17 artists who released music after their death

When a country artist dies, the world becomes a little darker. The loss of a singer-songwriter leaves a void in music, especially when they die unexpectedly.

Fans find solace in moments like these by holding on to their music. Often, sales or streaming rates of an artist's work increase after their death.

And then there is the rare opportunity for new music to come from the grave.

How do artists release music after their death?

There are a few scenarios that can lead to new music being released even after a musician's death. The most common scenario is that there are tons of unreleased tracks lying around that are bought up by a record label or family member and compiled into a “new” album.

For example, Johnny Cash’s Songwriter The album was released in 2024. The song collection was recorded in 1993 but never released.

In other cases, an artist has a project that is due to be released but ends prematurely before they can share it with the world. For example, when Montgomery Gentry were finishing their album Here's to You, duo member Troy Gentry died in a helicopter crash before the release.

There are also situations where an artist understands that he will not be around forever, so he goes into the studio to record as much as possible before he leaves. Dolly Parton has hoarded songs that will only be made available after she has left this earth.

“There's enough material to go on forever with my music, to do compilation albums, to actually do new and original stuff, and I intentionally try to record songs for exactly that purpose. To have a click track and my vocals that make any arrangement possible,” she said in 2020. “So I think ahead.”

Keep scrolling to see which artists released music after their deaths.

Jess hosts the syndicated radio show, Taste of Country Weekendheard on country stations nationwide. Tune in to hear the best of new country music, see new tracks and up-and-coming artists in the spotlight, and get double-downs on all your favorites. The weekend is always better with a little country flavor.

17 artists who have released music from beyond the grave