Musicians Who Were Soldiers

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley may be the king of rock ‘n’ roll, but he was also a sergeant in the U.S. Army in 1958. He served the country for two years.

John Coltrane

The Melody Masters were jazz legend John Coltrane’s first band, and they were a Navy band. He had joined the service a year before in 1945 as a volunteer seaman.

Johnny Cash

The Man in Black joined the Air Force during the Korean war, creating his first band during his duty in Germany.

Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix’ father served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and Jimi followed in his footsteps after getting the choice between jail-time or joining the Army.

Tony Bennett

Legendary crooner Tony Bennett was called to Army during World War II. He served in Germany and France, getting his first crack at singing with a military band.

MC Hammer

The talent behind “Can’t Touch This” turned from a failed baseball career to the Navy early in his life.

Bruce Dickinson

Iron Maiden front man Bruce Dickinson is a man of many skills – flying, fencing, and writing. While a teenager he became interested in the military, joining the Territorial Army volunteer force for the British Army.

Shaggy

Before Shaggy was “bombastic” he left Jamaica to move to the U.S. He struggled to find work and joined the Marines in 1988, eventually finding himself in the Gulf War.

Ice T

A couple of the musicians got into trouble that led to them joining the military, Ice T. spent four years as an army ranger and then found himself in trouble afterward. Since though, he has managed a successful career in music and acting.

Maynard James Keenan

The voice of Tool and A Perfect Circle joined the Army to serve his country, but also for a unique reason – to receive a GI Bill so that he could attend art school. He accomplished that goal, and then he found his true love in music.