Okay, I think we’ve all seen enough of Lebron James’ publicity stunt to get his son on the Lakers to become the first father-son duo to play on the same team at the same time (though it is a really cool moment for the family), so how about we look at some father-son duos throughout country music history?
Admittedly, not many father’s and sons actually collaborated with each other, mainly due to untimely deaths and the fact that few kids want their old dad’s to be part of the new, cool thing they’re doing (I assume), but there’s more than a few sons who followed in their father’s footsteps to create their own niche in the country music world.
Here’s 10 father-son duos from country music history.
Willie and Lukas and Micah Nelson
The Nelson family certainly spends the most time making music together. While Willie is cemented as a legend of the genre, Lukas has created his own style and built a loyal following of his own. Micah produced Willie’s most recent album Last Leaf On The Tree
Most recently they teamed up for The Willie Nelson Family, a gospel album that featured Willie’s family, including Lukas.
Rhett Atkins and Thomas Rhett
While Rhett Atkins is known more as a songwriter these days, his 90’s classic “That Ain’t My Truck” is what paved his way in the music industry. His son, Thomas Rhett, is one of the most commercially successful artists of the 2010’s, and while his style isn’t my favorite, the two teamed up for a fun drinking song on Thomas’ Life Changes album.
Waylon and Shooter Jennings
When your dad is Waylon Jennings it’s got to be tough to do your own thing, but somehow Shooter found his way both as an artist and a top tier producer.
He just announced he was teaming up with actor James Woods for a very unique project; a biography of Woods told through an album sung by Shooter, which certainly got my attention.
Waylon wrote a song for his boy aptly titled “Shooter” for his 1993 album Cowboys, Sisters, Rascals & Dirt.
Steve Earle and Justin Townes Earle
Both Steve and Justin fit solidly in the “your favorite artist’s favorite artist” category. Tragically, Justin passed away back in 2020 at the young age of 28, which prevented him from doing something down the road with his father.
Steve wrote this heart-wrenching tribute of a song for his song titled “Last Words” back in 2021 and it’s hard to listen to without tearing up…
Hank Williams & Hank Williams Jr.
This is probably the most well-known country music father and son combination.
Hank Williams may just be the most influential artist in genre history despite passing away at the young age of 29, when Jr. was just 3 years old.
Bocephus obviously went on to become a giant in his own right but man, wouldn’t it have been cool to see these two play together?
John Michael Montgomery and Walker Montgomery
The Montgomery family has to be one of the most talented, yet unsung, families in country music. They have not only John Michael and Walker, but Eddie Montgomery and Dillon Carmichael; can you imagine the singalongs they have at family reunions?
At just 16 years old, Walker joined his father on stage for a performance of “Life’s A Dance” and it’s a must listen.
Bobby Bare and Bobby Bare Jr.
Bobby Bare is one of those artists that was huge in his time but hasn’t quite remained as popular as time passed. He teamed up with his young son back in 1974 on “Daddy, What If” and performed it on stage with his dad until he was too old to do it. Bare Jr. later released 7 original albums from 2002 to 2015.
Buck Owens & Buddy Alan
Gosh, I love me some Buck Owens.
I actually just found out today that his son was Buddy Alan, who charted 8 singles of his own, including a duet with his father titled “Let the World Keep On A-Turnin'” back in 1972.
9. Merle Haggard & His Boys, Marty, Noel and Ben
Merle left quite the music legacy behind when he passed away in 2016. His sons Marty, Noel and Ben all play music, and they play it well.
Here’s a clip of the Haggard boys paying tribute to the man, himself:
10. Keith & Jesse Keith Whitley
Keith Whitley might be the greatest “what if” story in country music. He passed away in his early 30’s as a result of alcohol poisoning, but he was at the top of his game in the country music world. While I don’t think he could’ve stolen the “King” title from George Strait, many have speculated that he would’ve achieved similar commercial success had he continued to make music.
He did have a son with his wife, fellow country singer Lorrie Morgan, before he tragically passed away, and Jesse Keith is following in his dad’s footsteps:
