So what do you do if your father is a famous musician known and admired by millions all over the world? For probably 99.9% of children in this position, you look into accounting or some other avocation. Walking in your father's footsteps when he's reached the pinnacle in his field is a risky proposition. The writing's on the wall - you'll never be as good as your old man. It seems cruel, but that's just the way it is. However, some have tried and done quite nicely for themselves either carrying the family banner or branching out & trying to make a name for themselves independent of dad's reputation. Either way, you've got to give these folks credit. If it's in your blood, you've got to pursue it - or at least attempt it. Some attempts have admittedly been laughable, while others have earned their own legs to stand on. Below is a list I've compiled for your perusing that you can add to or comment on. Also, I wanted to share my favorite song about the father/child relationship that always puts things into perspective. Oh, by the way - Happy Father's Day.
Frank Sinatra - Nancy
Elvis Presley - Lisa Marie
Bob Dylan - Jakob
Bob Marley - Ziggy, Damian, Julian, Stephen, Ky-Mani
John Lennon - Julian, Sean Ono
George Harrison - Dhani
Woody Guthrie - Arlo
Loudon Wainwright III - Martha, Rufus
John Bonham - Jason
Eddie Van Halen - Wolfgang
Ricky Nelson - Matthew, Gunnar
Brian Wilson - Wendy, Carnie
John Phillips - Chynna
Johnny Cash - Roseanne
Hank Williams - Hank Jr.
Waylon Jennings - Shooter
Mel Tillis - Pam
Billy Ray Cyrus - Miley (I can't believe I just put this on here)
Ben Taylor, son of James, is very good. Nothing new, but if you lke James you'll like Ben.
ReplyDeleteDavid Crosby's son Raymond has a band as well.
Why is it these stars want to screw with their children's lives by naming them such idiotic names? Perhaps its an effort to doom any chance of superceding their stardom. Hmmmm, Gunnar - yeah, good luck with that one junior.
ReplyDeleteThere is currently a show running on MTV/Vh1 or one of the "music" channels that pits the sons and daughters of "famous" singers against each other. I can't remember the name of the show, but I remember that Dee Snyder's boy wasn't half bad. Well, he was half bad. But the other half was ok.
With Dee Snyder making up half of his genetics, that makes him 3/4 bad...
ReplyDeleteSuperVesey, I smell a blog theme in your comments. You ARE still a contributor, yes?
ReplyDeleteAll right Shoe, you talked me into it. Somebody has to keep this ship afloat while you are tooling around OBX.
ReplyDeleteI meant "alright" - my deepest apologies.
ReplyDeleteYour grammar would be better if you'd have listened in English class instead of being "Hot for Teacher."
ReplyDeleteEasy E's son is terrible. Not that I was expecting much. I would love it, though if all of N.W.A.'s kids would get together and do something. Family fun.
ReplyDeleteRoseanne Cash might be my favorite child of a great musician.
Shooter Jennings ain't bad either.
"Tennessee Flat-Top Box" is one helluva song by Roseanne Cash. Married to Rodney Crowell, long-time collaborator with one Emmylou Harris. We should have a "Six Degrees Of Emmylou" on RHT sometime...
ReplyDelete