Missouri, located in the Midwestern United States, has been the birthplace of some of the most iconic and influential singers in American music history. From country to rock and roll, Missouri has produced a wide range of talented vocalists who have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. In this article, we will explore the lives and careers of twenty of Missouri’s most famous singers.
Starting with the legendary Chuck Berry, who pioneered rock and roll with his innovative guitar playing and memorable lyrics, to the soulful blues singer and guitarist Albert King, whose music influenced generations of musicians. Other notable singers from Missouri include Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock and Roll, and Sheryl Crow, who has won multiple Grammy Awards for her pop and rock-infused music.
Country music has also had a strong presence in Missouri, with singers such as Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, and Leroy Van Dyke making their mark on the genre. Jazz and blues have also played a significant role in Missouri’s music scene, with notable singers like Cab Calloway and Big Joe Turner achieving great success.
Overall, Missouri has produced a diverse range of talented singers who have left a lasting impact on the music industry. Through their unique styles and powerful voices, these artists have inspired and entertained generations of fans, cementing their place in music history.
1. Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Detroit, Michigan. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, he is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Eminem is known for his controversial and sometimes explicit lyrics, as well as his rapid-fire delivery and unique flow. His music often deals with personal struggles, societal issues, and relationships. Eminem has won numerous awards throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most successful and acclaimed hip-hop artists of all time.
2. Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of rhythm and blues, country, and rock and roll. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1926, Berry began his music career by playing in local clubs and recording his first single, “Maybellene,” in 1955. He went on to write and record numerous hits, including “Johnny B. Goode,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Sweet Little Sixteen,” that became classics of the rock and roll genre. Berry’s innovative guitar playing, clever lyrics, and energetic stage presence helped shape the sound of rock and roll and influence generations of musicians to come.
3. Andrew VanWyngarden (MGMT)
Andrew VanWyngarden is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the frontman of the indie rock band MGMT. Born in 1983 in Memphis, Tennessee, VanWyngarden formed MGMT with his college friend Ben Goldwasser in 2002. The duo gained widespread recognition with their debut album “Oracular Spectacular” in 2007, which featured hits such as “Electric Feel” and “Kids.” VanWyngarden’s distinctive vocals and catchy melodies helped MGMT establish their unique psychedelic sound that blended elements of indie rock, electronic, and pop music. He has continued to evolve as a songwriter and musician, exploring new sounds and themes in MGMT’s subsequent albums and solo projects.
4. Coleman Hawkins
Coleman Hawkins was an American jazz saxophonist who was one of the most influential and innovative musicians in the history of jazz. Born in Missouri in 1904, Hawkins began playing the saxophone as a child and eventually became a leading figure in the jazz scene of the 1920s and 1930s. He was known for his mastery of the tenor saxophone, which he used to create a unique sound that blended elements of blues, swing, and bebop. Hawkins was a prolific performer and recording artist who worked with many of the greatest jazz musicians of his time, and his contributions to the development of jazz continue to inspire musicians today.
5. Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker was an American-born French singer, dancer, and actress who became an icon of the jazz age and a trailblazer for Black entertainers. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1906, Baker began her career in vaudeville and eventually moved to Paris, where she became a star of the Folies Bergere and other cabarets. Known for her daring costumes, energetic dance routines, and powerful voice, Baker was a groundbreaking performer who challenged racial stereotypes and broke down barriers for Black artists. She also became a civil rights activist and a symbol of resistance against racism and oppression. Baker’s legacy continues to inspire generations of performers and activists.
6. Nathaniel Rateliff
Nathaniel Rateliff is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his soulful blend of rock, folk, and blues. Born in Missouri in 1978, Rateliff began his music career in the early 2000s as a solo artist and with his band The Wheel. He gained widespread recognition with his debut solo album “In Memory of Loss” in 2010, which featured the hit single “S.O.B.” Rateliff’s rich and powerful voice, coupled with his heartfelt songwriting, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. He continues to evolve as a musician, exploring new sounds and themes in his subsequent albums and collaborations.
7. Sara Evans
Sara Evans is an American country singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Born in Missouri in 1971, Evans grew up singing in her family’s band and began her solo music career in the late 1990s. She gained widespread recognition with her second album “No Place That Far” in 1998, which produced four Top 40 country hits. Evans has continued to release successful albums and singles, including the chart-topping songs “Born to Fly” and “A Little Bit Stronger.” Her music blends traditional country sounds with pop and rock influences, and she has become one of the most respected and admired women in country music.
8. Pat Metheny
Pat Metheny is an American jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader who is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential musicians in jazz history. Born in Missouri in 1954, Metheny began his music career in the 1970s and quickly gained recognition for his virtuosic guitar playing and innovative compositions. He has released over 40 albums as a bandleader and collaborator, and has won numerous Grammy Awards for his work. Metheny’s music is known for its unique blend of jazz, rock, and world music influences, as well as his use of advanced technology and innovative techniques on the guitar. He continues to push the boundaries of jazz and inspire generations of musicians.
9. Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow is an American singer-songwriter and musician who rose to fame in the 1990s with her mix of rock, pop, and country music. Born in Missouri in 1962, Crow began her music career as a backup singer for artists such as Michael Jackson and Don Henley before releasing her debut album “Tuesday Night Music Club” in 1993. The album featured the hit songs “All I Wanna Do” and “Strong Enough” and earned Crow multiple Grammy Awards. She has continued to release successful albums and collaborate with other artists, and is known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics.
10. Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his distinctive soulful voice and contributions to the worlds of rock, soul, and pop music. Born in Missouri in 1952, McDonald began his career as a backup vocalist for Steely Dan and then became a member of the Doobie Brothers, where he sang lead vocals on many of their biggest hits, such as “Takin’ It to the Streets” and “What a Fool Believes.” He also had a successful solo career, releasing many albums and collaborating with other artists. McDonald’s music is characterized by his soulful voice, catchy melodies, and socially conscious lyrics, and he remains a beloved figure in American music.
11. Comethazine
Comethazine is an American rapper and songwriter known for his hard-hitting trap music style. He first gained popularity in 2018 with his viral hit “Bands” and has since released several successful projects, including his debut album “Bawskee” in 2018 and its sequel “Bawskee 2” in 2019. Comethazine’s music is characterized by aggressive delivery, distorted bass-heavy beats, and catchy hooks that often reference violence, drug use, and hedonistic lifestyles. Despite the controversial content of his music, Comethazine has amassed a dedicated fanbase and continues to be one of the most exciting new voices in hip-hop today.
12. Taylor Momsen
Taylor Momsen is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who first gained fame as a child actress in films such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Spy Kids 2”. However, she is perhaps best known for her music career as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Pretty Reckless. Momsen’s musical style is heavily influenced by classic rock and grunge, with raw, powerful vocals and lyrics that often touch on themes of love, loss, and rebellion. Despite her young age, Momsen has proven herself to be a talented and charismatic performer, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
13. Don Johnson
Don Johnson is an American actor, producer, and singer known for his work in television and film. While he first gained fame in the 1980s for his starring role in the hit television series “Miami Vice,” Johnson has also pursued a music career throughout his career. He released two albums in the late 1980s, “Heartbeat” and “Let It Roll,” which featured a blend of rock, pop, and country influences. Johnson’s music was generally well-received and he had a few successful singles, including “Heartbeat,” which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Though he is primarily known as an actor, Johnson’s music has also earned him a devoted following.
14. Chingy
Chingy is an American rapper, singer, and actor who first gained popularity in the early 2000s with hits such as “Right Thurr,” “Holidae In,” and “One Call Away.” Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Chingy’s music is heavily influenced by the Southern rap sound and often features catchy hooks and danceable beats. He has released several successful albums throughout his career, including “Jackpot” in 2003 and “Powerballin'” in 2004. While he has faced some controversy and criticism over the years, Chingy remains a beloved figure in the world of hip-hop, with a loyal fanbase and a legacy as one of the most successful and influential rappers of his time.
15. Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne is an American rapper, songwriter, and record label owner known for his unique style and energetic performances. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Tech N9ne has been active in the music industry since the early 1990s and has released over 20 studio albums throughout his career. His music blends elements of hip-hop, rock, and heavy metal, often featuring fast-paced rhymes, intricate wordplay, and dark, introspective lyrics. Tech N9ne is also the founder of Strange Music, an independent record label that has helped to launch the careers of several notable artists. With a dedicated fanbase and a reputation as one of the most innovative and influential rappers in the game, Tech N9ne continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in hip-hop.
16. SZA
SZA is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for her soulful and genre-bending music. Born Solána Imani Rowe, SZA first gained attention with her debut EP “See.SZA.Run” in 2012, and rose to mainstream prominence with her debut studio album “Ctrl” in 2017. Her music blends elements of R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul, often featuring confessional lyrics about love, relationships, and personal growth. SZA’s distinctive voice and style have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, and she has collaborated with a wide range of artists across various genres. With her powerful and emotive music, SZA continues to be one of the most exciting and innovative artists in popular music today.
17. Ferlin Husky
Ferlin Husky was an American country music singer and songwriter known for his distinctive voice and hits such as “Gone” and “Wings of a Dove”. Born in Missouri, Husky began his music career in the 1950s and quickly became a popular performer in the country music scene. His music often blended elements of traditional country with pop and rock influences, and his dynamic stage presence made him a favorite of audiences. Husky continued to record and tour throughout his career, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010. With his unique sound and charismatic personality, Ferlin Husky remains a beloved figure in the history of country music.
18. Big Joe Turner
Big Joe Turner was an American blues and rhythm & blues singer, songwriter, and pianist. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Turner rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s with hits such as “Chains of Love,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” and “Honey Hush.” He was known for his powerful and distinctive voice, which blended elements of blues, jazz, and gospel music. Turner’s music influenced a generation of musicians, including Elvis Presley, who covered his songs, and he continued to perform and record throughout his career until his death in 1985. With his dynamic and influential music, Big Joe Turner remains an icon of American blues and R&B.
19. Kimberly Wyatt
Kimberly Wyatt is an American singer, dancer, and television personality known for her work as a member of the Pussycat Dolls and as a judge on the UK reality competition show “Got to Dance”. Born and raised in Missouri, Wyatt began her career as a dancer before joining the Pussycat Dolls in 2003. With the group, she achieved global success with hits such as “Don’t Cha” and “Buttons”. After leaving the group in 2010, Wyatt launched a successful solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with a range of artists. With her talent, energy, and charisma, Kimberly Wyatt continues to be a prominent figure in popular music and entertainment.
20. Porter Wagoner
Porter Wagoner was an American country music singer, songwriter, and television host known for his rich baritone voice and flamboyant stage attire. Born in Missouri, Wagoner began his music career in the 1950s and went on to release several successful albums throughout his career, including “The Cold Hard Facts of Life” in 1967 and “The Rubber Room” in 1970. He is perhaps best known for his long-running television show “The Porter Wagoner Show”, which helped launch the career of Dolly Parton. With his distinctive voice and unique style, Porter Wagoner remains a beloved figure in the history of country music, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated to this day.
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.
