Katy Perry And 5 More Rock 'N' Roll Preacher's Kids
By Doug Lazy on August 19, 2010
It may come as a shock to some to learn that [lastfm]Katy Perry[/lastfm] was raised by dual-pastor parents; however, she’s hardly the first preacher’s kid to break into the music business. As a primer for Katy’s streaming performance on Live on Letterman next Tuesday, August 24th (5pm PT/8ET), we’re taking a look at five of our other favorite musicians who were raised by clergy.
5. [lastfm]Kings of Leon[/lastfm]
Caleb, Nathan, and Jared’s father (and Matthew’s uncle) was a Pentecostal preacher who traveled the South, spreading the word in tent revivals across several states. Their lyrics often feature religious imagery juxtaposed with facets of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, as their first EP was even titled “Holly Roller Novocain.”
[vevo]http://www.vevo.com/watch/kings-of-leon/mollys-chambers/USRV80300070[/vevo]
4. [lastfm]Tori Amos[/lastfm]
Tori’s father is a Methodist minister from North Carolina. Despite Tori’s sometimes controversial lyrics, her father has always been an adamant supporter of her music; in fact, he used to drive her to night clubs to perform when she was only 16.
[vevo]http://www.vevo.com/watch/tori-amos/a-silent-night-with-you/USUV70904115[/vevo]
3. [lastfm]Manchester Orchestra[/lastfm]
Manchester Orchestra’s front man Andy Hull is not only a preacher’s kid, he’s also a preacher’s grandkid. In “The Only One,” Andy sings, “I am the only son of a pastor I know, who does the things I do.” Well, look around this list Andy, turns out you’re in very good company.
[vevo]http://www.vevo.com/watch/manchester-orchestra/the-only-one/USSM20900514[/vevo]
2. [lastfm]Marvin Gaye[/lastfm]
Marvin Gaye’s father was a fundamentalist minister in the House of God. During Marvin’s childhood, his father forbade Marvin and his brothers from sinful behavior, including attending dances. Despite his strict upbringing, Marvin went on to become one of R&B’s most successful and loved artists, evolving from a sex symbol to a leading political activist. His father murdered him April 1st, 1984.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KC7uhMY9s]
1. [lastfm]Otis Redding[/lastfm]
Otis Redding’s father was a Baptist minister in Georgia. Otis got his musical start singing in the choir of his Macon church, and those Sunday roots undoubtedly contributed to the soulful, joyous noise that made Otis one of the best.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiDq4Q62tz4]
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