As we have seen with numerous examples, artistic talent has to be passed down through the genes. And singers that are related to each other produce amazing harmonies not possible outside of the family. This is a fairly comprehensive list of the top musicians who have recorded with a blood relative on a regular basis:
Anthony, Ivan, and Michael Followill (Kings of Leon)
(Anthony Caleb, Ivan Nathan, Michael Jared, and Cameron Matthew)
Duane and Gregg Allman (Allman Brothers Band)
(Duane on left)
Duane and Gregg formed this Southern Rock group in 1969 and over the years, it has become known as an elite guitarist factory. Duane, Warren Haynes, Dickey Betts, and Derek Trucks have all played guitar for the group during its history. Duane died in 1971 at the age of 25 in a motorcycle accident, but the band has soldiered on and is famous for its live shows. The Allman Brothers Band scored their biggest hit in 1973 with "Ramblin' Man".
Scott and Ron Asheton (Stooges)
The Stooges first formed in 1967 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as brothers Ron (guitar) and Scott Asheton (drums) joined lead singer Iggy Pop in the group the Stooges. The group was never particularly successful, their live shows were often poorly received, and they never sold a lot of records. Yet because the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame felt they were influential, they were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
David and Homer Bellamy (Bellamy Brothers)
This Floridian duo of brothers (David and Homer Bellamy) got their first professional gig in 1968. When their song "Spiders and Snakes" was turned into a hit by Jim Stafford, the brothers moved to Los Angeles. They have enjoyed much success with the much-smaller country music format, but their one big popular song was "Let Your Love Flow" in 1976.
This Canadian group that won the 2011 Grammy for Album of the year includes husband and wife Win Butler and Regine Chassgane and Win's brother Will. Arcade Fire's members are multi-instrumentalists that change instruments during shows.
Karen & Richard Carpenter (the Carpenters)
Behind the superb alto voice of sister Karen was the ingenious arrangements and orchestration of brother Richard and a highly-respected group of musicians, The Carpenters were a phenomenon. This combination allowed the brother-sister duo to take the world by storm in the 70's, dominating the soft rock and Adult Contemporary genres. The Carpenters posted an incredible 15 #1 Adult hits, hosted five television specials, and sold over 100 million records.
Brothers Bob and Gerald Casale and Brothers Bob and Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo)
(left to right) Mark, Bob (standing), Gerald, Bob, and Alan Myers)
Devo stands for de-evolution, or the concept that rather than evolve, mankind has been de-evolving. The idea began as a joke in the late 60's between Kent State University students Gerald Casale (who passed away three months ago) and Bob Lewis. Their idea was no longer a joke when the governor of Ohio ordered the Ohio National Guard to break up a Kent State protest of the Vietnam War. The Guardsmen proceeded to fire 67 rounds in over a minute at the unarmed students, killing four and wounding nine, one of which suffered permanent paralysis.
High schools across America closed as the result of a student strike of over four million students that protested the killings in Kent. Devo became a band as a result of the senseless tragedy, and by 1973, they performed at the Kent performing arts festival. The classic lineup of Devo featured the two sets of brothers and Alan Myers.
In concert, the members of Devo performed as theatrical characters, such as Booji Boy and The Chinaman. Their show comes complete with deadpan humor and satirical social commentary. Devo were one of the pioneers of the music video, and scored their biggest hit with "Whip It".
George, Joe, Lester and Willie Chambers (Chambers Brothers)
(left to right) Joe, Lester, George and Willie)
Brothers George, Joe, Lester and Willie Chambers combined blues with rock and psychedelic in a perfect marriage that resulted in a unique sound for the late-60's. They are best known for their 11-minute song "Time Has Come Today", and released 11 studio albums in their career.
Barbara, Barry, Bill, Bob, John, Paul & Susan Cowsill ( the Cowsills)
(left to right) Barry, John, Susan, Bob (standing), Barbara, Paul and Billy)
Kim and Kelly Deal (Breeders)
(left to right) Barry, John, Susan, Bob (standing), Barbara, Paul and Billy)
This musical family from Rhode Island got their first exposure in 1965, and soon, mom Barbara, and siblings Barry, Bill, Bob, John, Paul and Susan Cowsill were on their way. They turned their great family harmonies into eight hits, including the Top 10 songs "Hair", "The Rain, the Park & Other Things" and "Indian Lake".
