I think he died at age 33 in 1980 of drinking too much liquor. But in recent years it was claimed it was an overdose of heroin. 

Also I remember he was voted about 15 years ago as the greatest front man of a rock band his rock history. Of course it would be easy to flip that by comparing him to Mick Jagger in my opinion. How can Mick Jagger not be the greatest rock band front man with all the hits and sold out shows and such longevity. 

75th birthday. I'll be 75 in December. It's unbelievable that the old folks that still spin Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Red Foley, Bob Wills and Hank Williams we all remember are now the old canes and walkers people that spin AC/DC, Pink Floyd, The Allman Brothers and Steely Dan.