- May 4 (James) "J.R." Cobb American guitarist and songwriter (Classics IV - "Spooky"; Atlanta Rhythm Section - "Champagne Jam"), dies of a heart attack at 76
- May 7 Georg Katzer, German composer (electro-acoustic music), dies at 84
- May 9 Freddie Starr, English comedian and singer (The Freddie Starr Showcase), dies at 76
Doris Day (1922-2019)
May 13 American singer ("Sentimental Journey; "Que Sera, Sera"), actress known as the "girl next door" (Pillow Talk; The Man Who Knew Too Much), and animal rights activist, dies of pneumonia at 97
- May 13 Jerome Callet, American musician and designer of brass instruments, dies at 89
- May 19 Alfred Janson, Norwegian jazz and classical pianist and composer (Passacaglia Vendetta; Variations over Variations on a Norwegian Folk Tune), dies at 82
- May 28 Andre Asriel, Austrian-German classical and film score composer, dies at 97
- May 30 Leon Redbone [Dickran Gobalian], American blues and jazz musician ("Seduced"; Theme to Mr. Belvedere), dies at 69
- May 31 Roky Erickson [Roger Kynard], American musician (The 13th Floor Elevators - "Starry Eyes"; "Don't Slander Me"), dies at 71
Country Singers
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