Dylan, Lennon, Marley—Children of Legendary Artists: Where Are They Now?

Being the child of a celebrity has to be an incredibly difficult position. As you are known as the child of that artist, and not as yourself. Hence, there have been so many of these children whose abnormal upbringings have led to a life full of hardships open to the public.

However, this can luckily not be said about every child. Many of them have gone on to have seemingly plentiful lives and careers that extend far beyond the name of their superstar parent. No one can say why these individuals have strayed away from the archetypal path, but they have been able to utilize their last names into something positive. Here are three children of legendary artists who have done just that.

1. Damian Marley

Son of Bob Marley, Damian is the second to youngest child out of Marley’s 12 children, and one of the few to go make a major name for themselves in the music industry. Known for songs “Welcome to Jamrock” and “Medication,” Damian’s music career spans over 28 years. He’s won two Grammies and is considered one of the most popular reggae acts of this generation.

Marley passed away when Damian was only 2-years-old. Carrying his legacy both through his music and genetics, Damian’s aura and musical style nearly identically replicates his late father. “There is nothing I’m holding back because I’m a Marley,” Damian told Hot 97. It seems Damian has perfected his interesting disposition and not let it get the best of him.

2. Jakob Dylan

Primarily known as the son of Bob Dylan, Jakob Dylan has gone on to have an illustrious career. The frontman of The Wallflowers, Jakob has won Grammies and received critical acclaim for songs “One Headlight” and “Evil Is Alive and Well.” He’s also very well known for being the narrator of the 2018 film, Echo In The Canyon.

Despite there being rumors of Dylan and Jakob being estranged, Jakob told the New York Times in 2005 that his father has always been “affectionate” towards him and that they have a “great relationship.” These rumors come from Jakob rarely ever speaking about his father. Besides this alluding to a damaged relationship, it also alludes to the fact that Jakob sees himself and his music as completely separate from his father. Thus, showing that the artist has made a name for himself and has not been limited by his father’s legacy.

3. Julian Lennon

In addition to being known as the son of John Lennon, Julian Lennon is also known for being the inspiration behind “Hey Jude.” Outside of his relationship with his father, Julian is a musician and photographer, and his music career reached its height in the ’80s. Furthermore, as a photographer Julian has photographed U2, ZZ Top, and his half-brother, Sean Ono Lennon.

Julian and his father did have a rocky relationship following his parents’ divorce in 1968. Julian told The Guardian, “10 years passed during which my dad and I barely spoke.” “I was very angry about how he left the family. It was thanks to my mum that we started having conversations again,” he also divulged. Nonetheless, the tempestuous relationship between the two greats led to some seriously good art from both parties. Consequently, it seems the art Julian has created has found an identity outside of its linkage to John Lennon.

Photo by Paras Griffin/WireImage