Top 10 Musicians Whose Deaths Spawned Conspiracy Theories

Died: April 5, 1994

Official Cause of Death: Suicide by gunshot

Many believe his wife, Courtney Love, orchestrated his murder to look like a suicide. The documentary "Soaked in Bleach" does raise some interesting questions. The letter under the pillow, the suicide note, and Kurt telling friends he was going to divorce Courtney all raise questions. Courtney's inconsistencies also make me raise an eyebrow. However, I'm still not 100% convinced. What I am pretty sure about, though, is that Courtney Love is, at times, lying about what really happened.

Died: June 25, 2009

Official Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest induced by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication

Some believe (including some of his family members) that "they" murdered him. Who are "they"? Well, according to conspiracy theories, "they" are either AEG Entertainment, the "Illuminati," the Freemasons (Dr. Murray is a Freemason), or the CIA. Why? According to the conspiracy believers, he was going to expose some evil plot or plan that the "powers that be" are planning against humanity.

Note: I personally don't believe the Freemasons are "evil" or behind every conspiracy, as many believe.

Died: August 16, 1977

Official Cause of Death: Cardiac arrhythmia

There are people who believe Elvis faked his death and is still alive today. Multiple alleged sightings are reported every year. Now, this one I believe. I see Elvis every time I go to Vegas. He drives a big, pink, convertible Cadillac, likes to skydive, and sometimes disguises himself as an Asian or African man.

Died: September 18, 1970

Official Cause of Death: Barbiturate overdose

The conspiracy surrounding his death is quite complex, with many different stories and theories. Some say he was alive when he arrived at the hospital, while others claim he was dead when the paramedics arrived. There are also reports that he died at another location and was moved to where he was found. Various theories suggest that he overdosed on heroin, was murdered, or committed suicide.

The basis for some of the conspiracy theories is that he was murdered by forced drowning in red wine. According to the doctors who first examined Jimi, he choked to death on red wine, not on his own vomit as is commonly believed. When his body arrived at the hospital, it is said that they turned him on his side and red wine poured out of his mouth. The doctors also noted that his throat was filled with red wine. An autopsy report indicated that his stomach and lungs were also filled with red wine. Strangely, he had very little alcohol in his bloodstream.

The main suspects in these conspiracy theories range from the CIA to his manager, Michael Jeffrey, who at one time worked for MI6. Various theories exist as to why he might have been murdered.

Additional notes on the story include that the last person to be with Jimi, Monika Dannemann, has changed her account multiple times. She was scheduled to give an interview to "tell the true story of what really happened to Jimi," but she committed suicide before the interview could take place. Some people theorize that she was silenced.

The FBI and CIA did have extensive files on Jimi, and it's safe to say they were not fond of him. Jimi discovered that his manager, Michael Jeffrey, had been stealing money from him and filed a lawsuit against him. Jimi died just a few days before Michael Jeffrey was due in court to respond to the lawsuit. Jeffrey also had a $2 million life insurance policy on Hendrix.

Died: May 11, 1981

Official Cause of Death: Metastatic skin cancer

Some believe the CIA killed Bob Marley. They think the CIA gave Bob Marley his cancer, though I'm not sure if that's even possible. There are a few theories about how they might have given it to him. The most popular one seems to involve a CIA agent gifting Bob a pair of soccer shoes, or sometimes boots, that had a "laced" copper wire inside. This wire reportedly pricked his big toe, leading to his aggressive cancer.

It is well-documented that the CIA saw Bob Marley as a threat. What's particularly unusual is that a 36-year-old black man developing melanoma is very, very rare.

Another odd factor is that one of the doctors treating him for his cancer was an ex-Nazi physician using experimental and controversial treatments. Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt in 1976.

Died: October 4, 1970

Official Cause of Death: Heroin overdose

Some believe Janis Joplin was murdered. The first person to find Janis, who died in a hotel room, claimed that she had blood on her lips and in her mouth. Her face appeared purple and bruised, and her nose was broken. He also claimed that he found no drugs or drug paraphernalia in the room. The police on the scene also stated that no drugs or paraphernalia were found. However, they did note that she had 10 to 14 fresh needle marks on her left arm. Her friends claim she hadn't used drugs in months. There are also claims that on the night she died, she left a bar across the street from the hotel with an unknown person.

The presence of 10 to 14 fresh needle marks is indeed puzzling. It doesn't make sense to me. If all these claims are true, it sounds like someone might have beaten her and given her a "hot shot," which refers to someone administering a lethal dose, or doses, of heroin with the intent of murder.

Died: March 9, 1997

Official Cause of Death: Homicide by gunshots

Many believe there is a blatant cover-up in his murder investigation. Some evidence points to an LAPD officer as the shooter. Unlike the Elvis text, I'm being serious here. I believe an LAPD officer (hired hitman) shot and killed Biggie. If you disagree, please look at the evidence before forming a firm belief.

Died: September 13, 1996

Official Cause of Death: Homicide by gunshots

Tupac is the modern generation's Elvis. Some believe he faked his death and will return. As with Elvis, multiple sightings have been reported. Another conspiracy theory associated with his death is that Suge Knight had Tupac killed because Tupac discovered that Suge (Death Row Records) owed him millions of dollars. Tupac was planning to leave Death Row Records and sue the company.

Died: July 20, 2017

Official Cause of Death: Suicide

Whoa. So yeah, I just found this out. Apparently, there's a theory that Chester was murdered because he and Chris Cornell had information on, and were planning to expose, an elitist pedophile ring.

I don't know much about this or about Chester, but I know there are many fans of his on this site. What do you guys think? Have you heard about this before? Is there anything to this theory? Because I can't really find any substance to support it.

Died: December 8, 1980

Official Cause of Death: Homicide by gunshot

This one is, well, okay, here we go. Some people believe his assassin was a victim of the MK Ultra mind control program, orchestrated by the CIA, to kill Lennon for his anti-war views and his role in the peace movement.

I know it's a fact that MK Ultra was (or is?) real, but this theory has no substance. It's all speculation. And anyway, if the government wanted to kill him for his influence on the anti-war and peace movements, why would they wait until 1980? Wouldn't they have done it in the 1960s, at the height of the peace movement?