2020-10-01

Gene Simmons - Jewish

Gene Simmons is a native of Israel, born to a mother who survived the Holocaust. He can speak multiple languages, including Hebrew, and his religious and ethnic background is very important to who he is.

Prince - Jehovah's Witness

Prince is a former Seventh Day Adventist who converted to the Witnesses in 2001. He doesn’t just practice his faith in the quiet, he goes door to door with fellow Witnesses.

Boy George - Buddhist

The constantly controversial front man of ‘80s pop act Culture Club has been a Buddhist since the ‘90s. He began practicing chanting as a way to handle the stress from his multiple run-ins with the law, and is still a Buddhist today as evidenced by his frequent Twitter posts about his beliefs.

Gladys Knight - Mormon

R&B singer Gladys Knight converted to Mormonism in 1998 despite the churches’ controversial history with African Americans. She founded the Saints United Choir, a Grammy winning Mormon choir.

Gary Allen - Mormon

Many country musicians have connections to Christianity, but very few are Mormon. Gary Allen is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

Tina Turner - Buddhist

Everyone knows Tina for her voice, her legs, and her past brushes with the law. What people don’t usually know is that she turned to Buddhism as a way to help her move past the difficult spots in her life.

Whitney Houston - Christian

Though the diva was a consistent point of controversy all the way to her death, she still professed a belief in Jesus amidst her struggles.

Alice Cooper - Christian

Known for shock rock antics, Alice Cooper is now a dedicated Christian. He was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ. Also surprising – he is a darn good golfer.

David Bowie - Buddhist

Glam rock superstar David Bowie has been associated with Buddhism since the height of his popularity in the 1960s, and the religion has been a part of his music ever since.

Freddie Mercury - Zoroastrian

One of the greatest – if not the greatest – front men of all time came from Persian descent. While it is unknown how much he practiced Zoroastrianism during his life, his funeral was a traditional Zoroastrian funeral.

8 Bands You Didn’t Realize Were Christian
These eight bands may not have the Christian Rock label but biblical themes and their Christian faith are at the root of much of their music. Read next feature >
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