Their music makes them seem larger than life. Still, you’d be surprised at how modest the height is of so many musical legends. Here are 53 short rockstars, popstars, and rap artists.
If there’s anything in the world that proves that men don’t need to be tall to matter, it’s music. It’s one of the few arts that truly affect everyone. Everyone has a favorite song or a memory attached to a specific tune. It shouldn’t surprise you if it’s sung or performed by short rock stars.
Like most things in life, such as sports, acting, or your career, musical talent isn’t based on stature. The 52 musicians rounded up here are “rock” stars in the sense that their music is highly influential. They don’t let their modest height hinder their talent, charisma or determination.
I’ve included musicians and singers from every genre, so you’re sure to find someone from your preferred music genre. Let’s get this show on the road.
The Short List
If you don’t have the time to research each individual musician, we’ve compiled a list for you to review. We know there are more short rock stars and artists than what we’ve compiled here. Regardless, this list of modest-height musicians and musical geniuses will inspire you. Some of these big names might even surprise you.
| Name | Height |
|---|---|
| Roger Daltrey | 5'7" |
| Prince | 5'2" |
| John Mellencamp | 5'7" |
| Bob Marley | 5'8" |
| Bono | 5'5 1/2" |
| Angry Anderson | 5’1” |
| Angus Young | 5’2” |
| Malcolm Young | 5’3” |
| Paul Simon | 5’3” |
| Klaus Meine | 5’4” |
| Dani Filth | 5’5” |
| Lou Reed | 5’8" |
| Steve Stevens | 5’6” |
| Thom Yorke | 5’5” |
| Bruce Dickinson | 5’6” |
| Flea | 5’6” |
| Willie Nelson | 5’6” |
| Billy Joe Armstrong | 5’7” |
| Bob Dylan | 5’7” |
| Beck Hansen | 5’7” |
| Eddie Vedder | 5’7” |
| Iggy Pop | 5’6” |
| Axl Rose | 5’8” |
| Cee Lo Green | 5’6” |
| Bow Wow | 5’7” |
| Bruno Mars | 5’5” |
| Ja Rule | 5’9” |
| Joel Madden | 5’7” |
| Lil Wayne | 5’6” |
| Omarion | 5’6” |
| Phil Collins | 5’6” |
| Deryck Whibley | 5’7” |
53 Short Male Singers and Short Musicians
Like actors, rockstars often look bigger in their music videos and on stage. In reality, many of the best musicians and entertainers are actually shorter guys. It goes to show that stage presence, like confidence, adds so much to a person’s stature.
Here are our 53 favorite short musicians, rock stars, and entertainers.
1. Roger Daltrey 5’7″
Let’s start with a classic. Roger Daltrey is a legend. He is a singer, songwriter, actor, musician and founder of one of the best rock bands of all time, The Who.
Although he wasn’t the most prominent songwriter in the band, he did write a handful of hit songs for The Who, as well as several other groups.
He also created the deity-esqe persona that influenced some of the biggest rock-n-roll front men of his generation (and those to follow).
At just 5’7″ tall, Daltrey supposedly ran the show – on stage and off. He wouldn’t shy away from confrontation, and he readily got his point across with his fists.
He was confident on stage and is known for his signature move of swinging the microphone around his head. Daltrey was the lifeblood of one of the best rock bands of our time.
2. Prince 5’2″
First of all, if you are universally known by one name – nay, one syllable – you know you’ve made it. Prince is a musical genius who has produced 10 platinum albums and 30 hit singles over the course of his career.
Although he is usually seen as a flamboyant, tight pants wearing front man, he is actually an extremely gifted mulch-instrumentalist who has won seven Grammy Awards. By this, I mean that he ridiculous at guitar, bass, drums and a bunch of other instruments.
In fact, especially in the early days of his career, the recorded and produced all of his own stuff. He would simply play every instrument for every song (all of which he wrote, by the way).
Oh, and did I mention he is a ladies man? He’s dated fashion models (Kim Basinger), pop stars (Madonna), and actresses (Carmen Electra). Most of them were several inches taller than him.
3. John Mellencamp 5’7″
Best known for his all-American brand of pop/rock, John “Cougar” Mellencamp is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who has received critical acclaim for his early work as well as his latest album (and most of the stuff in between).
