Nebraska might be known for its sprawling plains and quiet heartland towns, but when it comes to producing unforgettable voices, the Cornhusker State has made some serious noise. From groundbreaking indie icons and funk-rock legends to country chart-toppers and soulful jazz vocalists, Nebraska has nurtured an incredible variety of musical talent that’s left an indelible mark on the industry. Whether it’s the haunting poetry of Conor Oberst or the explosive rhythms of Buddy Miles, these artists prove that big talent often comes from unexpected places. Their stories are as diverse as their sounds—some rose from small-town roots to global stages, while others helped shape regional music scenes that inspired generations. This list of the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from Nebraska celebrates not only the singers who have achieved national fame, but also those whose voices captured the soul of a state and echoed far beyond its borders. Get ready to dive into a rich mix of styles—rock, country, jazz, soul, and folk—all bound together by Nebraska’s deep musical spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering these names, this roundup is a tribute to the voices that prove Nebraska is anything but quiet.
1. Conor Oberst
Bursting onto the indie scene in the late ’90s, Omaha-born Conor Oberst became a defining voice of the emo-folk movement through his band Bright Eyes. His poetic lyrics—imbued with youthful rawness and emotional vulnerability—resonate deeply, capturing everything from existential angst to tender introspection. Oberst’s distinct voice, with its gravelly edge and impassioned delivery, weaves panoramic stories over melodic ambit of guitar and orchestral arrangements. Each album feels like a late-night confession, laced with wit, passion, and a tinge of melancholy. Even at a glance, Conor feels timeless—continuously reinventing himself while maintaining an acoustic sincerity that hooks listeners in and never lets go.
2. Buddy Miles
Though Omaha-born Buddy Miles passed in 2008, his legacy still reverberates through the grooves of rock and soul. As the powerhouse drummer and frontman of Band of Gypsys alongside Jimi Hendrix, Miles brought explosive energy and deep groove to every performance. His voice, warm and gritty, embodied funk and blues as much as rock—on tracks like “Them Changes” he could seduce with a soulful croon or snap your neck with a reggae-tinged riff. A master of rhythm and showmanship, Buddy’s stage presence was magnetic—a force of nature in every sense.
3. Mari “Cat” Collins
Jazz singer Mari “Cat” Collins poured heart and velvet into mid-20th-century Midwestern jazz. Raised in Omaha, she delivered standards and original tunes with a smoky sophistication that turned heads in clubs across the region. Her vocal control was jaw-dropping—pianissimo whispers and dynamic crescendos danced perfectly in tandem. Collins balanced technical skill with raw feeling, ensuring that every performance felt intimate, spontaneous, and packed with emotion, like a late-night session where you lean in for every nuance.
4. Donna Fargo
With that smooth drawl and wholesome charm, Nebraska-raised Donna Fargo became a fixture on country airwaves in the ’70s. A gifted songwriter and charismatic performer, Fargo penned deeply personal songs like “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.,” instantly relatable anthems celebrating simple joys. Her warm vocals, tinged with optimism and real-talk, felt like chatting with a trusted friend on a long drive. She didn’t just sing—she invited listeners into her world, crafting an approachable yet polished sound that earned her multiple Nashville chart-toppers and accolades.
5. Herb Shriner
Not your typical singer, but Nebraska-raised Herb Shriner made a name as a humorist-yodeler in the golden age of radio. In the 1940s and ’50s, he effortlessly blended comedic storytelling and folksy yodeling—done in a genial, Midwestern accent—into daily broadcasts that charmed millions. His vocal quirks were light and playful; his delivery was disarmingly friendly. Shriner pioneered a style of entertainment that felt like your neighbor sharing a bowl of soup and a laugh at your doorstep.
6. Susan Marshall
Hailing from Omaha and later thriving in Nashville’s songwriting circuit, Susan Marshall brings soulful flair to everything she touches. Her voice—a polished, jazz-inflected instrument—elevates the lyrics she crafts, often steeped in love, heartache, and resilience. Behind the scenes, she’s co-written charting hits for major country artists, but when she takes the mic, her rootsy authenticity shines bright. Marshall’s vocal runs and emotional clarity draw you in; when she sings, every note feels earned and true.
7. Jennifer Hanson
Born in Genoa, Nebraska, Jennifer Hanson found her stride in early-2000s country-pop. She made waves with her self-titled debut album in 2003, delivering heartfelt ballads and mid-tempo radio gems like “Beautiful Goodbye.” Hanson’s voice—clear, warm, and brimming with emotional nuance—strikes a balance between power and vulnerability. Her lyrics speak directly from personal experience—grief, growth, love, moving on—in a way that feels deeply relatable to listeners across generations.
8. Terry Lee Hale
While Omaha might not be the first place you think of for folk-country, Terry Lee Hale carved a cult following with her earnest songcraft. Her voice—unassuming but sincere—carries stories of small-town lives, ambition, and soul-searching. Hale’s acoustic guitar anchors her sound, but it’s her lyrics—intimate, reflective—that linger long after the music ends. She’s a songwriter’s songwriter: understated, authentic, and strikingly human, connecting on a level that feels personal.
9. Larry Williams
Although born in Minnesota, Larry Williams moved to Omaha early and shaped a chunk of 1950s rock and R&B. With raw vocals and blistering piano riffs, Williams belted out classics like “Bony Moronie” and “Short Fat Fannie”—tracks that later inspired The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. His voice had grit and swagger, attitude and soul, capturing the joy and irreverence of early rock ’n’ roll. Williams set the stage for a spirited, unapologetic sound that countless artists followed.
10. Netty Fish
A name synonymous with Omaha’s vibrant alt-rock scene in the ’90s, Netty Fish led her band with punchy hooks and fierce attitude. Her vocal delivery—edgy, melodic, often dripping with irony—cut sharply over crunchy guitar riffs and steady, taut rhythms. Fish crafted songs that felt both catchy and confrontational: sharp observations, sardonic twists, all conveyed with a confident swagger. Think riot grrrl meets Midwest indie spirit—Netty carved out a space that was bold, uncompromising, and endlessly cool.
Samuel Moore 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.
