Playlist of Singers Who Left Bands and Went Solo

While being in a band isn’t a bad thing, some artists have found that being their own artist has garnered better success. That success may have been found while their former band members felt betrayed, or it may have been celebrated. Either way, here is a playlist of some of the biggest artists who were in bands and went solo.

Beyoncé

One of the most recognizable names in music today, Beyonce got her start in the band, Destiny’s Child back in the 90s. After some success in the band with songs like “Say My Name” and “Survivor” the band decided to go on a hiatus in 2001. A year later she featured on Jay-Z’s song “03 Bonnie & Clyde” before releasing her own album, Dangerously in Love, in 2003. Since then Beyoncé has had hits you can add to your playlist such as “Crazy in Love”, “Irreplaceable”, “If I Were a Boy”, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Halo”, and “Run the World (Girls)”.

Justin Timberlake

Originally the youngest member of NSYNC, Justin Timberlake has made a name for himself outside of the band as well. While in the band he released chart toppers like “Bye, Bye, Bye” and “It’s Gonna Be Me”. Since the band’s split in 2020, he has released hits like “Cry Me a River”, “SexyBack”, “Mirrors”, “Suit & Tie”, and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” as a solo artist.

Fergie

While we all know her hit song “Fergalicious”, some may forget that she got her start in the girl group Wild Orchid, and then found success in the Black Eyed Peas. Fergie joined Black Eyed Peas after Kim Hill left and had hits like “Where Is The Love?”, “Pump It”, “Boom Boom Pow”, “I Gotta Feeling”, . While still in the band she released solo works like “Fergalicious”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, and “London Bridge”. She left Black Eyed Peas in 2018 and we have also not gotten any new solo projects from her.

Harry Styles

If you’ve been paying any attention to pop news the last decade, you know Harry Styles. Originally a part of One Direction, Harry Styles has become a household name, and a powerhouse artist. As a part of the band, Styles recorded songs such as “What Makes You Beautiful”, “Best Song Ever”, and “Midnight Memories”. He even wrote songs for the band including “Happily”, “If I Could Fly”, “Olivia”, “Perfect”, and “Something Great”. Since the band went on hiatus in 2015 he has released two solo albums, Harry Styles and Fine Line, and has had immense commercial success with songs that are sure to already be in your playlist like “Sign of the Times”, his first solo single, “Watermelon Sugar”, and “Adore You”.

Contributor: Emma Foust