John Lennon, 40 Years Old
John Lennon was autographing a copy of "Double Fantasy" for fan Mark David Chapman while on his way to a recording session. Hours later, Chapman tracked down Lennon and shot him at close range. Though he was rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival. His death occurred during the peak of a nonstop, 5-year recording session, and shortly after the release of "Double Fantasy." His legacy has lived on through his wife Yoko Ono and sons Sean and Julian Lennon.