We’re not going to lie—2025 was a tough year. We lost many of the Black legends we knew and loved. Now, as 2026 gets underway, we’re saying goodbye to even more of those who shaped our culture in profound ways. Although they are gone, they will never be forgotten.
From actors to athletes, musicians to civil rights icons, we’re honoring the Black legends we lost in 2026.
Butch Huskey
Former New York Mets slugger Butch Huskey has died at 54, leaving behind a career remembered for both his power and his connection to Jackie Robinson. Huskey spent most of his seven-year MLB career with the Mets, though he also played for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Minnesota Twins. His best season came in 1997, when he hit 24 home runs and drove in 81. He became one of the last players allowed to wear No. 42 after MLB retired it league-wide in Robinson’s honor.
Hal Williams
“Sanford and Son” star and veteran actor Hal Williams died inside his California home on July 15. There’s been no official word on the cause of his death. Williams was known for roles in shows like “Private Benjamin,” “The Waltons,” and most notably “227,” starring opposite Marla Gibbs. He was survived by his three children. He was 91.
Victor Willis
Victor Willis, the lead voice of the Village People and the man behind one of the most recognizable hooks in pop history, died June 30 at 74 after a short, aggressive illness. For generations, Willis wasn’t just a singer—he was the sound of disco’s boldest era. His vocals powered “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy,” turning the Village People into a global spectacle of costumes, choreography, and pure cultural flash.
Born in Texas and raised in the church, Willis first found his voice in gospel before moving into Broadway, where performance became second nature. That path eventually led him to the Village People, a group that blurred the line between satire, celebration, and pop perfection.
He rejoined the group in 2017, continuing to perform the music that defined an era. Most recently, the band faced controversy after “Y.M.C.A.” became a theme song for President Donald Trump’s political rallies and 2025 inauguration.
Willis died one day before his 75th birthday.
Tay Keith
GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop producer Tay Keith died on June 18, rising to fame working with industry heavyweights like Travis Scott, Drake, and Sexyy Red.
Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, Keith was found unresponsive in his Nashville apartment during a wellness check on June 18. According to a statement from the Metro Nashville Police Department, no foul play is suspected, though his death remained unclassified pending autopsy results. Keith’s family remembers him as an artist and entrepreneur who left an indelible mark on the music business.
“Tay Keith was a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force who helped define the sound of a generation. From Memphis to the global stage, his work shaped countless hit records and left a lasting impact on music and culture,” his family told PEOPLE.
He was 29 years old.
Talay Riley
Talay Riley, the Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter whose work helped shape hits for artists including Britney Spears, Usher, Khalid, and H.E.R., died at age 35 after a fatal stabbing in east London.
Known as one of Britain’s most accomplished songwriters, Riley earned a Grammy for his contributions to H.E.R.’s award-winning work and wrote songs for some of pop and R&B’s biggest stars. According to reports, three people were arrested on suspicion of murder, though two were later released without further action and another was released on bail pending further inquiries. Tributes poured in from across the music industry, while family members remembered him for his talent, generosity, and impact on those around him.
Stacey King
Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls who later became one of the franchise’s most recognizable broadcasters, died at age 59, the team announced Sunday, June 7. No cause of death was disclosed. King was selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma and helped the Bulls win championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993 alongside Michael Jordan. He played eight NBA seasons with five teams before transitioning to broadcasting. Known for his energetic style and signature catchphrases, King spent nearly two decades as the Bulls’ television analyst and became a beloved figure among Chicago sports fans.
Peabo Bryson
Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer whose voice helped define some of Disney’s most beloved songs, died at age 75. Bryson died Tuesday, June 2, surrounded by family after suffering a stroke days earlier. Over a career spanning five decades, he was known for hit ballads and duets, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle—both Grammy-winning Disney classics. Bryson also scored solo hits such as “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” He is survived by his wife, Tanya, and two children.
Ronald LaPread
Ronald LaPread, co-founder and longtime bassist of the legendary funk and soul group The Commodores, died at age 75. His daughter, Soraya LaPread, shared news of his death online, though a cause of death was not disclosed.
“We were the best daddy daughter duo. If you know me you know my Dad,” she wrote. “I am devastated. A piece of me is gone from this world.”
LaPread helped shape the band’s signature sound from 1970 to 1986, playing on hits including “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and the Grammy-winning “Nightshift.” Former bandmate Lionel Richie and the Commodores paid tribute to him. LaPread had lived in Auckland, New Zealand, for decades following his departure from the group.
Foster Sylvers
R&B singer Foster Sylvers passed away on May 30 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his brother Leon Sylvers confirmed to BlkCosmo. The Memphis native rose to fame at a young age, singing with his siblings. The Sylvers, often compared to The Jacksons, had a string of hits in the 1970s, including “Boogie Fever” and “Hot Line.”
