Finding Their Own Path: These Musicians Found Success on Their Own After Leaving Iconic Bands

Sep 26, 2023

By: Komal Banchhor

Meet musicians who continued to emerge as stars after leaving their bands

Success in the world of music is a multifaceted journey, and for some, the path to stardom involves breaking away from the crews that propelled them to fame. Today, we'll delve into the stories of ten musicians who began their careers as part of a collect...

10. Justin Timberlake ('N Sync)

Justin Timberlake, who formed the 90s boy band 'N Sync with his former Disney co-star JC Chasez, was propelled to stardom with its rising popularity. The group's catchy tracks and synchronized dance moves captured hearts worldwide, but 'N Sync a...

9. Beyoncé (Destiny's Child)

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter's journey to superstardom began in 1997 as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the most iconic girl groups of all time, with chart-toppers like "Say My Name" and "Survivor." Destiny's Child became synon...

8. Michael Jackson (The Jackson 5)

Before he became the King of Pop, Michael Jackson was a young sensation as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 in 1965. The Jackson 5's Motown hits, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC," helped Michael gain attention at an early stage. I...

7. Gwen Stefani (No Doubt)

Known for her distinctive voice and edgy style, Gwen Stefani started her music career in 1986 as the lead singer of No Doubt, which achieved success with hits like "Don't Speak" and "Just a Girl." After almost two decades together, the...

6. Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath)

Ozzy Osbourne remains an iconic figure in heavy metal on his own, but he initially gained prominence in the '70s as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath. However, Osbourne was fired in 1979 following tensions and conflict within the band. Following his exit...

5. Lauryn Hill (Fugees)

Singer, rapper, and songwriter Lauryn Hill began her music career as part of the hip-hop and R&B trio Fugees in 1992 alongside musician Wyclef Jean. The group quickly became a '90s sensation with their album "The Score," featuring hits like ...

4. Sting (The Police)

From 1977 to 1984 English musician Sting was the lead singer and bassist for the rock band The Police, which blended rock and new wave music that resonated with audiences worldwide. By 1985, Sting decided to embark on a solo career marked by an eclectic sound ...

3. Dr. Dre (World Class Wreckin' Cru and N.W.A)

Rap icon and influential producer Dr. Dre began his journey as a member of the electro hip-hop group World Class Wreckin' Cru in 1985 before joining the notorious gangsta rap group N.W.A. Dre played a pivotal role in shaping the West Coast hip-hop scene w...

2. Harry Styles (One Direction)

Heartthrob Harry Styles found fame as a member of the boy band One Direction in 2010, alongside Zayn Malik. The group's infectious pop tunes and legions of devoted fans propelled them to global stardom. But the band was split by 2016 and Styles signed up ...

1. Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)

At the top of our list is the legendary Stevie Nicks who joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 as a songwriter and vocalist. The band's album "Rumours" became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring classic tracks like "Go Your Own Way...