How Children Of Famous Dead Musicians Coped and What Are They Doing Now

Music has a way of sticking with us—it lifts us, gets us through tough times, and feels like an old friend. The artists behind our favorite songs may no longer be here, but their music still speaks to us. Yet what about their kids? While some have embraced the spotlight and continued their parents’ musical traditions, others have chosen a totally other route.

Having a well-known artist as a parent isn’t always simple. Some have decided to forge their own identities apart from their parents’ notoriety, while others have embraced the family business and developed their own musical careers.

So, what are they up to now? Have they followed in their parents’ footsteps, or did they forge a different path? Whether you’re blasting Nirvana, N.W.A., or Johnny Cash, let’s take a look at how their kids are keeping—or redefining—the family legacy.

Michael Jackson’s Children: Paris, Prince, and Blanket
Michael Jackson, the legendary King of Pop, passed away on June 25, 2009, at just 50 years old. His sudden death, caused by cardiac arrest, was ruled a homicide due to the actions of his doctor, Conrad Murray. But while the world lost an icon, his three children—Paris, Prince, and Blanket—have carried his legacy forward in their own ways.

Paris Jackson, born April 3, 1998, is Michael’s only daughter with ex-wife Debbie Rowe. She largely stayed out of the spotlight until her emotional speech at his 2009 funeral. Over the years, she has spoken openly about her father, appearing on Oprah’s Next Chapter in 2012. In 2013, she faced personal struggles, making headlines after a reported suicide attempt.

Prince Jackson, born February 13, 1997, is Michael’s eldest son. He explored acting with a guest role on 90210 and worked as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight in 2013. That same year, he helped produce Remembering Michael, a documentary celebrating his father’s legacy.

Blanket, now known as Bigi Jackson, was born on February 21, 2002. The identity of his mother remains private. As a baby, he made headlines when Michael famously (and controversially) dangled him from a hotel balcony. He later appeared in Remembering Michael but has mostly stayed out of the public eye.

Whitney Houston’s Daughter: Bobbi Kristina Brown
Whitney Houston, one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, passed away on February 11, 2012, at just 48 years old. Heart problems and cocaine usage are cited as major causes of her fatal drowning in a hotel bathtub.

On March 4, 1993, Houston and singer Bobby Brown welcomed their only child, Bobbi Kristina Brown. Bobbi Kristina intended to pursue a career in singing after inheriting Houston’s inheritance following her mother’s death.

In a tragic and terrible parallel to her mother’s passing, Bobbi Kristina was discovered unconscious in a bathtub at her Georgia home on January 31, 2015. After months of being in serious condition, she was put into a medically induced coma and died on July 26, 2015. A young life full of sorrow and potential came to an end with her passing, leaving a legacy that will always be entwined with her mother’s.

Kurt Cobain’s Daughter: Frances Bean Cobain
Kurt Cobain, the voice of grunge and Nirvana’s frontman, tragically died by suicide on April 5, 1994, at just 27 years old. His only daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, was born on August 18, 1992, to Kurt and Courtney Love.

In 2010, Frances inherited control over her father’s estate, including his image and publicity rights. However, instead of following directly in his musical footsteps, she has made a name for herself in the art world. That same year, she debuted her first collection, Scumfck, under the pseudonym “Fiddle Tim,” and by 2013, she showcased her work under her real name.

Frances has also been in the spotlight for her personal life. She began dating musician Isaiah Silva in 2010, and the couple announced their engagement in 2011.

Nate Dogg’s Son: Naijiel Hale
Nate Dogg, the smooth-voiced legend behind countless hip-hop hooks with Dr. Dre and Eminem, passed away in 2011 at just 41 after complications from multiple strokes.

His son, Naijiel Hale, took a different path—one that led him to the football field instead of the recording studio. A standout athlete, Naijiel was a highly rated four-star recruit in high school. In 2014, he signed with the University of Washington, making an impact as a defensive back during his freshman year. While his father ruled the charts, Naijiel was carving out his own legacy on the gridiron.

Frank Zappa’s Children: Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet, and Diva
Frank Zappa, the fearless and innovative guitarist, passed away on December 4, 1993, after battling prostate cancer. Though he left behind a legendary catalog of music, his four children have each carved their own unique paths in entertainment, literature, and business.

Moon Unit Zappa, born on September 28, 1967, made her mark early with her unforgettable vocals on Valley Girl, a satirical hit co-written with her father. Since then, she’s built a career as an actress and author, appearing in Curb Your Enthusiasm, How I Met Your Mother, and Roseanne. She also wrote the 2001 novel America, the Beautiful and has contributed essays to The New York Times.

