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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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 1958: Pianist Bob Gaudio, drummer Tom Austin, tenor sax Larry Qualiano, singer Dianne Costello and guitarist Billy Dalton of the rock and roll band "The Royal Teens" pose for a portrait in September or October of 1958 at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York, New York. (Photo by PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Left to right: Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page, of British heavy rock group Led Zeppelin, performing at Earl's Court, London, May 1975. The band were initially booked to play three nights at the venue, from 23rd to 25th May, but due to public demand, two more concerts were later added, for 17th and 18th May. Total ticket sales were 85,000. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
American country comedienne Minnie Pearl (1912 – 1996) performing, circa 1970. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images) -
NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Rock and roll band Steppenwolf (L-R Jerry Edmonton, John Kay and Michael Monarch) perform at Steve Paul's The Scene nightclub on June 11, 1968 in New York, New York. (Photo by Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
