Iowa may not be known for its bustling music scene, but the state has produced its fair share of talented singers and musicians. From country music stars to rock icons, Iowa has given birth to some of the most celebrated artists in the music industry.
One of the most famous singers from Iowa is Andy Williams, who began his career as a member of The Williams Brothers quartet before going on to become a successful solo artist. His smooth baritone voice and timeless classics like “Moon River” have earned him a place in music history. Another Iowa native, Corey Taylor, is known for his role as the frontman of the metal band Slipknot, as well as his work with Stone Sour. Taylor’s aggressive vocals and dynamic stage presence have made him one of the most respected and influential figures in modern rock.
Other famous singers from Iowa include Julia Michaels, who has gained popularity with her intimate and relatable lyrics; Maddie Poppe, who won the sixteenth season of “American Idol” with her unique blend of folk and pop; and Greg Brown, who has been praised for his ability to capture the essence of American life through his music and lyrics. These are just a few of the many talented singers who have called Iowa home, proving that the state has a rich and diverse musical legacy.
1. Andy Williams
Andy Williams was an American singer, known for his smooth baritone voice and timeless classics such as “Moon River,” “Can’t Get Used to Losing You,” and “The Days of Wine and Roses.” Born in Iowa in 1927, Williams began his career as a member of The Williams Brothers quartet alongside his brothers.
He later went on to become a successful solo artist, releasing over 40 albums and selling millions of records worldwide. Williams was also a popular television personality, hosting his own variety show, “The Andy Williams Show,” for almost a decade.
Throughout his career, he was beloved for his effortless style and ability to connect with audiences through his music. Williams passed away in 2012, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest crooners of all time.
2. Corey Taylor
Corey Taylor is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the bands Slipknot and Stone Sour. Born in Iowa in 1973, Taylor began his music career in the late 1990s with the formation of Stone Sour.
The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 2002, which was followed by their successful second album “Come What(ever) May” in 2006. Taylor’s breakthrough success, however, came with his role as the frontman of the metal band Slipknot. He joined the band in 1997 and quickly became known for his aggressive vocals and dynamic stage presence.
The band’s 1999 self-titled album went on to become a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies in the US alone. With Slipknot, Taylor has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)” and “All Hope Is Gone.” Outside of music, Taylor is also an author, actor, and voice actor. He is known for his powerful, emotive vocals and ability to connect with audiences through his music.
3. Julia Michaels
Julia Michaels is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, known for her unique voice, catchy melodies, and deeply personal lyrics. Born in Iowa in 1993, Michaels began writing songs at the age of 16 and quickly gained recognition in the music industry for her songwriting skills.
She co-wrote hit songs for artists like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato before launching her solo career. Michaels released her debut single, “Issues,” in 2017, which quickly became a commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Since then, she has released several successful singles, including “Heaven,” “Uh Huh,” and “Jump,” as well as two EPs, “Nervous System” and “Inner Monologue Part 1.” Michaels is known for her intimate and relatable lyrics, which often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Her music has been praised for its emotional depth, honesty, and vulnerability. Michaels has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and her music continues to resonate with fans around the world.
4. Maddie Poppe
Maddie Poppe is an American singer-songwriter and musician, known for her unique voice, catchy songs, and relatable lyrics. Born in Iowa in 1997, Poppe began her music career at a young age, performing in local talent shows and singing in church. She gained national recognition in 2018 when she won the sixteenth season of the popular singing competition show, “American Idol.”
Throughout the competition, Poppe impressed the judges and audiences with her soulful voice, creative arrangements, and original songwriting. Her debut single, “Going Going Gone,” was released immediately after her “American Idol” win and quickly became a fan favorite. Since then, she has released two albums, “Whirlwind” and “Madeleine,” featuring her unique blend of folk, pop, and rock influences.
Poppe’s music is known for its heartfelt lyrics, honest storytelling, and catchy melodies. She continues to tour and perform, sharing her music with fans around the world.
5. Tionne Watkins
Tionne Watkins, better known by her stage name T-Boz, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer, best known as a member of the R&B group TLC. Born in Iowa in 1970, Watkins grew up in a musical family and began performing at a young age.
