Singers, Songwriters, Musicians Who Committed Suicide
Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder which includes depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism and drug abuse. Financial difficulties, troubles with relationships and other undesirable situations play a significant role. Over one million people commit suicide every year. The World Health Organization estimates that it is the thirteenth-leading cause of death worldwide. It is a leading cause of death among teenagers and adults under 35.
Whenever we hear news about individuals committing suicide, we immediately come up with a conclusion that these people are depressed, dissatisfied and unhappy with their lives. For a bullied student or a lonely husband left by his wife, we assume that their lives have become unbearable that the only way to escape it is by dying. However, when popular and rich people commit suicide, we are left in confusion. Why would someone who is loved and idolized by many decide to commit suicide?
People in the entertainment limelight, like other celebrities, are seldom as good or evil as they are portrayed by friends and enemies. But at the end of the day they are all people, with the same frailties, weaknesses, hopes, fears, loves and losses that we all experience. Success in any endeavor comes with a cost. Those in the spotlight deal with added benefits and added detriments that come with their fame. Mistakes and successes are both amplified beyond any expectation from the outset.
Depression may be the main culprit, but there are a lot of things to consider as well. These include overwhelming pain, medical problems, grief and stress. Some use it as an escape for their failure and shortcomings and financial loss. Between men and women, it is often men who die from suicide, while women who have the most number of suicide attempts made. Although elderly men are the ones who have the highest rate in committing suicide, attempts by young adults have increased recently. The methods used to commit suicide differ for both genders as well. For men, it is much more common to use knives, guns, and even hanging. On the other hand, women are known to use subtle methods like ingesting poison or overdosing on sleeping pills and other medication.
Every situation is different. One cannot jump to conclusions why someone took their own life. How can we know or understand their motivation? How can we judge people who are suffering or the dilemma they are facing? How can we judge their quality of life? This isn't simple or black and white. It's highly complex and difficult to understand. When I was twenty-four, I had a loving beautiful wife, a 3-year old healthy son and a great job, yet I had thoughts of suicide and I don't know why. Sometimes the act of suicide happens on an impulse, such as a teenager with a broken heart after being dumped by his girlfriend. However, that can be overcome by someone who otherwise is healthy and happy. In general, suicide is so mysterious. It often evolves from a very dark place in one's soul where one has no hope, no love, no desire, no purpose and no spiritual connection, but that's part of a treatable illness known as depression. To leave the world in this manner seems so pointless, so in denial of the gift of life that it shocks one's senses.
Faron Young (2/25/1932 ~ 12/10/1996): Faron became depressed over health problems, his career slump, and a divorce from his wife of 40 years. Faron shot himself in the head with a .38 caliber handgun and was found unconscious on a bed in his home by a former band member, Ray Emmett and died one day later.
Gary Stewart: (5/28/1944 ~ 12/16/2003): On December 16, his daughter's boyfriend and Stewart's very close friend went to Gary's home to check on his welfare. They found Stewart dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the neck.
Jimmie Osborne (4/8/1923 ~ 12/26/1957): Country singer Jimmie Osborne died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In the midst of Osborne's life, there was a mystery that no one knew what led him to taking his own life.
Mel Street (10/21/1933 - 10/21/1978): Street took his own life with a gunshot to the head. His single, "Just Hangin' On," entered the country charts the very day he died. Its title turned out to be sadly prophetic.
Steve Sanders (9/17/1952~ 6/10/1998): Personal problems ultimately led to Steve's departure from the Oak Ridge Boys in late-1995. Steve gave no indication why he locked himself in the bathroom of his home and killed himself with a single gunshot wound to the head.
RIP Faron, Gary, Jimmie, Mel & Steve. You are sorely missed. ~RJB: Country Music Historian, 12/2010. References: Record Research: Country Music Singles 1944 -- 1993; Billboard Magazine; RJB: Original Country Music Chronicles.
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ummm.... where's kurt?
Annmarietenacious 1 month ago
@Annmarietenacious, Who is Kurt?
flashbell 1 month ago
@flashbell kurt cobain. one of the best musicians. he committed suicide :/
Annmarietenacious 1 month ago
@Annmarietenacious, We are a country music channel. I think he was Seattle progressive rock.
flashbell 1 month ago
We must keep our heads up :) and never give up
CoreyTechno 4 months ago
@CoreyTechno , You got that right! TY
flashbell 4 months ago