- May 3 Ellsworth Milburn, American composer and educator (Menil Antiphons), dies of complications from pneumonia at 69
- May 6 Đorđe Novković, Croatian pop singer-songwriter (Pro Arte), and television personality (Hrvatski Idol), dies at 63
- May 7 Bianco [Eugene Capobianco], American jazz, easy-listening, and session harpist, dies at 80
- May 8 Carson Whitsett, American session keyboard player and songwriter ("Don't Give Up On Me"), dies of brain cancer at 62
- May 9 Jacob Gilboa, Israeli composer, dies at 87
- May 16 (Terry) "Topper" Price, American blues, jazz and rock vocalist and harmonica player (The Upsetters). dies at 54
- May 16 Albert Delvaux, Belgian composer (Symphonia Burlesca), dies at 93
- May 18 Yoyoy Villame, Philippine novelty singer and movie actor, dies at 74
- May 27 Gretchen Wyler, American actress, dancer (Silk Stockings), and animal rights activist, dies at 75
- May 27 Izumi Sakai, Japanese pop singer (Zard - "Makenaide (Please Don't Lose)"), dies from head injuries after a fall, while undergoing cancer treatments at 40
Country Singers
Jazz Singers
Opera Singers
Pop Singers
Rappers
Rock Singers