Ray and Dave Davies (Kinks)
Brothers Dave and Ray Davies formed this group in London, and they were the only constants during the group's 32-year run. The Kinks have only had five worldwide Top 10 songs but in spite of this, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Kim and Kelly Deal (Breeders)
This group was first formed when Kim Deal, bassist of the Pixies, met Tanya Donnelly, guitarist for Throwing Muses, when the two groups toured together. Less than two years later, Kim's sister Kelly joined the group on guitar. The two sisters and the rest of the Breeders released five studio albums, and recently reunited for a tour.
Brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner and Brothers Bryan and Scott Devendorf (the National)
(left to right) Matt Berninger, Aaron and Bryce, Bryan and Scott
(left to right) Matt Berninger, Aaron and Bryce, Bryan and Scott
This group had their beginnings in Cincinnati, Ohio. Twins Aaron (guitar and keyboard) and Bryce Dessner (guitar) and drummer Bryan Devendorf were childhood friends and played in several groups together. Vocalist Matt Berninger and bassist Scott Devendorf had been in another Cincinnati group and moved to Brooklyn, New York when that group split.
Aaron, Bryce and Bryan soon joined Matt and Scott in Brooklyn and formed the National in 1999. The group has since released six studio albums, and they were nominated for a Grammy Award in 2014 for Best Alternative Album for Trouble Will Find Me.
Phil and Don Everly (Everly Brothers)
Andrew, Jon & Tim Farriss (INXS)
(second, third, and fourth from left)
One of The Top Duos of the Rock Era* was this brotherly act from the 50's and 60's--Phil & Don Everly. They were encouraged by family friend Chet Atkins, who helped them get their first recording contract with Columbia Records. When their first release flopped, the Everly Brothers were dropped from Columbia, but they signed with new label Cadence Records, and their first single on Cadence ("Bye Bye Love") was a #2 smash.
The Everly Brothers hold the Rock Era record for Most Billboard Hot 100 hits for a duo with 35, and were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Andrew, Jon & Tim Farriss (INXS)
(second, third, and fourth from left)
INXS was formed by songwriter and keyboardist Andrew Farris, brother Jon on drums and brother Tim on lead guitar. The group's biggest album, Kick, was hated by Atlantic Records because they said it would never get any airplay. Shows you what Atlantic knows--the album spawned four Top 10 songs, earned INXS a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Group and has now sold over six million copies.
This legendary Bay Area band formed when lead singer and guitarist John Fogerty, brother Tom (rhythm guitar), bassist Stu Cook and ace drummer Doug Clifford got together. They dominated rock music in the late 60's and early 70's, with an incredible span of 19 hits (including 13 Top 10's) from 1968-1972. Creedence was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Anthony, Ivan, and Michael Followill (Kings of Leon)
(Anthony Caleb, Ivan Nathan, Michael Jared, and Cameron Matthew)
I love it when a group from Nashville, Tennessee plays rock & roll--it's like they said "I'm not a sheep, I'm an individual!"
Lead singer and rhythm guitar player Anthony Followill and drummer Ivan Followill helped form the Kings of Leon. The four are now all known by their middle names. The two received interest from several labels, and signed with RCA Records. However, Nathan insisted to RCA, "We're going to buy our little brother a bass, he's a freshman in high school. Matthew played guitar when he was 10, Caleb will teach himself the guitar, and I'll play drums." They are quite popular in the U.K. with nine hits and three Top 5 albums, and they scored a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2009 ("Use Somebody") and two Platinum albums in the United States.
Lead singer and rhythm guitar player Anthony Followill and drummer Ivan Followill helped form the Kings of Leon. The four are now all known by their middle names. The two received interest from several labels, and signed with RCA Records. However, Nathan insisted to RCA, "We're going to buy our little brother a bass, he's a freshman in high school. Matthew played guitar when he was 10, Caleb will teach himself the guitar, and I'll play drums." They are quite popular in the U.K. with nine hits and three Top 5 albums, and they scored a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2009 ("Use Somebody") and two Platinum albums in the United States.