In 1973, Foster released a solo album at age 11, which included the single “Misdemeanor.” The song has since been sampled by artists, including West Coast rapper The D.O.C. on his 1989 hit, “It’s Funky Enough.”
Foster Sylvers was 64 years old.
Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins, the towering jazz saxophonist known as the “Saxophone Colossus,” died May 25 at his home in New York at age 95. Widely regarded as one of the greatest improvisers in jazz history, Rollins helped shape bebop and hard bop through landmark recordings including “Saxophone Colossus,” “Way Out West,” and “The Bridge.” Over a six-decade career, he performed with legends including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane. Rollins earned Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts before retiring in 2012 because of pulmonary fibrosis.
Clarence B. Jones
Clarence B. Jones, the longtime adviser and speechwriter to Martin Luther King Jr. who helped craft the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, died May 22 in Cupertino, Calif., at age 95. Jones played a central role in the civil rights movement as King’s lawyer, strategist, and confidant, helping smuggle King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” from jail and contributing to major legal battles. After King’s assassination, Jones became the first Black allied member of the New York Stock Exchange and later taught at Stanford and the University of San Francisco. In 2024, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Joe Biden.
Rob Base
Rob Base passed away on May 22 after a battle with cancer. The rapper, born Robert Ginyard in New York City, performed alongside DJ E-Z Rock. The duo was best known for their late-1980s hits, including “Joy and Pain” and “It Takes Two.”
His loved ones shared a touching tribute on social media, honoring the contributions he made to hip-hop and his dedication to family.
“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten,” it read in part.
Rob Base was 59 years old.
Sherman Lewis
On May 15, Sherman Lewis, the longtime NFL assistant coach and former college football star, died at age 83. A former All-American running back at Michigan State, Lewis finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1963 before playing professionally with the New York Jets and in the CFL. He later became one of the NFL’s most respected offensive assistants, winning four Super Bowls—three with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the Green Bay Packers. Lewis served as an offensive coordinator for multiple teams and was widely credited for his leadership and mentoring throughout the league.
Clarence Carter
Southern soul singer Clarence Carter died in his Decatur, Georgia home on May 13. He was 90 years old.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Clarence Carter. Clarence recorded many of his greatest hits at FAME Studios alongside Rick Hall and remained part of the FAME family for more than four decades. He was far more than an artist to us. He was family,” said Rodney Hall, president of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Born in Alabama, Carter became a self-taught guitarist after receiving the instrument as a Christmas gift. Best known for hits like “Patches” and “Strokin’,” Carter entered the music industry determined to set himself apart as a blind guitarist with a killer voice. He rose to prominence in the ’70s and ’80s for his suggestive lyrics and groovy production.
Charlie Neal
On May 13, legendary sports broadcaster for historically Black universities and colleges (HBCUs) Charlie Neal died following an illness. Neal was one of the leading architects of modern HBCU sports. His commitment to sharing the excellence and historic relevance of Black athletes for decades helped propel HBCUs into the mainstream sports world.
HBCU Go CEO Curtis Symonds told HBCU Legends, “Charlie was underrated for his impact on sports. I consider him the ‘John Madden’ of Black College Sports. He was a historian. He lived it, and he would give you history that no one else could. No other announcer could give it to you like Charlie Neal.”
During his career, Neal called games for BET for 24 years before moving to ESPNU, MEAC Digital Network, and HBCU GO.
Jason Collins
Former NBA center Jason Collins, who made history as the first NBA player to come out as gay, died following medical complications from a brain tumor.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” Collins’ family wrote in a statement. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”
Collins came out in 2013, making history within the sports world.
Brandon Clarke
The basketball world mourned the loss of Brandon Clarke after the longtime Memphis Grizzlies player died on May 11 at age 29. An official cause of death has not yet been released.
In recent years, injuries limited his playing time, including knee and calf issues that sidelined him for much of the 2025-26 season. Despite those setbacks, teammates and coaches frequently praised his leadership and positive presence in the locker room and throughout the Memphis community.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies expressed in a statement. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
Afrika Bambaataa
On April 9, hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa was reported dead following complications with cancer. He was 67. The founder of the Universal Zulu Nation helped shape the early identity of Hip Hop as a movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and having fun.
“His vision transformed the Bronx into the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world. Through his music, leadership, and influence, he contributed to the foundation of Hip Hop’s core principles, inspiring generations of MCs, DJs, breakers, and cultural leaders,” read a statement from the Hip-Hop Alliance. “His imprint on Hip Hop history is undeniable and will forever remain part of the culture’s origin story.”
Kiki Shepard
Actress, dancer, and model Kiki Shepard passed away on March 16 after suffering a heart attack. Best known as co-host of “Showtime at The Apollo” from 1987 to 2002, Shepard made appearances in television series, including “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” and “NYPD Blue.” She was 74 years old.
