Miss Melodie
The rapper, whose real name was Ramona Scott, died at the age of 43. A member of the influential group Boogie Down Productions, the Brooklyn native was once married to rapper KRS-One and went on to score a hit with "Live on Stage." She also appeared in Queen Latifah's video "Ladies First."
Morgan Paull
The veteran character actor, most famous for his role in Blade Runner, died at the age of 67 after a fight with stomach cancer. In addition to acting, starring in other roles in films like Patton, Norma Rae and Cahill U.S. Marshal, Morgan was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Jon Lord
The Deep Purple keyboardist and founding member died at the age of 71 from a pulmonary embolism after a long battle with pancreatic cancer in London. The British rocker and composer will be remembered for his contributions to Deep Purple, helping write the lyrics to albums that sold over 100 million copies, including the band's biggest hit, "Smoke on the Water." He also played for Whitesnake and David Gilmour, among others.
Kitty Wells
The Queen of Country Music died at the age of 92 after suffering complications from a stroke. As the first successful female country star, Kitty's accomplishments include an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as the third country music artist (and eighth woman) so honored.
Don Brinkley
Celebrated TV writer/producer and father of model Christie Brinkley passed away at the age of 91. His credits included Trapper John, M.D., as well as such other popular programs as Rawhide, Ironside, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and The Fugitive.
Ernest Borgnine
Oscar-winning actor known for his role in the films Marty and From Here to Eternity (or as the voice of Mermaid Man on SpongeBob SquarePants) passed away from renal failure. He was 95.
Andy Griffith
The television icon and one of America's favorite small screen dads died at age 86 due to a heart attack.
Nora Ephron
The celebrated screenwriter and director passed away at age 71 after battling leukemia. She will be remembered for her work on Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail and Julie & Julia, among many other movies.
Don Grady
The My Three Sons star, composer and former Mouseketeer died at age 68 after reportedly battling cancer. He is fondly remembered for his big-brother role in the 1960s sitcom.
Yvette Wilson
Funny lady best known for starring in the '90s UPN sitcom Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers as well as for roles in such flicks as Friday and House Party 2 and House Party 3 has died of cervical cancer. She was 48.
Ann Rutherford
The Gone With the Wind actress, who played Scarlett O'Hara's younger sister Carreen in the 1939 film, died at age 94.
Frank Cady
Veteran actor, best known for his role as general store owner Sam Drucker on Green Acres, died at the age of 96. His other TV credits include Petticoat Junction, The Beverly Hillbillies and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.
Bob Welch
The former Fleetwood Mac guitarist was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Nashville. He had been suffering from health problems prior to his death and left a suicide note. He was 65.
Robin Gibb
The Bee Gees singer lost his battle with colon cancer. He was 62.
Peter Jones
The one-time drummer for Australian pop group Crowded House, whose hits included '80s mainstays like "Don't Dream It's Over," died after battling brain cancer. He was 45.
Doug Dillard
The influential banjo player, who was a founding member of the family band The Dillards and subsequently brought attention to bluegrass music, passed away from lung cancer. He was 75.
Donna Summer
The Grammy-winning singer who helped define the disco era with such hits as "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls" died after reportedly battling cancer. She was 63.
Chuck Brown
The guitarist and singer, who became known as the godfather of the subgenre of funk music referred to as Go-Go, died from multiple organ failure as a result of sepsis. He was 75. His biggest hits included "Bustin' Loose" and "We Need Some Money."
Mitchell Guist
The Swamp People star, who made a name for himself as an alligator hunter on the History Channel show, died after suffering a seizure. An official cause of death will be determined pending an autopsy.
Donald "Duck" Dunn
Legendary bass player, who lent his talents to such hits as "Soul Man" and "Respect," died in his sleep in Tokyo. He was 70. The Memphis-born musician also worked with the likes of Booker T and the MGs as well as Otis Redding, Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton.
Adam "MCA" Yauch
The Beastie Boys rapper lost his almost three-year battle with cancer. He was 47 years old.
George Lindsey
Best known for his role as "Goober"on The Andy Griffith Show, the actor passed away after battling an undisclosed illness. He was 83.
Charles "Skip" Pitts
The revered soul guitarist, whose iconic guitar riff for the "Theme From Shaft" helped make both the song and its eponymous movie pop-culture touchstones, died after a battle with cancer. He was 65.
Levon Helm
The Band's legendary singer and drummer passed away after battling throat cancer. He was 71.