Liam and Noel Gallagher (Oasis)
Oasis sprang out of the group the Rain in Manchester, England in 1991. Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine) was part of the original lineup, and brother Noel soon joined as the group's primary songwriter, lead guitarist and vocalist.
Oasis had a great debut album (Definitely Maybe), which went Platinum in the U.S. and sold over eight million copies worldwide. They followed with (What's the Story) Morning Glory, which went Quadruple Platinum and has now gone over 22 million units sold worldwide.
Oasis has sold over 70 million records worldwide, and were immensely popular in their native country, scoring eight #1 songs and eight #1 albums in the U.K., with 22 consecutive Top 10 songs from 1994-2008.
Elizabeth "Betty" and Mary Weiss and Marguerite and Mary Ann Ganser (Shangri-Las)
Sisters Mary and Betty Weiss and identical twins Marguerite (Marge) and Mary Ann Ganser formed the Shangri-Las at Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, New York. The four began playing talent shows and sock hops, with Artie Ripp hearing them and arranging for a recording contract with Kama Sutra Records.
In 1964, the parents signed a deal for them with Red Bird Studios--at the time, Mary was 15, Betty was 17, and the Ganser twins 16. The Shangri-Las' first single on Red Bird was "Remember (Walking In The Sand)", and then they would record one of The Top 500 Songs Of The Rock Era* in "Leader Of The Pack".
The group has scored 43 career hits, with 15 reaching the Top 10, and nine of those 15 going to #1. Although the "Saturday Night Fever" Soundtrack was by "various artists", the Bee Gees are largely responsible for it becoming The #1 Soundtrack of the Rock Era*.
The Bee Gees were inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, the Vocal Group hall of Fame in 2001, and the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
The Bee Gees have won nine Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and a World Music Award. have now sold over 120 million records worldwide. As their 1997 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame citation reads, "Only Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks and Paul McCartney have outsold the Bee Gees."
Elizabeth "Betty" and Mary Weiss and Marguerite and Mary Ann Ganser (Shangri-Las)
(left to right) Betty, Mary Ann, Marge and Mary
Sisters Mary and Betty Weiss and identical twins Marguerite (Marge) and Mary Ann Ganser formed the Shangri-Las at Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, New York. The four began playing talent shows and sock hops, with Artie Ripp hearing them and arranging for a recording contract with Kama Sutra Records.
In 1964, the parents signed a deal for them with Red Bird Studios--at the time, Mary was 15, Betty was 17, and the Ganser twins 16. The Shangri-Las' first single on Red Bird was "Remember (Walking In The Sand)", and then they would record one of The Top 500 Songs Of The Rock Era* in "Leader Of The Pack".
Robin, Barry and Maurice Gibb (Bee Gees)
This amazing trio of Brothers Gibb (Barry and twins Robin and Maurice) began recording in the early 60's, and enjoyed two distinct careers. The first utilized their brotherly harmonies to perfection in soft rock; the second made the Bee Gees one of the top acts in the world during the disco era. Younger brother Andy Gibb, a solo star in his own right, sang with his famous brothers on a few of their songs as well.The group has scored 43 career hits, with 15 reaching the Top 10, and nine of those 15 going to #1. Although the "Saturday Night Fever" Soundtrack was by "various artists", the Bee Gees are largely responsible for it becoming The #1 Soundtrack of the Rock Era*.
The Bee Gees were inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, the Vocal Group hall of Fame in 2001, and the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
The Bee Gees have won nine Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and a World Music Award. have now sold over 120 million records worldwide. As their 1997 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame citation reads, "Only Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks and Paul McCartney have outsold the Bee Gees."
Colin and Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead)
The members of Radiohead, including brothers Colin (bass) and Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards), met while going to Abingdon School, an independent school for boys in Oxfordshire, England. The group originally called itself On a Friday, because that is when they practiced.
By 1991, their shows attracted interest from recording companies, and they signed with EMI in 1991. Radiohead
enjoyed success with their debut single "Creep" in 1992, and they have now sold over 30 million records worldwide.
