Mississippi, often considered the birthplace of the blues, has been the home of numerous influential singers who have shaped the landscape of American music.
One of the most legendary singers from Mississippi is B.B. King, known as the “King of the Blues.” Born in Itta Bena, King’s soulful voice and expressive guitar playing captivated audiences worldwide. With hits like “The Thrill Is Gone” and “Sweet Little Angel,” King became an iconic figure in the blues genre and influenced generations of musicians.
Another celebrated singer from Mississippi is Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll.” Born in Tupelo, Presley’s dynamic stage presence, powerful voice, and fusion of rock, gospel, and country music made him a cultural phenomenon. Hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Hound Dog” propelled him to superstardom and solidified his place in music history.
Additionally, Mississippi is the birthplace of renowned soul and R&B singers such as Sam Cooke and Tina Turner. Sam Cooke, born in Clarksdale, possessed a smooth and velvety voice that resonated with audiences, and his hits like “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “You Send Me” showcased his vocal prowess and social consciousness. Tina Turner, born in Nutbush, rose to fame as a dynamic performer with her powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence, delivering hits like “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
These singers from Mississippi have not only shaped their respective genres but have also left an enduring impact on the wider music industry. Through their captivating performances, unforgettable voices, and iconic songs, they have enriched the world of music and celebrated the rich musical heritage of Mississippi.
1. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, often referred to as the King of Rock and Roll, is one of the most famous singers from Mississippi. His unique style combined rockabilly, blues, country, and gospel music to create a sound that defined a generation.
To further understand his impact on music, let's take a look at his achievements in a table:
| Category | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Awards | 3 Grammy awards, 23 gold records |
| Number one hits | 18 number one singles |
| Acting career | Starred in 31 films |
| Legacy | Inducted into multiple Halls of Fame |
One interesting fact is that despite being known for his rock and roll genre, Presley also had several gospel albums and was known for his love for spiritual music.
Moving on to the next topic, it's worth mentioning Mississippi born singer B.B. King who is also known as the "King of Blues".
In terms of history, Elvis Presley served in the US Army during the late 1950s which put his music career on hold for some time. However, he returned to making impactful music and went on to become an icon in both American culture and popular music worldwide.
Tammy Wynette: the queen of heartbreak and country music, reminding us all that sometimes it's better to stand by your man and your guitar.
2. Tammy Wynette
As a renowned country singer born in Mississippi, the late Virginia Wynette Pugh, who was better known as Tammy Wynette, made an indelible impact on the music industry. Her hit tracks like "Stand by Your Man," "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," and "Til I Can Make It On My Own" topped various charts. Through her music, Tammy expressed pain, love, and passion deeply. She was one of the few female artists who achieved such commercial success and accolades throughout her career.
Her contribution to country music won her several awards aside from several honors like Billboard Female Artist of the year and Entertainer of the Year in 1986. Even after her death due to health complications, Tammy's songs continued to inspire other musicians across various genres. She remains a legendary figure in Mississippi's rich musical heritage.
Tammy's life story still inspires generations through different mediums such as stage productions based on her music to books written about her biographical accounts of betrayal and abuse.
If you ever find yourself looking for authentic inspiration, listening to Tammy's iconic voice will undoubtedly move you beyond measure, remind you that real emotion is at the core of music.
Faith Hill may be from Mississippi, but she sure knows how to steal everyone's heart, one country song at a time.
3. Faith Hill
With a career spanning over three decades, the talented country singer hailing from Mississippi, has captured the hearts of fans around the world with her powerful vocals and emotional lyrics. Faith Hill has sold over 40 million records worldwide and is known for hits like "This Kiss" and "Breathe". Her music has earned her several awards including five Grammy Awards, fifteen Academy of Country Music Awards, and multiple Billboard Music Awards. Hill's contribution to the music industry continues to inspire artists worldwide.
One of the unique aspects of Faith Hill's career is her collaboration with her husband, fellow country star Tim McGraw. Together they have released several successful albums and embarked on numerous national tours that have shattered attendance records. This power couple combines their musical talents to create beautiful duets that have become fan favorites.
Hill's philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy. She has been actively involved in various charitable organizations such as World Vision, which aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children globally. She also supports Keep The Music Playing Foundation which helps fund music programs in public schools.
Faith Hill's journey to fame was not without challenges. She faced gender discrimination early on in her career but still persevered to become an icon in country music history. Despite obstacles, she continued pushing boundaries within a male-dominated industry by writing songs about female empowerment.
Faith Hill's exceptional vocals and impactful songwriting continue to inspire generations of aspiring musicians from Mississippi and beyond. Her influence on modern country music can't be overstated, cementing her as one of the greatest singers from Mississippi. Even if you don't think you know B.B. King, you've definitely heard his guitar sing the blues.
4. B.B. King
B.B. King, one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time, was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi. He developed a distinctive guitar style that fascinated listeners across the world with his soulful sound and vivid lyrics. King's music career spanned over six decades and included several chart-toppers such as "The Thrill is Gone" and "Every Day I Have the Blues". His exceptional contributions to the blues genre brought him numerous awards throughout his life, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
King's enduring artistry is due in part to his ability to weave interesting stories into his music, drawing from both personal experiences and common human emotions. The legendary musician also remained actively engaged in philanthropy throughout his career, particularly supporting education initiatives in underprivileged areas.
Pro Tip: If you're looking to learn guitar or simply want to refine your playing technique, studying B.B. King's innovative style can be an excellent starting point!
Sam Cooke may have left Mississippi, but his sweet soul music still carries the southern charm.