Dweezil Zappa, born on September 5, 1969, followed closely in his father’s footsteps, becoming an acclaimed rock guitarist. Along with a successful solo career, he’s collaborated with artists like Weird Al Yankovic and The Fat Boys. He’s also dabbled in acting, with roles in The Running Man and Pretty in Pink, and even had a stint as an MTV VJ in the ’80s. In 2006, he launched the Zappa Plays Zappa tour, celebrating his father’s music with a new generation of musicians. He has also been working on a 75-minute guitar epic, What the Hell Was I Thinking?, featuring solos from guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen and Brian May.

Ahmet Zappa, born on May 15, 1974, has built a diverse career as a writer, producer, and publisher. In 2006, he released his debut novel, The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless, which Disney quickly acquired for a film adaptation. He later founded Monsterfoot Productions, producing movies like The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012). He was briefly married to actress Selma Blair from 2004 to 2006.

Diva Zappa, born on July 30, 1979, is a creative force in her own right. She has acted in films like Anarchy TV and National Lampoon’s Pledge This!, as well as TV shows like Felicity and The Mighty Boosh. Beyond acting, she launched Hand Made Beauty, a clothing line specializing in hand-knitted and crocheted fashion. A portion of her proceeds supports the Creative Visions Foundation.

The Notorious B.I.G.’s Children: CJ Wallace & T’yanna Wallace
The Notorious B.I.G., one of hip-hop’s greatest legends, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, at just 24 years old. While his life was cut short, his children, CJ and T’yanna Wallace have kept his legacy alive in their own ways.

CJ Wallace, born October 28, 1996, graduated from Santa Margarita High School in 2014. He has since explored music, acting, and entrepreneurship, making his own mark while honoring his father’s name.

T’yanna Wallace, born August 8, 1993, studied at Penn State before launching Notoriouss, a clothing brand inspired by her father’s music and her New York roots. Through fashion, she celebrates Biggie’s influence while building her own empire.

Bradley Nowell’s Son: Jakob James Nowell
Bradley Nowell, the voice of Sublime and a defining figure of ’90s ska-punk, tragically passed away from a heroin overdose on May 25, 1996, at just 28 years old.

His son, Jakob James Nowell, born in June 1995, has embraced his musical roots. Following in his father’s footsteps, he fronts his own rock band, LAW. In 2014, the band started making waves, playing shows across Long Beach and Orange County. While Jakob carries his father’s legacy, he’s carving out his own sound and identity in the rock scene.

Bob Marley’s Children: Ziggy & Damian Marley
On May 11, 1981, Bob Marley, the renowned reggae star, died of melanoma at the age of just 36. Despite his brief life, his music and impact endure, particularly through his offspring, who have established successful reggae careers of their own.

For many years, Ziggy Marley, who was born on October 17, 1968, has been a major player in the reggae scene. He made 13 albums as the lead singer of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, contributing to reggae’s globalization. Outside of the band, Ziggy’s solo career has taken off, and he has won numerous Grammy Awards and released eight hit albums.

Damian Jr. Born on July 21, 1978, Gong Marley has also achieved notoriety in the music industry. He has six solo albums that include hip-hop and reggae influences, and he frequently collaborates with his brother Stephen. Halfway Tree, his 2001 album, was a Grammy winner for Best Reggae Album, and Welcome to Jamrock was a huge hit that peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and earned him another Grammy.

John Lennon’s Children: Julian & Sean Lennon
On December 8, 1980, the renowned singer and peace activist John Lennon was brutally shot outside his apartment in New York City when he was only 40 years old. Despite his brief life, Julian and Sean Lennon, his kids, have each continued his creative and activist legacy in their own unique ways.

Born on April 8, 1963, Julian Lennon is a well-known musician, photographer, and philanthropist. His parents are John and Cynthia Powell. Valotte, his critically acclaimed debut album from 1984, was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist. He put out several other CDs over the years and even played the lead in the 1987 musical The Hunting of the Snark. His photographs were featured in the Timeless: The Photography of Julian Lennon exhibition in 2010. Passionate about global issues, he founded The White Feather Foundation in 2009 to support humanitarian and environmental causes.

