We’re not even halfway through the year, and already we’ve seen far too many talented and beloved rock musicians pass away so far in 2012.

Of course, nobody can live for ever, and it's only logical that we'll be saying goodbye to more and more of the early pioneers of classic rock as time marches on. Still, these remain very sad, serious and sometimes shocking passages. At the very least, we're grateful that their music will stay with us, and do our best to remember all the joy they brought into the world.

Some of the people we’ve lost are household names, others are known only to those of us who obsess over liner notes, but whose work has been loved by generations of music fans. The list ranges from singers and instrumental virtuosos to producers and people who worked behind the scenes. Take a look through these pages and remember some of your favorites, and learn more about those you’ve known only by reputation.

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