Big Things Come In Small Packages
We had no idea that so many of our favorite musicians weren’t so vertically blessed—but what they lack in stature, they make up for in talent. The average height for a woman in the US is about 5’4” tall, while the average height for a man is 5’9” tall.
Willie Nelson
5’6” tall
It turns out that even the most towering stars—in this case, of country music—can still come in some 3” under the average. While he may be on the shorter side, the longevity of his career speaks for itself.
Flea
5’6” tall
Flea has been playing bass and making face in the Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1982, standing at 5’6” tall, whereas the band’s drummer, Chad Smith, towers over him at 6’3” tall.
Leon Wilson, Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bruck Dickinson
5’6” tall
The frontman for Iron Maiden has been shrieking his way through marathon world tours on and off since 1981—and their fervent fan base is a testament to his unforgettable performances.
Campus Party Brasil, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Steve Stevens
5’6” tall
This alliteratively-named guitarist has performed with Billy Idol, and remarkably, played lead guitar on the Top Gun theme, “Top Gun Anthem,” which netted him a Grammy in 1987.
Iggy Pop
5’6” tall
Wild, wiry, weird, and wonderful, no performer shocks audiences like Iggy Pop—known for his solo work as well as music made with bands like the Stooges, the Iguanas, and, perhaps appropriately, the Trolls.
CeeLo Green
5’6” tall
CeeLo may have come to prominence with the song “Crazy,” (2006), but he’s been making moves in the music industry long before that, working with Goodie Mob and producing hits, as well as acting as a judge on The Voice.
Lil Wayne
5’6” tall
Lil Wayne embraces his short stature—after all, he put it right there in his name. Born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr, the rapper is known for hits like “A Milli” and “Lollipop”.
Phil Collins
5’6” tall
Most people know Phil Collins for his solo hits or his drum work with Genesis—but few know that the musician was also an accomplished actor in his teens! Hits like “Turn It On Again,” and “In the Air Tonight” brought his name to the top of the charts—and for the record, his actress daughter Lily Collins is just one inch shorter than him.
Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bono
5’5 1/2” tall
The U2 frontman and activist has penned countless hits—and seems to be a stickler for accuracy. Who counts half an inch?
Thom Yorke
5’5” tall
Rolling Stone called Radiohead frontman and vocalist Thom York one of the greatest and most influential singers of his generation—and he also has a thriving DJ career.
Salvatore “Sonny” Bono (1935 - 1998)
5′5” tall
Sonny Bono may be best remembered for his short stint as a politician as he is for his marriage and collaboration with Cher—who just happened to be two inches taller than him, without counting any wild 70s platform boots she might have donned.
Mondadori Portfolio, Getty Images
Ronnie Lane (1946-1997)
5’5” tall
Lane was one of the founding members of the Small Faces and later, the Faces, ground-breaking British rock bands. Sadly, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the late 70s, and eventually passed on from complications of the disease in 1997.
Bruno Mars
5’5” tall
What this singer lacks in height, he makes up for in swagger and number-one hits. He’s had songs top the charts in nearly every genre, and also has had success with Silk Sonic, his collaboration with Anderson .Paak.
Lou Reed (1942-2013)
5’5” tall
The musician, singer, and songwriter had a successful solo career as well as a long stint with his band, the Velvet Underground. Nearly universally revered by musicians and fans alike, this legend passed on in 2013 at the age of 71.
Dani Filth
5′5” tall
Daniel Lloyd Davey performs under the name Dani Filth with his extreme metal band, Cradle of Filth. The singer boasts an incredible 5-octave range, which means he can go from deep bass to top soprano.
Markus Hillgärtner, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Billy Joel
5′5” tall
The Piano Man himself has never let his below-average height hold him back when it comes to writing songs or marrying supermodels. Joel was married to Christie Brinkley, who stands 5’9” tall, from 1985-1994.
Ronnie James Dio (1942 - 2010)
5′4” tall
If you were to ask any music fan which performer has the biggest voice coming out of the smallest body, many would name Ronnie James Dio, who performed with Black Sabbath and his namesake act, Dio.
Fergie
5′4” tall
She’s got enough attitude to fill an arena, but Stacy Ann Ferguson, AKA Fergie, stands at just 5’4” tall. So when she sang “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” she was kind of exaggerating, in a sense.
Alexandre Cardoso, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
John Oates of Hall & Oates
5’4” tall
Who cares about height when you’ve got a mustache that lush? Oates is best known for his collaboration with Darryl Hall, Hall & Oates. The group created a string of hits in the 70s and 80s.
Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Klaus Meine of the Scorpions
5’4” tall
Though you might not know his name off the bat, you definitely know his voice. Klaus Meine is a long-time vocalist and songwriter behind the Scorpions, known for hits like “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” and “Wind of Change”.
Alfred Nitsch, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT,Wikimedia Commons
Britney Spears
5’4” tall
She needs no introduction. The legendary Miss Spears is one of the best-selling artists in the world, and is often called the Princess of Pop.
