From the courts and the field to the recording studios, several athletes have demonstrated their versatility by making successful transitions into music careers.
These individuals have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also garnered some level of acclaim for their musical talents.
This list showcases some of the most notable athletes who have managed to balance their athletic careers with successful music endeavors.
Wayman Tisdale – Jazz Bassist
Wayman Tisdale was a highly successful basketball player, being a three-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma. He also played 12 seasons in the NBA for teams including the Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings.
He was a first-round pick of the Pacers in the 1985 NBA draft and would score in double digits in each season except his last. He was elected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Tisdale successfully transitioned into a music career as a jazz bassist, releasing several albums, including his debut CD that rose to No. 4 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart.
Bernie Williams – Classical Guitar
Bernie Williams had a 16-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the New York Yankees from 1991 through 2006.
He was a key member of four World Series championship teams with the Yankees and was known for his prowess at the plate, finishing his career with a .297 batting average and 287 home runs.
After retiring from baseball in 2006, Williams pursued a career in music, releasing two jazz albums, “The Journey Within” and “Moving Forward.” The latter earned him a Latin Grammy nomination.
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Shaquille O’Neal – Rap
Shaquille O’Neal was the most dominant center in his era, winning four NBA championships. He was a 15-time All-Star, who earned three Finals MVP awards and led the league in field goal percentage ten times during his 19-year career.
He was named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
O’Neal ventured into the music industry as a rapper, releasing four albums and collaborating with notable artists. He achieved a platinum album with “Shaq Diesel” in 1993.
Lee Maye – R&B Singer
Lee Maye played outfield during his 13-year career in Major League Baseball for teams including the Milwaukee Braves and the Houston Astros.
He was known for his hitting ability, with a career batting average of .274 and 1,109 hits.
Maye was also notable for his rhythm and blues singing career, including performances with future members of the Platters, the Penguins, and the Coasters.
Chris Jericho – Heavy Metal Singer
Chris Jericho is a highly accomplished professional wrestler who has made significant contributions to the industry with the WWE, WCW, and later in AEW.
He became the first-ever Undisputed WWF Champion in 2001 and the first AEW World Champion in 2019.
Jericho is also the frontman of the heavy metal band Fozzy, which has released eight albums since 2000 and achieved some moderate chart success with three consecutive albums from 2012 to 2017.
Jack McDowell – Alternative Rock Guitar
Jack McDowell, nicknamed “Black Jack,” was a dominant pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1987 to 1999, winning the American League Cy Young Award in 1993.
He was selected to three consecutive All-Star Games while playing for the Chicago White Sox. He continued pitching with various other teams including the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Anaheim Angels.
McDowell also had a passion for music, playing guitar in various alternative rock groups during his baseball off-seasons and releasing music with his band, stickfigure. His first band, V.I.E.W., toured with The Smithereens in 1992.
Deion Sanders – Rap
“Prime Time” is the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl (winning 2) and a World Series, showcasing his exceptional versatility as a two-sport professional athlete. He played in the NFL for 14 seasons and in MLB for 9 seasons.
His football career was more successful, earning the aforementioned championship rings and being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1994. His baseball career saw him play for four teams and achieve a .263 batting average over his nine seasons.
Sanders released a rap album titled “Prime Time.” The disc peaked at No. 70 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 14 on the Top Heatseekers.
John McEnroe – Rock Guitar
John McEnroe is a former professional tennis player who amassed a total of 77 career titles, including 7 Grand Slam singles titles and a record-setting 8 year-end championships.
He is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Also, one of the most controversial.
McEnroe pursued a music career by forming The Johnny Smyth Band as the lead singer and guitarist, performing and touring for two years before returning to tennis as a commentator and coach.
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Allen Iverson – Rap
Allen Iverson became one of the most prolific scorers in league history, earning numerous accolades including 11 All-Star selections, the MVP award in 2001, and he’s in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
He led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001 and was known for his explosive play and controversial off-court behavior.
Iverson ventured into the music industry by releasing a single titled “40 Bars” under the rap name “Jewelz” in 2000.
Chris Webber – Rap Producer
Chris Webber was a 5-time NBA All-Star and 5-time All-NBA Team member following a stint with the Fab Five at Michigan.
He was drafted first overall in 1993 and had a remarkable career, including being named the 1993-94 Rookie of the Year before being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Webber notably produced tracks for rapper Nas and showcased his passion for music through various collaborations and contributions within the hip-hop community.
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