Legendary Family Acts in the World of Music

Families are an interesting mix. We love them, there's no denying that but we don't always want to spend all of our time with them. For those of us with siblings, the thought of spending almost every waking minute with them – working, living, and playing beyond the home – is just a concept that might be completely ludicrous. We may get along with them but perhaps prefer to keep our interactions to a bare minimum, like holidays and family reunions.

For some of the musical acts listed here, there is no denying the outstanding chemistry many musical family acts have when they get together. They may not always be harmonious outside of the recording studio, but when they get together and perform, it's perfection. Sibling vocal partnerships have been a pillar of the music industry for decades. No matter the genre – pop, rock, folk, gospel, art pop – family acts in pairs, bands, and large groups, have proven to be among the most enduring in the business.

To find legendary family acts in the world of music, 24/7 Tempo derived information from various music sources such as the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), the online site udiscovermusic,and Djrobblog.com. The list is not meant to be comprehensive – there are hundreds of sibling singing acts – but it has attempted to spotlight those sibling performers who have made the biggest impact in music. (These are 50 very popular songs that actually never got to be No. 1.)

Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson

Music Group: The Beach Boys
Known for: Helped create surfing-theme music in the 1960s
Performed: 1961-present

Tom and Dick Smothers

Music Group: The Smothers Brothers
Known for: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, concerts
Performed: 1959-2023

Karen and Richard Carpenter

Music Group:The Carpenters
Known for: Pop singing duo with a string of hits in the 1970s
Performed: 1965-1983

Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael Jackson

Music Group:The Jackson 5
Known for: Pop singing group that launched the career of Michael Jackson
Performed: 1964-1989; 2001; 2012-present

Don and Phil Everly

Music Group:The Everly Brothers
Known for: This harmonious brothers' act were pioneers of country rock
Performed: 1951-1973; 1983-2005

Barry, Robin, Andy and Maurice Gibb

Music Group: The Bee Gees
Known for: Pop, disco, soft rock
Performed: 1958-2012

Tom and John Fogerty

Music Group:Creedence Clearwater Revival
Known for: Unique blend of rock 'n roll, swamp rock, and rhythm and blues known as "roots rock"
Performed: 1968-1972

Dave and Ray Davies

Music Group:The Kinks
Known for: Satirical and observational style reflecting British culture and lifestyle
Performed: 1963-1996

Emily Robison and Martie Maguire

Music Group: The Chicks
Known for: Bluegrass and country
Performed: 1989-present

Liam and Noel Gallagher

Music Group: Oasis
Known for: Cited by Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful UK act during the late 90's and early aughts.
Performed: 1991-2009

Maxene, LaVerne, and Patty Andrews

Music Group: The Andrews Sisters
Known for: Harmonizing vocals, big band style
Performed: 1925-1967

Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas

Music Group:The Jonas Brothers
Known for: Teen singing sensations popularized on the Disney Channel in the mid-2000s
Performed: 2005-2013; 2019-present

Colin and Jonny Greenwood

Music Group:Radiohead
Known for: Different styles of rock
Performed: 1985-present

Don and Harold Reid

Music Group: The Statler Brothers
Known for: Gospel harmonies
Performed: 1955-2002

Ann and Nancy Wilson

Music Group: Heart
Known for: Music influenced by hard rock, folk, and heavy metal
Performed: 1973-1998; 2002-2016; 2019-2023

Joni, Kathy, Debbie, and Kim Sledge

Music Group:Sister Sledge
Known for: Their huge hit, "We Are Family"
Performed: 1971-present

Eddie and Alex Van Halen

Music Group:Van Halen
Known for: Bringing hard rock back to the forefront
Performed: 1973-2020

Angus and Malcolm Young

Music Group:AC/DC
Known for: Creative influence on the new wave of British rock bands, like Def Leppard
Performed: 1973-present

Jonas, Jenny and Linn Berggren

Music Group: Ace of Base
Known for: Only Swedish band to have a double number one album in the U.S.
Performed: 1987-present

Mavis, Cleotha, and Yvonne Staples

Music Group: The Staple Singers
Known for: Music imbued with spirituality and social change
Performed: 1948-1994; 1999

Duane and Gregg Allman

Music Group: the Allman Brothers
Known for: Creating the Southern rock genre
Performed: 1969-1976; 1978-1982; 1989-2014

Vicki and Debi Peterson

Music Group: The Bangles
Known for: All-female rock band
Performed: 1981-1989; 1998 – present

Andrew, Jon, and Tim Farriss

Music Group: INXS (formerly called the Farriss Brothers)
Known for: Their ability to blend genres like rock, pop, and funk; new wave/pop style
Performed: 1977-2012

Mark and David Knopfler

Music Group: Dire Straits
Known for: Unique sound and introspective lyrics
Performed: 1977-1988; 1990-1995

Louis and George Johnson

Music Group: The Brothers Johnson
Known for: Purveyors of LA funk
Performed: 1975-1982; 1984-2015

Ruth, Anita, Bonnie, and June Pointer

Music Group: The Pointer Sisters
Known for: Oakland-based R&B and soul act
Performed: 1970-present

Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh; Bob and Gerald Casale

Music Group: Devo
Known for: Satirical social commentary, deadpan surrealist humor, kitschy science fiction themes
Performed: 1973-1984; 1988-1991; 1996-present