- May 2 June Hutton [Cowan], American pop vocalist (Charlie Spivak Orchestra; The Pied Pipers, 1944-50 - "I'll Never Smile Again"; Afterglow), dies at 52 [1]
- May 6 Ernest MacMillan, Canadian organist, conductor and composer, dies at 79
- May 21 Vaughn Monroe, American singer and orchestra leader (Vaughn Monroe Show), dies at 61
- May 28 Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt, German composer and conductor (Hassan), dies at 73
- May 29 P. Ramlee, Malaysian film actor, director, singer and songwriter, dies of a heart attack at 44
- May 29 Voltaire "Volly" De Faut; American jazz reed player (New Orleans Rhythm Kings; Jean Goldkette), dies at 69
- May 30 Hal Hastings, American orchestra leader (Chevrolet on Broadway), dies at 66
Country Singers
Jazz Musicians
Opera Singers
Pop Stars
Rappers
Rockers