As the year unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting on the remarkable lives of those we lost in 2025โindividuals who inspired us through their artistry, advocacy, and groundbreaking achievements.
From iconic performers and gifted storytellers to fearless activists and pioneering visionaries, these figures left an indelible mark on the world and our communities. Their contributions shaped culture, sparked change, and brought joy to countless lives.
In this tribute, we honor their memory, celebrate their legacy, and carry forward the lessons and inspiration they imparted. Although they are no longer with us, their influence will resonate now and for generations to come.
Sam Moore
Sam Moore, who had classic hits with the soul duo Sam and Dave, died January 10 in Coral Gables, Florida. He was 89.
DJ Unk
DJ Unkโborn Anthony Plattโthe Atlanta artist behind the hits such as โWalk It Outโ and โ2 Step,โ died on January 24. He was 43.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA โ JUNE 25: DJ Unk attends the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
Irv Gotti
Irv Gotti, the record executive, music producer and founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died on February 5. He was 54.
Voletta Wallace
Voletta Wallace, mother of Hip-Hop icon The Notorious B.I.G., passed away on February 21, the Monroe County Coronerโs Office in Pennsylvania said. She was 72.
Gwen McCrae
Gwen McCrae, disco queen and โKeep That Fire Burninโโ singer, died on February 21 after a long illness. She was 81.
UNITED STATES โ JANUARY 01: (AUSTRALIA OUT) USA Photo of Gwen McCRAE, (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)
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Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack, the Grammy Award-winning R&B/Soul singer known for the songs โThe First Time Ever I Saw Your Faceโ and โKilling Me Softlyโ died on February 24. She was 88.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA โ JANUARY 25: Roberta Flack attends the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean โDiddyโ Combs at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Angie Stone
Angie Stone, the R&B and soul singer who first rose to fame in the 1980s with the trio the Sequence, died on March 1 in a Sprinter van accident according to reports. She was 63.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA โ JANUARY 20: Angie Stone attends The 6th Annual URBAN ONE HONORS: Best In Black presented by TV One at Coca Cola Roxy on January 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for TV One)
Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers, the jazz composer and vibraphonist known for his song โEverybody Loves the Sunshine,โ died on February 5. He was 84.
DโWayne Wiggins
DโWayne Wiggins, a founding member of the iconic R&B trio Tony! Toni! Tonรฉ!, passed away on March 7. He was 64.
George Foreman
Heavyweight champion, businessman, and minister George Foreman died on March 21, his family announced. He was 76 years old.