Posted in: Musicouching by Anne Lyken Garner on October 15, 2008 | 22 Comments
There is something about family bands that gives them that certain edge over other acts, something about the way the harmonies are just right and their timing – perfect. There have been several family bands throughout the ages, but some have been a lot better and more successful than others. I wanted to make a countdown of the most talented family bands of all time (in my opinion), to give my favourites the added exposure they deserve, and to gauge if they were deemed as gifted by others, as I thought they were. Here is my countdown.
Originally two sets of sisters, this New York band performed between 1964 and 1966. The group consisted of identical twin sisters Marge and Mary Anne Ganse, and Mary and Betty Weiss. Their most successful hits were ‘Leader Of The Pack’ and ‘Walkin’ In The Sand.’
‘Leader Of The Pack’ became their first number one and the only hit song to include spoken-word, motorbike roars, the sound of glass smashing, and a singer crying. This was a feat no one else could pull off, but because of their obvious talent and popularity, The Shangri-Las were able to do so.
This group was made up of sisters LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty Andrews. They were born in Minnesota to a Greek immigrant father and a Norwegian American mother.
They remained in the chart for over two decades, singing feel-good songs that warmed the hearts of their ever increasing number of fans.
The sisters were very popular during the Second World War, and sold at least 75 million records from about 600 recorded songs. They achieved Top 10 status more than Elvis Presley, and did seventeen Hollywood films. This is more than any other singing group in motion picture history.
Their hits include, ‘Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me),’ Cuanto La Gusta’ with Carmen Miranda, and ‘Jingle Bells’ with Bing Crosby.
Wikipedia picture
This is an English rock band. The vocals are provided by brothers, Liam and Noel Gallagher. The guitar, bass and drums are played by other members (Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan and Tony Carroll) of the band who’re not related.
Oasis has sold over 50 million records world-wide, and has had eight UK number one singles. They have 15 NME awards, 9 Q awards, and 5 Brit Awards. Their third album, ‘Be Here Now’ became the fastest selling album in UK chart history.
Their most popular hits include (‘What’s The Story) Morning Glory’ and ‘Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.’
BC Doan October 15th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Great selection! I like the Bee Gees most..
Emily James October 15th, 2008 at 6:49 am
All of my children have a special song that i will sing for them when they are feeling down. I have sung ‘close to you’ to my son since before he was born, so i was really touched to see this is your daughters song to you too.
valli October 15th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Wow, interesting.
louie jerome October 15th, 2008 at 10:40 am
The Bee Gees are my favourite too.
Athlyn Green October 15th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Great article slant, Anne. Looking att he number of links, this article will do well.
Athlyn Green October 15th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Thinking about this article made me think of the Osmonds, the Jackson family, the Von Trapp family and Hanson.
Judy Sheldon October 15th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
It must have been hard to narrow this down to 10, because I love all this music and would have added Gladys Knight and the Pips.
You have some great music included here.
Darlele McFarlane October 15th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I’m with Louie, the BeeGees have been my favourite since forever.
Interesting article and well presented.
Ruby Hawk October 15th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
The Everly Brothers were my favorites. A very interesting article.
Verniel Cutar October 15th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Where is the Corrs?
C. Jordan October 16th, 2008 at 6:23 am
You’ve put some time into producing this article.Well done, a good read.
nobert soloria bermosa October 16th, 2008 at 9:48 am
i love the BeeGees-very solid
Layla October 16th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Great article!
What about Kelly Family though?
lol
Lena Brown October 16th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I love the Bee Gees!!! Great No. 1 selection… I think you did a wonderful job choosing and placement. Nice article!
George White October 16th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Great article. The Osmonds Rock, and as far as I know are the longest performing group in the history of music. They’ve been going non-stop since they were 10,8,6, and 4 years old.
Katarina V October 17th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Great article! I like the Bee Gees but The Osmonds are my favorites! They just celebrated 50 years in show business! What a family!
Anne Lyken Garner November 13th, 2008 at 5:25 am
Thanks for your comments, everyone. They’re much appreciated.
B.R. White April 15th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Lots of folks missing here. Just off the top of my head I wonder where the following groups are: The Kinks, Black Crows, Van Halen, AC/DC, and Bachman-Turner just for starters.
karlitootz666 July 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
i think you should have also included the band “the corrs”…they are sooo good…but thats a nice list…
Anne Lyken Garner July 24th, 2009 at 3:24 am
I wanted to include the Corrs. When I drafted the article (with 15 bands) they were in it, but I had to leave them out when I picked my top 10.
Darren November 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
I think you are all forgetting one important family band that had massive success during their reign on the pop charts – Five Star.
Not only did they win Best British Group at the Brits (1987), they were the youngest ever band (using their combined age at the time) to top the album charts (with “Silk & Steel”) – a record they held for over 15yrs until Busted came along – not to mention countless other awards
DON GOLDBERG June 13th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Try looking up Surfs UP/ Fmily Band —They may not be one of the most succseful but without a doubt One of the best familt bands ever!