Washington state has been home to a variety of influential musicians, many of whom have gone on to achieve worldwide fame. From rock legends to soulful R&B singers, Washington has produced some of the most recognizable voices in the music industry. In this article, we will explore ten famous singers from Washington who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
One of the most prominent names on our list is Jimi Hendrix, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Born and raised in Seattle, Hendrix’s innovative and virtuosic playing style helped shape the sound of rock music in the 1960s. Another Seattle native on our list is Quincy Jones, a legendary producer and composer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Moving to the world of hip hop, we have Sir Mix-A-Lot, best known for his hit song “Baby Got Back.” The Seattle-based rapper has been a staple of the genre since the late 1980s and remains an influential figure to this day. Other notable names on our list include Bing Crosby, a crooner who became one of the best-selling artists of the 20th century, and Neko Case, a talented singer-songwriter with a unique and haunting voice.
These are just a few of the many talented singers who have called Washington state home. Their contributions to the music world have helped shape the industry and left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire new generations of artists.
1. Macklemore
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, is an American rapper and songwriter from Seattle, Washington. He first gained mainstream attention with his hit single “Thrift Shop” in 2012, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Macklemore’s music often tackles social issues, including addiction, homophobia, and racial inequality. He frequently collaborates with producer Ryan Lewis, with whom he has released several successful albums. Macklemore has won multiple awards throughout his career, including four Grammy Awards, and is known for his energetic live performances and socially conscious lyrics.
2. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the history of rock music. Born and raised in Seattle, Hendrix began his musical career as a session musician before forming his own band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience. His innovative and virtuosic playing style, which incorporated feedback, distortion, and other effects, helped redefine the sound of rock music in the 1960s. Hendrix’s music was also marked by his expressive, soulful singing and his poignant, socially conscious lyrics. Despite his brief career, Hendrix remains an enduring icon of music, inspiring countless generations of guitarists and musicians.
3. Nirvana
Nirvana was an American rock band formed in 1987 in Aberdeen, Washington. The band consisted of singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain, bassist Krist Novoselic, and drummer Dave Grohl. Nirvana’s sound was characterized by their dynamic shifts in volume and intensity, and by Cobain’s emotive singing and raw, confessional lyrics. The band’s breakthrough album, “Nevermind,” was released in 1991 and included the hit single “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which helped popularize the “grunge” genre of alternative rock. Despite their relatively short career, Nirvana’s impact on music was immense, influencing a generation of musicians and cementing their place in rock history. Cobain’s tragic death in 1994 brought an abrupt end to the band, but their legacy lives on through their music and their lasting cultural significance.
4. Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby was an American singer, actor, and media personality, widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful entertainers of the 20th century. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Crosby rose to fame in the 1930s as a crooner, with his smooth, relaxed style and warm, inviting voice. He became one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over half a billion records sold worldwide. Crosby was also a successful actor, starring in numerous films and television programs. He was known for his affable, easygoing personality, and his contributions to popular culture have had a lasting impact on music and entertainment. Crosby passed away in 1977, but his music and legacy continue to endure to this day.
5. Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American rock band formed in 1994 by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. The band’s name is derived from a term used by Allied aircraft pilots to describe mysterious aerial phenomena during World War II. Grohl began recording and performing under the Foo Fighters name following the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. The band’s music is characterized by its melodic hooks, heavy guitars, and Grohl’s distinctive vocals. Foo Fighters has released numerous successful albums, including “The Colour and the Shape,” “Wasting Light,” and “Concrete and Gold.” They are known for their high-energy live shows and their ability to blend elements of punk, hard rock, and pop into their music. Foo Fighters has won numerous awards throughout their career, including multiple Grammys, and continue to be a prominent force in the rock music scene.
6. Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1987. The band’s original lineup consisted of singer Layne Staley, guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Starr, and drummer Sean Kinney. Their music blended heavy metal, grunge, and hard rock, and was known for its dark, brooding lyrics and Staley’s haunting vocals. Alice in Chains released several successful albums, including “Dirt,” “Facelift,” and “Jar of Flies,” and became one of the most prominent bands of the Seattle music scene in the 1990s. However, the band was plagued by personal and professional struggles, including Staley’s addiction to drugs, which ultimately led to his death in 2002. Alice in Chains continued on with new lead singer William DuVall and released several more albums, cementing their place as one of the most influential and respected rock bands of their era.
7. Heart
Heart is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1970 by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. The band’s music blends elements of hard rock, folk, and pop, and is characterized by Ann Wilson’s powerful, soulful vocals and Nancy Wilson’s intricate guitar work. Heart’s breakout album, “Dreamboat Annie,” was released in 1975 and included the hit singles “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You.” The band continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including “Little Queen,” “Bebe le Strange,” and “Heart,” which included the hit ballad “Alone.” Heart has won numerous awards throughout their career, including four Grammy nominations, and their music has had a lasting impact on rock music and popular culture. The band continues to tour and record new music to this day.
8. Soundgarden
Soundgarden was an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984. The band’s original lineup consisted of singer/guitarist Chris Cornell, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Hiro Yamamoto, and drummer Matt Cameron. Their music blended elements of heavy metal, punk, and grunge, and was characterized by Cornell’s distinctive, powerful vocals and Thayil’s inventive guitar work. Soundgarden released several successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Badmotorfinger,” “Superunknown,” and “Down on the Upside,” and became one of the most prominent bands of the Seattle music scene. Despite personal and professional struggles, including Cornell’s battles with addiction and depression, Soundgarden continued to be a respected and influential force in rock music until the untimely death of Cornell in 2017. Their legacy continues to endure, and their music remains a cornerstone of the grunge movement.
9. Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990. The band’s original lineup consisted of singer Eddie Vedder, guitarists Mike McCready and Stone Gossard, bassist Jeff Ament, and drummer Dave Krusen. Pearl Jam’s music is characterized by its heavy guitars, melodic hooks, and Vedder’s impassioned vocals, which often address political and social issues. The band’s debut album, “Ten,” was released in 1991 and included the hit singles “Alive,” “Jeremy,” and “Even Flow.” Pearl Jam went on to release several successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including “Vs.,” “Vitalogy,” and “Backspacer.” They are known for their passionate live performances and their commitment to social and political activism. Pearl Jam continues to be a prominent force in rock music and has sold over 85 million records worldwide.
10. Screaming Trees
Screaming Trees was an American rock band formed in Ellensburg, Washington in 1985. The band’s original lineup consisted of singer Mark Lanegan, guitarist Gary Lee Conner, bassist Van Conner, and drummer Mark Pickerel. Their music blended elements of psychedelic rock, grunge, and punk, and was characterized by Lanegan’s deep, distinctive vocals and the Conner brothers’ intricate guitar work. Screaming Trees released several successful albums throughout the 1990s, including “Sweet Oblivion,” which included the hit single “Nearly Lost You.” Despite their critical acclaim and influence on the Seattle music scene, Screaming Trees never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their peers. The band disbanded in 2000, but their music continues to be celebrated by fans of alternative and psychedelic rock.
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.
