Country music world rocked by 2 more deaths: List of those lost in 2026 surges to 23

Country music fans have lost two more artists in 2026, pushing the year’s total to 23 reported deaths. Don Adams Adams, a singer, songwriter, and longtime band member for Johnny Paycheck and George Jones, died Feb. 1 at age 85 after battling cancer “off and on” for years, according to Saving Country Music. Adams, born in Greenfield, Ohio, came from a musician family and performed as part of The Adams Brothers. Brian Burns, 57, died as well; his wife Veronica announced the death on Facebook. Saving Country Music described Burns as a songwriter, musician, educator, and historian, who began drumming for Freewheelin’ at 16.