Music in the Genes: 10 Famous Parents and their Talented Children

Many kids are inspired by their parents to learn an instrument. Mothers and fathers influence their offspring immensely, at best as role models. And so there are countless examples of musical parents who pass their talents on to their children. Nature, talent or upbringing? In any case, a creative family affair! Here are 10 examples… 

1. Jason Bonham – in the footsteps of a legend

Jason Bonham has more than successfully followed in the footsteps of a giant: his own father, former Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Jason was just 14 when John died, far too early in 1980. At 22, he played drums on Jimmy Page’s solo album and also performed with Foreigner. One of the highlights of his career was being invited by Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones to the Led Zeppelin reunion concert. He did a flawless job on the drum set in the 2007 concert as well as in the concert film. The footprints Jason steps in are really damn big! But he manages it and says modestly: “(…) I can only represent him in the best way possible.

2. John Lennon and his musical sons

The legendary founder of the Beatles, John Lennon, not only inspired his sons Julian and Sean. In fact, he too was repeatedly inspired by the two of them. For him, being a father was a wonderful feeling full of love and responsibility and also a pool of ideas. A picture drawn by Julian was the visual template for the Beatles song “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”. Younger son Sean was immortalized in John’s touching tribute to fatherhood Beautiful Boy. After John’s tragic death in 1980, both sons followed in his footsteps. Julian made the UK and US Top 10 as a solo artist in 1984 with Too Late For Goodbyes. Sean formed the acclaimed rock band The Lennon Claypool Delirium.

3. Phil Collins and Sons – a family of drummers

With the Collins, playing the drums is obviously a family philosophy. Percussion & Co. are in the blood of the world-famous father and both sons. Simon, Phil Collins’ older son, is the drummer and lead singer of the progressive rock band Sound Of Contact, which first covered Genesis songs and then started a tour with their own material, for example together with Marillion, in Montreal. Phil’s younger son Nic is obviously also a real drummer and is sometimes called a drum prodigy. Since father Phil is no longer able to play the drums due to a spinal injury, Nic takes over the drum sticks on his father’s tour. Phil says with unmistakable pride, “He plays like me.”

4. Alicia Keys and her son Egypt Dean

If your mother’s name is Alicia Keys, you’re sure to inherit some musical talent. Egypt Dean, Alicia’s son, is developing into a “piano virtuoso”. In 2019 he performed with his mother at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Keys is particularly committed to supporting her offspring musically, and also shares videos from time to time about their progress on the piano. Although the boy is still relatively young at just 10 years old, the talent that lies dormant in him is unmistakable. Is this a new superstar in the making? We can be quite sure that we will see him on some big world stages.

5. Eddie Van Halen and his son Wolfang

Eddie Van Halen has shaped the guitar world over the past decades, with his artistic playing technique, like no other. Although now deceased, he has secured his cult status for all eternity. And fortunately he has also passed on a large part of his talent to his son Wolfgang. In 2006, Wolfgang became bassist for Van Halen and also provided the low-end for the speed metal stars Tremonti. Guitarists will know this: Eddie named one of his guitars “Wolfgang”, after his son.

6. Liam Gallagher, Lennon and Gene

Liam Gallagher is a musician dad who can be justifiably proud of his talented kids. While the former Oasis frontman has long since secured himself a place in musical history as a Britpop icon, his children are said to have great careers ahead of them as well. His son Lennon first became a successful model as the face of Saint Laurent menswear and also released his own songs with his post-punk band Automotion. Gene Gallagher, Liam’s second son, is a guitarist in the band Grimmo, which says it serves up a crossover of Arctic Monkeys and British rapper Dave.

7. At almost 11 years old in front of 103 million viewers: Emme Maribel Muñiz

Emme Maribel Muñiz was not quite 11 years old when she appeared on the Halftime Show at the Super Bowl. Wow. She performed together with Shakira and her mother Jennifer Lopez in front of around 103 million viewers on the screens. Although most of us are not familiar with the name of the talented girl, that will certainly change in the years to come. J.Lo is sure to give her daughter all-round support because Emme clearly has music in her blood.

8. George and Dhani Harrison – a particularly close bond

Former Beatles guitarist and songwriter, and later solo artist, George Harrison, was very close to his son Dhani. And no doubt he left him his extraordinary musical talent. After George’s death, Dhani worked to complete his last album. He played – typical Harrison – several instruments and also contributed to the backing vocals, together with Jeff Lynne from ELO. When the ex-Beatle was posthumously inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Dhani took to the stage and played guitar alongside the likes of Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood, Tom Petty and Prince: “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. His father would certainly have been proud.

9. Norah Jones – famous like her father

Curiously, and at the same time clearly, self-confident, Norah Jones simply lets her world-famous surname slip under the table. Maybe it’s a statement for wanting to do it on your own. The soul singer’s real name is Geetali Norah Jones Shankar and she is the daughter of Ravi Shankar, who, as a sitar virtuoso, made traditional Indian music famous all over the world. Norah grew up in the musical tradition and enchants the masses. She immediately became world famous with her debut album “Come Away With Me” and was able to take seven Grammys home with her. With a bang, just as famous as her father.

10. Montserrat Martí – with the incredible voice of her mother

Not only in rock, pop and co. talents are passed on to the next generation, of course also in classical music. Montserrat Martí inherited the legendary voice of her mother Montserrat Caballé and sings in the world’s most renowned halls and opera houses. The mother and daughter felt a special emotional connection that lasted throughout their lives.

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Joe has been singing since he can remember and started playing guitar when he was 10. He's been using it as a songwriting tool ever since. He is passionate about melody and harmony and admires musicians who create these in unique ways. Check out his alternative / indie projects Best of Feelings and Zef Raček.

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