Mellencamp captured the voice of small town America. He wrote about regular people trying to make it in the real world, which was a breath of fresh air amongst all of the glam rock and bubble gum pop.
He stays true to his roots, too. Mellencamp lives on a lake in Indiana, and his vacation homes are in Georgia and South Carolina, not the Caribbean and the Hamptons.
Being 5’7″ didn’t stop Johnny Cougar from marrying supermodel Elaine Irwin (5’11”), releasing over 20 hit songs, being nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, and co-founding Farm Aid.
4. Bob Marley 5’8″
No matter where you’re from or what kind of music you listen to, you know who Bob Marley is. You can probably even name (and sing) a handful of his songs:
“I Shot the Sheriff”, “No Woman, No Cry”, “Stir It Up”, “Jammin”, “Redemption Song”, and so on.
Marley was a Jamaican singer, songwriter and guitarist. He was the lead singer of his band, Bob Marley & The Wailers.
Although hardcore reggae people will probably take issue with this, Marley was basically responsible for the genre’s popularity in the U.S. The compilation album Legend that was released after his death sold over 25 million copies.
Bob Marley died from cancer when he was just 36 years old. A Rastafarian and generally spiritual man, his last words were to his son Ziggy:
“Money can’t buy life.”
Marley may have only been 5’8″ tall, but had the spirit and presence of a lion.
5. Bono 5’5 1/2″
Like Prince, Paul David Hewson is internationally known by his stage name, Bono. This singer, humanitarian, writer, activist and philanthropist is the only person in the world to be nominated for a Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globe and Nobel Peace Prize. That’s like the Triple Crown of life.
Oh, and he was granted honorary knighthood by the Queen of England.
Although Bono has been made fun of for his accolades and activism, the fact is he is an amazing person. He’s played a ton of benefit concerts, organized multiple charities and non-profit campaigns, met with decision-making politicians like Bush and Obama, and written all of the lyrics for one of the most successful rock and roll acts of our time.
I hope this list of short rockstars has inspired (or at least entertained) you. These guys all knew that it’s not about your height. It’s about what you do with it. Personally, my new goal is to join Prince and Bono by being known only as “Brock”. Knighthood would be cool too.
6. Angry Anderson 5’1″
Standing 5’1” tall, Gary Stephen “Angry” Anderson AM Australian actor, television presenter, and singer-songwriter.
He has been rocking out as the lead vocalist of the band Rose Tattoo since the mid-1970s.
7. Angus Young 5’2″
Co-founder, lead guitarist, and songwriter for the world-famous hard rock band AC/DC Angus McKinnon Young stands at 5’2” tall.
This talented musician was ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the 24th greatest guitarist of all time.
8. Malcolm Young 5’3″
Older brother of Angus Young, famous short rockstar Malcolm Young measures 5’3” tall.
He acted as a backing vocalist and songwriter for AC/DC and became one of the best rhythm guitarists in the world of hard rock.
9. Paul Simon 5’3″
5’3” Paul Simon is an American singer-songwriter and actor.
He’s a strong proponent of music education for budding young guitarists, and alongside his brother Eddie Simon, founded The Guitar Study Center in New York City.
10. Klaus Meine 5’4″
German vocalist Klaus Mein, 5’4”, is perhaps best known as the lead singer of hard rock band Scorpions.
He’s one of only two band members to appear on every single Scorpions album. In 2006, Hit Parader ranked Meine as the 22nd top heavy metal vocalist of all time.
11. Dani Filth 5’5″
5’5” Dani Filth, born Daniel Lloyd Davey, is the is the lyricist, vocalist and founding member of the heavy metal band Cradle of Filth.
He’s also been lending his voice to the group Devilment as a side project.
12. Lou Reed 5’8″
Lou Reed is an American musician, singer, and songwriter who acted as lead guitarist and primary songwriter for the rock band Velvet Underground.
The 5’8″ musician also released a solo double album of feedback loops in 1975 called Metal Machine Music.
13. Steve Stevens 5’6″
Sometimes referred to as “The Duke of Darkness,” 5’6” Steve Stevens is best known for his collaborative efforts with artists such as Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, and Vince Neil.
He’s also released a limited amount of solo guitar work.
14. Thom Yorke 5’5″
At just over 5’5”, Thomas Edward Yorke is an English musician and composer.
Most people know this famous shorter man as the singer and main songwriter in the hit band Radiohead. A talented artist, he was ranked the 66th greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone in 2008.
