They say the family that plays together stays together. When it comes to musical families this doesn’t always ring true. It’s always easier to rock out with your siblings since they’re around anyway, but what happens if everyone wants to be the lead singer? What happens if you don’t always see eye to eye about the direction of your music? Sometimes it’s harder to tell a brother or sister that you don’t like their playing than another band member. Just making it in a family band is a challenge, let alone making musical history.
Remember what Vito Corleone told Sonny in The Godfather? “Never let anyone outside the family know what you’re thinking.” That might not really tie into a list of the top rockin’ families, but it is a great quote. So here, without further ado (or more random family quotes), are the top rockin’ family bands:
3) The Jonas Brothers
These three brothers from New Jersey seem to have it all going for them. They’ve released four albums since 2006, have dated celebrities like Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift and had the full force of the Disney machine behind them. With this much money and fame you might think these guys are jaded superstars who lack manners. Well, I actually met these guys once and I can tell you that Nick, Kevin and Joe are three of the most polite young men I have ever come across. Perhaps it’s their upbringing because their father is a former pastor. The Jonas Bros. also give 10% of their earnings to charity. Aside from their good work, these kids know how to craft a pop hit. Check out “S.O.S.” off their 2007 Jonas Brothers album. Hey, 81 million hits on YouTube can’t be wrong.
2) Hanson
When you say Hanson, the first response you usually get is, “Wait, those three brothers from MMMBop?” I’m happy to report that those three kids have grown up into fine musicians who are all dads now. They got their start in 1992 at the Mayfest Arts Festival in Tulsa. They launched “MMMBop” off of Middle of Nowhere in 1997 and a phenomenon was born. But the three brothers, Taylor, Isaac and Zac, grew into their music comfortably and veered away from the immature sound and lyrics of “MMMBop.” Check out “If Only” from 2000 to see what I mean. It’s a great track and if you can get your kids hooked on Hanson with “MMMBop” they just might go for this one too. Also, check out Hanson’s latest offering, Shout It Out.
1) Jackson 5
No family list would be complete without the Jackson 5. I can promise you that every kid will love “I Want You Back” and “ABC”, while parents won’t be able to stop tapping their feet at the same time. Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Michael started in 1964 and never really quit. The funny thing about the Jackson 5 isn’t that their lead singer was the most talented–that’s often the case with some bands–the unusual thing about the Jackson 5 was their lead singer was eight years old and sang and moved like he had been doing it all his life. He owned whatever stage he performed on. Check out the classic “ABC” and make sure you play it really loud for the kids.
