All in the family: 25 musical siblings

There is no doubt about it that the Jackson family is arguably the most popular family in music history and two of the most successful siblings are Michael and Janet. After achieving success with other siblings in the The Jackson 5, Michael struck out on his own to worldwide acclaim, with little sister Janet (who was not in the The Jackson 5) following not long after. From their showmanship to their choreography, to their iconic music videos, and a slew of hit songs, Michael and Janet are true blueprints of the ultimate pop star. With over 500 million records sold worldwide between them, they are two of the best-selling artists of all time. Many artists across all genres typically name them as huge inspirations to the craft. 

Donny and Marie Osmond have been in the music industry since the ‘70s, thanks to the success of their older brothers, a musical group known as the Osmonds. Donny joined his brothers later in the group, before venturing into a solo career. Marie was already making a name for herself as a solo act, but the two also recorded as a duo. Between their solo careers, television shows, and high-demand Las Vegas residency, Donny and Marie continue to be one of the industry’s most iconic sibling acts. 

In the late ‘90s, Beyoncé was already making a name for herself as a member of Destiny’s Child. But it was a few years later when her younger sister Solange took on a solo career. Beyoncé even collaborated with her sister on “Naive,” a song from Solange’s 2002 debut album Solo Star. Over the years, the sisters continue to be powerhouses in the music industry. 

Pop trio the Jonas Brothers consists of Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. The group released three albums before splitting up in 2013. Joe went on to form pop-rock group DNCE, and Nick ventured into a solo career. It was a six-year hiatus until the group decided to get back to their roots and reunite, which led to their first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, “Sucker.”

When people are born into a celebrity family, sometimes it can be hard for the children to find their own lane in Hollywood or the music industry. But for Jaden and Willow Smith, even though their parents are Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, that is not the case. While Jaden has followed more of his dad’s footsteps as a rapper and actor, Willow has also acted, but her music is tailored more towards alternative R&B and pop-punk fans.

In the late ‘90s, pop star like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears were running the genre, and Jessica Simpson came onto the scene showing that she could roll with the best of them. Throughout her career, some of her hit songs include “I Wanna Love You Forever,” “Irresistible,” and “With You.” Her younger sister Ashlee started as her backup dancer for her, before venturing into her music career in the early 2000s. Nowadays, the Simpson women are into other ventures such as acting and entrepreneurship.

There’s no doubt about about it that the 2010s hip-hop scene was on lock by Rae Sremmurd. Consisting of brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi, Rae Sremmurd has released several hit singles including “No Flex Zone,” “No Type,” and “Black Beatles.” 

Rock band Haim consists of sisters Alana, Danielle, and Este Haim. Although Danielle and Este were once part of the pop rock group Valli Girls, they left the group after a short stint and decided to form their own group with younger sister Alana. Throughout their career, not only have they played their sold-out shows, but they’ve also opened up for other artists including Florence + the Machine, Rihanna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Taylor Swift.

Sister duo Chloe x Halle have YouTube to thank for the start of their careers. After posting numerous covers to the social platform, Beyoncé took notice and signed them to her record label Parkwood Entertainment. Since their career took off with albums as a duo, the two have also ventured into solo careers, while also pursuing acting. They both had supporting roles on Freeform's Grown-ish, while Halle starred in films like The Little Mermaid and The Color Purple. 

Chance the Rapper and Taylor Bennett were both on the mixtape scene before releasing their full-length albums. Both have similar rapping styles, which derive from their Chicago roots and are inspired by other rappers like Kanye West. 

Nick Carter first came onto the scene as a member of the Backstreet Boys, and his younger brother Aaron Carter wasn’t far behind. In 1997, Aaron opened up for the Backstreet Boys and soon landed his own record deal. While most of Aaron’s music success came with his albums in the early 2000s, Nick has continued touring the globe with his group. Aaron tragically passed away in 2022 at 34.

