Texas has long been a hotbed of musical talent, producing some of the world’s most celebrated musicians across multiple genres. From blues to country to rock and roll, the Lone Star State has been the birthplace of many legendary performers. With such a rich history in music, it comes as no surprise that Texas has been home to some of the most iconic singers of all time.
In this article, we will take a closer look at 10 of the most famous singers from Texas. These artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry, capturing the hearts and minds of fans around the world. We’ll explore their life stories, their musical contributions, and the impact they’ve had on popular culture.
The list of iconic Texas singers is long, and narrowing it down to just 10 was no easy feat. However, the artists we’ve selected represent some of the biggest names in music, each with their own unique style and sound. From the king of rock and roll to the queen of Tejano, these musicians have not only influenced the music industry but have also left a lasting legacy on Texas culture. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Texas music and discover the stories of some of its most famous singers.
1. ZZ Top
ZZ Top is a blues-rock band from Houston, Texas, known for their iconic beards, slick guitar riffs, and catchy lyrics. The band consists of Billy Gibbons on guitar and vocals, Dusty Hill on bass and vocals, and Frank Beard on drums. With a career spanning over five decades, ZZ Top has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and released classic hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and “La Grange.” Their unique blend of blues, rock, and boogie has earned them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and cemented their status as one of Texas’ most beloved musical acts.
2. Beyoncé
Beyoncé is a singer, songwriter, and actress from Houston, Texas. She rose to fame as a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child before embarking on a successful solo career. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, Beyoncé has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Known for her powerful vocals, electrifying performances, and empowering lyrics, she has released hit songs such as “Crazy in Love,” “Irreplaceable,” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” Beyoncé has won numerous awards and accolades, including 28 Grammy Awards and a place on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest performers of all time.
3. George Strait
George Strait, also known as the “King of Country,” is a singer, songwriter, and actor from Poteet, Texas. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has released over 60 number one hits, more than any other artist in any genre of music. Strait’s distinctive sound blends traditional country music with a touch of western swing, and his songs often feature stories of love, heartbreak, and small-town life. Some of his most popular songs include “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “Amarillo By Morning,” and “Ocean Front Property.” Strait has won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
4. Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu, also known as the “First Lady of Neo-Soul,” is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress from Dallas, Texas. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has become known for her unique style that blends jazz, hip hop, and R&B, and her thought-provoking lyrics. Some of her most popular songs include “On & On,” “Bag Lady,” and “Tyrone.” Badu has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, and has been recognized for her activism and community work. In addition to music, Badu has also ventured into acting, appearing in movies such as “The Cider House Rules” and “Blues Brothers 2000,” and television shows like “Black Dynamite” and “The Boondocks.”
5. Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings was a singer, songwriter, and musician from Littlefield, Texas. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of the Outlaw country movement and known for his unique blend of country, rock, and blues music. Some of his most popular songs include “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” “Good Hearted Woman,” and “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love).” Jennings was also recognized for his collaborations with other musicians, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, in the supergroup The Highwaymen. Throughout his career, Jennings won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
6. Selena
Selena, also known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” was a singer, songwriter, and actress from Lake Jackson, Texas. She became popular in the Tejano music scene in the 1980s and 1990s and is credited with bringing Tejano music to mainstream audiences in the United States and Mexico. Some of her most popular songs include “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Dreaming of You,” and “Como La Flor.” Selena won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, and was also recognized for her fashion sense, which inspired many young Latinas. Her life and career were tragically cut short when she was murdered in 1995 at the age of 23, but her music and legacy continue to inspire new generations of artists.
7. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and activist from Abbott, Texas. He is known for his unique style that blends country, blues, and rock music, and for writing some of the most iconic songs in the history of country music, including “Crazy,” “On the Road Again,” and “Always on My Mind.” Nelson has sold over 40 million albums in the United States alone and has won numerous awards, including 11 Grammy Awards. He has also acted in several films, including “The Electric Horseman” and “Honeysuckle Rose,” and has been recognized for his activism on behalf of farmers, environmental causes, and marijuana legalization. Nelson remains a beloved figure in the music industry and continues to tour and record music to this day.
8. Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers was a singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer from Houston, Texas. He is known for his distinctive voice and for his contributions to country, pop, and rock music. Some of his most popular songs include “The Gambler,” “Lady,” and “Islands in the Stream,” which he performed with Dolly Parton. Rogers won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. In addition to music, Rogers also acted in several films and television shows, including “The Muppet Show” and “The Gambler” film series. Rogers passed away in 2020 at the age of 81, but his music and legacy continue to influence and inspire new generations of artists.
9. Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison was a singer, songwriter, and musician from Vernon, Texas. He is known for his distinctive voice, which has been described as one of the most powerful and versatile in the history of rock and roll. Some of his most popular songs include “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” and “Only the Lonely.” Orbison’s music blended elements of rock, pop, and country, and he was known for his emotional and dramatic performances. He won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Orbison passed away in 1988 at the age of 52, but his music and influence continue to inspire new generations of artists.
10. Townes Van Zandt
Townes Van Zandt was a singer-songwriter and musician from Fort Worth, Texas. He is regarded as one of the most influential and acclaimed songwriters of his generation, known for his poetic lyrics and introspective style. Van Zandt’s music blended elements of folk, country, and blues, and his songs have been covered by numerous artists, including Emmylou Harris and Bob Dylan. Some of his most popular songs include “Pancho and Lefty,” “Tecumseh Valley,” and “If I Needed You.” Van Zandt struggled with addiction and mental illness throughout his life and passed away in 1997 at the age of 52. Despite his tragic end, his music and legacy continue to inspire and influence countless musicians and fans around the world.
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.
