Black GenZ Twins Hear These White Music Icons, from Dolly Parton to Nirvana, for the First Time and Their Reactions Go Viral

Watch Gen Z twins Tim and Fred Williams react to some of the most iconic white artists, from Aerosmith to Johnny Cash.

Photo: Getty Images KMazur

If you’ve been on Tiktok or Youtube lately, you probably have seen twins, Tim and Fred Williams. The Gen Zs have been discovering and reacting to iconic white artists from the 1960s to the 1990s for a while now. What’s so adorable about the young men? It’s the pure joy on their faces the moment they hear these unfamiliar voices that happen to be familiar to anyone over the age of 30. We have compiled a list of their videos for you not just to take in the great music but to watch their hilarious and joyful critiques. Oh and for those who don’t know who these icons are we’ve given you some background of some of the greatest Music legends …ever. You welcome.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Root 100 Nominee Nicholas Ryan Gant Breaks Down the Secret Meaning of His New Single

Phil Collins

Photo: Getty Images L. Busacca Photo: Getty Images L. Busacca

Collin’s was one of the biggest names in the ‘80s, and with eight Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and many more awards. His debut solo album “Face Value” was released in 1981. The album included the legendary song “In the Air Tonight,” and according to Smooth Radio, the song reached number two in the UK and sold three million copies here in America.

Reaction to Phil Collins

Watch as these twins first take in the iconic song “In the Air Tonight,”though a little skeptical at first, the song manages to win their respect.

Dolly Parton

Photo: Getty Images Tom Hill Photo: Getty Images Tom Hill

Dolly Parton wrote some of the big hits that Black Stars such as Whitney House and Beyonce have made famous to a new generation such as “Jolene” and “I will always love You.” Parton first found success with the release of her debut Album “Hello, I’m Dolly.” This led to her being invited to perform on the Porter Wagoner Show. Wagoner was a very popular country music singer. According to Dolly Parton’s official website, Parton quickly became a regular feature. Parton has won 10 Grammy Awards and made into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, it is undeniable that she is one of the most iconic female country singers.

Reaction to Dolly Parton

In this video, the twins react to Dolly Parton’s heartbreaking single “Jolene,” where she pleads to gorgeous Jolene not to steal her man.

Queen

Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives

Maybe the most iconic band of the ‘70s, Queen has sold over 300 million albums worldwide, have two number one hits and four top 10 hits, according to Billboard. Lead singer and frontman Freddie Mercury was responsible for writing their hit song “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which became their first number one single in the UK in 1975. While in the United States “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” was their first number one single in 1980, according to Udiscover Music.

Reaction to Queen

Reacting to Queen’s live performance of “Love of My Life,” at their 1986 Wembley stadium performance, they are blown away by Freddie Mercury’s vocal power.

Nirvana

Photo: Getty Images Kevin.Mazur Photo: Getty Images Kevin.Mazur

Formed by lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic, Nirvana was likely the biggest rock band in the 1990s. According to IMDB the band went through many drummers, but Dave Grohl, who joined in 1990 stayed the longest. The band released three full-length studio albums, and after Cobain’s death in ‘94, the band split. However, their still manages to have a cult following and they are regarded as one of the most influential bands in rock and roll history, according to Spotify.

Reaction to Nirvana

Reacting to Nirvana’s most popular song, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” these twins can’t help head bopping.

Carpenters

Photo: Getty Images Hulton Archive Photo: Getty Images Hulton Archive

Brother and Sister Richard and Karen Carpenter first started as an instrumental band known as the “The Richard Carpenter Trio.’’ They won a battle of the bands contest in 1966, according to IMDB. In fact, it was Richard who first started to help his sister Karen develop her singing voice as they began to make demo tapes in 1969 and signed to A&M records. Although the duo were ridiculed in the 1970s for not being a part of the rock and roll scene, they earned major success with their album “Close To You,” and their single “We’ve Only Just Begun,” which earned them two Grammy Awards.’

Reaction to the Carpenters

Here the twins react to that iconic love song that is “Close To You” and their reactions make it clear why the song was such a hit.

Fleetwood Mac

Photo: Getty Images GAB Archive Photo: Getty Images GAB Archive

Inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and winning the BRIT Award for Outstanding contribution to music in the same year, Fleetwood Mac sold more than 100 million records worldwide, according to IMDB. They British-American rock band formed in 1967 and was founded by drummer Mick Fleetwood. After Mick Fleetwood was introduced to folk duo Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, he asked Buckingham to be the bands lead guitarist, which she agreed to on the condition that Stevie Nicks also joined the band, forming the iconic Fleetwood Mac that is known today.

Reaction to Fleetwood Mac

Reacting to “The Chain,” the bands from their 1977 album “Rumours” the twins are taken away by the beat drop of the drums and bass.

