- May 3 Leonid Sabaneyev, Russian composer, dies at 86
- May 23 Merle Kendrick, orchestra leader (Window on the World), dies at 72
- May 24 Bernard Rogers, American composer (The Warrior; Three Japanese Dances; To The Fallen), and pedagogue (Eastman School, 1929-67), dies at 75
- May 26 William "Little Willie" John, American R&B singer ("Fever"; "Leave My Kitten Alone"), dies in prison while serving a sentence for manslaughter at 30
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