- May 4 T. Tertius Noble, English composer, dies at 85
Django Reinhardt (1910-1953)
May 16 Belgium born Romani-French jazz guitarist and composer considered the most significant European jazz musician, dies at 43
- May 17 Eric De Lamarter, American organist, composer and conductor (Chicago Symphony), dies at 73
- May 22 Vaclav Klicka, Czech composer, dies at 70
- May 26 Albert Spalding, American violinist and composer, dies at 64
- May 30 Dooley Wilson [Arthur Wilson], American musician and actor (Beulah, Casablanca), dies of natural causes at 67
Country Singers
Jazz Musicians
Opera Singers
Pop Stars
Rappers
Rockers