Oliver “Power” Grant
Oliver “Power” Grant, the businessman behind the Wu-Tang Clan, passed away on February 23. Grant was critical in helping the Staten Island rap collective secure funding and studio time during the production of their first album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” He also launched the group’s WuWear clothing line in the mid-1990s.
Method Man posted a tribute to Grant on Instagram, writing, “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! 💔💔 Bruh I am not ok.”
Oliver “Power” Grant was 53 years old.
LaMonte McLemore
Singer LaMonte McLemore passed away on February 3 at his Las Vegas home after suffering a stroke.
The St. Louis native was one of the founding members of the soul group The 5th Dimension, who won Record of the Year GRAMMY awards for their 1967 single “Up, Up and Away” and the 1969 mash-up “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” songs from the Broadway musical “Hair.”
In addition to making music, McLemore was also a talented photographer, whose work was frequently featured in magazines. LaMonte McLemore was 90 years old.
Billy “Bass” Nelson
Billy “Bass” Nelson, the founding bass player for the legendary band Parliament-Funkadelic, passed away on January 31. Born William Nelson Jr., the New Jersey native met George Clinton as a teenager, who asked him to be a part of the band that played for Clinton’s doo-wop singing group the Parliaments in the 1950s. Nelson is credited with helping to take the band in a new direction in the late 1960s, infusing funk and rock into their sound.
After leaving the group in the late 1970s, Nelson went on to play with other major music acts, including Jermaine Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Smokey Robinson.
Billy “Bass” Nelson was 75 years old.
Demond Wilson
Actor Demond Wilson passed away on January 30 in his California home due to complications related to cancer. Wilson was best known for his role on the hit 1970s NBC sitcom “Sanford & Son,” playing Lamont Sanford, son of Redd Foxx’s lovably grouchy character, Fred Sanford.
In a statement shared with NBC, a spokesperson for Wilson called him “a devoted father, actor, author, and minister” who “lived a life rooted in faith, service, and compassion. Through his work on screen, his writing, and his ministry, he sought to uplift others and leave a meaningful impact on the communities he served.”
Sly Dunbar
Reggae musician Lowell “Sly” Dunbar passed away at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 26. Sly’s daughter Natasha Dunbar confirmed the news to BlkCosmo. One half of the group Sly & Robbie, Dunbar’s drumming is featured on tracks for reggae artists like Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh, as well as Grace Jones and The Rolling Stones.
“Sly helped shape the sound of reggae and Jamaican music for generations. His extraordinary talent and lasting contributions will never be forgotten. Sly’s music, spirit, and legacy touched people around the world,” the family shared in a statement.
Dunbar was 73 years old.
Dr. Gladys West
Dr. Gladys West, one of the hidden figures and mathematicians who played an integral part in creating the mathematical foundation for today’s GPS system, died on January 17 at age 95. West worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where she spent her time calculating precise models of Earth’s shape—the basis for modern GPS calculations. With her hire, she became the second Black woman employed at the base and fourth Black person overall. In 2018, she was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame, and in 2021, she received a Webby Lifetime Achievement Award, the Prince Philip Medal from the United Kingdom’s Royal Academy of Engineering, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy’s Freedom of the Seas Exploration and Innovation Award.
Her death was announced through a social media post from her official page, which noted that West passed away “peacefully alongside her family and friends.”
John Forté
Recording artist John Forté passed away on January 12 at his Massachusetts home at age 50. The musician and rapper is best known for his collaborations with The Fugees, including his work as a co-writer and producer of tracks for their classic, Grammy-winning album “The Score.”
Claudette Colvin
Civil rights activist Claudette Colvin passed away on January 13 in Texas. On March 2, 1955, a then-15-year-old Colvin was arrested for refusing a driver’s order to give up her seat for a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama—nine months before Rosa Parks’s similar refusal led to the start of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
In 2021, Colvin was vindicated when an Alabama judge expunged her juvenile court records for “what has since been recognized as a courageous act on her behalf and on behalf of a community of affected people.”
Claudette Colvin was 86 years old.
T.K. Carter
Actor T.K. Carter was found dead in his California home on January 9. The New York City native got his start in standup, but was best known for his roles in the hit 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster” and the 1982 horror film “The Thing.” He was 69 years old.
Elle Simone Scott
Chef, author, and food stylist Elle Simone Scott passed away on January 5 at age 49 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Scott made history in 2016 when she became the first Black woman to join the cast of the popular PBS cooking show “America’s Test Kitchen.”
Chef Carla Hall shared a touching tribute to Scott on Instagram, calling her “a friend, a force, and a trailblazer.” Hall wrote, “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media.” Scott is remembered for her talent, her groundbreaking presence in the culinary world, and her impact on the next generation of Black chefs and food professionals.
These Black legends we lost in 2026 left indelible marks across entertainment, sports, music, civil rights, and beyond. Their contributions will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
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