- May 12 Joe Mooney, American jazz and pop accordionist, organist, and vocalist, dies at 64
- May 13 Bob Wills, American musician, known as the 'King of Western Swing' ("Steel Guitar Rag"), dies from bronchial pneumonia at 69
- May 13 Vladislav Zolotaryov, Soviet Russian bayanist (button accordion player), and composer (Six Children's Suites), takes his own life at 53
- May 17 Arthur Trappier, American jazz drummer (Blanche Calloway: Fats Waller), dies at 64
- May 18 Leroy Anderson, American composer (Syncopated Clock), dies at 66
- May 20 Jacques Stehman, Belgian pianist and composer (Symphonie de poche), dies at 62
- May 21 Boris Klyuzner, Russian Soviet composer, dies at 65
Country Singers
Jazz Musicians
Opera Singers
Pop Stars
Rappers
Rockers