- Dec 2 Hershy Kay, American composer (Olympic Hymn, A Chorus Line), dies at 62
- Dec 2 Wallace Harrison, American architect (Metropolitan Opera House, United Nations complex), dies at 86
- Dec 8 "Big" Walter [Horton], American blues harmonica player (Everybody's Fishin'), dies of heart failure at about 60 [year of birth disputed]
Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981)
Dec 27 American composer, singer ("In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening"; "Stardust"; "Two Sleepy People"), dies at 82
- Dec 31 Frantisek Chaun, Czech pianist, composer, painter, and actor, dies at 60
Country Singers
Jazz Singers
Opera Singers
Pop Singers
Rappers
Rock Singers