10 artists who continued their parent’s legacy

It’s never easy to follow in the footsteps of greatness. But some artists manage to not just follow their parents, but carve out great careers of their own. From Norah Jones to The Allman Betts Band, here are ten of our favourites…

The Allman Betts Band

The Allman Betts Band, led by the sons of The Allman Brothers Band’s Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts, is new to the scene. But one listen to their bluesy debut, Down To The River, tells you that Devon Allman and Duane Betts are experienced musicians.

This is also noticeable in their gutsy, energetic live shows, which continue the precedent set by their fathers. Hot on the heels of their debut record, The Allman Betts Band are due to perform at Bluesfest this year. 

Liam Finn

If he feels the pressure of being Neil Finn’s son, it certainly doesn’t come across in Liam Finn’s music. First finding fame as the frontman of Kiwi group, Betchadupa, Finn is now an experienced solo artist with three albums to his name. His fourth, Lightsleeper, was released with his father and is essential listening for dream-pop fans.

Norah Jones

You could argue that there isn’t much similar about Norah Jones’ breathy jazz vocals and father Ravi Shankar’s sitar musings. Nevertheless, both careers have been illustrious ones. From collaborations with Ray Charles, to forays into country music with the band The Little Willies (what a name), Jones has proven time and time again that she really can do it all.

Jeff Buckley

Fans insist on the brilliance of Buckley’s debut album, Grace, almost to the point of parody. Thankfully, Grace is a fantastic album, and one that is all the more searing given Buckley’s premature death.

Unlike his prolific father, Tim, Buckley only left behind two albums, with Grace his only completed project. The unfinished, posthumously released Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk, goes a long way to proving that this was an artist with plenty more to give.

Deni Hines

Most recently appearing as the unicorn on Ten’s The Masked Singer, Hines’ career has been a fruitful one, and not just because of her band’s name. Rockmelons proved an ideal vehicle for Hines’ soulful voice, but it’s her solo work that has showcased her versatility. Her jazz album, The Other Woman, recorded with James Morrison, is great bathtub listening.

Julian Lennon

Though their relationship was a fractured one, Julian Lennon’s musical and vocal sensibilities are not far removed from his father’s. The inspiration for three Beatles songs (most notably, “Hey Jude” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”), John Lennon’s first son was thrown into the family business from a young age. Lennon’s single “Too Late For Goodbyes” features as ripping a harmonica solo as you’ll hear in an ‘80s pop song.

Dweezil Zappa

The story goes that hospital staff wouldn’t allow Frank Zappa to name his eldest son “Dweezil”. Naturally, he took the only acceptable course of action – hiring an attorney years later to change it from “Ian”.

Dweezil’s career has been an eclectic one. Learning guitar from Steve Vai and Eddie Van Halen, releasing his first single at age 12 and playing with Spinal Tap are all notable career highlights. His takes of “Stayin’ Alive” and “Stairway To Heaven” are two of the great cover versions. Dweezil will be touring Australia this April in addition to performing at Byron Bay Bluesfest.

Listen: “Stayin’ Alive” by Dweezil Zappa

Jakob Dylan

First garnering attention as the lead singer of The Wallflowers, the second youngest of Bob Dylan’s six children now has a fruitful solo career of his own. He’s now as much a part of the folk-rock furniture as his father was before him.

Ziggy Marley

Millennials are probably most familiar with Ziggy Marley for his song “Believe In Yourself”, aka the theme song to Arthur (go ahead, sing it in your head now). Startlingly similar to his father in vocals and lyrical subject matter, Ziggy’s career began as the singer of family band, Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. He’s been recording music prolifically for the forty years since.

David Campbell

Aussie musical theatre and cabaret star, David Campbell, has come a long way from humble beginnings in regional community theatre. The son of Jimmy Barnes, Campbell regularly packs out shows, and has an onstage CV which boasts roles in Les Misérables, South Pacific, Assassins, Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical and Shout! The Legend of The Wild One.