- Aug 3 Joe Thomas, American jazz tenor saxophonist, vocalist (Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra), bandleader, and undertaker, dies at 77
- Aug 13 Caterina Jarboro, African-American opera singer and 1st black female performer to sing on opera stage in US, dies at 88
- Aug 15 Richard E. Holz, American composer for brass band (Salvation Army), dies at 74
- Aug 16 John Hurley, American songwriter ("Son of a Preacher Man"), dies from liver failure and a brain hemorrhage at 45
- Aug 16 Werner Fussan, German composer (Heiteres Aquarium) and educator, dies at 73
- Aug 20 Thad Jones, American jazz saxophonist, flugelhorn player, arranger, bandleader, and composer (Count Basie; Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra), dies of cancer at 63
- Aug 30 Otto Mortensen, Danish composer and musicologist, dies at 79
Country Singers
Jazz Singers
Opera Singers
Pop Singers
Rappers
Rock Singers