There are so many talented people out there. A lot of those people often hold more than one talent, and they might just surprise you with what they are capable of. How many athletes can you think of who are also famous musicians? Whether they became a lead singer or they are invested in the music industry in some other way, there are likely more sports stars out there than you think.
We’ve got the scoop to settle your curiosity! Check out these sports stars and athletes who are also famous musicians.
Charley Pride
Charley Pride may be one of your favorite artists to use from your copyright free music source, but did you know he has a history on the ball field? While his athletic career took place several years before his music career, it should be noted. Charley Pride was a professional baseball player before starting his music career. He played for Major League and Negro League baseball teams for several years as a pitcher.
Charley once told an interviewer that this was one of the most significant parts of his entire career, even though he is a highly successful musician, too. Charley pitched in professional baseball until he suffered an injury that affected his game.
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was never part of the professional athletic industry, but he interacted with many who were. He was a devoted basketball player known for playing at open gyms with many professional ball players. You can find memories of playing with him from pros like Earl Cureton and George Gevin.
That’s not all, either. Marvin Gaye played football in his youth. In 1970, he attended tryouts for the Detroit Lions. While he didn’t make the team, these sports were still a significant part of his history. Marvin Gaye went on to sing smooth music that is loved by many.
Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks is a highly successful country music artist. Everyone loves Garth Brooks, right? Garth found his career in music after working as a bouncer at a club and getting the opportunity to play some live music there. Before that time, he was always on the field, involved in sports like football and baseball, and starring in track & field his entire life.
Garth played many sports, but his true success was in throwing the javelin. He won many awards and even attended Oklahoma State University on a scholarship for javelin competitions. It was during his time in college that he had that bouncer job that landed him in a music career.
Bernie Williams
Bernie Williams found his musical career taking flight during the 2000s, but his notoriety began well before that. He certainly made a name for himself with his guitar playing and his albums that were released in 2003 and 2009. In 2009, he earned a Latin Grammy nomination, which came from dedicated hard work and talent.
Bernie Williams was a highly successful baseball player turned musician. He played on the New York Yankees team for nearly a decade, holding his spot in center field throughout his time there. During his baseball career, he was awarded all-star center fielder multiple times, thanks to his talent on the field.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is most known for his time on the basketball court. He spent more than 20 years playing in the NBA and was definitely a shining light. He was perhaps one of the most talented players the NBA had, thanks to skill and dedication on the court. He started in professional ball almost right out of high school and earned many awards through the years.
But did you know that Kobe also has some musical history? While his music stint was a short one, he still held some fame in the rap industry, even releasing a rap album in the 1990s.
Other Names You Might Recognize
While these few examples held tons of talent, there are many more like them. From basketball to soccer to boxing and many other sports, you can find a wide array of star athletes also involved in the music industry at some point.
Here are a few more names you may recognize:
- Shaquille O’Neal played basketball and released four rap albums
- Oscar De La Hoya was a champion boxer and singer who was nominated for a Grammy
- John McEnroe is a retired tennis player who was a lead guitarist in the Johnny Smyth Band
- Mike Piazza was a baseball catcher who was on one of Black Label Society’s albums
- Barry Zito was both a baseball player and a guitarist, known for the song Butterflies
- Nick Swisher was a baseball outfielder who released a charity album called Believe
There are many athletes out there who are multi-talented. Check out some of their music. You might just be impressed.
