SHOW BIZ KIDS: All You Need is a Trust Fund

Show business kids
Making movies of themselves
You know they don't give a fuck
About anybody else
-Steely Dan, "Show Biz Kids"

A few years ago, Rolling Stone ran an interesting cover story about the offspring of famous musicians. It detailed the highs and lows, both natural and chemically induced, of life with a rock star parent. Some second-generation pop stars reside in their parents' shadows; others achieve success greater than their celebrated moms and dads. This week we take a look at noteworthy singing scions.

Every Beatle had at least one musical child. Dhani Harrison co-produced his old man's last solo album, James McCartney has earned a couple of co-writing credits with Sir Dad, and Zak Starkey has sufficient chops to drum for the Who and Oasis. Nice work, and they can get it, but the Lennon boys have had it a little rougher. Julian (born 1963, to Cynthia Lennon) barely knew his absent father. Sean (born 1975, to Yoko Ono Lennon) enjoyed John's doting presence, but only until he was five, when John was murdered.

Julian Lennon is best remembered for his hit "Too Late for Goodbyes" and his uncanny vocal resemblance to his father. Half-brother Sean has had a lower-profile but more diverse musical career. In addition to releasing two albums of his own, he's played with the cult alternative band Cibo Matto and hip-hop heroes Jurassic 5. He's also been known to sing his father's songs, which he does beautifully.

Sean's voice is high and thin, sounding like his dad's only when executing a graceful, Lennon-esque vocal turn. He's a natural at crafting melodies, and his second solo album Friendly Fire is a fine collection of bittersweet breakup ballads. So next time you think about badmouthing Yoko, just remember: she managed to raise a surprisingly normal kid in the most tragic of circumstances. You can still badmouth her, though.

TODAY'S RECOMMENDATION: "Parachute" by Sean Lennon
AVAILABLE ON: Friendly Fire; iTunes