MELODIES IN THEIR DNA- THE MUSICAL FAMILIES WHO TURNED THEIR PASSION INTO PROFIT 

 

Have you heard of families who have not only inherited a deep love for melodies but have also successfully turned their passion for music into profit?  Sure, they exist in their numbers.

 

In this article, we uncover the secrets to their success and the unique dynamics that fuel their harmonious collaborations. We also gain insights into how these families have carved their path in the music industry to break the mould for future generations and the resounding legacy they left as musical families.

 

Here are four families where multiple members have pursued careers in music and found success. 

 

THE JACKSONS

The Jacksons were an American pop soul vocal group known for Michael Jackson. The Jackson’s family includes several members who have made significant contributions to the music industry. The five Jackson brothers' interest in music was bolstered by their father Joe Jackson. In 1964, Joe noticed his three eldest sons Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine took an interest in his guitar.

Joseph began shaping them and a pair of their cousins into a musical group. Tito, Jermaine, Jackie and Marlon later formed their own group, with Michael (age 5) playing congas and childhood friends also joining the group. 

The Jackson 5 have sold over 100 million records globally and were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 as the Jacksons.Two of the band's recordings ("ABC" and "I Want You Back") are among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and, alongside "I'll Be There", were also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The Jacksons striking fashion choices, big Afros, captivating choreography, and a youthful, soulful energy, the Jackson 5 instantly achieved remarkable success. They dominated the pop charts with four consecutive number one hits - “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There” in 1970. Throughout the early 1970s, they produced a series of hit songs for Motown, many of which were penned by a songwriting team known as “the Corporation” (Freddie Perren, Fonce Mizell, Deke Richards, and Gordy). Meanwhile, Michael and Jermaine pursued solo careers, with Michael achieving chart-topping success in 1972 with “Ben,” having previously reached number two with “Rockin’ Robin.” The Jackson 5's string of enduring hits for Motown, including the peak at number two with “Dancing Machine” in 1974, showcased their musical prowess until 1975.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image from Medium

 

 

THE CARTER FAMILY

The Carter Family was an early twentieth century American folk and country music vocal trio. The family members were Alvin Pleasant known as A. P. Carter, his wife Sara, and her cousin Maybelle, who was married to A. P's brother Ezra.

The members of this country music group grew up in the Appalachian region of Virginia, and they popularised the music from the area. Sarah played autoharp and sang alto, while A.P. sang harmony, sought out and arranged songs, and Maybelle played guitar. Maybelle's guitar style was distinctive because she picked out the tune on the bass strings of the guitar. 

The Carter Family was influenced by shape note singing, Gospel music, and traditional folk tunes. 

Shape note singing is when the music notes are printed in specific shapes to show where the note falls on a scale degree. The high frequency radio of the 1930s helped distribute the group's music to a wide audience. Although the group disbanded in 1943 following A.P. and Sarah's divorce, the Carter family has multiple generations of musicians, including June Carter Cash and her son-in-law Johnny Cash.

Maybelle continued with music traditions by forming her own band with her daughters. Maybelle's daughters June, Anita, and Helen all persevered in the music industry continuing the path paved by their mother. The Carter Family III's 2010 album continues the legacy of music from this foundational family. They were given multiple awards that included a Country Music Hall of Fame award in 1970 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Future generations of musicians continue to play the Carter Family Songs today.

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Image from Blue Life

 

 

 

THE MARSALIS BROTHERS 

The Marsalis brothers were an American family, considered the “first family of jazz,” who (particularly brothers Wynton and Branford) had a major impact on jazz in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This sibling team that were talented and known to have the hottest and most widely publicised combo in jazz, a CBS Records contract, and a schedule that took in festivals around the United States and Europe.

The two brothers named Branford and Wynton were known for their strength of his astonishingly mature trumpet playing and a soloist saxophonist respectively. Their father Elis played an important role in developing them in their music career as Elis was known to be a respected pianist and teacher, and played with his sons on the recent album. 

Wynton excelled in both classical and jazz music. He's brilliance was rewarded in this areas as he is the only one to have won the Grammy Awards in both categories in the same year. Wynton has produced over 100 records which have sold over seven million copies worldwide including three Gold Records.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet received a Grammy Award in 2001 for their album Contemporary Jazz.

Marsalis, with his father and brothers, were group recipients of the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters  award

Other family members that also paved way in the music industry amongst the Marsalis’ are Delfeayo Marsalis who carved out a significant career for himself as a trombonist. Jason, the youngest member of the Marsalis family,made a strong impression at age 14 as a drummer on Delfeayo’s recordings. All five members of the Marsalis family were named Jazz Masters by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image from Marshalis

 

 

 

THE OSMOND BROTHERS 

The Osmond Brothers who found success in pop music and television, are noted to have achieved moderate success in their music career. The Osmonds have sold over 77 million records worldwide. The American family music group who reached the height of their fame in the early to mid-1970s. The music career began with Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay which were later joined by younger siblings Donny and Jimmy, both of whom enjoyed success as solo artists. With the addition of Donny, the group became known as the Osmonds; performing both as teen idols and as a rock band, their peak lasted from 1971 to 1975. Their only sister Marie, who rarely sang with her brothers at that time, launched a successful career in 1973, both as a solo artist and as Donny's duet partner.

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Image from People Magazine

 

 

A harmonious environment is the key to nurturing and elevating musical talent within a family. For instance, early exposure and encouragement to music plays a crucial role in cultivating a deep love for melodies. Siblings of the same family that are seen to produce a lot of music geniuses, often create an environment where children are exposed to diverse genres and instruments from a young age. Parents actively encourage their children to explore their musical inclinations, whether by providing access to instruments or enrolling them in music lessons.

 

Secondly, siblings with a shared passion for music create a powerful synergy. They become each other's biggest supporters, collaborating on projects, and pushing each other to excel. The familial bond enhances their connection both on and off the stage, resulting in exceptional performances and a unique artistic dynamic.

 

Furthermore, Parents play a pivotal role in nurturing musical talent within their family. They provide guidance, support, and mentorship, helping their children navigate the industry. Through their experience and knowledge, they instil valuable skills, discipline, and a strong work ethic in their musical progeny.

 

Musical families often have a rich ancestral heritage in music, which greatly influences their skills and artistic vision.