Musicians who died on December 12

Take a focused look at the musicians who passed away on December 12. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 2020 Charley Pride

  Charley Pride was a pioneering African American country music singer known for breaking racial barriers in the genre. He became the first Black superstar in country music, selling more than 20 million records worldwide and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Pride is celebrated for his smooth baritone voice and his string of chart-topping hits during the late 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

• 2021 Vicente Fernández

  Vicente Fernández was a legendary Mexican singer, actor, and film producer, often referred to as 'El Rey de la Música Ranchera' (The King of Ranchera Music). His powerful voice and iconic performances made him one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Latin American music. [bio]