music career as a songwriter, penning hits for other artists before forming his own duo with his brother Barry. The duo had several chart-topping hits in the UK and internationally, including "Don't Bring Me Your Heartaches" and "I Love How You Love Me". Paul Ryan was also known for his solo career, releasing albums throughout the 1970s. He died in 1992 at the age of 44 due to a brain tumor.
Ryan was born on October 24, 1948, in Leeds, England, to parents who were both folk singers. He grew up in Harehills and attended the city's Roundhay School. Ryan began his career in music as a songwriter in the early 1960s, penning hits for other artists like Helen Shapiro and Peter and Gordon.
In 1965, Ryan formed the duo Paul & Barry Ryan with his younger brother Barry, who had also been a successful singer in his own right. The duo went on to release several popular singles in the UK, including "Don't Bring Me Your Heartaches" and "I Love How You Love Me." Their success soon extended internationally, with hits in the US, Australia, and Germany.
After the duo disbanded in 1968, Paul Ryan continued to pursue a solo career with the release of his first solo album, "Sings the Songs of Robert Burns", in 1969. He went on to release several more albums throughout the 1970s.
Tragically, Paul Ryan was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1991 and passed away on November 29, 1992, at the age of 44. He was remembered for his contributions to British pop music and is still celebrated today for his catchy tunes and infectious melodies.
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Vince Taylor
Vince Taylor (July 14, 1939 Isleworth-August 28, 1991 Lutry) otherwise known as Brian Maurice Holden was an English singer and songwriter. He had one child, Ty Holden.
His most recognized albums: Live at the Olympia, It's Been a Lonely Night, Vince Taylor 1963-1974, , Luv and I'll Be Your Hero. Genres: Rock music, Protopunk, Rockabilly and Rock and roll.
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Melanie Appleby
Melanie Appleby (July 11, 1966 London Borough of Hackney-January 18, 1990 Westminster) also known as Appleby, Melanie was an English singer.
She was best known for being one half of the 1980s pop duo Mel and Kim, alongside her sister Kim Appleby. The duo achieved chart success with hits such as "Respectable", "Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)", and "F.L.M." Melanie was the older of the two sisters and was the primary songwriter for the group. Appleby and her sister were discovered by renowned British production team Stock Aitken Waterman, and they quickly became one of the most popular acts in the UK. Tragically, Melanie Appleby passed away at the age of 23 after battling cancer.
After Melanie's passing, Kim Appleby released a solo album and dedicated it to her sister. She also continued to perform the duo's hit songs in tribute to Melanie. In 2001, a tribute concert was held in memory of Melanie, featuring performances from various artists including Steps and Sinitta. Melanie's contributions to the pop music scene of the 1980s continue to be remembered and celebrated today. In addition to music, Melanie was also interested in fashion and worked as a model before pursuing a career in music. She is fondly remembered by fans and loved ones as a talented and kind-hearted artist who left a lasting impact on British pop culture.
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Steve New
Steve New (May 16, 1960 London-May 24, 2010 London) a.k.a. New, Steve was an English guitarist and singer.
Genres he performed: Punk rock and Post-punk.
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Jack Parnell
Jack Parnell (August 6, 1923 London-August 8, 2010 Southwold) also known as Parnell, Jack or John Russell Parnell was an English musician and bandleader. He had one child, Ric Parnell.
Throughout his career, Jack Parnell served as a drummer for various orchestras and bands, and eventually became a prominent figure in the music industry. He worked as a musical director and conductor for many television programs, including The Benny Hill Show and The Muppet Show, and also served as the conductor for the Eurovision Song Contest in 1963.
In addition to his work on television, Parnell was also involved in the film industry and provided the music for several movies, such as The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery and The Bliss of Mrs Blossom.
Throughout his life, Jack Parnell remained an active member of the music community, regularly performing and recording music. He passed away on August 8, 2010, but his legacy as a talented musician and bandleader lives on.
Parnell began his musical career at a young age, playing in various bands throughout his teenage years. He was eventually drafted into the Royal Air Force during World War II, where he continued to play the drums in the RAF Dance Orchestra. After the war, Parnell went on to work with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Tommy Dorsey, Ted Heath, and Benny Goodman.
In addition to his work in television and film, Parnell was also a prolific recording artist, releasing a number of albums throughout his career. His musical talents were recognized with numerous awards, including the Variety Club of Great Britain's BBC TV Personality of the Year award in 1962 and the Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors in 1996.
Despite his success, Parnell remained a humble and down-to-earth person, known for his kindness and generosity. He was deeply respected by his peers in the music industry, and his contributions to the field will not be forgotten.
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Rob Fisher
Rob Fisher (November 5, 1956 Cheltenham-August 25, 1999) also known as Fisher, Rob was an English music director.
He began his career as a conductor for the musical theater productions in London's West End. He later became the musical supervisor for the Cameron Mackintosh productions of "Les Misérables" and "Miss Saigon". Fisher was also the conductor for the original Broadway run of "City of Angels" and the 1989 Tony Awards telecast. He was a frequent collaborator with composer John Kander, working on the revivals of "Chicago" and "Cabaret". Fisher was known for his ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and create unique arrangements. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 42 from a heart attack.