Isaac, Taylor & Zac Hanson (Hanson)
Barbara Ann and Rosa Lee Hawkins and cousin Joan Marie Johnson (Dixie Cups)
(left to right) Barbara Ann, Johnson, and Rosa Lee
This trio of brothers all played piano before Isaac turned to guitar and Zac began playing drums. Mercury Records sent a representative to see them perform at the Wisconsin State Fair, and signed them to a recording contract almost immediately afterwards. Hanson garnered three Grammy nominations from their debut album. They have sold over 16 million records worldwide.
Barbara Ann and Rosa Lee Hawkins and cousin Joan Marie Johnson (Dixie Cups)
(left to right) Barbara Ann, Johnson, and Rosa Lee
Sisters Barbara Ann and Rosa Lee and Johnson first sang together while in grade school. Originally, they were known as Little Miss and the Muffets. They had changed their name to the Meltones when Joe Jones ("You Talk Too Much") became their manager. Jones got them an audition with new label Red Bird Records, and the trio changed their name to the Dixie Cups.
The group's first single, "Chapel Of Love" was a huge #1 smash in 1964. They had four other hits, including "People Say" and "Iko Iko", but none as big as their first.
This family act of O'Kelly Isley, Jr., Ronald and Rudolph first formed as a gospel group in Cincinnati, Ohio. They scored big hits with "It's Your Thing" and "That Lady", but perhaps are most famous for their rendition of "Shout". The Brothers have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Hall of Fame.
Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael and Tito Jackson (Jackson 5)
The Jackson 5 set a record at the time when their first four singles ("I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" reached #1. They went on to score 17 Top 40 songs. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Vocal Hall of Fame in 1999.
(left to right) Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Michael, and Jermaine
Brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael formed this family act in 1967, releasing two singles on Steeltown Records before signing with the more famous Motown in 1969. Friend Diana Ross is largely responsible for breaking them, helping secure a spot for the group as the opening act for the Supremes. In fact, the Jacksons' debut album is entitled Diana Ross Presents the Jackson Five.
The Jackson 5 set a record at the time when their first four singles ("I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" reached #1. They went on to score 17 Top 40 songs. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Vocal Hall of Fame in 1999.
George and Louis Johnson (Brothers Johnson)
Louis and George
This duo were in a band with brother Tommy and cousin Alex Weir that backed the Supremes; George and Louis also played in Billy Preston's band before striking out on their own. They posted three #1 R&B smashes-- and "I'll Be Good to You" is one of the best summertime songs ever.
Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas (Jonas Brothers)
(left to right) Kevin, Joe and Nick
This group was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2008 Grammys, and they captured the Breakthrough Artist Award at the American Music Awards. Winning those type of awards seem to nearly always be a curse, and such is the case with the Jonas Brothers. They released four albums but never came close to living up to the promise.
Gary and Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet)
This group that formed in 1976 included brothers Gary (guitar) and Martin Kemp (bass). They were known originally as the Cut, but eventually settled on Spandau Ballet. They were involved in a bidding war between competing record companies, with the group signing with Chrysalis Records.
Spandau Ballet achieved four Top 10 albums in the U.K., and the international best-selling single "True".
Dianne, Janet, Kathy and Peggy Lennon (Lennon Sisters)
(left to right) Diane, Kathy, Peggy and Janet
(left to right) Diane, Kathy, Peggy and Janet
The Sisters got their big break when they were invited on The Lawrence Welk Show on Christmas Eve, 1955, and they remained as mainstays of the show until they went out on their own in 1968. The Lennon Sisters patterned themselves after the famous Andrews Sisters, and kept a musical style alive whilst something called The Rock Era was starting.
The Lennon Sisters were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987 and inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.
Brothers Donald, Harry, Herbert and John Jr., and later with father John Sr. (Mills Brothers)
(left to right) Herbert, Donald, John Jr. and Harry
(Clockwise from bottom left: Harry, Herbert, John Sr. and Donald
The Mills Brothers had established quite a following when in 1928, they performed at May's Opera House in their home town of Piqua, Ohio, between Rin Tin Tin features. They then auditioned with radio station WLW in Cincinnati and were hired. With the help of WLW DJ Seger Ellis, the Mills Brothers became local stars, and got their career break when Duke Ellington and His Orchestra came to down.