Demi Lovato
5′3” tall
Demi Lovato has been in showbiz since she was a kid, first appearing on Barney & Friends before making her way through Disney fare like Camp Rock.
jenniferlinneaphotography, Flickr
Paul Simon
5′3” tall
Paul Simon first gained recognition as one half of the musical duo Simon & Garfunkel, with then-friend Art Garfunkel. The group eventually fell apart—and while Simon has had plenty of hits since, it’s reported that Garfunkel once remarked to his shorter bandmate: “I’ll always be taller than you”.
Carrie Underwood
5’3” tall
Carrie Underwood has performed no small feat, keeping a career going—and thriving—in the nearly 20 years since she originally won American Idol. Not to mention the fact that she brought us one of the great revenge/karaoke songs ever, “Before He Cheats”.
Amy Winehouse (1983 - 2011)
5′3” tall
It felt like the wildly talented British singer-songwriter was here for just a moment before her untimely passing in 2011, making her a member of the unfortunate 27 Club. Her 5’3” stature of course does not include the towering beehive she loved to wear.
Angus Young
5’3” tall
Angus Young was the co-founder and is the only remaining founding member of rock icons AC/DC. But if you’re not familiar with his name, you may know him by his outfit: he wears a schoolboy uniform onstage with the band.
Jessica Simpson
5’3” tall
Jessica Simpson has had a roller coaster of a career in music and in Hollywood, from her days as a virginal preacher’s daughter to reality star to divorcee to author of a scathing memoir that exposed the many, many people who did her wrong.
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Eazy E (1964-1995)
5’3” tall
Eric Lynn Wright, AKA Eazy E, was a founding member of NWA, and is often called the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap”. Sadly, his career was cut all too short by his untimely passing at the age of 30 due to complications from AIDS.
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Ian Dury (1942-2000)
5’3” tall
His name might not be as well known as Sid Vicious or a Ramone, but Ian Dury is a punk legend, best known for his work with the band the Blockheads.
Christina Aguilera
5′2” tall
This pint-sized pop princess is often referred to as the “Voice of a Generation,” due to her powerful pipes.
Prince (1958 - 2016)
5′2” tall
What can you say about a legend? Prince was the ultimate talent, showing intense expertise in songwriting, singing, and performing basically every instrument that exists—not to mention his stints in production and acting.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Ariana Grande
5’2” tall
She may be part of the new generation of pop princesses, but she’s just about the same height as the previous generation.
Paul Williams
5′2” tall
The name Paul Williams may not sound familiar, but you’ve definitely heard one of his songs. The composer, singer, songwriter, and actor wrote a number of songs for other artists, including the Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun”, and “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie.
Kylie Minogue
5’2” tall
This Australian sensation burst onto the scene with her cover of “The Loco-Motion” in 1987, and came back to cement her place in pop history with hits like “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” in the 2000s.
Shakira
5’2” tall
Shakira was already a huge star in South and Latin America when she broke onto the American charts with “Whenever, Wherever,” in 2001—and she hasn’t left them since.
Frederic Legrand - COMEO, Shutterstock
Nicki Minaj
5’2” tall
Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, AKA Nicki Minaj, fits a whole lot of attitude into her tiny stature, and has not only produced a huge string of hits, but also a fervent group of fans known as Barbs.
Lady Gaga
5′1” tall
It’s no wonder she picked such towering platforms for so long. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, AKA Lady Gaga, is just 5’1” tall.
Avril Lavigne
5’1” tall
This Canadian pop-punk princess had her first hit when she was just 18 years old, and despite personal struggles, as well as a battle with Lyme disease, she’s been a star ever since.
Rosa Casapullo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dolly Parton
5′ tall
This country icon may love wearing six-inch heels, but they really just bring her up to average height. However, you’d never be able to tell. As the star herself has said, “I walk tall. I got a tall attitude”.
Lil Kim
4’11” tall
The Queen Bee rapper has faced jeers about her height over the years, but she’s made it work for her—and her stage presence and cultural impact speak for themselves.
Joe C (1974 - 2000)
3′9” tall
Joseph Michael Calleja, AKA Joe C, became famous as the hype man for his friend Kid Rock in the late 90s, before his sudden and untimely death in the year 2000. Joe actually suffered from celiac disease to such an extreme level that it affected his height and forced him to undergo dialysis daily. It was complications from celiac that ultimately led to his passing.
Boivie, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bushwick Bill (1966 - 2019) of The Geto Boys
3′8″ tall
Bushwick Bill was 3'8” tall due to dwarfism, making him the shortest musician on this list. He performed with the Geto Boys, one of the first rap groups from the South to find widespread success. They’re best known for their hits “Damn It Feels Good To Be a Gangsta” and “Mind Playing Tricks on Me”. He passed on in 2019 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
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