Throughout the history of music, there have been countless examples of artists who have taken unexpected turns in their careers. Some have reinvented themselves with a new sound, while others have switched genres entirely. From rock stars who became classical musicians to pop singers who became country crooners, here are the top 10 most surprising music career twists.
Sting - from frontman of The Police to solo jazz musician After the break-up of The Police, Sting surprised many by releasing his first solo album, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles," which was heavily influenced by jazz. He continued to explore jazz and world music on subsequent albums, proving that he was more than just a rock star.
Johnny Cash - from country icon to rockabilly rebel In the late 1950s, Johnny Cash shocked his fans by recording an album of rockabilly music. The album, "Johnny Cash Sings Hank Williams," included covers of Hank Williams' country songs reimagined as rockabilly tunes. The move helped establish Cash as a rebel and set the stage for his later success in the 1960s and beyond.
David Bowie - from glam rocker to electronic pioneer David Bowie was known for his flamboyant, androgynous persona as a glam rock star in the 1970s. But in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he began experimenting with electronic music, culminating in his influential album "Low." The album marked a departure from his earlier work and helped pave the way for the synthpop and new wave genres.
Bob Dylan - from folk singer to electric guitar hero In the mid-1960s, Bob Dylan caused controversy by plugging in an electric guitar at the Newport Folk Festival, signaling a move away from his folk roots. He went on to record a series of classic albums with his electric band, The Band, and solidified his status as a rock icon.
Taylor Swift - from country sweetheart to pop superstar Taylor Swift first made a name for herself as a country singer, but she shocked fans and critics alike when she released her pop-leaning album "1989" in 2014. The album was a massive success and marked a new phase in Swift's career, which has seen her become one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
Elvis Presley - from rock 'n' roll rebel to Hollywood heartthrob After rising to fame as a rock 'n' roll star in the 1950s, Elvis Presley turned his attention to Hollywood, where he became a successful actor. While his movies were often cheesy and formulaic, they helped solidify his status as a cultural icon and cemented his place in the mainstream.
Prince - from funk rocker to religious zealot In the early 2000s, Prince stunned fans and critics by becoming a devout Jehovah's Witness. He stopped performing his older, more provocative songs and focused on spreading his religious message through his music.
Neil Young - from folk troubadour to grunge pioneer Neil Young is known for his introspective folk songs, but in the early 1990s, he surprised fans by teaming up with the grunge band Pearl Jam. The resulting album, "Mirror Ball," showcased a heavier, more aggressive sound than fans were used to hearing from Young.
Metallica - from thrash metal icons to symphonic rockers In 1999, Metallica released their album "S&M," which featured the band playing alongside the San Francisco Symphony. The album marked a departure from their thrash metal roots and showcased a more symphonic, orchestral sound.
Joni Mitchell - from folk singer-songwriter to jazz chante
Joni Mitchell started her career as a folk singer-songwriter, known for her introspective lyrics and unique guitar tunings. However, over time, she began to incorporate jazz influences into her music, culminating in her 1974 album "Court and Spark." This album marked a significant departure from her earlier work, featuring more complex arrangements and jazz-influenced melodies.
Comments