All The Rock Legends That Served In The Military

Rock stars are often known for their rebellious spirit, but some have also answered the call to serve their country. These iconic musicians shaped the sound of their era and spent time in uniform, balancing duty and passion. From barracks to the stage, their stories are as unique as their music. Here’s a look at 14 legendary artists who swapped guitars for military gear at some point.

Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson, celebrated for his soulful songwriting, once took a very different route. Born to an Air Force general, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army, with a promising future that included a potential teaching role at West Point. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I’m kind of amazed by the whole thing. I was on my way to a totally different life.” Instead, he traded military honors for the heart of Nashville’s music scene.

Ray Manzarek
Before co-founding The Doors and speaking out against the Vietnam War, Ray Manzarek served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Although he initially dreamed of becoming a camera operator, his Polish heritage steered him toward a position as a prospective intelligence analyst in Japan. Reflecting on his decision, it was said, “It was because he was of Polish descent and wanted to be able to visit the old country one day.”

Willie Nelson
Before becoming a household name in country music, Willie Nelson served in the U.S. Air Force, patrolling the grounds with diligence. Though his military career was cut short due to back problems, the experience shaped his perspective. He once said, “If everyone just takes care of their own area, then we won’t have any problems.” Those words hint at the straightforward wisdom that would later define his legendary songwriting.

B.B. King
Before becoming known as the “King of the Blues,” B.B. King was in the United States for a short time. Army during World War II, but his military career ended when he was ordered home because his tractor-driving abilities were considered vital. He shaped the discipline that shaped his illustrious career by reflecting on his experience and saying, “The Air Force taught me the things every military service imparts to its enlisted men.”

John Prine
Drafted during the Vietnam War, John Prine served as a mechanical engineer in West Germany. His military service deeply influenced his music, inspiring powerful songs like “Sam Stone” and “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore.” These tracks captured the struggles of soldiers and the realities of war, showcasing Prine’s unique ability to turn personal experiences into timeless, thought-provoking lyrics.

John Fogerty
John Fogerty worked as a supply clerk in the United States Reserve Army before penning the well-known protest song “Fortunate Son.” The perspective and topics in his music were shaped by the lessons he learned about teamwork and the inner workings of the armed services during his time in the military.

Johnny Cash
Before he became a legendary figure in music, Johnny Cash served in the United States. As a Morse code operator in the Air Force. During the Cold War, he was stationed in West Germany and intercepted Soviet transmissions. Cash jokingly joked, “If you ever need to know what one Russian is signaling to another in Morse code, I’m your man,” about his military service.

Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte’s journey to stardom began with his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his time in uniform, he used the G.I. Bill to attend a drama workshop in Manhattan, paving the way for his legendary career as a singer and actor. “I utilized the veterans G.I. Bill to cover the cost of a drama workshop in Manhattan,” he once shared, reflecting on how the experience shaped his future.

Elvis Presley
At the peak of his career, Elvis Presley set aside his stardom to serve as a regular soldier in the U.S. Army. His choice earned him widespread respect and provided meaningful life lessons along the way. Reflecting on his time in uniform, he remarked, “All in all, it’s been a pretty good experience,” highlighting the impact of his service on his journey.

Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan, the frontman of Tool, found discipline and personal growth during his time in the U.S. Army. Reflecting on his service, he noted, “The growth that occurs in those spaces where you’re just broken down and then being built back up – there’s a lot to be said for those kind of things.” His military experience had a lasting impact on his outlook and influenced his music career.

Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was given a choice between prison and the Army, and he chose to serve in the 101st Airborne Division. While some soldiers mocked his musical passion, others joined in as Hendrix played at base clubs on weekends, expanding his musical style and experience. This time in the Army would prove to be a unique chapter in the legendary guitarist’s life.

Jason Everman
Jason Everman, famous for his time in Nirvana and Soundgarden, made a surprising shift from rock music to military service, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. “At that point in time, in the world I was in, going into the military was probably the most uncool thing you could ever do.” Despite the stigma of military service in his world, he found purpose and discipline in the Army, earning an honorable discharge. Everman has since transitioned into a military consultant, applying his experiences in new ways.

Jerry Garcia
Jerry Garcia, much like Jimi Hendrix, chose military service over prison time. “I lasted nine months in the Army,” Garcia said. Although his stint was short, it played a key role in his journey, helping him discover his passion for the acoustic guitar, which would later define much of his musical career.

Bill Withers
Bill Withers was a soldier in the United States before he became a soulful hitmaker. Navy, where he encountered discrimination. He claimed, “I still had to prove to people that thought I was genetically inferior that I wasn’t too stupid to drain the oil out of an airplane.” Despite these obstacles, Withers overcame a childhood stammer and gained confidence during his Navy service, two things that influenced his future musical career.