Oklahoma is a state in the south-central region of the United States. It is known for its vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and the contributions of its people to the world of arts and entertainment. The state has produced many legendary musicians over the years, including some of the most popular singers in the world. From country music icons to rock legends and jazz greats, Oklahoma has a rich history of producing world-class talent.
In this article, we will explore the lives and careers of 10 famous singers from Oklahoma. These artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry and have inspired generations of fans with their unique voices, styles, and messages. We will delve into their early beginnings, their rise to fame, and their enduring legacies.
Some of the singers on our list include Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood, who have all become household names with their chart-topping hits and dynamic live performances. We will also feature some lesser-known artists who have made significant contributions to music, such as Woody Guthrie, Wanda Jackson, and Leon Russell.
Join us on this journey through Oklahoma’s rich musical history, as we celebrate the talents and achievements of these 10 famous singers who have put the state on the map in the world of music.
1. Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks is a legendary country music singer and songwriter who has sold over 170 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Known for his high-energy live performances and ability to blend traditional country music with rock and pop influences, Brooks has won numerous awards throughout his career, including two Grammy Awards and 17 American Music Awards. He is also known for his charitable work and commitment to giving back to the community. With hits like “Friends in Low Places,” “The Dance,” and “Thunder Rolls,” Brooks has become a true icon of American music.
2. Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire is an iconic country music singer and actress who has sold over 80 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards and 16 American Music Awards. Known for her powerful vocals and emotional storytelling, McEntire has charted more than 40 number one singles and has released 33 studio albums. In addition to her music career, McEntire has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, including her own sitcom “Reba.” She is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist, having launched her own fashion and lifestyle brand and worked with various charitable organizations. Overall, McEntire is a true legend of country music and an inspiration to many.
3. Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton is a popular country music singer and television personality who has won multiple awards throughout his career, including numerous Country Music Association Awards and People’s Choice Awards. Known for his deep, resonant voice and charming personality, Shelton has released numerous chart-topping albums and singles, including “God’s Country,” “Honey Bee,” and “Austin.” He is also a coach on the popular singing competition show “The Voice.” Additionally, Shelton is known for his philanthropic work, including his support for the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation and the American Red Cross.
4. Toby Keith
Toby Keith is a country music singer and songwriter who has sold over 40 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year Award. Known for his patriotic songs and energetic live performances, Keith has released numerous hit albums and singles, including “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “Beer for My Horses,” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!” In addition to his music career, Keith is also an actor and has appeared in several movies and TV shows. He is also a philanthropist and supports various organizations, including the USO and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
5. Vince Gill
Vince Gill is a legendary American country music singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards. Known for his smooth vocals and exceptional musicianship, Gill has released numerous hit albums and singles, including “When I Call Your Name,” “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” and “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away.” In addition to his music career, Gill is also known for his philanthropic work, including his support for the Country Music Hall of Fame and the T.J. Martell Foundation, which raises funds for cancer research. Gill is a true icon of American music and continues to inspire audiences with his talent and generosity.
6. Leon Russell
Leon Russell was an iconic singer, songwriter, and pianist who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Known for his soulful vocals and intricate piano playing, Russell released numerous hit albums and singles throughout his career, including “A Song for You,” “Delta Lady,” and “Tight Rope.” He also collaborated with various other artists, including Elton John, and was known for his work as a session musician. Russell was a true musical legend and continues to influence artists across multiple genres to this day.
7. Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie was a legendary American folk singer and songwriter who wrote numerous iconic songs, including “This Land Is Your Land” and “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos).” He is known for his social and political activism, using his music to raise awareness about issues such as workers’ rights, poverty, and racism. Guthrie’s music influenced countless other artists and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and activists today. He is also recognized for his contributions to American literature, having written several books and articles. Overall, Guthrie’s contributions to American culture are immeasurable, and his music and message continue to resonate with people around the world.
8. Roger Miller
Roger Miller was a legendary country music singer and songwriter who won multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career. Known for his clever wordplay and humorous lyrics, Miller released numerous hit songs, including “King of the Road,” “Dang Me,” and “Chug-a-Lug.” He was also a talented musician and played multiple instruments, including the guitar, fiddle, and drums. In addition to his music career, Miller also appeared in several movies and TV shows, including the musical drama “Robin and the 7 Hoods.” Miller’s influence can still be felt in country music today, and he remains one of the most beloved and unique voices in the genre’s history.
9. Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth is an American actress and singer who has won multiple awards throughout her career, including a Tony Award for her role in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Known for her powerful vocals and her ability to seamlessly transition between genres, Chenoweth has released multiple albums and has performed in numerous Broadway productions, including “Wicked” and “Promises, Promises.” She has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, including “The West Wing” and “Pushing Daisies.” In addition to her work in entertainment, Chenoweth is also known for her philanthropic work, supporting various charities and organizations. She is a true icon of American entertainment and continues to inspire audiences with her talent and generosity.
10. Patti Page
Patti Page was a legendary American singer who had over 100 charted singles and sold over 100 million records worldwide throughout her career. Known for her warm and velvety voice, Page was one of the most successful female vocalists of the 1950s and 1960s. Her hits include “Tennessee Waltz,” “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?,” and “Old Cape Cod.” Page was also known for her versatility, and she recorded in various genres, including pop, country, and jazz. In addition to her music career, Page also appeared in several movies and TV shows. She was a true icon of American music and continues to be remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
Macey West 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.
