If you could bring back one great artist that has

Although not a performing artist, though he did play piano. Is Billy Strayhorn, who composed many of the hits for Duke Ellington. He died all to early at age 51 in 1967. We can only surmise the body of work that was yet to come. But nonetheless what he left behind is timeless.

Ian Curtis, Joy Division. i think we only saw the tip of the iceberg regarding Mr Curtis.

Jackie Wilson, Amy Winehouse.

John Lennon, because the (music) world needs him as much now as ever before.

....I will add another ...how about Tommy Bolin ! Look at his work with The James Gang, Deep Purple and then with Billy Cobham. Not to mention his own stuff....great guitarist and God only know where what he could have done.