- May 3 Evgeny Svetlanov, Russian conductor (USSR State Symphony, 1965-2000; Residentie Orchestra 1992-2000), pianist, and composer (Siberian Fantasy), dies at 73
- May 4 Dane Škerl, Slovene conductor, composer (Rhapsodic Symphony), and teacher, dies at 70
- May 6 Murray Adaskin, Canadian violinist, composer, conductor (Saskatoon Symphony), and teacher (University of Saskatchewan), dies at 96
- May 6 Otis Blackwell, American songwriter ("Fever"; "Don't Be Cruel"; "Great Balls Of Fire"; All Shook Up"), dies of a heart attack at 70
- May 7 Xavier Montsalvatge, Spanish composer (El gato con botas), dies at 90
- May 9 Leon Stein, American composer, dies at 81
- May 10 George Cates, American composer and orchestra leader (Lawrence Welk Show), dies at 90
- May 17 Sharon Sheeley, American songwriter (Somethin' Else), dies of complications following a cerebral hemorrhage at 62
- May 28 Jean Berger [Arthur Schloßberg], German-born American composer, dies at 92
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