Rockstars That Have Many Children
Keith Richards / Facebook
The world of rock and roll isn’t just about electrifying riffs and sold-out stadiums. Apparently, it’s also about creating a whole lot of mini-rockstars (or maybe not!). This list dives into the lives of famous rockers who’ve fathered (and in some cases, adopted) the most children.
From the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, with his six kids from two different partners (including the reality TV famous Kelly and Jack!), to the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, who boasts a whopping eight children with five different women, it seems fatherhood takes on a whole new meaning in the world of rock.
But fret not, not all rockers follow the stereotype. Jon Bon Jovi, for example, proves monogamy can be rock and roll too, having all four of his children with his wife (although he does not appear on this list).
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis, the piano-pounding rock and roll pioneer nicknamed “The Killer”, wasn’t just a force of nature on stage. The musician, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 87, left behind a musical legacy that continues to inspire generations.
But Lewis’s life wasn’t just about electrifying audiences with hits like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”. Beyond the music, Lewis built a large family throughout his life. He fathered six children with four different partners.
His sons Jerry Lee Jr. and Ronnie were born during his marriage to Jane Mitcham, while Steve and Phoebe came from his union with Myra Gale Brown. Lori arrived later with Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, and his youngest, Jerry Lee Lewis III, was born to Kerrie McCarver.
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne is the godfather of heavy metal and frontman of Black Sabbath famous for establishing an iconic solo career, and, of course, that infamous bat bite. Ozzy, currently 75 years old, has also built a sizeable family throughout his life.
He shares three children with his first wife, Thelma Mayfair. Jessica and Louis were born in 1972 and 1975 respectively. Ozzy also adopted Thelma’s son, Elliot, who was born in 1966.
After marrying Sharon Osbourne in 1982, the couple welcomed three more children together: Aimee (1983), Kelly (1984), and Jack (1985). Fans of MTV’s reality show The Osbournes will recognize Kelly and Jack, who along with Ozzy and Sharon, brought a hilarious and unfiltered look into their family life.
Bob Dylan
The legendary Bob Dylan, a songwriter whose words have shaped generations, has a life that extends far beyond the stage. While his music continues to resonate for over 60 years, Dylan has also built a large family throughout his life.
Fatherhood plays a significant role in Dylan’s story. He shares five children with his former wife, Sara Lownds. Maria, born in 1961, was adopted by Dylan during their marriage.
The couple also welcomed Jesse (1966), Anna (1967), Samuel (1968), and Jakob (1969) into the world. Interestingly, Jakob later found fame as a member of the band The Wallflowers. Dylan also has a daughter, Desiree Gabrielle, born in 1986, with his second wife, Carolyn Dennis.
Sting
Sting, the iconic frontman of The Police and a chart-topping solo artist amazed the world with his smooth vocals and catchy tunes. The 72-year-old musician has a surprisingly large family, welcoming children with two different partners throughout his life.
His first two children, Joseph (born 1976) and Fuchsia Katherine (born 1982), came from his marriage to actress Frances Tomelty. After marrying Trudie Styler in 1992, the couple expanded their family further. They share four children together: Brigitte Michael (born 1984), Jake (born 1985), Eliot Pauline (born 1990), and Giacomo Luke (born 1995).
Ronnie Wood
Ronnie Wood, the legendary guitarist who’s been a fixture with the Rolling Stones since 1975, isn’t just known for his electrifying riffs and iconic stage presence. This 76-year-old rock and roll veteran has also built a sizeable family throughout his life, welcoming children with three different partners.
Jesse, born in 1976, came from Wood’s relationship with Krissy Findlay. He later expanded his family with Jo Karslake. The couple adopted Jamie in 1974, and then welcomed Leah (1978) and Tyrone (1983) into the world.
Wood proved that fatherhood has no age limit when he and his wife, Sally Humphreys, had twin daughters, Gracie Jane and Alice Rose, in 2016. Talk about a late-in-life rock and roll surprise!
Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson is the visionary songwriter behind the Beach Boys’ iconic sound. The 81-year-old musician has a surprisingly large family, welcoming children with two different partners throughout his life.
His first two daughters, Carnie (born 1968) and Wendy (born 1969), came from his marriage to Marilyn Rovell. Wilson’s daughters followed their father’s footsteps and became part of the pop group Wilson Phillips alongside Chynna Phillips, the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas.
Later, with his second wife Melinda Kae Ledbetter, Brian embarked on a beautiful journey of adoption. The couple welcomed five children into their family: Daria (1996), Delanie (1998), Dylan (2004), Dash (2009), and Dakota (adopted in 2010).
John Fogerty
John Fogerty, the iconic frontman behind Creedence Clearwater Revival’s swamp rock anthems, is more than just a soulful voice with electrifying guitar work. This 78-year-old music legend has also built a large family throughout his life, welcoming children with two different partners.
Details about his first marriage to Martha Ann Paiz remain private, but the couple had three children together. Later, after marrying Julie Lynne Kramer, Fogerty expanded his family once again. This union saw the arrival of four more children, bringing his total to an impressive seven.
John’s three youngest children even became part of his pandemic-era band called Fogerty Factory.
Willie Nelson
Country music legend Willie Nelson, known for his outlaw spirit and iconic braids, is a spry 91-year-old musician who has built a remarkable family throughout his life, welcoming children with three different partners.
Willie’s first marriage to Martha Matthews brought three children into the world: Lana (1953), Susie (1956), and Billy (1958-1991). Later, with Connie Koepke, the couple welcomed Paula (1969) and Amy (1973) into the family.