Gospel icons BeBe and CeCe Winans first came onto the scene as members of The PLT Singers. After they left the group, BeBe and CeCe went on to pursue their career as a duo. Since then, they’ve released seven studio albums and won three Grammy Awards. In addition to their work as a duo, they've also had successful solo careers.  

In the early 1960s, rock band The Beach Boys came onto the scene. The group originally consisted of brothers Carl, Brian, and Dennis Wilson, along with cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They were known for giving fans the California beach sound and it was evident on legendary songs like “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.” 

Known as probably one of the most iconic and sampled groups is The Isley Brothers. The Isleys first formed in the 1950s as a trio of brothers O’Kelley Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley, and Ron Isley. Over the years, the group added other family members Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, and Rudolph’s brother-in-law Chris Jasper. Throughout their career, they’ve released hit songs like “Shout,” “Harvest for the World,” “Summer Breeze,” “That Lady,” and many more. 

Rock group Van Halen originally consisted of brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, along with David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony. After frontman Roth left in 1985 to pursue a solo career, the band continued with Sammy Hagar. Some of the bands’ hit songs include “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “Dance the Night Away,” “Panama,” and “Jump.” 

Country music band The Chicks consists of singer Natalie Maines alongside sisters Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire. With hit songs like “Wide Open Spaces,” “Cowboy Take Me Away,” and “Long Time Gone,” The Chicks have become the best-selling group in country music. 

Brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb were known as the disco trio the Bee Gees. With over 120 million records sold worldwide, the group dominated the charts throughout the '70s. Some fan-favorite tracks include “More Than a Woman,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Emotion,” and “Stayin’ Alive.” 

The Pointer Sisters were originally a trio consisting of Bonnie, June, and Anita, but turned into a quartet when sister Ruth Pointer joined them later. Some of their hit singles include “Jump (For My Love),” “Automatic,” “Fire,” and “I’m So Excited.” 

In 1997, brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson came onto the music scene as the trio properly named Hanson. Not only do they sing, but they’re multitalented on different instruments including guitar, piano, and drums. With hit songs like “MMMBop” and “I Will Come To You,” their debut album Middle of Nowhere has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Since their debut, Hanson has released seven studio albums. 

Brandy and Ray J both started their careers as teenagers, acting and singing. While Brandy released her debut album in 1994, Ray J followed a year later with his debut. In 1996, Brandy starred in the hit TV show Moesha, and in season five, Ray J had a recurring role on the show. Ray J is known for hit songs such as “Wait a Minute” and “One Wish.” Brandy is often referred to as the “vocal Bible” with hit songs like “I Wanna Be Down,” “Full Moon, and “The Boy Is Mine.” 

While Jared Leto may be known for his acting roles in films like American Psycho, Lord of War, and House of Gucci, he’s also one-half of the group 30 Seconds to Mars alongside his brother Shannon Leto. 

Psychedelic funk group Sly and the Family Stone consisted of the lead Sly Stone alongside his brother Freddie Stone, his sister Rose Stone, along with Greg Errico, Larry Graham, Jerry Martini, and Cynthia Robinson. Some of the group’s hit songs include “Everyday People,” “Thank You,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and “Family Affair.” 

In 1999, brothers Caleb, Jared, and Nathan Followill, along with their cousin Matthew Followill formed the rock group Kings of Leon. Throughout their careers, they’ve won four Grammy Awards and released hit songs including “Notion,” “Sex on Fire,” and “Use Somebody.” 

Back in the ‘80s, boy band New Kids on the Block came onto the scene, consisting of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. They helped influence other, later boy bands like *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. Some of the New Kids’ hit songs include “Step By Step” and “You’ve Got It (The Right Stuff).”

Sister Sledge started as a quartet consisting of Debi, Joni, Kathy, and Kim Sledge. Some of their hit songs include "He's the Greatest Dancer," and the Grammy Award-winning and properly titled single "We Are Family."