Which musician retired too soon?

I have to agree with Sogood51 about David & David. I have the album and the CD, and the CD is one of my references I take when auditioning any new piece of equipment.

I also just bought Cat Stevens' "Tea for the Tillerman" and "Catch Bull at Four" remasters last week.

Kevin Gilbert - but it was due to death by sexual asphixiation rather than a voluntary retirement.

ex-lead singer for Rage Against the Machine. Zach needs to be back in the scene, Audioslave sure ain't RATM

Not a single artist, but...David and David did the "Boomtown" album that places high on my list of wanting MORE. Cat Stevens for sure under retired...."expired" would better fit most of the others I can think of, and mentioned above.

Dave

Jim Messina. Despite the current Loggins and Messina tour Messina has largely not toured except for the occasional show. Great musician, songwriter, and instrumentalist not to mention producer and engineer.

The Rage over that Lost Penny was more than his heart could take.
Tah-tah-tah-PLUNK!
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Tarsando.. as Professor Terguson said to Rodney Dangerfield in "Back to School".. "Good answer... I'm gonna have to keep an eye on you"...

Hendrix, Morrison, Elliot, Joplin.

Nrchy, long time no talk to. I have to go along with Hooper. Cat Stevens is one that I think if he would have continued playing would have created some really interesting stuff. I think he did with what he has done but who can tell where he would have gone. To have him drop out of the music scene due to his religious beliefx is commendable but I wish he would have keep on playing. I'll be up to GB on the weekend of the 25th, maybe see you then.

Bossman

'Who would you like to have seen continue in the music industry, that left already?'

Kurt Cobain

Beethoven

I don't know if Syd Barret actually retired or just kind of lost it.

Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwin I think are in the same boat (maybe I'm wrong). Instead we have Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

Bill Withers, Betty Davis.

Tiny Tim!

Cat Stevens would be my choice. I always liked his music. I thought it was an incredibly brave thing for him to leave showbiz for a life in religion. He literally turned his back on countless millions for his faith. I admire him to this day for that. I'm not sure I would've had the spiritual conviction and sheer chutzpah to do that.