Growing up, I wasn’t good at very much. I took piano lessons, played trumpet in the school band. I was so-so at both. I also played basketball. In middle school, I was one of the last guys off the bench. In high school, it was a better story. But I was no Grant Hill or Bobby Hurley.
That’s why when I hear about people today who are excellent at both music and sports, I know it’s deserving of celebration. How can one person be world-class at two (or more) endeavors? While it may not seem fair, it is certainly something worthy of observation and appreciation.
Videos by American Songwriter
Let’s take a look at the best athlete musician and songwriters here. Who are those folks who are accomplished in one field only to step out onto another and soar high there, as well? Without further ado, here are the top athlete musician-songwriters.
1. Damian Lillard (Rapper, NBA All-Star)
2. Shaquille O’Neal (Rapper, NBA All-Star)
3. Bernie Williams (Guitarist, MLB All-Star)
4. Henrik Lundqvist (Guitarist, NHL Goalie)
5. John Daly (Guitarist, Pro-Golfer)
6. Jack McDowell (Guitarist, MLB Pitcher)
7. Alexi Lalas (Guitarist, World Cup Soccer Star)
8. Shaun White (Frontman, Olympic Snowboarder)
9. John McEnroe (Frontman, Pro Tennis Player)
10. Wayman Tisdale (Guitarist, NBA All-Star)
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Rock group Alice in Chains. Left to right Jerry Cantrell, guitar; Layne Staley, vocals, Michael Starr, bass and Sean Kinney in Hollywood for rehearsal July 1991. -
Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
CANADA – JANUARY 01: Photo of Bob DYLAN; performing live onstage at Massey Hall, Toronto (Photo by Peter Noble/Redferns) -
Stevie Wonder (Photo by Aaron Rapoport/Corbis via Getty Images) -
Circa 1965, American country singer and songwriter Loretta Lynn performs on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, Tennessee, 1960s. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) -
DETROIT – NOVEMBER 2: (L-R) Drummer Troy Luccketta, bass guitarist Brian Wheat, lead singer Jeff Keith, guitarist Frank Hannon, and guitarist Tommy Skeoch, comprising the American rock band Tesla, pose for a portrait backstage at the Joe Louis Arena while opening for Def Leppard during the "Hysteria World Tour," on November 2, 1987, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Ross Marino/Getty Images)