Born on October 9, 1975, to John and Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon has also pursued a music career. He joined Cibo Matto, a band from New York, in 1997. He then published his solo debut, Into the Sun (1998), with the song “Home” receiving significant MTV broadcasts. His distinctive sound was on display in his 2006 album Friendly Fire. In addition to playing, he started Chimera Records in 2009 and has written music for motion pictures. Sean is a vocal campaigner who has openly opposed hydraulic fracking, even writing an editorial against it for The New York Times in 2012.

George Harrison’s Son: Dhani Harrison
The Beatle’s calm and pensive George Harrison died of lung cancer on November 29, 2001, at the age of 58. Dhani Harrison, his only son, was born on August 1, 1978, and has continued his father’s musical heritage while pursuing his own goals.

Once Dhani graduated from Brown University, he first pursued a career in aerodynamics before switching to music. He helped complete his father’s posthumous record, Brainwashed, and has performed in several Beatles tribute shows.

He started the band Newno2 in 2006, and in 2008 they released their first album, You Are Here. Yomp and Crazy Tuesday, two of their tracks, were also included in the Rock Band video game series. Dhani has written music for movies and television series including Beautiful Creatures, Learning to Drive, and The Divide in addition to performing.

Elvis Presley’s Daughter: Lisa Marie Presley
Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock & Roll, passed away on August 16, 1977, at just 42 years old. His only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, born February 1, 1968, carried on his legacy both as the heir to his estate and as a musician in her own right.

In 2003, Lisa Marie stepped into the spotlight with her debut album, To Whom It May Concern. The album earned strong reviews, and its lead single, Lights Out, climbed to No. 18 on the Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 chart. Her second album, Now What, mixed originals and covers and landed at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. In 2012, she released Storm & Grace, produced by T-Bone Burnett, which received high praise from critics.

Lisa Marie’s personal life has also been well-documented. She has been married four times, first to musician Danny Keough in 1988, with whom she had two children, Riley and Benjamin. In 1994, just weeks after divorcing Keough, she married Michael Jackson, but they split in 1996. In 2002, she wed actor Nicolas Cage, though their marriage lasted only 108 days. In 2006, she married musician Michael Lockwood, and in 2008, they welcomed fraternal twins.

Woody Guthrie’s Son: Arlo Guthrie
Woody Guthrie, the legendary Dust Bowl Troubadour, passed away on October 3, 1967, at 55 due to Huntington’s disease. His son, Arlo Guthrie, born July 10, 1947, has carried on his father’s folk music legacy while making a name for himself.

Arlo is best known for Alice’s Restaurant Massacree, an 18-minute talking blues song that humorously protests the Vietnam War draft. Like his father, Arlo’s music often tackles social justice issues, blending wit with powerful messages.

Over the years, he has released more than a dozen albums and remained active in philanthropy. He founded The Guthrie Center, which provides free lunches and supports families affected by HIV/AIDS. He also organizes events like the Walk-A-Thon to Cure Huntington’s Disease, honoring his father’s battle with the illness. Through music and activism, Arlo has continued the Guthrie tradition of using art to inspire change.

Heavy D’s Daughter: Xea Myers
Heavy D, the beloved Jamaican-born rapper, and producer passed away on November 8, 2011, at just 44 due to a pulmonary embolism. His daughter, Xea Myers, has been dedicated to preserving his legacy.

As the heir to his estate, Xea has honored her father’s impact on music and culture. She has appeared in two documentaries about his life—Unsung and Be Inspired: The Life of Heavy D—giving fans a deeper look into his journey. While she keeps a relatively low profile, Xea remains committed to celebrating her father’s contributions to hip-hop.

Frank Sinatra’s Daughter: Nancy Sinatra
Frank Sinatra, the legendary Old Blue Eyes, passed away on May 14, 1998, at 82. His daughter, Nancy Sinatra, born June 8, 1940, built an impressive music career of her own, making waves in the 1960s with her signature hit, These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.

Beyond that, Nancy recorded other classics like Sugar Town, Somethin’ Stupid (a duet with her father), and Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)—the haunting track that opened Kill Bill: Vol. 1. In 2006, she earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and even made a cameo as herself in The Sopranos in 2007.

Nancy continues to honor her father’s legacy, hosting Nancy for Frank, a weekly show on SiriusXM. In 2013, she released Shifting Gears, a collection of rare recordings, proving that her musical journey is far from over.

Levon Helm’s Daughter: Amy Helm
Levon Helm, the legendary drummer and singer of The Band, passed away on April 19, 2012, at 71 after a battle with cancer. His daughter, Amy Helm, born December 3, 1970, has carried on his rich musical legacy.

A talented singer-songwriter, Amy has worked with several bands, including Ollabelle, the Levon Helm Band, the Dirt Farmer Band, and the Midnight Ramble Band. She also leads her own touring group, Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers. In 2012, she honored her father’s memory at the Love for Levon Tribute Concert, performing a moving duet with Roger Waters. Through her music, Amy continues to keep her father’s spirit alive.

James Brown’s Children: Deanna Brown Thomas & Dr. Yamma Brown
James Brown, the legendary Godfather of Soul, passed away on December 25, 2006, at 73 due to congestive heart failure. His daughters, Deanna Brown Thomas and Dr. Yamma Brown have each honored his legacy in unique ways.

Deanna Brown Thomas is a multi-talented radio and TV personality, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. As Executive Vice President of James Brown Enterprises, she has worked in radio across Georgia and appeared in films like New York Undercover and Blues Brothers 2000. She also co-owns several businesses, including T&T Transportation and DeShawn’s Seafood. To continue her father’s passion for education, she founded The Brown Family Children Foundation, which provides music scholarships and programs for students.

Dr. Yamma Brown, the youngest daughter of James Brown and Deidre Jenkins, earned her doctorate from Mercer University School of Pharmacy at just 24. She spent over a decade in the pharmaceutical field before redirecting and preserving her father’s legacy. She helped curate a museum in his home and worked as a consultant on his 2014 biopic, Get On Up.

Pete Seeger’s Children: Daniel & Mika Seeger
Folk legend and activist Pete Seeger passed away at 94 on January 27, 2014, leaving behind a powerful musical and social legacy. His children, Daniel Adams Seeger and Mika S. Seeger have each carved out meaningful paths of their own.

Daniel Adams Seeger resides in Topanga, California, with his wife, Mary Elizabeth Seeger. Together, they have one daughter, Cassandra E. Seeger.

Mika S. Seeger is a well-known ceramic artist, with her murals displayed across Rhode Island. She has shared her artistic talent at places like Sandywood Farm, Oakland Beach School, and the Great River Fall Art Association. Alongside her husband, Joe Bossom, she owns the Sandywood Center for the Arts Farm, where they support local artists and community programs. The couple has two daughters and continues to foster creativity and artistic expression, much like her father did through his music.

Gram Parsons’ Daughter: Polly Parsons
Gram Parsons, the pioneering musician behind The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, tragically passed away on September 19, 1973, at just 26 due to a morphine and alcohol overdose. His daughter, Polly Parsons, born in 1968, has dedicated her life to helping others overcome addiction.

In 2012, she founded the Gram Parsons Foundation, supporting musicians and artists struggling with substance abuse. She has also organized tribute concerts in her father’s honor, featuring artists like Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, and Norah Jones. Beyond that, Polly co-founded Hickory Wind Farm, a recovery center focused on helping women battling addiction. Through her work, she keeps her father’s legacy alive while making a real difference.

Nina Simone’s Daughter: Lisa Simone
Nina Simone, the legendary and soulful artist, passed away from breast cancer on April 21, 2003, at 70. Her daughter, Lisa Simone, born September 12, 1962, has built an impressive career as a Broadway actress and singer.

Lisa made her Broadway debut in Jesus Christ Superstar before landing a lead role as Mimi Marquez in the national tour of Rent in 1996. In 1998, she stepped away from theater to tour with the acid jazz band Liquid Soul, whose album Here’s The Deal earned a Grammy nomination in 2000. Since then, she has released three solo albums and toured Europe in 2014 to promote All Is Well.

Ray Charles’ Children: Sheila Raye Charles & Ray Charles Robinson Jr.
Ray Charles, known as The Genius, passed away on June 10, 2004, at 73 due to liver disease. His children, Sheila Raye Charles and Ray Charles Robinson Jr. have each carried his legacy in their own ways.

Sheila Raye Charles, born in 1963, was a singer and motivational speaker. She endured a difficult childhood marked by abuse and later struggled with addiction. After serving five years in prison, she turned her life around, dedicating herself to faith and recovery. She traveled the country, sharing her story and performing in churches, using music to inspire others.

Ray Charles Robinson Jr., born May 25, 1955, has focused on preserving his father’s legacy through film. He worked as a producer on the 2004 biopic Ray and the 2003 tribute concert Ray Charles Celebrates Gospel Christmas. He also produced the 2008 independent film Hotel California, continuing his work in entertainment.