John Forté, the renowned musician and producer, has passed away
14 january 2026 в 21:13
John Forté, a musical artist and frequent collaborator with the group Fugees, was found dead in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, in January 2026. He was 50 years old. The death of the Grammy-nominated artist shocked fans around the world, especially following reports that he passed away «suddenly».
Forté was known as a member of the Refugee Camp All-Stars and for his collaborations, such as «We Trying to Stay Alive» (with Wyclef Jean) and «Rumble in the Jungle».
Below you can learn more about Forté's life, career, and sudden death.
Before becoming a well-known musical artist and producer, Forté studied classical violin and received a scholarship to attend Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.
Forté once recalled how studying and playing the violin became a turning point in his musical career. At the age of 8, as a native of Brooklyn, he chose the violin while entering the orchestra room.
«I took that [violin] home, and it changed my whole life», - he said, according to Phillips Exeter Academy. «Music gave me a chance to be part of something that made me feel strong and like I belonged to something».
In 2012, Forté composed «Brooklyn: Something to Lean On» for the Brooklyn Nets team.
The late artist was known for his numerous collaborations with The Fugees.
In 1996, Forté was nominated for his first Grammy at the age of 21 for his work on The Fugees' album «The Score».
Forté passed away in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, located on Martha’s Vineyard, on January 12, 2026, according to Chilmark police. TMZ reported that the musician died «suddenly», - although the cause of death has not yet been disclosed. According to the publication, police do not suspect foul play in connection with Forté's death.
The story is developing…
Forté was known as a member of the Refugee Camp All-Stars and for his collaborations, such as «We Trying to Stay Alive» (with Wyclef Jean) and «Rumble in the Jungle».
Below you can learn more about Forté's life, career, and sudden death.
Before becoming a well-known musical artist and producer, Forté studied classical violin and received a scholarship to attend Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.
Forté once recalled how studying and playing the violin became a turning point in his musical career. At the age of 8, as a native of Brooklyn, he chose the violin while entering the orchestra room.
«I took that [violin] home, and it changed my whole life», - he said, according to Phillips Exeter Academy. «Music gave me a chance to be part of something that made me feel strong and like I belonged to something».
In 2012, Forté composed «Brooklyn: Something to Lean On» for the Brooklyn Nets team.
The late artist was known for his numerous collaborations with The Fugees.
In 1996, Forté was nominated for his first Grammy at the age of 21 for his work on The Fugees' album «The Score».
Forté passed away in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, located on Martha’s Vineyard, on January 12, 2026, according to Chilmark police. TMZ reported that the musician died «suddenly», - although the cause of death has not yet been disclosed. According to the publication, police do not suspect foul play in connection with Forté's death.
The story is developing…
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
