Who Was John Forté? 5 Things to Know About the Recording Artist After His Death

Image Credit: Getty Images John Forté , the recording artist and frequent Fugees collaborator, was found dead in his Chilmark, Massachusetts, home in January 2026. He was 50 years old. The late Grammy nominee’s death shocked fans everywhere, especially when a report claimed he died “suddenly.” Forté for being a member of the collective Refugee Camp All-Stars and for his collabs “We Trying to Stay Alive” (with Wyclef Jean) and “Rumble in the Jungle.” Below, learn more about Forté’s life, career and sudden death. John Forté Studied Classical Violin Before becoming a major recording artist and producer, Forté studied classical violin and received a scholarship to study violin at New Hampshire’s Phillips Exeter Academy. Forté once recalled how learning and playing the violin was a pivotal moment for his music career. When he was just 8 years old, the Brooklyn native chose a violin while entering the orchestra room. “I took that [violin] home, and it changed my whole trajectory,” he said, per the Phillips Exeter Academy . “Music gave me the ability to participate in a way that made me feel so empowered, and like I belonged.” John Forté Composed an Anthem for the Brooklyn Nets In 2012, Forté composed “Brooklyn: Something to Lean On” for the Brooklyn Nets. John Forté Collaborated With The Fugees The late recording artist was known for his multiple collaborations with The Fugees, primarily on the Grammy Award-winning album The Score. John Forté Was Nominated for a Grammy Award In 1996, Forté was nominated for his first Grammy Award at the age of 21 for his work on The Fugees’ album The Score . John Forté Reportedly Died ‘Suddenly’ Forté died in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, located on Martha’s Vineyard, on January 12, 2026, according to Chilmark Police. TMZ reported that the late musician died “suddenly,” though his cause of death has yet to be disclosed. Per the outlet, police do not suspect foul play in Forté’s death.

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