You always hear people talk about kids (and adults) who are grandfathered into the acting world because of who they are and not necessarily because they have talent. Can you think of any examples of nepotism in the music world?

I am thinking about this because I got flamed on another message board the other day for criticizing Leona Naess, a mediocre songwriter with a relatively pretty voice who just happens to be the ex-stepdaughter of Diana Ross. My point was that she is an okay singer/songwriter, but nothing special or exceptional in any way. She's just rich as hell and, well... the ex-stepdaughter of freaking Diana Ross.

Any others?

I can't think of any.

*cough* Kelly Osbourne *cough*

Jeez, how could I have overlooked that one? Maybe because I haven't even been considering her a musician at all.

There's always Frank Stallone.

I assume that extremely talented musicians in their own right aren't part of this topic, but Zak Starkey and Simon Townshend come to mind.

Michael Penn springs to mind.

Step 1: Get your brother to marry Madonna.

Etc.


At least that's how someone explained it to me. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Just a few off the top of my head -

Rosanne Cash - Johnny Cash
Rufus Wainwright - Loudon Wainwright III
Julian Lennon - John Lennon
Nancy Sinatra - Frank Sinatra
Jakob Dylan - Bob Dylan
Enrique Iglesias - Julio Iglesias
Natalie Cole - Nat King Cole
Liza Minelli - Judy Garland
Wilson Phillips (Carnie & Wendy Wilson/Chynna Phillips) - Brian Wilson/John Phillips
Hank Williams Jr. - Hank Williams
Arlo Guthrie - Woody Guthrie

Hmmmmm. I just reread your original post. Were you only wanting cases where the offspring were devoid of talent but "made it" in the music business anyway?

Yeah, I really mean offspring that just can't hack it.

Or offspring that's really mediocre, like Leona Naess, who doesn't completely suck.

Jakob Dylan
Enrique Iglesias
Lil' Romeo

Don't forget Sean Lennon.

Also, James Luther Dickinson (famous session musician and producer who has just released his first solo album in over 20 years)...his kids Luther and Cody head up the North Mississippi Allstars.

Which one did the *horrid* version of the Beatles' "Across the Universe" with Rufus Wainwright? Man, oh man that was terrible!

I see much more of this happening in movies/tv, but a few to add to the list are:

Jason Bonham
Dweezil Zappa

Elijah Blue, Cher's son and band Deadsy. I mean, they are ok, the run of the mill numetal, but I'm sure it had something to do with it.