- Aug 8 Méi Lánfāng [Lan], Chinese opera performer known as "Queen of Peking Opera" for his portrayal of female roles, dies at 66
- Aug 14 Guido Alberto Fano, Italian composer and pianist, dies at 86
- Aug 15 (Granville) "Stick" McGhee, American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter ("Drinkin' Wine. Spo-Dee-O-Dee"), dies of lung cancer at 43
- Aug 17 Carlos Salzedo, French-American piano prodigy, harpist, composer, educator (Curtis Institue; Juilliard), and new music advocate (co-founder of International Composers' Guild), dies at 76
Country Singers
Jazz Singers
Opera Singers
Pop Singers
Rappers
Rock Singers