7 Famous Dyslexic Musicians

In our ongoing series about famous dyslexic people, we will now celebrate a few musicians that have contributed to our nation’s amazing musical legacy. They have acknowledged their learning challenges and worked with their dyslexia to develop beautiful gifts.

1. Jewel

This sometimes San Diego resident took to the guitar at an early age and since she had dyslexia, she knew she had to work 20 times harder to learn.

2. Lou Reed

Thinking he was unemployable, Reed accepted his dyslexia and went on to earn a degree in English literature before becoming one of our most famous rock-n-rollers.

​3. Tony Bennett

Most recently known for his duet with Lady Gaga, this many decade-old crooner knew from a young age that it would take him longer to read. He still has difficulty reading sheet but says he “simply takes his time.”

​4. Cher

This famous singer was diagnosed with dyslexia when one of her children was 10 years old and struggling with reading. She noticed similarities between her son’s difficulties and her own including disliking reading and working with numbers. She wouldn’t trade in her dyslexia though. She says it makes her who she is.

​5. Florence Welch

This exuberant lead of Florence and the Machine is a vocal supporter of dyslexia foundations. She was diagnosed at a young age and often discusses her challenges in interviews. Welch is the epitome of owning her experience and making it work for her through hard work and support.

​6. Mick Fleetwood

Music was the perfect outlet for this famous drummer. In school, he felt he was going in circles and never in a direct line. He believes that drumming gave him a way to communicate and to process information.

​7. Gwen Stefani

Despite her dyslexic challenges, Stefani is one of the world’s most loved musicians. She is a self-described late bloomer who used her artistic outlet to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide.

These 7 world famous musicians show that being musically educated can help dyslexic students process information and succeed no matter the challenges. In fact, music skills help organization, visual development, memory, and timing. To see how this works, the next time your child is asked to remember something, try turning it into a song or a jingle!