10 Musicians Who Were Homeless Before Stardom

Many people dream of becoming successful musicians, but the road to fame can be difficult and full of challenges.

For some, the journey includes overcoming homelessness and other hardships. These musicians faced difficult circumstances but never gave up on their dreams.

Through hard work and determination, they were able to achieve success and inspire others to pursue their passions.

1. James Bay

English singer-songwriter James Bay lived in his car and struggled to make ends meet before he was discovered and signed to a record label.

Despite these challenges, Bay never gave up on his dreams of becoming a successful musician, and his hard work and talent paid off when he released his debut album “Chaos and the Calm,” which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

Fun facts about James Bay

He was originally inspired to pick up the guitar after hearing Eric Clapton’s “Layla”.
In 2016, he shaved off his signature long locks for charity.

2. Hozier

Irish singer-songwriter Hozier faced homelessness and struggled to make ends meet before his music career took off.

Despite these challenges, Hozier never gave up on his passion for music and eventually gained widespread recognition with his hit song “Take Me to Church”.

Fun facts about Hozier

His stage name “Hozier” is actually a modification of his surname, “Byrne”.
He is a supporter of various human rights and social justice causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement and LGBTQ+ rights.

3. Gerard Way

Gerard Way, the lead singer of the band My Chemical Romance, was homeless before the band gained popularity.

Despite facing difficult circumstances, Way never gave up on his dreams of making it as a musician and eventually found success with My Chemical Romance.

Fun facts about Gerard Way

He is the co-founder of the comic book company “Young Animal”, which publishes alternative and experimental comics.
Way also created the comic book series “The Umbrella Academy”, which has been adapted into a successful Netflix series.

See our list of formerly homeless Singers

4. Rod Stewart

British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart was homeless in London before he became a successful musician.

Stewart faced many challenges and setbacks on his journey to fame, but he never let them discourage him and continued to pursue his dreams of making it as a musician.

Fun facts about Rod Stewart

Stewart was once a professional soccer player and even played for the Brentford Football Club youth team.
He has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music.

5. Axl Rose

Axl Rose, the lead singer of Guns N’ Roses, was homeless before the band’s breakthrough success.

Despite facing difficult circumstances, Rose never gave up on his dreams of making it as a musician and eventually found fame with Guns N’ Roses.

Fun facts about Axl Rose

He has a reputation for being notoriously late to concerts, sometimes keeping audiences waiting for hours.
Rose has a passion for collecting rare and exotic animals, including snakes, lizards, and a white albino lion.

6. Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith, lived on the streets of New York City before finding success as a musician.

Tyler faced many challenges and setbacks on his journey to fame, but he never let them discourage him and continued to pursue his dreams of making it as a musician.

Fun facts about Steven Tyler

He is an accomplished harmonica player and has played the instrument on several Aerosmith tracks.
Tyler is also a philanthropist and has supported various charities, including victims of child abuse and those struggling with addiction.

See our list of formerly homeless Musicians

7. Jewel

Singer-songwriter Jewel was homeless for a time before her music career took off.

Despite facing difficult circumstances, Jewel never gave up on her dreams of making it as a musician and eventually found success with her debut album “Pieces of You”.

Fun facts about Jeweal

She grew up living in a cabin in rural Alaska and began singing in bars at the age of eight to help support her family.
Jewel is also a poet and has published two volumes of poetry, “A Night Without Armor” and “Chasing Down the Dawn”.

8. Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis, a British singer, and songwriter, was homeless before she became a successful musician.

Lewis faced many challenges and setbacks on her journey to fame, but she never let them discourage her and continued to pursue her dreams of making it as a musician.

Fun facts about Leona Lewis

She is a vegetarian and has been a supporter of animal rights organizations such as PETA.
Lewis has also acted in several stage productions, including “Cats” and “The Bodyguard: The Musical”.

9. Mike Shinoda

Mike Shinoda, a musician, and rapper, was homeless before he found fame with the band Linkin Park.

Shinoda faced many challenges and setbacks on his journey to fame, but he never let them discourage him and continued to pursue his dreams of making it as a musician.

Fun facts about Mike Shinoda

He is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design and has designed album artwork for Linkin Park and other artists.
Shinoda is also a filmmaker and has directed and produced several music videos and documentaries.

See our list of formerly homeless Rappers

10. Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper was homeless before she became a successful musician in the 1980s.

Despite facing difficult circumstances, Lauper never gave up on her dreams of making it as a musician and eventually found fame with her debut album “She’s So Unusual”.

Fun facts about Cyndi Lauper

She is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has established the True Colors United, which works to end homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.
Lauper is also an actress and has appeared in films such as “Vibes” and “The Opportunists”.