What 20 iconic musicians looked like when they were in their 20s

Michelle LarkinMay 26, 2020, 19:55 IST

Some stars have been rocking the same trends for decades.Michael Putland/Getty Images and Denis Balibouse/AP

Many of today's well-known musicians looked very different in their 20s.
While in their 20s, Diana Ross, Madonna, and Elton John all released no. 1 songs.
Other musicians, like Jimmy Buffet, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan, found greater success later in their careers.

Many iconic musicians who helped shape the music industry started their careers in their 20s.

Although some saw early success and rose to stardom quickly, others were still finding their way in the competitive business by the time they turned 30.

Here's a peek at what 20 iconic musicians were doing in their 20s.

Read the original article on Insider

By the time he was in his 20s, Mick Jagger was already part of a successful band.

Mick Jagger joined The Rolling Stones when he was around 19 years old. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters and Robert Dear/AP

Stevie Wonder already had two songs reach no. 1 by the time he was 21.

Stevie Wonder taught himself how to play three different instruments. AP and Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP

Throughout her early 20s, Gloria Estefan shined as part of the Miami Sound Machine.

Gloria Estefan was the lead singer of Miami Sound Machine. Paul Natkin / Getty Images and Demetrius Freeman/Reuters

While in his 20s, Paul McCartney released 12 studio albums with the Beatles.

Paul McCartney started the Beatles with John Lennon. AP and Amy Harris/Invision/AP

Madonna launched her music career when she was in her 20s.

Madonna's first single was "Everybody." AP and Jeenah Moon/Reuters

While in her 20s, Dolly Parton released some of her biggest hits.

Dolly Parton made a name for herself in country music. Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer/Getty Images and Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

While in his 20s, Bob Dylan released one of his most famous songs.

Bob Dylan has a Presidential Medal of Freedom. AP and Dave J Hogan/Getty Images for ABA

Carlos Santana played Woodstock shortly after he turned 20.

Carlos Santana performed at Woodstock in 1969. Michael Ochs Archives / Handout/Getty Images and Amy Harris/Invision/AP

By the time he turned 30, Elton John had already released multiple no. 1 songs.

Elton John has been rocking his signature colored frames since his 20s. Michael Putland/Getty Images and Denis Balibouse/AP

While in his early 20s, Willie Nelson worked as a DJ.

Willie Nelson studied farming before becoming a musician. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images and Harrison McClary/AP

Tina Turner became a lead singer in her early 20s.

Tina Turner was the lead singer of the Kings of Rhythm. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images and Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP

At 27 years old, Joni Mitchell saw commercial success with the release of her second album.

Joni Mitchell started her career in the folk genre. RB/Redferns/Getty Images and Bruce Glikas/WireImage/Getty Images

Bruce Springsteen released "Born to Run" when he was in his mid-20s.

Bruce Springsteen is still recording top-10 hits. Jim Pozarik/AP and Star Shooter/MediaPunch /IPX

When he was 20 years old, Ozzy Osbourne joined Black Sabbath.

Ozzy Osbourne was once the front-runner of Black Sabbath. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images and KGC-138/STAR MAX/IPx/AP

Diana Ross was a successful musician and actress by the time she turned 30.

Diana Ross was a member of The Supremes. Dave Pickoff/AP and Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

In his early 20s, Billy Joel released "Piano Man."

Billy Joel was working as a lounge singer when he wrote "Piano Man." Michael Putland/Getty Images and mpi04/MediaPunch /IPX/AP

While in her early 20s, Stevie Nicks opened for fellow music legends Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

Stevie Nicks is best known for her time in Fleetwood Mac. Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images and Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Smokey Robinson released his first hit when he was in his 20s.

Smokey Robinson worked with Motown Records. Donaldson Collection/Getty Images and Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

When he was 26 years old, Sting joined the Police.

Sting was the lead singer of the Police. Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty Images and Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images

In his late 20s, Jimmy Buffett moved to Key West and found his beach inspiration.

Jimmy Buffett is best known for "Margaritaville." Tom Hill/WireImage/Getty Images and Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage/Getty Images

The 9 best Korean thrillers to watch on Netflix right now

Cookies on the Business Insider India website