Lukas Nelson and 4 Other Children of Country Legends Who Sound Just Like Their Parents

Several factors go into elevating an artist to legendary status. Among those things is their ability to influence future generations of artists. Some country legends left their marks on the genre and influenced their children to follow in their footsteps. For instance, Willie Nelson influenced his sons Micah and Lucas to keep the family legacy going. Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings also inspired their kids to become recording artists.

Today, we’re going to look at some children of country legends who not only followed in their famous fathers’ footsteps but also sound like their dads.

Hank Williams Jr.—A List of Children of Country Legends Would Be Incomplete Without Him

These days, Hank Jr. doesn’t sound much like his dad. However, that wasn’t the case in the early days of his career. He’s a great example of how children of country legends can follow in their parents’ footsteps and still carve their own paths in the music world. Listen to him sing “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” below.

Lukas Nelson—Can Sound Just Like His Legendary Dad

Inspired by his dad, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, Lucas Nelson started singing and writing songs at a young age. Now, he and his band Promise of the Real are blowing up. They’re releasing great music, touring, and playing festivals across the country.

Nelson and his band have a unique sound that is the result of their combined influences. However, when he steps up to the microphone to sing one of his dad’s songs, he sounds almost identical to him. It’s nice to know that someone will be there to keep Willie’s legacy alive for years to come. Listen to his cover of “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” below.

Shooter Jennings—A Jack of All Trades

A child of two Outlaw Country legends—Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter—Shooter Jennings has music in his blood. However, unlike the others, he doesn’t stick as close to his dad’s blueprint. While he sticks close to country and country rock, his sound is eclectic. Jennings is also one of the most sought-after producers of the 21st century.

While he has his own sound, he can sound just like his dad when he wants to. Listen to his rendition of “Waymore’s Blues” below.

Noel & Ben Haggard—Two Children of Country Legend Merle Haggard

Noel and Ben Haggard are half brothers and the children of country legend Merle Haggard. Both spent time in their dad’s band The Strangers and have solo careers. Noel tours regularly and released an album in the ‘90s. Ben, on the other hand, continues to tour and release music. His most recent single, “Tomorrow’s Good Old Days,” dropped earlier this year.

Both brothers lean into the traditional country sound. However, when they cover their father’s songs, it’s like hearing Merle sing again. Watch them play a medley below.

Featured Image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival