Missouri has been home to many famous musicians over the years, from the birthplace of rock and roll in St. Louis to the country music scene in Branson.
In this article, we will take a closer look at 10 famous singers from Missouri who have made a significant impact on the music industry. These artists have made their mark on various genres, from rock and roll to country, and their music has touched the hearts and souls of millions of people worldwide.
These 10 famous singers from Missouri have left an unforgettable legacy in the music industry and continue to inspire and influence aspiring musicians today.
1. Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and rock and roll pioneer known for his influential contributions to the music industry. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Berry rose to fame in the 1950s with hits like “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Johnny B. Goode.”
He is considered one of the founding fathers of rock and roll music, and his innovative guitar playing and charismatic stage presence inspired countless other musicians and bands that followed in his wake. Berry’s music blended elements of blues, country, and rhythm and blues, resulting in a distinctive sound that remains beloved by fans of all ages.
His legacy as a true rock and roll icon lives on, and his influence can be heard in the music of countless artists that followed in his footsteps. Chuck Berry will always be remembered as a true pioneer of rock and roll music.
2. Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and musician from Kennett, Missouri, known for her catchy pop hooks and soulful voice. She rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “All I Wanna Do,” “If It Makes You Happy,” and “Soak Up the Sun.”
Crow’s music often incorporates elements of rock, pop, and country, resulting in a unique and versatile sound that has earned her a dedicated following of fans. She has released numerous successful albums over the course of her career, including “Tuesday Night Music Club,” “The Globe Sessions,” and “C’mon C’mon.”
Crow is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly her advocacy for environmental causes and cancer research. Sheryl Crow is considered one of the most talented and successful musicians of her generation, and her music continues to inspire fans around the world.
3. Sara Evans
Sara Evans is a country music singer-songwriter from Boonville, Missouri, known for her powerful voice and relatable, introspective lyrics. She has released numerous successful albums over the course of her career, including “Born to Fly,” “Restless,” and “Real Fine Place,” and her hits include “A Little Bit Stronger,” “Suds in the Bucket,” and “No Place That Far.”
Evans’ music often incorporates elements of traditional country, pop, and rock, resulting in a unique and versatile sound that has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following of fans. She has won numerous awards for her work, including a Country Music Association Award and an Academy of Country Music Award.
Sara Evans is considered one of the most talented and influential country musicians of her generation, and her music continues to inspire fans around the world.
4. Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald is an American singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and record producer from St. Louis, Missouri, known for his distinctive soulful voice and contributions to the rock, R&B, and pop music genres. He rose to fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers, contributing to hits like “Takin’ It to the Streets” and “What a Fool Believes.”
McDonald has also had a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums, including “If That’s What It Takes,” which featured the hit song “I Keep Forgettin’.” His music often incorporates elements of soul, funk, and blues, resulting in a unique and timeless sound that has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following of fans.
Michael McDonald is considered one of the most talented and versatile musicians of his generation, and his music continues to inspire new generations of fans.
5. Akon
Akon is a Senegalese-American singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer known for his unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and world music. He rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like “Locked Up,” “Lonely,” and “Smack That,” and has collaborated with numerous other artists, including Eminem, Lady Gaga, and Snoop Dogg.
In addition to his work as a musician, Akon is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his work to provide sustainable energy solutions in Africa through his Akon Lighting Africa project. He has won numerous awards for his music, including three Grammy Awards, and his contributions to the music industry have earned him a dedicated following of fans around the world.
Akon is considered one of the most innovative and influential musicians of his generation, and his music continues to inspire new generations of fans.
6. Eminem
Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Detroit, Michigan, known for his innovative style and controversial lyrics. He rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his album “The Slim Shady LP,” which featured hits like “My Name Is” and “The Real Slim Shady.”
Eminem’s music often incorporates themes of violence, drug use, and personal struggles, and his clever wordplay and rapid-fire delivery have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following of fans. He has won numerous awards for his music, including 15 Grammy Awards, and is considered one of the most successful and influential rappers of all time.
Despite his controversial lyrics and public persona, Eminem’s music continues to resonate with fans around the world and his impact on the hip-hop genre remains undeniable.
7. Chingy
Chingy is an American rapper and actor from St. Louis, Missouri, known for his unique style and catchy hits. He rose to fame in the early 2000s with the release of his debut album, “Jackpot,” which featured the hit singles “Right Thurr” and “Holidae In.”
Chingy’s music often incorporates elements of pop and R&B, resulting in a distinctive sound that has earned him a dedicated following of fans.In addition to his music career, Chingy has also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Scary Movie 4” and “One on One.”
Despite taking a break from music for several years, Chingy returned to the scene with the release of his album “Crown Jewel” in 2019. Chingy’s contributions to the rap and hip-hop genre are significant, and his music continues to inspire fans around the world.
8. Taylor Momsen
Taylor Momsen is an American singer, songwriter, and actress from St. Louis, Missouri, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Pretty Reckless. Momsen began her career as an actress, appearing in hit TV shows like “Gossip Girl” and movies like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” In 2009, she formed The Pretty Reckless and released their debut album, “Light Me Up,” in 2010.
The band’s music often incorporates elements of rock and grunge, and Momsen’s powerful vocals and commanding stage presence have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following of fans. The Pretty Reckless has released numerous successful albums, including “Going to Hell” and “Who You Selling For,” and has toured extensively around the world.
Taylor Momsen’s contributions to the rock music genre are significant, and her music continues to inspire new generations of fans.
9. Don Johnson
Don Johnson is an American actor and singer from Flat Creek, Missouri, known for his work in popular TV shows and movies like “Miami Vice,” “Nash Bridges,” and “Django Unchained.” In addition to his successful acting career, Johnson has also released several albums over the course of his career, including “Heartbeat,” which featured the hit song “Heartbeat,” and “Let It Roll,” which featured the hit song “Tell It Like It Is.”
Johnson’s music often incorporates elements of country, pop, and rock, and his smooth vocals and catchy melodies have earned him a dedicated following of fans.
Despite taking a break from music for several years, Johnson returned to the scene with the release of his album “This Is It” in 2021. Don Johnson’s contributions to the music industry are significant, and his music continues to resonate with fans around the world.
10. SZA
SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer from St. Louis, Missouri. She rose to prominence in 2017 with the release of her debut album, “Ctrl,” which featured hits like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend.” SZA’s music often incorporates elements of R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop, and her unique vocal style and introspective lyrics have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following of fans.
She has collaborated with numerous other artists, including Travis Scott, Cardi B, and Maroon 5. In addition to her music career, SZA has also been recognized for her activism and advocacy work, particularly her efforts to empower young girls and women.
SZA is considered one of the most talented and influential musicians of her generation, and her music continues to inspire fans around the world.