After hearing the Brothers sing, Ellington called Tommy Rockwell at Okey Records, who signed them and brought them to New York. By 1932, the Mills Brothers had their own radio show. But John Jr. caught pneumonia and died at the age of 26 in 1936. After much thought, the group vowed to continue, and their father, John Mills Sr. replaced his son in the group. The group went on to enjoy several more hits, including "Paper Doll" (a six-million seller) and "Glow Worm".
Even though their career had peaked by the time the Rock Era began with a vastly different style of music, the Brothers still continued to score hits. They finished their career with over three dozen Gold records and sales of over 50 million. The Mills Brothers were inducted into the Vocal Hall of Fame in 1998.
Gunnar and Matthew Nelson (Nelson)
Matthew and Gunnar, sons of the great Rick Nelson, became the first unsigned band to play on Saturday Night Live. At the time, Matthew was lead singer and bassist, while Gunnar played drums. After the show, Gunnar learned to play guitar and shared the front stage together with his brother.
The two brothers began meeting with John Kalodner, A&R executive with Geffen Records. The Nelsons brought Kalodner songs until he felt they had enough good ones for an album. Meanwhile, they were invited to write a song for the movie Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, which they did along with Dweezil Zappa. "Two Heads are Better than One" became the film's theme song.
After signing with Geffen, Nelson achieved great debut success with the Double Platinum album After the Rain. "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection" became a #1 hit and sold over a million copies. The song made the Nelsons the only family to ever score #1 hits over three generations (with grandparents Ozzie & Harriet and father Rick).
Aaron, Art, Charles and Cyril Neville (Neville Brothers)
The Brothers released their debut album in 1978. They won a Grammy Award in 1990 when "Healing Chant" won Best Pop Instrumental Performance. In recent years, brother Ivan has been playing keyboards with the group.
Paul and Phil Hartnoll (Orbital)
Brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll from Sevenoaks, England for an electronic dance music duo beginning in 1989. They have released eleven studio albums including two soundtracks, and are noted for their improvisation during live performances.
Alan, Merrill, Donny, Jay and Wayne Osmond (Osmonds)
In 1958, Alan, Jay, Merrill and Wayne began as a barbershop quartet, singing in and around their hometown of Ogden, Utah. The Osmond Brothers performed on a televised Disney special seen by Andy Williams' father, who told his son to book them for his television show. He did, and the Osmond Brothers became regulars from 1962-1969.
Donny Osmond soon joined them on the show as one of the group's lead singers. Producer Mike Curb saw the Osmonds perform and helped them sign a recording contract with MGM. They went on to score a #1 song ("One Bad Apple") and four Top 10 hits, and the Osmonds have sold over 102 million records worldwide.
Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul (Pantera)
This heavy metal outfit was formed by brothers Vinnie Paul (drums) and Dimebag Darrell (guitar) and vocalist Terry Glaze in 1981. The group released nine albums from 1983-2000 and are considered influential in nu metal.
June, Ruth, Bonnie and Anita Pointer (Pointer Sisters)
June and Bonnie Pointer began performing together as early as 1969, but became a group when sister Anita joined them. Another sister, Ruth, joined them in 1972, but the Pointer Sisters achieved their greatest success as a trio with June, Ruth, and Anita.
The Pointer Sisters scored five Top Five songs, won three Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005. They are The #32 Female Artist of the Rock Era*.
Jim and William Reid (Jesus and Mary Chain)
Chris and Rich Robinson (Black Crowes)
The songwriting brothers Jim and William Reid formed this group from East Kilbride, Scotland in 1983. After recruiting the other musicians for the group, Jesus and Mary Chain struggled before achieving three Gold and one Silver record in the U.K. They split in 1999, but reunited in 2007 for a series of live performances and one new song.
Chris and Rich Robinson (Black Crowes)
Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson formed this group in high school and they became one of the most promising and popular groups early in the 1990's. Though the bulk of their success came from their debut album, the Black Crowes are still known for their live performances.
Bob and Tommy Stinson (Replacements)
This group's story began in 1978 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when nineteen-year-old Bob Stinson gave his eleven-year-old brother Tommy a bass guitar. They soon became a trio calling itself Dogbreath. Eventually, the group changed their name to the Replacements, and they signed a recording contract with Twin/Tone Records, a small local label.
