Which musicians have died in early 2026?

In early 2026, the music world mourned the passing of Jim McBride, Yeison Jiménez, Bob Weir, and John Forté.

When did Grateful Dead's Bob Weir pass away?

Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir died in early 2026 at the age of 78.

Who was John Forté and when did he die?

John Forté, a Grammy-nominated musician known for his work with the Fugees, was found dead on January 12, 2026, at age 50.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Music World Mourns Early 2026 Losses

Music World Mourns Early 2026 Losses

28 Jan

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Summary

Songwriter Jim McBride died Jan. 6 at 78, known for country hits.
Colombian singer Yeison Jiménez perished in a Jan. 10 plane crash.
Grateful Dead's Bob Weir and Fugees collaborator John Forté also died.

The year 2026 has seen the premature loss of several prominent musicians. Jim McBride, a revered Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame artist celebrated for his collaborations with Alan Jackson, passed away on January 6th at the age of 78. His songwriting contributions included hits like "Chattahoochee."

Tragedy struck again on January 10th with the untimely death of Colombian singer-songwriter Yeison Jiménez in a devastating plane crash that claimed six lives; he was only 34. On the same day, the music community mourned the loss of Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir, who died at 78 after a battle with lung issues.

Further compounding these early losses, Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, widely recognized for his work with the Fugees, was discovered deceased in his Massachusetts home on January 12th at age 50. His collaborator Lauryn Hill expressed profound sorrow over his unexpected passing.