Bee Gees

Photo: Getty Images Michael Putland Photo: Getty Images Michael Putland

Brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb formed the Bee Gees in 1958. The Brothers have sold over 120 million records worldwide, which makes them among the best-selling music artist of all time, according to IMDB. The band was responsible for the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack which brought success to the band and the iconic disco film. The trio first won a Grammy for their single “How Deep is Your Love,” and in 2003 won the Grammy Legend Award.

Reaction to Bee Gees

Listening to the bands most popular song “Stayin’ Alive,” the twins can’t resist the groove of the disco era.

Aerosmith

Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives

Aerosmith is the best selling American hard rock band of all time, according to IMDB. Their hit song, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” is a rock ballad that has withstood the test of time. During their career the band has over 20 gold albums, 18 platinum albums, and 12 multi-platinum albums. The band is sometimes referred to as “The Bad Boys From Boston,” since that’s where they were formed.

Reaction to Aerosmith

As they attempt to harmonize and sing along with the song, the twins cannot resist the tunes that Aerosmith put out.

Johnny Cash

Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives

Johnny Cash, known as one of the best-selling musicians of all time, sold over 90 million records worldwide, according to Last.FM. Cash wasn’t just a country music artist, he also embraced other genres such as blues, folk, gospel and even some rock and roll.

Reactio to Johnny Cash

Here the twins react to what could be considered Johnny Cash’s most popular song.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Celebs Showing How They Looked in the 90s Is Taking Over the Internet

Black Celebs Showing How They Looked in the 90s Is Taking Over the Internet

From Halle Berry to Morris Chestnut, Black stars are hopping onto this 90s trend on TikTok. Let’s take a look at the best ones! …
The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

With the 2026 Oscars just days away, let’s take a look at Black celebs who’ve had some fashion misses on the famous red carpet! …
S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn's Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

After 85-year-old Rep. Jim Clyburn announced his run for an 18th term, Black folks online shared plenty of thoughts …
Why Oscar-Nominated Film 'The Alabama Solution,' is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

Why Oscar-Nominated Film ‘The Alabama Solution,’ is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

“The Alabama Solution” is what happens when you let inmates tell the unapologetic truth about their living conditions and the abuse allegedly at the hands of correctional officers …
Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

The viral pastor told church members to bring copies of their tax returns, saying he’s tired of congregants “playing in his face” when it comes time for tithes and offerings …
Psychology Behind the Internet's Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

Psychology Behind the Internet’s Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

We explore the dark truth of why the internet rallies more around a zoo monkey than detained kids separated from their immigrant parents …
Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Black boys are not trying to look feminine. They are just taking care of the hair they actually have …
All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

Oprah Winfrey deserves her flowers for these show-stopping looks that set the streets of Paris on fire during fashion week. Let’s take a look at what she wore …
Bam Adebayo's Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a 'Love & Basketball' Moment With WNBA Star A'ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo’s Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a ‘Love & Basketball’ Moment With WNBA Star A’ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo made history with an 83-point performance that broke Kobe Bryant’s legendary record. But his heartfelt postgame moment with girlfriend A’ja Wilson quickly stole the spotlight …
Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

The R&B singer is suing the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, host Karen Clark, and Urban One, claiming they defamed him amid ongoing family disputes with his ex-wife and estranged children …
Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama's Gorgeous Braided Looks

Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama’s Gorgeous Braided Looks

Have you ever wondered who the women are behind Michelle Obama’s gorgeous hairstyles? We’ll fill you in …
The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

Police say James Earl Johnson held his 46-year-old disabled wife captive in a bedroom under lock and key, with no phone access, for five years in Houston …
Thousands of Black Kidney Transplant Patients Get Justice After Racial Bias Is Found in Decades-Old Test

Thousands of Black Kidney Transplant Patients Get Justice After Racial Bias Is Found in Decades-Old Test

Researchers are reporting success after a new effort to reverse racial bias against Black kidney patients is paying off …
Why This Black British TikToker Is Being Dragged Online

Why This Black British TikToker Is Being Dragged Online

Here’s why this Black British TikToker is being dragged by American folks after speaking on American politics …
5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

These Black comedic voices would bring the funny to the Oscars stage …
All the Black History That Could be Made at 2026 Oscars

All the Black History That Could be Made at 2026 Oscars

The 2026 Oscars is shaping up to be a hella Black affair is all goes right, let’s take a look at the history that could potentially be made! …
Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Singer Ari Lennox’s latest dating revelation has social media in an uproar. Let’s break down why! …
Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

“Hustle & Flow” star Terrence Howard says he once had a chance with Beyoncé in during her days of Destiny’s Child—but chose a short-lived, “blue-eyed” bandmate instead, sparking some thoughts online …
The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

According to Pastor Jamal Bryant, Target has met three of four of the boycott’s original demands. Here’s exactly what that means …
Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

American Ballet Theater dancer Misty Copeland has entered the chat and is calling out Timothée Chalamet over his recent negative words about the art form …