15. Bruce Dickinson 5’6″
English songwriter and lead singer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, stands at 5’6” tall.
Not only is he a talented vocalist, but also an airline pilot, an entrepreneur, an author, and a radio personality.
16. Flea 5’6″
Born Michael Peter Balzary, 5’6” singer Flea was born in Australia before moving to the US as a kid.
He got his stage name in high school, where other kids dubbed him Mike B the Flea at Fairfax High School.
Flea is the founding member of the world-famous band The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
17. Willie Nelson 5’6″
Most people know American country musician, singer, and songwriter Willie Nelson for his hippie persona and messages of peace and togetherness.
Not only has the 5’6” musician come out with several hit album but is also a published poet, author, and activist.
18. Billy Joe Armstrong 5’7″
Lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of Green Day, 5’7” Billy Joe Armstrong’s career took off when he co-founded the punk rock band.
He also provides vocals for side projects, including Foxboro Hot Tubs, The Network, and The Longshot.
19. Bob Dylan 5’7″
One of America’s most famous and influential musicians, Bob Dylan stands at 5’7” tall.
He’s been a popular figure in music for more than five decades, producing classics such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin'” that later became anthems for the Civil Rights Movement.
20. Beck Hansen 5’7″
Beck Hansen, better known simply as “Beck,” is a talented singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist who stands just over 5’7”.
He comes out with an eclectic variety of music that ranges from folk to funk.
21. Eddie Vedder 5’7″
Standing just over 5’7”, Eddie Vedder was born Edward Louis Severson III.
This musician, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter is known by most people as a guitarist and lead vocalist in the rock band Pearl Jam.
22. Iggy Pop 5’6″
James Newell Osterberg Jr., known to most by his stage name Iggy Pop, stands just over 5’6” tall.
He’s considered to be the “Godfather of Punk” and was the lead vocalist of the proto-punk band Stooges.
23. Axl Rose 5’8″
American singer, songwriter, record producer, and musician Axl Rose us the lead vocalist of hard rock band Guns N’ Roses and AC/DC.
Measuring just over 5’8” in height, Axl Rose has been named one of the greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone, NME, and several other media outlets.
24. Cee Lo Green 5’6″
Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, also known as Cee Lo Green, is a 5’6” American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer.
He started his music career as a member of the hip-hop group Goodie Mob and as part of the soul duo Gnarls Barkley before going solo.
25. Bow Wow 5’7″
Shad Gregory Moss, formerly known as Lil’ Bow Wow and now known as just Bow Wow, is a rapper, actor, and television host.
The 5’7” artist has been in the music business since the age of thirteen when he released his first album, Beware of Dog.
26. Bruno Mars 5’5″
5’5” musician Bruno Mars has had an astronomical rise to fame in the past couple of years.
He’s not only a talented vocalist but also a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and dancer.
27. Ja Rule 5’9″
As a kid, he was known as Jeffrey Bruce Atkins, but now, the 5’9” rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer is more widely known by his stage name Ja Rule.
Much of his work is solo, though he has put out several hit collaborative pieces.
28. Joel Madden 5’7″
Standing at 5’7”, Joel Madden is the lead vocalist for the pop-punk band Good Charlotte and collaboration The Madden Brothers alongside his twin, Benji Madden.
In addition to singing, Joel Madden is also an actor, DJ, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
29. Lil Wayne 5’6″
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. was discovered at age nine by Bryan “Baby” Williams, becoming the youngest member of the Cash Money Records Label.
The 5’6” artist soon became known as rapper Lil Wayne with his debut album, Tha Block is Hot.
30. Omarion 5’6″
Omari Ishmael Grandberry is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer is best known as being the lead singer of the R&B boy band B2K in the early 2000s.
The 5’6” musician launched a solo career after splitting from the group, and his first album O received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
31. Phil Collins 5’6″
Phil Collins is a multitalented vocalist and musician who is known both as a solo artist and as the drummer and singer of rock band Genesis.
Almost 30 of the 5’6” artist’s songs have hit the UK’s Top 40 chart.
32. Deryck Whibley 5’7″
Lead singer and frontman of punk band Sum 41 stands at 5’7” tall.
He’s managed to snag himself a gorgeous taller woman who loves short men, though, with his wife, Ari Cooper.
