- Jan 2 Herbert Magidson, American lyricist, winner of first Academy Award for Best Original Song ("The Continental"; "Gone With The Wind"; "The Masquerade Is Over"), dies at 79
- Jan 3 Jens Bjerre, Danish composer, dies at 82
- Jan 4 Phil Lynott, Irish rock musician (Thin Lizzy), dies of an overdose at 36 [1]
- Jan 8 Mansel Treharne Thomas, Welsh composer, dies at 76
- Jan 8 Pierre Fournier, French cellist, and teacher (Paris Conservatoire, 1937-49), dies at 79
- Jan 9 Lucia Chase, American ballerina and co-founder of American Ballet Theater, dies at 88
- Jan 10 Joe Farrell, American jazz saxophonist, dies at 48
- Jan 14 Daniel Balavoine, French singer-songwriter, dies in a helicopter crash at 33
- Jan 24 Gordon MacRae, American singer and actor (Oklahoma!, Carousel), dies of pneumonia at 64
- Jan 30 Ticker Freeman, American pianist (Dinah Shore Show), dies at 74
Country Singers
Jazz Musicians
Opera Singers
Pop Stars
Rappers
Rockers