- Jan 1 "Georgia" Tom [Dorsey], American blues and gospel pianist, songwriter ("Peace In The Valley"), and evangelist, dies at 93
- Jan 1 Phyllis Hill, American stage and film dancer and actress (Singing in the Dark), dies of lung cancer at 72
- Jan 5 Leonce Gras, Flemish singer and conductor, dies at 84
- Jan 6 John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, American jazz trumpeter, a creator of bebop & modern jazz (A Night In Tunisia), dies of cancer at 75
- Jan 6 Rudolf Nureyev, Russian-Austrian ballet dancer and choreographer (Kirov Ballet, 1958-61; Royal Ballet, 1964-70; Paris Opera Ballet. 1983-89), dies of AIDS at 54
- Jan 8 Theo Bruins, Dutch concert pianist and composer (Sei Studi; Syncope), dies at 63
- Jan 10 Diana Adams, ballerina, dies
- Jan 13 (Mozart) Camargo Guarnieri, Brazilian composer, pedagogue, and conductor, dies at 85
- Jan 15 Sammy Cahn [Cohen], American lyricist ("Three Coins in a Fountain"; "High Hopes"; "Call Me Irresponsible"), dies of heart failure at 79
- Jan 17 Barbara Buczek, Polish pianist, composer (Anekumena – Concerto for 89 Instruments; Two Impressions), and teacher, dies at 53
- Jan 21 Jan Zimmer, Slovak composer, dies at 66
- Jan 23 Charles "Majeed" Greenlee, American jazz trombonist (Archie Shepp), dies at 65
- Jan 23 Thomas A. Dorsey, American jazz pianist (Take My Hand, Precious Lord), dies at 93
- Jan 29 Michel Renault, French ballet dancer (Giselle), dies at 65
Country Singers
Jazz Singers
Opera Singers
Pop Singers
Rappers
Rock Singers