33. Lars Ulrich, 5’6″
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One of Metallica’s founding members, Lars Ulrich, is known for his fast drum beats and double bass patterns. For anyone who doesn’t speak drums, this basically just means he’s an exceptional thrasher who combines rock with technique. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Metallica, the first Danish person ever.
34. Bruce Dickinson, 5’6″
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Another rocker, Bruce Dickinson, is the lead singer of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden is one of the founding fathers of ‘80s heavy metal. Did you know he’s also a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and aviation enthusiast? Dickinson is a genuine commercial airline pilot.
35. Eminem, 5’8”
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Eminem’s career spans decades. In rap, you have iconic rappers who pivot into other careers, like Snoop Dogg did, and new young rappers who are innovating. Eminem is an icon that inspires younger rappers while also selling against them. His flow is unmatched, and his lyrics, though controversial, are poetic.
36. Ed Sheeran, 5’8”
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Ed Sheeran is a talented singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He’s the kind of musician that anyone can listen to. Though he writes some catchy pop (for himself and others), real-deal music lovers can’t deny his talent. He started in folk-pop before moving into more mainstream sounds, though he continues to do a little bit of everything.
37. Ronnie James Dio, 5’3″
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Ronnie James Dio was a heavy metal singer who fronted several successful rock bands. The most important one was Black Sabbath. All three albums he did with the band were highly successful and continue to inspire modern rockers today. His ability to sing both hard rock and ballads is truly impressive.
38. Billy Joel, 5’ 5”
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Tyga may be known for his party-hard image, but there’s no denying he’s a meteoric success. Tyga has diamond-certified and platinum records and music videos with billions of views. He is one of the most commercially successful rappers of his time. Did you know he got his name because his mother used to call him “Little Tiger Woods”?
41. DJ Khaled, 5’7”
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DJ Khaled has changed the game for hip-hop hypemen all over the world. He’s probably the only hypeman to become a household name. Part of this has to do with how prolific he is as a producer in several genres of music. And part of this is the fact that he’s not afraid to announce his name in all of the catchy songs he helps create.
42. Justin Bieber, 5’8”
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Reportedly, Justin Bieber’s height hits anywhere from 5’7” to 5’9”, so let’s settle at 5’8.” Plus, I’ve seen him at Erewhon, and I don’t think he’s any taller than me (I’m 5’7”). All that to say, he’s definitely his generation’s pop star. He’s moved from tween hits to genuinely catchy pop. There’s no denying that he worked his tail off at a young age and experienced hardship to get where he is.
43. Maynard James Keenan, 5’7″
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As the singer, songwriter, and producer in the band Tool (among others), Maynard James Keenan is likely a genius. His lyrics and performances are dark, deep, and psychological. Famously, he isn’t afraid to explore insanity in his art. Still, Keenan seems to be a Renaissance man, as he’s also a winemaker and philanthropist.
44. Keith Emerson, 5’ 4”
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Keith Emerson achieved something few keyboard players do, and that’s a commercial success. He’s considered one of the greatest keyboardists of all time in progressive rock and in general. He’s a pioneer of progressive rock. He’s also known for top-notch orchestration, even when he’s improvising.
45. Glenn Danzig, 5’3
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Glen Danzig is a founding member of several bands, including Samhain, Misfits, and, of course, Danzig. He’s also a businessman who runs his own record label and an adult-oriented comic book publisher. A truly striking musician, Danzig is known for combining horror, sci-fi-, and camp themes with melodic vocals.
46. Nick Jonas, 5’6”
Nick Jonas is another tween-star-turned-grown-up-star. He’s one-third of the Jonas Brothers, who first caught the eyes of little girls worldwide through their Disney Channel prominence. Since then, he’s grown up, started a successful solo and acting career, and even married a beauty queen.
47. Kendrick Lamar, 5’5”
Kendrick Lamar is a highly talented rapper who reminds audiences that rap is indeed poetry. His songwriting is highly complex, his execution is technical and artistic, and his commentary is profound. Sure, he’s won Grammy Awards and American Music Awards. But, did you know, like Ernest Hemingway, he’s won a Pulitzer Prize?
48. Lil Jon, 5’6”
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Every Milliennial recognizes Lil Jon’s voice. The aughts were one big party for music and fashion; Lil Jon was a huge part of that. He brought Crunk, which came from the South, into the mainstream. He’s had several hits under his belt and has helped create music for rappers, rockers, and pop stars.
