In Memoriam 2015: Music”¦

Another year has come to an end. While 2015 was full of life in so many vivid ways — creatively, intensely, and tragically — it also presented its own set of challenges and obstacles to overcome in the new year. And as a year also brings, we also lost many shining figures in the music world, among other fields.

Here’s a look of some of those figures who touched our lives and will continue to do so always as we remember some of the key people in music, people who are legends, pioneers, luminaries, inspirations, and above all, timeless.

Gary Richrath, best known as the lead guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon, died on Sunday. He was 65.

The news was announced by REO frontman Kevin Cronin on the band’s Facebook page. No cause of death has been revealed at this time.

REO Speedwagon formed in 1967 with Richrath joining in 1970, the year prior to the release of the band’s self-titled debut album. Hailing from East Peoria, IL, the guitarist would continue with the group through 1989, penning many tracks throughout his career with them, such as rock classics “Ridin’ the Storm Out” and “Take It on the Run,” the latter of which made it into the top 5 on the music charts. He also appeared on REO’s 1980 breakout commercial album Hi Infidelity, which included the chart-topping rock ballad “Keep On Loving You,” and 1984’s Wheels Are Turnin’, which contained another power ballad hit, “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”