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Great Overall Career Arc -- Group/Solo

I'm interested in opinions on great artist who started out in a great band(s) and then went on to have equally great or better solo careers. The starting band can be relatively short-lived (at least 2 albums), but the solo career should be long-lived, or vice versa.

An obvious example would be John Lennon, but after thinking about it I don't think he qualifies. Is his solo work really as good or better than his original group work? I think the same applies to Brian Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, George Clinton or Sting.

I'm thinking more along the lines of Neil Young (Buffalo Springfield), Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music), Gram Parsons (Byrds & Flying Burrito Bros.), Jeff Beck (Yardbirds), Micheal Jackson (Jackson 5), Dave Alvin (Blasters) or even Robin Trower (Procol Harum).

Who would you include on this list?
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tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,589 posts
 
Emmylou Harris. Two albums with Gram Parsons then an outstanding solo career marked by grace, humor, integrity and great music.
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
Peter Frampton/Humble Pie
Rod Stewart/Faces/Jeff Beck Group
Jack Pastorious/Weather Report
Frank Sinatra/Tommy Dorsey
Janis Joplin/Big Brother
Beyonce/Destiny's Child
Ricky Skaggs/Emmylou Harris Band
Hasn't happened yet but inevitable;
Adam Levine/Maroone 5
dayglow
1,902 posts
 
Was Janis Joplin ever a true solo performer(Kozmic/Full Tilt)? Beyonce and Adam Levine(yikes)!
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
Jst playin' with the theme of the thread! I don't own a single Beyoncé song but I'll admit to owning the 1st 2 Maroone 5 CD's (bought 'em used though!). When they 1st came out I heard a serious 'Police' influence in their music. Since than, they've opted for the $ and have become kid stuff. Janis was a successful solo artist when she passed. I was never a big fan of hers, I don't think she would've had longevity in her career. In my mind I always put her next to Joe Cocker, another 'soulful' screecher!
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61 OP
5,218 posts
 
I was wrong by being too stringent. John Lennon, Brian Wilson, Eric Clapton and Smokey Robinson belong. They've had wonderful and long lasting post group careers.

I can't believe no one mentioned Lou Reed!

It's a little bit of a stretch, but I'd also nominate Mick Taylor. In his post Rolling Stones career he's generated two really good albums (Mick Taylor & A Stone's Throw), appeared in Dylan's greatest band (opposite Mark Knopfler) and on rare occasions delivered blistering concert performances. When you think about it his work outside of the Stones is far better than any other member of the group (Ronnie Woods excepted).
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