She formed TLC in 1990 with Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and the group quickly became one of the most successful girl groups of all time. TLC’s music blended R&B, hip-hop, and pop influences and featured Watkins’ distinctive vocals. The group released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip,” “CrazySexyCool,” and “FanMail,” selling over 65 million records worldwide. Watkins also pursued a solo career, releasing her debut album, “TLC Presents… T-Boz & Friends,” in 2000.
In addition to her music career, Watkins has appeared in several films and television shows, including “Belly” and “Days of Our Lives.” She is also an advocate for sickle cell disease awareness and has spoken openly about her own struggles with the condition. Watkins is known for her powerful voice, energetic performances, and contributions to the music industry.
6. Greg Brown
Greg Brown is an American folk singer, songwriter, and musician, known for his distinctive voice, rich storytelling, and poetic lyrics. Born in Iowa in 1949, Brown began his music career in the 1970s, performing in coffeehouses and clubs around the country. His music is deeply rooted in American folk traditions, drawing inspiration from blues, gospel, and country music.
Brown has released over 30 albums, including “The Iowa Waltz,” “One More Goodnight Kiss,” and “Freak Flag.” He is also known for his collaborations with other musicians, including Ani DiFranco and Iris DeMent. Brown’s music is known for its emotional depth, social commentary, and wry humor.
He has been praised for his ability to capture the essence of American life through his music and lyrics. Brown continues to tour and perform, sharing his music with audiences around the world.
7. William Elliott Whitmore
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William Elliott Whitmore is an American singer-songwriter and musician, known for his distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and stripped-down folk sound. Born in Iowa in 1978, Whitmore grew up on a family farm and began playing music at a young age.
He released his first album, “Hymns for the Hopeless,” in 2003, which showcased his raw, emotional vocals and acoustic guitar work. Whitmore’s music draws inspiration from American roots music, including blues, gospel, and country, and often features socially conscious lyrics.
He has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Animals in the Dark,” “Field Songs,” and “Kilonova,” and has collaborated with other musicians, including the punk rock band Against Me!. Whitmore is known for his energetic live performances and passionate connection with his audience. He continues to tour and record, sharing his music with fans around the world.
8. Hailey Whitters
Hailey Whitters is an American country singer-songwriter, known for her honest, introspective lyrics and distinctive voice. Born in Iowa in 1988, Whitters began her music career in Nashville in the early 2010s, writing songs for other artists before launching her own solo career.
She released her debut album, “Black Sheep,” in 2015, which received critical acclaim for its raw, confessional lyrics and traditional country sound. Whitters gained wider recognition with the release of her 2020 album, “The Dream,” which featured collaborations with country music stars such as Lori McKenna, Little Big Town, and Trisha Yearwood.
The album was praised for its authenticity, vulnerability, and exploration of the ups and downs of pursuing a career in the music industry. Whitters is known for her powerful vocals and ability to connect with audiences through her music. She continues to tour and record, sharing her unique perspective on life and love through her songwriting.
9. Arthur Russell
Arthur Russell was an American musician, composer, and producer, known for his innovative and genre-defying approach to music. Born in Iowa in 1951, Russell began his music career in the 1970s in New York City, where he became involved in the downtown experimental music scene.
He worked with a wide range of artists, including Allen Ginsberg, Philip Glass, and David Byrne, and explored a variety of musical genres, including disco, pop, and experimental electronic music. Russell released several critically acclaimed albums during his lifetime, including “World of Echo” and “Instrumentals,” but remained relatively unknown to the mainstream music world until after his death in 1992.
His music has since gained a cult following and has been cited as an influence by artists across many genres, including Bjork, James Murphy, and Grizzly Bear. Russell’s music is known for its dreamlike quality, unconventional structures, and poignant lyrics. He continues to be celebrated for his unique and groundbreaking contributions to the world of music.
10. Shannon Brown
Shannon Brown is an American country music singer and songwriter, known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. Born in Iowa in 1973, Brown began her music career in the 1990s, performing in local bars and clubs.
She gained national recognition in 2002 with the release of her debut single, “Corn Fed,” which reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Brown’s music draws inspiration from classic country, rock, and blues, and often features personal and reflective lyrics.
She has released two albums, “Corn Fed” and “Three Days in Tennessee,” and has collaborated with other musicians, including Keith Urban and Martina McBride. Brown is known for her engaging live performances and her ability to connect with audiences through her music. She continues to tour and perform, sharing her unique voice and authentic approach to country music with fans around the world.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