Despite his premature demise, Rob Fisher had a prolific career in the entertainment industry. He was a founding member of the coffeehouse cabaret group "The Proposition" along with William Bolcom and Arnold Weinstein. The group released several albums in the 1980s that showcased Fisher's musical versatility and arrangements. He also conducted for numerous film soundtracks, including "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Fisher served as the music director for the New York City Center's "Encores!" series for several years, where he was responsible for reviving classic Broadway musicals. He was admired for his ability to make the old sound new and fresh, as he took great care to preserve the original intention of the music while bringing his own twist to it. Fisher was posthumously awarded the Tony Award for Best Orchestrations for "Violet" in 2014.
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Huw Lloyd-Langton
Huw Lloyd-Langton (February 6, 1951 United Kingdom-December 6, 2012) a.k.a. Huw Lloyd Langton, Lloyd-Langton, Huw or Richard Hugh Lloyd-Langton was an English , .
musician and guitarist. He was best known as the guitarist for the British rock band Hawkwind from 1970 to 1971 and from 1979 to 1988. During his time with the band, he played on some of their most popular albums, including "Warrior on the Edge of Time" and "Levitation." Lloyd-Langton also released several solo albums throughout his career and played with other notable bands such as Widowmaker and The Meads of Asphodel. In addition to his music career, he was also a trained pilot and a qualified aircraft engineer. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 61 after a battle with cancer.
He grew up in Harlesden, London and started playing guitar at a young age. As a teenager, he played in various local bands before joining Hawkwind. After leaving the band for the first time in 1971, he pursued a solo career and played with other musicians, including Leo Sayer and Widowmaker. In 1979, he rejoined Hawkwind and went on to become a key member of the band during their heyday in the 1980s.
Despite struggling with health problems throughout his life, including chronic asthma and multiple sclerosis, Lloyd-Langton continued to perform and record music. He released over a dozen solo albums and collaborated with numerous musicians in various genres. In his later years, he also wrote and recorded music for film and television.
Lloyd-Langton was known for his distinctive style of guitar playing, which combined elements of blues, rock, and psychedelic music. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential guitarists in the UK music scene, and was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame of Classic Rock magazine in 2019.
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Ari Up
Ari Up (January 17, 1962 Munich-October 20, 2010 Los Angeles) also known as Ari Upp, Ari-Up, Arri Up, Arianna Forster, Up, Ari or Ariane Daniele Forster was an English singer and musician.
Her albums: Dread More Dan Dead and Sunshine Taboo. Genres: Dancehall, Punk rock, Reggae, Techno and Dub.
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Reg King
Reg King (February 5, 1945 Paddington-October 8, 2010 Belvedere, London) a.k.a. King, Reg was an English singer.
His albums: Looking for a Dream. Genres he performed include Blue-eyed soul and Pop music.
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John Shirley-Quirk
John Shirley-Quirk (August 28, 1931 Liverpool-April 7, 2014 Bath) a.k.a. Shirley-Quirk, John was an English singer.
His albums include The Dream of Gerontius / Enigma Variations, Requiem / Krönungsmesse / Coronation Mass / Exsulta, jubilate / Litany K. 195, The Dream of Gerontius, Orchestral Songs, Stabat Mater / Legends, , La Damnation de Faust and Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Holst: The Hymn of Jesus, Delius: Sea Drift.
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Gypie Mayo
Gypie Mayo (July 24, 1951 Hammersmith-October 23, 2013 Bath) also known as John Phillip Cawthra was an English guitarist, songwriter and singer.
Genres he performed: Rock music.
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Elsie Carlisle
Elsie Carlisle (January 28, 1896 Didsbury-September 5, 1977 Mayfair, London) was an English singer.
She first rose to fame during the 1920s and 30s and became known for her clear, bright voice and ability to convey a range of emotions through song. Carlisle recorded over 600 songs throughout her career, including popular hits such as "Noël Coward's Medley: Dance Little Lady / Twentieth Century Blues" and "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square." She also appeared in several films, including "Pennies from Heaven" and "Soft Lights and Sweet Music." Despite her success, Carlisle was known for her humble and down-to-earth personality, often preferring to live a quiet life outside of the public eye. During her later years, she dedicated her time to working as a volunteer for various charities.
Carlisle's career began in 1919 when she performed in a revue at London's Alhambra Theatre. She went on to perform in various West End shows and revues, which led to her first recording contract in 1926. Some of her most popular recordings during this time were "Home, James, and Don't Spare the Horses" and "Little White Lies."
In the 1930s, Carlisle became a regular performer on BBC Radio and continued to record hit songs such as "My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes" and "Goodnight, Vienna." She also performed with popular bands of the time, including the Ray Noble Orchestra and Ambrose and his Orchestra.
Carlisle's career slowed down after World War II, but she continued to perform and record music in her later years. She received the Order of the British Empire for her charity work in 1973.
Despite her success and achievements, Elsie Carlisle remained humble and dedicated to her craft until the end of her life. Her contributions to the music industry continue to be celebrated and remembered today.
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