49. Van Morrison, 5’5”
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Long before genre-crossover collaborations became the norm, Van Morrison combined blues and jazz with R&B, soul, and even Celtic folk. To this day, few musicians have been able to successfully combine genres the way this Grammy winner has. Van Morrison is a Hall of Fame inductee and has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
50. Louis Armstrong, 5’6”
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Louis Armstrong has one of the most recognizable sounds in music history. He is a master trumpeter, likely the best in his genre. Armstrong also brings fun, character, and exceptional talent to his gravelly vocal improvisations. He is truly the first truly great jazz soloist. He’s definitely on jazz’s Mount Rushmore.
51. Frankie Valli, 5’4”
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In my opinion, Franki Valli has one of the most beautiful and resonant falsettos in music history. As a member of the Four Seasons, he helped deliver hit after hit. All of these songs have lasted the test of time. Even Gen Z kids know songs like “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and recognize his singing style.
52. Mac Miller, 5’7”
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Sadly, we lost talented rapper and musician Mac Miller in 2018. He was an undeniable talent in music. He played the piano, drums, guitar, and bass — and could do this all by age six! He also worked in several genres, including rap, alternative rap, soul, and R&B. Though we lost him too quickly, he inspired many acts that followed.
53. Tony Bennett, 5’7”
Tony Bennet was one of the most successful and beloved musical acts of all time. Before Michael Buble, he sang pop and jazz and also combined the two. Unsurprisingly, he boasts 20 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award. His smooth voice, sense of swing, warmth, and ability to make jazz standards his own.
Conclusion: The Shortest Male Singers and Rockstars
Again, music touches all of us. Since they span such a wide range of genres, the 53 short rockstars and short musicians here have truly changed pop culture. They have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on music and achieved extraordinary success.
I grew up listening to jazz and pop. It’s nice to know that so many of the artists I admire are around my height — even shorter sometimes!
Who’s your favorite musician of modest height? Let us know in the comments below.
You didn’t mention Marc Bolan of T Rex, he was not very tall, but a great singer and performer.
how tall is john Anderson the singer
Steve Marriott of Humble Pie was 5’4″.
You missed Dan Spitz (5’1”) – massively underrated guitarist
Glenn Danzig is only 5’3 and he’s not even on the list?
Robin Zander 5’8”
Don’t know why JaRule is on the list. If he’s 5’9, that’s average.
Frankie Valli is 5’ 4”
Lots of tiny female powerhouses too.
Keith Emerson was 5’ 4”
Billy Joel is 5’ 5”
Jon Anderson (from Yes) is 5’ 5”
Ronnie James Dio was 5’ 4”
Eric Burden 5’5″
Mark Farner, Mr Grand Funk Railroad, is 5’ 7”
it’s billie joe armstrong, but billy
Mick Jagger is 5’11”
How about Mick Jagger, 5′-7″ after watering his feet in the morning.
I nominate Van Morrison. And Paul Simon is nowhere near 5’3″.
Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane, both 5’ 5”
Marriott, one of the best vocalists, ever.
Ronnie Van Zant, of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was 5’7″ or shorter. Nobody ever ran a band or owned a crowd any more powerfully than he did.
David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth is a great showman but Ronnie Van Sant was a legendary performer at another level. From a height perspective, David Lee Roth is kind of a bigger guy, a solid 6′.
David Lee Roth is 6’1 or 6’2″ according to ex-manager Noel Monk
He’s 6 ft tall lol
Great list! Only one I would add is Billy Joel 5’5”
Yeah, he forgot about Billy Joel. Thanks Nita.
And Kurt Cobain
Exactly. I met Tom Cruise and Kurt, Tom was maybe 1” shorter (drunk British jackasses in the crowd were calling him a midget), but Kurt was _significantly_ shorter than me
Hey not all Brits are jackals.
and Neal Schon, his site lists him 5’9Z” but when he stands next to Eddie Van Halen who was 5’8″ he is clearly a couple of inches shorter than Ed.
Maynard James Keenan is 5’7″
Lars Ulrich-5’6″
Bruce Dickinson-5’6″
Ronnie James Dio-5’3″
You forgot Dio
Ronnie James Dio and Udo Dirkschneider