5. Sam Cooke
One of the famous singers to come out of Mississippi is known for his soulful voice and gospel roots. Sam Cooke's career spanned over a decade, producing hits like "You Send Me" and "Chain Gang." His music blended gospel with R&B, which became popular among white audiences as well. Cooke was also an advocate for civil rights and used his platform to address racial issues.
In addition to his musical achievements, Sam Cooke also formed his own record label and produced for other artists. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Cooke's legacy extends beyond music; he paved the way for future African American artists and inspired the likes of Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye.
Fun fact: Sam Cooke's influence continues today as many contemporary artists sample or cover his songs in their music.
Don't make a deal with the devil, especially if you're a musician from Mississippi like Robert Johnson.
6. Robert Johnson
This celebrated musician, known for his contributions to blues music, hails from Mississippi. Robert Johnson's unique style, marked by soulful vocals and intricate guitar work, influenced rock artists such as Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones. Johnson, who lived a short life before dying at the age of 27, remains a legend in music history.
Johnson's mysterious past also adds to his allure – many believe he made a deal with the devil to gain his musical abilities. Despite releasing only 29 songs during his lifetime, his impact on the music industry is immeasurable. Today, fans can visit the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi to learn more about Johnson and other blues legends who hail from the area.
Bo Diddley may have been from Mississippi, but his iconic beat is known worldwide – proving once again that even a small state can have a big impact on music.
7. Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley, a celebrated musician hailing from Mississippi. He was an influential R&B and rock 'n' roll artist who shaped the sound of blues, soul and jazz with his innovative beats. Born as Ellas Otha Bates, Bo Diddley was known for his signature rectangular guitar and stage performances that blended music with theatrics.
Continuing his career in the 1950s and 60s, Bo Diddley achieved several hits that have become classics today. He is best known for songs such as 'I'm a Man' and 'Who Do You Love'. Being a prolific songwriter with diverse influences, he also touched upon subject matters like love, heartbreak, politics and social issues through his music.
Bo Diddley's legacy extends beyond his music since he had influenced musicians like Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix. His unique style has played a significant role in shaping the sound of modern rock 'n' roll.
Interestingly, there are stories that suggest that Bo Diddley had once held Elvis Presley at gunpoint when he tried intruding on one of Diddley’s recording sessions. It is said that the two ultimately made amends but this incident highlights the high emotions involved in creating timeless music.
Conway Twitty: the man who made rhinestone jackets and cheesy love songs cool before it was even a thing.
8. Conway Twitty
One of the famous singers from Mississippi is renowned artist Conway Twitty. With over 50 number one hits and a career that spanned five decades, he is considered a legend in country music history. He was born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in Friars Point, Mississippi, and later adopted his stage name from two cities – Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas. Throughout his career, he made numerous appearances on prominent country music shows such as 'The Grand Ole Opry' and hosted his own show called 'The Conway Twitty Show'. With his soulful voice and relatable lyrics, he left an indelible mark on the world of country music.
Aside from being a successful artist, Twitty also formed a close friendship with fellow country singer Loretta Lynn. Together they released many chart-topping duets including "After the Fire Is Gone" and "Lead Me On". Twitty had a distinct style of blending blues and rock elements into his traditional country songs which gave them a unique sound. Even after his untimely death at age 59 in 1993, he continues to be remembered as an accomplished musician who revolutionized the country music genre.
Fun fact: In 1985, Conway Twitty broke Elvis Presley's record for having the most amount of number one hit singles on Billboard's Hot Country Charts with 40 chart-toppers.
Jimmy Buffett may be wasting away in Margaritaville, but his music career is still going strong.
9. Jimmy Buffett
Renowned for his folk and country-influenced rock music style, this Mississippian singer-songwriter has gained an enormous fanbase with his easy-going and carefree tunes. Jimmy Buffett's incredibly illustrious career has earned him the status of a living legend, with countless hit singles such as "Margaritaville," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and "Come Monday" becoming American classics. Apart from his music career, he's also a successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses like Margaritaville themed restaurants, hotels, casinos, and merchandise inspired by his songs.
Buffett is known for his philanthropic work in supporting environmental causes through the Save the Manatee Club charity organization and getting involved in disaster relief efforts like Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. He's won numerous awards throughout his highly-accomplished decades-long career, including the Academy of Country Music Award for Entertainer of the year.
Pro Tip: If you're new to Jimmy Buffett's music, start with his 1977 album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes – it'll give you an excellent overview of why he's considered one of Mississippi's most famous singers.
Even if you don't know Muddy Waters' music, you can thank him for inspiring almost every blues rock band in history.
10. Muddy Waters
This entry features a legendary Bluesman whose influence still resonates to this day. With his unique voice and inventive style, Muddy Waters is considered one of the most significant figures in the genre's history. His creative spirit paved the way for countless artists to follow, including those from his home state of Mississippi.
Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, in 1913. He began playing guitar at a young age and ran away from home as a teenager to pursue music full-time. After several years on the club circuit, he moved to Chicago and eventually signed with Chess Records. It was there that he developed his signature sound – a mixture of rural Delta Blues and electrified Chicago Blues.
What set Muddy Waters apart from other Bluesmen of his time was his willingness to experiment with new techniques and sounds. He was an early adopter of the electric guitar and incorporated it into his music in innovative ways. Songs like "Rollin' Stone" and "Hoochie Coochie Man" are considered classics today, but at the time were seen as revolutionary departures from traditional Blues.
Despite his success, Muddy Waters remained humble throughout his life. He never forgot where he came from or the hardships he faced along the way. In 1987, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – an acknowledgement of his enduring legacy and impact on modern music.
Edward Tomlin 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.