Finally, with Annie D’Angelo, Nelson had two more sons, Lukas (1988) and Micah (1990). With a total of seven children, Willie Nelson proves that fatherhood can be a lifelong adventure, filled with music, love, and maybe a little bit of Texas spirit.
Paul Weller
Paul Weller, the legendary frontman of The Jam and The Style Council, has carved a path in music history with his sharp style and mod anthems. But beyond the stage lights, Weller has built a remarkable family life, welcoming eight children with four different partners.
Weller’s journey into fatherhood began with Dee C. Lee. The couple had two children together: Leah (born 1988) and Nathaniel (born 1991). Later, with Lucy Halperin, Weller welcomed Dylan into the world in 1997.
The musician’s family continued to grow with Samantha Stock, with whom he had daughter Jesamine (born 2000) and son Stevie Mac (born 2005). Finally, with Hannah Andrews, Weller became a father of twins, John Paul and Bowie, in 2012. Their daughter Nova joined the family in 2017.
David Gilmour
David Gilmour, the iconic guitarist and vocalist behind Pink Floyd’s legendary sound, has a life that extends far beyond the stage. This 78-year-old musician has built a large and loving family throughout his life, welcoming children with two different partners.
His first marriage to Virginia “Ginger” Hasenbein saw the arrival of four children: Alice (born 1976), Claire (born 1979), Sara (born 1983), and Matthew (born 1986). Later, after marrying writer Polly Samson, Gilmour’s family grew even bigger.
The couple has four children together: Charlie (born 1989, whom Gilmour adopted from Samson’s previous relationship), Joe (born 1995), Gabriel (born 1997), and Romany (born 2002).
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart, the iconic British singer with a legendary raspy voice, has a life that extends far beyond the stage. This 79-year-old music phenomenon has built a remarkable family throughout his life, welcoming children with five different partners.
His journey into fatherhood began with Susannah Boffey, with whom he shares his eldest daughter, Sarah Streeter (born 1963). Later, with Alana Stewart, the couple welcomed Kimberly (born 1979) and Sean (born 1980) into the world. Rod’s family continued to grow with Kelly Emberg, with whom he had daughter Ruby (born 1987).
His marriage to Rachel Hunter brought forth Renée (born 1992) and Liam (born 1994). Finally, with Penny Lancaster, Stewart became a father to Alastair (born 2005) and Aiden (born 2011). Eight children in total make Rod Stewart a true rock and roll patriarch.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of the Rolling Stones, has a life story that extends far beyond electrifying audiences with anthems like “Satisfaction”. This 80-year-old rock and roll legend has also built a substantial family throughout his life, welcoming children with five different partners.
Jagger’s first foray into fatherhood came with Marsha Hunt, with whom he shares daughter Karis Hunt Jagger (born 1970). Shortly after, with Bianca Jagger, he welcomed Jade Sheena Jezebel Jagger (born 1971) into the world. His longest relationship, with Jerry Hall, saw the arrival of four children: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Scarlett Jagger (born 1984), James Leroy Augustin Jagger (born 1985), Georgia May Ayeesha Jagger (born 1992), and Gabriel Luke Beauregard Jagger (born 1997).
The musician continued to expand his family with Luciana Gimenez Morad, having son Lucas Maurice Morad Jagger (born 1999). Finally, with Melanie Hamrick, Jagger welcomed his youngest child, Deveraux Octavian Basil Jagger (born 2016).
James Brown
James Brown, the legendary “Godfather of Soul” whose electrifying performances and funky grooves defined an era, wasn’t just a musical powerhouse. This iconic artist, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 73, also built a large and loving family throughout his life, welcoming at least nine children with four different partners.
Details surrounding some of his children remain private, but Brown’s legacy extends beyond the stage. With Deidre Jenkins, he had three children: Yamma Noyola Lumar, Deanna, and Lisa. Another son, Daryl, came from his relationship with Beatrice Ford. James Jr. arrived during his marriage to Tomi Rae Brown.
Additionally, Brown fathered Teddy (1954-1973), Terry, Larry, and Venisha with other partners. With a total of at least nine children, James Brown surely proved that Papa didn’t take no mess.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley, the iconic reggae singer whose soulful voice and insightful lyrics spread global awareness of Jamaican culture, was one of the most recognizable musical pioneers. This beloved artist, who tragically passed away in 1981 at the young age of 36, also built a remarkable family throughout his life. Marley welcomed eleven children with seven different partners.
His union with Rita Marley brought five children into the world: Sharon, adopted by Bob in 1964, Cedella (1967), David “Ziggy” (1968), Stephen (1972), and Stephanie, also adopted by Bob in 1974. Relationships with other women throughout his life resulted in the births of Robert (1972), Rohan (1972), Karen (1973), Julian (1975), Ky-Mani (1976), and Damian (1978).
Ray Charles
Ray Charles Robinson Sr., the musical legend better known as just Ray Charles, left behind a remarkable family legacy. Blind since childhood, Charles rose to become one of the most influential musicians of all time. Earning the nickname “The Genius” for his genre-bending talent as a singer, songwriter, and pianist, Charles’ impact on American music is undeniable.
But Brother Ray was never blind to love. Beyond the accolades, Charles was a devoted father. Throughout his life, he had twelve children with ten different women. His eldest daughter, Evelyn, was born in 1949. He later welcomed sons Ray Jr., David, and Robert with Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. Charles Wayne, Renee, Sheila, Alexandra, Aretha, Vincent, Robyn, and Ryan followed in the years to come.
