8 Great Performances From Rocker Dads And Their Musician Kids
Bob and Jakob Dylan. Willie, Lukas, and Micah Nelson. Pops and Mavis Staples. For decades, famous musicians have been followed by their talented offspring into the biz. This Father’s Day, we’re shining a light on a few terrific rock ‘n’ roll dads performing onstage with their exceptional kids. Below, you’ll find Gregg and Devon Allman tearing it up on dueling guitars, Dave and Violet Grohl taking on an Adele ballad, an archival recording of Bob and a very young Ziggy Marley, and more.
Pops and Mavis Staples: Respect Yourself and I’ll Take You There
Roebuck “Pops” Staples was lucky enough to tour with his daughters (The Staple Singers) for decades. The family pushed nine albums up onto the U.S. R&B charts and churned out hit after soulful hit from 1967 until the mid ‘80s. The iconic Mavis Staples still carries the family torch to this day. Here they are, together, performing a classic medley.
Willie and Lukas and Micah: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Willie Nelson’s sons Lukas and Micah are no strangers to the music business. The trio recently released Willie Nelson & The Boys and are mainstays on the Outlaw Music Festival Tour. In this clip, Lukas explains that “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” was the first song his dad ever taught him, after which the three Nelsons harmonize like a few Southern angels.
Johnny and Rosanne Cash: September When It Comes
As it ages, this track has grown into an American folk treasure. The country star, Johnny Cash, and his equally talented daughter Rosanne dueted on this tragically beautiful song about family heartbreak and loss.
Dave Grohl and Violet: When We Were Young
Dave Grohl, lead singer for the Foo Fighters and legendary drummer for Nirvana, has some very talented kin. His daughter Violet paired up with her dad for an acoustic cover of Adele’s “When We Were Young,” and now we’ve all got the feels.
Gregg and Devon Allman: One Way Out
The late Gregg Allman’s Back To Macon live disc features his Allman Brothers Band trawling through classic hit after classic hit. The southern rocker’s son, Devon, played guitar in the backing band all evening and delivered several blistering solos, especially on this wild take of “One Way Out.”
Dickey and Duane Betts: Blue Sky
Dickey Betts is a rock ’n’ roll dad for the ages, and his son Duane is following in his footsteps. After several years off the road, the pair are hitting the summer tour circuit. We last saw Duane performing with a younger Devon Allman at Volunteer Jam XX.
Van and Shanna Morrison: Old Black Magic
Van The Man to many, just “dad” to Shanna. Shanna Morrison grew up singing just like her pop and regularly tours with the music legend. Here, the father-daughter duo pair up on the standard “Old Black Magic.”
Bob and Ziggy Marley: Lively Up Yourself
When Ziggy Marley was just under 10 years old he had the chance to perform with his dad, reggae legend Bob Marley. You can hear the very young singer belting out parts of “Lively Up Yourself” in this recording from 1976 at Boston’s Music Hall. Ziggy has since commanded his own illustrious career, updated his father’s landmark album, Exodus, and led the intimate Exodus 40 Live with his brother Stephen.
Lede image courtesy of Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Blackbird Presents