The Replacements never experienced significant success, but they did have some influence on other alternative rock bands.
Sly, Freddie and Rose Stone (Sly & the Family Stone)
(Rose (second from left), Sly (third from left) and Freddie Stone (third from right)
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Sly Stone and his brother, singer/guitarist Freddie combined their bands (Sly & the Stoners and Freddie & the Stone Souls) in 1967. Sister Rose (singer/keyboardist) joined within a year.
After an Epic Records scout saw the group perform at the Redwood City, California club Winchester Cathedral in 1967, Sly & the Family Stone signed a recording contract. Their first single, "Dance to the Music", was an immediate success, and they were on their way.
Sly & the Family Stone charted five Top 10 hits and four ground-breaking albums that influenced pop, soul, R&B, and funk music. Joel Selvin praises the group this way in his 1998 book For the Record: Sly and the Family Stone: An Oral History, "there are two types of black music: black music before Sly Stone, and black music after Sly Stone. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
(Stone Temple Pilots)
This group that included brothers Robert (bass) and Dean DeLeo (guitar) formed in 1985 in San Diego, California, . They originally called themselves Mighty Joe Young, and became popular in the San Diego area.
In 1992, they signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records, and changed their name to the Stone Temple Pilots after finding out there was already a group going by Mighty Joe Young. Their debut album Core brought them immediate success, and they became one of the top acts of the 1990's.
Ann & Nancy Wilson (Heart)
Although few people know it, this group had its origins far before Ann & Nancy Wilson joined it. Bassist Steve Fossen formed the group the Army (some sources say as early as 1963), and the Wilson Sisters did not join until the early-to-mid 70's. One thing is for sure, though--Heart became the Wilsons' band. They wrote the songs, made the business decisions, and are the only enduring members of Heart, become the first females to control a band with any major level of success.
Heart has totaled nine Top 10 hits, with several others that should have been. They have now sold over 35 million records worldwide, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson and Mike Love (Beach Boys)
Brothers Carl, Dennis (from left in above photo) and Brian Wilson (right) and cousin Mike Love (center) formed the core of one of rock's legendary groups in 1961. A few years later, there was nothing hotter than surfing and cars, and songs about those two popular subjects catapulted the group to superstardom. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, they now have 36 Top 40 hits and have sold over 100 million records.
Alex and Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
Brothers Alex and Eddie Van Halen were born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The family moved to Pasadena, California, and Eddie was soon delivering newspapers to pay for his new drum set. While Eddie was out, Alex would sneak over and play them. When Eddie found out about it, he told his brother in frustration, alright you play my drums and I'll go play your guitar.
As fate would have it, that switch led to Eddie becoming one of The Top 10 Guitarists of the Rock Era*.
In 1972, the brothers formed a group called Genesis (unrelated to the more famous one) They let David Lee Roth become their new singer so the group could use his sound system, even though Roth's previous auditions had been unsuccessful. The group soon found that the aforementioned Genesis were already using that name, and eventually decided on the name Van Halen in 1974.
The group quickly became known for their amazing live performances, as Van Halen played at such famous locations as Whisky A Go-Go on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. They signed a recording contract with Warner Brothers Records in 1977, and released an outstanding debut album the following year.
Van Halen scored four #1 albums in their career, and they are the 19th-best-selling band in the United States with over 56 million albums sold They are one of only five bands in history to achieve two studio albums to sell over ten million copies each. Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Angus and Malcolm Young (AC/DC)
Brothers Angus (lead guitar, another of The Top 100 Guitarists of the Rock Era*) and Malcolm (rhythm guitar) formed the Australian supergroup AC/DC in 1973 and have been constant members ever since. For years, they were popular primarily in their native country and in Europe. That all changed with their 1979 album Highway to Hell and especially the follow-up album Back in Black, which has now sold 22 million units in the U.S. alone (sixth best-selling album of all-time).
AC/DC won a Grammy in 2010 for Best Hard Rock Performance for "War Machine". The group has sold over 200 million albums in their career, 71 million in the United States, which makes them the fifth-best-selling band in the U.S. AC/DC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
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