- Dec 14 Elmer Schoebel, American jazz pianist, arranger (New Orleans Rhythm Kings; Isham Jones), and composer ("Farewell Blues"; "Prince Of Wails"), dies at 73
- Dec 23 Mimi Benzell, American operatic soprano (Gilda-Rigoletto), dies at 52
- Dec 24 Gideon Nxumalo, South African jazz pianist, marimba player, and composer (Jazz Fantasia), dies at 41