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

Country music lost two more figures in 2026, bringing the year’s total to 23 deaths, according to the roundup cited by Saving Country Music. Don Adams, a singer-songwriter and longtime band member for Johnny Paycheck and George Jones, died Feb. 1 at age 85 after an intermittent cancer battle, per the source. Adams was born in Greenfield, Ohio, and came from a musician family that formed The Adams Brothers, known for backing major acts and for their “Jones Boys” work. Brian Burns, 57, a Texas songwriter, drummer and educator, was reported dead July 4 by his wife Veronica.