Music Trivia World's Morbid Facts Pages

Musicians Who Have Died From Heroin Cont'd

Tim Buckley (February 14, 1947 – June 29, 1975)

Buckley was a singer-songwriter whose music incorporated elements of folk, jazz, soul and funk. The constant experimentation with his sound over each progressive album upset many fans, and he failed to achieve any degree of commercial success. Consequently, he turned to drugs and alcohol. After the completion of a tour in June of 1975, he snorted some heroin that would prove fatal. He died in bed with his wife at his side.

Layne Staley (August 22, 1967-April 5?, 2002)

One of the more tragic cases of rock-star drug addiction would be Alice In Chains singer Layne Stayley. Like many of his Seattle peers, he was a heroin user. Over the course of his career, he slowly deteriorated, and towards the end, public appearances for the band were rare. Even close friends said that it was not unusual that weeks would pass without ever hearing from Staley. He was found dead in his condo surrounded by drug paraphernalia, about two weeks after the coroner’s estimated time of death.

Danny Whitten (May 8, 1943 - November 18, 1972)

Whitten was a guitarist and songwriter who was best-known for his work in Neil Young's backing band Crazy Horse. His drug use resulted in him being fired by Young in November of 1972. Young gave him a plane ticket to Los Angeles and $50 to get some help. Whitten promptly spent the $50 on heroin and overdosed. For years, Young blamed himself, and carried the guilt and grief through several albums, most notably the recording "Tonight's The Night", which was dedicated in part to Whitten.

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