Remembering 'The 27 Club' 17 Years After Kurt Cobain's Death

It is now 17 years since the passing of Kurt Cobain, the legendary frontman for seminal grunge rock band Nirvana. Even though the police found his body on April 8, 1994, it was estimated he died a few days earlier. Fans of Cobain have used the social networking site Twitter to express their thoughts and offer memorials on the anniversary of his death.

Another bit of significance is Cobain's age when he passed away. He was only 27, but many other famous rock legends have also died at this particular age. There is now what's called "The 27 Club," of which Cobain is a part of.

Commemorating Kurt Cobain's Death Anniversary

Even though the anniversary of his death was a trending topic on Twitter, where his legion of fans and his widow, Courtney Love, tweeted their loving thoughts, memories and condolences were sent through other events staged in his home state of Washington. There were candlelight vigils on April 5 in his hometown of Aberdeen, Wash. Seattle was also the home for his band, Nirvana, which helped develop the grunge rock music scene into global fame. Another memorial was held at Viretta Park in Seattle, where Cobain's ashes had been scattered 17 years ago.

The Elusive 27 Club

There's something about the age of 27, rock music and death. Starting in 1969 up until 1971, four rock musicians, all at the age of 27, died of drug overdoses. The first casualty was Brian Jones, formerly one of the original members and founder of the Rolling Stones. He was found in a swimming pool while under the influence. A couple of months later, Jimi Hendrix, hailed as one of rock's greatest guitarists, was found dead from a sleeping pill overdose by asphyxiating on his vomit.

Janis Joplin, the only female, died in late 1970 from a heroin overdose in her hotel. Lastly, Jim Morrison, the frontman for The Doors, known for his good looks and wild antics onstage, apparently died of a drug overdose while found in his Paris apartment's bathtub. These four deaths in a short period of time became known as "The 27 Club." Other musicians have joined the ranks, but none as famous as Cobain on April 5, 1994.

My Favorite Rockers from the 27 Club: Jimi, Janis and Jim

When I saw the film "Woodstock," that was my introduction to Jimi Hendrix. I'll never forget hearing his version of "The Star-Spangled Banner." It was unlike any version before or since. His music of psychedelia and hard rock were extraordinary to listen to, especially his guitar playing. No one has come close to Hendrix.

The first time I heard Janis Joplin on the radio, her powerful vocals were unlike other female singers. She paved the way for future female rockers, but there will only be one Janis. Her performance in the film "Monterey Pop" is literally unforgettable.

Jim Morrison's nice baritone voice was sexy, yet with an edge. He paved the way for other rock frontmen to push the envelope. What is really nice is we both went to the same junior college, but not at the same time. Yes, these three musicians' young deaths add extra meaning to their music. It's truly a waste they could not give us more great music; they all had exceptional talent for years to come.

SOURCES:

"Kurt Cobain Death: Nirvana Rocker's Passing Marked (VIDEO)", The Huffington Post.com

"RIP Kurt Cobain Death Anniversary", The Post Chronicle.com

Garin Pirnia, "15 Rock Stars Who Died at 27 Years Old", Spinner.com