Musicians and Birth-order

[ElectroVibe]

Does anyone else think about this subject?

It seems like many of the groundbreaking artists were often firstborn.

No, I'm not one either.

 

[Oddly]

I'm firstborn, but certainly not groundbreaking.
Although I've dug myself a hole or two in my time...

 

[Gorn]

Does it seem that way or is it that way?

 

[ElectroVibe]

Does it seem that way or is it that way?

It is that way for the most part. At least in rock music.

 

[ElectroVibe]

It's like firstborns seem to have a more free-spirited nature.

 

[ebo]

I was 5th of 7. I think that’s why I’m so good with odd meters.

 

[micguy]

There are 3 well known musicians born the same year as me. Prince - a slew of half siblings that were older than him. Madonna - she has older siblings. Michael Jackson - his charm was that he was the baby of the group - several older siblings. And, of course, me - my one sibling is an older sister. As kids, she was the better musician. As adults, I’ve passed her through persistence.

Other notable musicians that come to mind - Bruce Springsteen - first born. Paul McCartney - first born. John Lennon - youngest of 4.

The Gallaghers - Paul, Noel, and Liam - all musicians, but the first born - not sure of his ability, but the least known of the 3.

I don’t believe first borns have an advantage here. Seems pretty random to me.

 

[ElectroVibe]

John Lennon was either first or only child. I think George was actually the last of 4.

 

[gln1955]

There was a trend for many years to try to correlate birth order with interests, talents, IQ, personality type, etc. With more real critical study, most of that has been thrown into question, if not totally debunked. I'd like to see the birth order numbers on 1,000 of the most successful musicians throughout history.

 

[Medicine Man]

Hypothesis:
Personality type has an influence on instrument of choice. Older siblings are more likely to be a singer, lead guitarist or other type of upfront solo role, while meeker middle children end up in the rhythm section.

 

[lermgalieu]

I doubt all of this

 

[swink]

Which came first, the Bootsy or the Catfisch?

 

[Hot Rats]

This sounds like a job for astrologists to figure out.

 

[fhm555]

I'm one of 4 sibs and they are all worlds ahead of me in musical ability. I started real young but dropped out at 13 when I bought my first motorcycle with money I earned doing a paper route on my bicycle, and that was the end of my music involvement until my late thirties. My three sibs however, continued to pursue music. They all have varying degrees of formal musical education, all can read with two piano players who can sit down and play most any piece of sheet music you drop in front of them. I'm second in line and my older sister is one of those sight reading piano players who can make you feel any piece she plays, but call a slow 12 bar in A and she gets that deer in the headlights look. She can wing it pretty good once she hears it but if it's not written down, she prefers to not mess with it.
Not sure what that says about birth order and musicality, but it's the only real reference I have on the subject.

 

[Ggaa]

Youngest of 3 by a long way. All of us play but I'm the only one who did bands.

 

[ElectroVibe]

Youngest of 3 by a long way. All of us play but I'm the only one who did bands.

Supposedly if there are a lot of years apart then it starts over. So there could be only child characteristics.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

In the Post Industrial Age, with approaching ZPG, it is increasingly likely that first- borns accomplish more .

 

[HardNHeavy]

last of 4, my youngest sis (8yrs older) practiced the flute, but i was the only one who joined bands....and i'm far from groundbreaking...lol

 

[Todd Hamby]

I’m the oldest of 4 and the only one with an interest in music.

 

[dalkowski]

So glad you broached the subject, as it's kept me awake lo these many nights.

Middle of 3, only one who made any sort of lasting commitment to music, although my older brother made many attempts, including a Hagstrom swimming pool bass that I wish he'd kept.

Also I have 2 sons. Oldest listens, youngest plays (Berklee escapee).

I could go on about the boundless delights of being the middle child but I have to get over to betterhelp for my weekly couch trip.