19. Rick James 1948 – 2004
The funk legend, riding high from a rejuvenated popularity thanks to the “Dave Chappelle Show,” died of a massive heart attack at age 56 in his Los Angeles home.
James had diabetes, a pacemaker and suffered a stroke in 1998. According to Reuters, the coroner listed nine drugs, including prescription medications for anxiety, pain relief and heart failure, along with cocaine and methamphetamine in his system.
