North Carolina may be known for its rolling mountains, barbecue, and college basketball, but its musical legacy is just as powerful—and far more diverse than you might think. From soulful crooners and country icons to hip-hop visionaries and jazz legends, the Tar Heel State has produced some of the most influential voices in music history. Whether they were born in small towns or raised in bustling cities, these artists have carried their Carolina roots into every note, lyric, and performance. Their sounds have topped charts, won Grammys, sparked movements, and touched millions around the world. This list isn’t just a celebration of fame—it’s a tribute to talent, resilience, and the unique musical spirit that North Carolina continues to inspire. So whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just curious about where your favorite artist got their start, get ready to be amazed. These are the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from North Carolina—a lineup that proves this Southern state isn’t just part of the music scene… it helps define it.
1. J. Cole
J. Cole isn’t just a rapper—he’s a poet of the people, a voice for the thoughtful, and a leader in the evolution of hip-hop. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Jermaine Cole turned a modest upbringing into fuel for a career built on authenticity and insight. A magna cum laude graduate of St. John’s University, Cole became the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, setting the stage for a discography filled with introspection, storytelling, and social awareness. Albums like 2014 Forest Hills Drive—named after his childhood home—are lauded not just for their production but for their vulnerability and raw honesty. Cole has made a name for himself by rejecting the fame-first model of the industry, focusing instead on lyrical substance and emotional truth. Through his Dreamville label, he’s helped shape a new generation of artists with the same fearless commitment to creativity. Whether dissecting racism, fame, or fatherhood, J. Cole remains grounded in purpose. He’s not just a son of North Carolina—he’s one of hip-hop’s most respected, introspective voices, and his influence stretches far beyond the mic.
2. Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino’s journey from struggle to superstardom reads like a modern-day gospel. Born and raised in High Point, North Carolina, Fantasia turned heads across America when she won Season 3 of American Idol in 2004. With a powerhouse voice soaked in soul and gospel tradition, she channeled the emotional intensity of greats like Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle. Her debut single, “I Believe,” made history by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her as a formidable new talent. But what makes Fantasia unforgettable isn’t just her vocal power—it’s her emotional transparency. She’s openly shared her personal battles, from early life hardships to industry pressures, and that honesty gives her music a rare depth. Her work on Broadway in The Color Purple and her Grammy-winning recordings showcase a fearless artist who pours every ounce of herself into performance. Fantasia doesn’t just hit notes—she lives them. Her ability to transform pain into passion, and adversity into art, has made her not only an acclaimed singer but an inspiration. With each performance, Fantasia reminds us that resilience and raw talent can overcome even the toughest odds.
3. James Taylor
James Taylor is the quintessential singer-songwriter—introspective, honest, and timeless. Though born in Boston, he grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where the rhythms of Southern life helped shape his gentle, reflective style. With a soothing voice and understated guitar work, Taylor rose to prominence in the late ’60s and early ’70s, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the chaos of the times. His breakthrough songs—“Fire and Rain,” “Sweet Baby James,” and the beloved “Carolina in My Mind”—are deeply personal yet universally relatable. Behind his calm demeanor is a man who has battled inner demons, and that emotional complexity finds its way into his lyrics. Taylor’s ability to tell stories of love, loss, healing, and hope has earned him countless accolades, including inductions into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame. But more than awards, it’s his enduring emotional resonance that makes him special. Across generations, his music continues to provide comfort and clarity. Whether he’s strumming an acoustic ballad or delivering a poignant live performance, James Taylor remains a quiet force in American music—a gentle soul whose songs speak volumes.
4. Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery embodies the best of country music’s heart and heritage. Hailing from Garner, North Carolina, Scotty captured America’s attention when he won American Idol in 2011 at just 17 years old. With a voice far beyond his years—a rich, baritone tone that nods to classic country greats—he brought traditional sounds back to the forefront. His debut album, Clear as Day, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making him the youngest male artist ever to top the chart with a debut release. Since then, Scotty has matured into a seasoned songwriter and performer, penning heartfelt tracks like “Five More Minutes” and “This Is It,” inspired by his own life and love story. What sets him apart is his authenticity. He stays rooted in family, faith, and his Southern upbringing, resonating with fans who appreciate sincerity in a genre often pulled by pop trends. Whether headlining national tours or playing at the Grand Ole Opry, Scotty brings a warmth and charm that make him a beloved figure in modern country. He’s not just a former teen sensation—he’s a true storyteller of the American South.
5. Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s voice is a masterclass in elegance, depth, and emotion. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in a musically inclined family, she was playing classical piano at an early age—an influence that would shape her refined and soulful artistry. Her breakout came in the early 1970s with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” a haunting ballad that soared to No. 1 and won her a Grammy. Hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” followed, further showcasing her rare ability to convey vulnerability and strength within the same breath. Roberta’s voice doesn’t shout—it whispers truths with profound emotional weight. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway are now the stuff of legend, blending soul, jazz, and quiet intimacy into something entirely her own. As a classically trained artist, Flack brought a unique sophistication to popular music, earning critical acclaim and multiple Grammy wins. But beyond awards, her music endures because of its emotional honesty and timeless beauty. In an era of volume and flash, Roberta Flack proved that quiet artistry can leave the deepest impression.
6. Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton is a soul singer in every sense of the word. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, his gritty, gospel-drenched voice harkens back to the legends—Sam Cooke, Al Green, Otis Redding—yet he’s carved out a space entirely his own. His rise came with the 2003 release of Comin’ from Where I’m From, a deeply personal album that introduced the world to his signature sound: raw, emotional, and deeply rooted in Black musical traditions. Songs like “Charlene” earned him Grammy nominations and widespread acclaim, but what really sets Hamilton apart is his ability to balance old-school soul with modern R&B and hip-hop influences. Whether collaborating with artists like Jill Scott, The Roots, or Mark Ronson, he brings a heartfelt sincerity that never wavers. His music explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and redemption, often feeling like a sermon wrapped in song. Hamilton’s voice can lift spirits, stir memories, and move crowds, all in the same verse. In a genre often defined by style over substance, Anthony Hamilton reminds us that soul is not just a sound—it’s a feeling, and few deliver it better than he does.
7. Petey Pablo
Petey Pablo brought North Carolina to the forefront of hip-hop with a style that was loud, proud, and impossible to ignore. Born in Greenville, North Carolina, he burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with his breakout hit “Raise Up,” an anthem of Southern pride that had everyone spinning their shirts “like a helicopter.” Fueled by Timbaland’s futuristic production and Petey’s high-octane delivery, the track became a cultural phenomenon. His debut album, Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry, earned a Grammy nomination and established him as a distinctive voice in the growing wave of Southern hip-hop. With follow-up hits like “Freek-a-Leek,” he proved that his bold charisma wasn’t a fluke—it was his trademark. But beyond the club bangers, Petey’s success marked a turning point for North Carolina hip-hop, paving the way for artists like J. Cole and Rapsody. He gave his home state a seat at the table and did it with unapologetic swagger. Though his mainstream reign was brief, his influence endures. Petey Pablo was more than a flash in the pan—he was a pioneer who put Carolina on the rap map.
8. Nina Simone
Nina Simone wasn’t just a musician—she was a force of nature. Born in Tryon, North Carolina, Simone was a classically trained pianist who broke barriers by blending classical music with jazz, gospel, blues, and soul. But it wasn’t just her musicianship that made her legendary—it was her fearless activism. Through songs like “Mississippi Goddam,” “Four Women,” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” Simone became a powerful voice in the civil rights movement, using her music to confront racism, injustice, and pain with unflinching honesty. Her voice was unlike any other—raw, smoky, vulnerable, and commanding. She could whisper a lullaby or thunder like a preacher, often in the same song. Simone’s artistry was deeply personal and politically charged, and while that often put her at odds with the mainstream, it also solidified her as an icon of uncompromising integrity. Misunderstood in her time, she is now celebrated as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Nina Simone didn’t aim to entertain—she aimed to awaken. And through her timeless music, she continues to do just that.
9. Luke Combs
Luke Combs represents a new generation of country music—unfiltered, relatable, and proudly blue-collar. Born in Charlotte and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, Combs made a grassroots rise to stardom, building a loyal fanbase through relentless touring and heartfelt songwriting. His 2017 debut album, This One’s for You, was a juggernaut, spawning five consecutive No. 1 singles and setting records in the country music world. What fans love about Combs is his everyman image—flannel shirts, a baseball cap, and songs that feel like they were written just for you. From the emotional honesty of “Even Though I’m Leaving” to the good-time anthem “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” his music connects because it’s real. Combs isn’t chasing pop trends—he’s honoring the tradition of country storytelling while adding his own modern twist. His powerful voice, humble demeanor, and emotional vulnerability have earned him multiple CMA awards and legions of fans. Luke Combs is proof that authenticity still matters in country music. He’s not just a rising star—he’s quickly becoming one of its most defining voices.
10. Rapsody
Rapsody is the embodiment of lyrical excellence and artistic purpose. Hailing from Snow Hill, North Carolina, she emerged from the underground scene with a sharp pen and a clear mission: to elevate the craft of hip-hop. A protégé of producer 9th Wonder, Rapsody’s early work earned the respect of peers and critics alike, but it was her 2017 album Laila’s Wisdom that put her on the map with Grammy nominations and widespread acclaim. Then came Eve—a concept album honoring Black women throughout history—which solidified her place among hip-hop’s elite. Her verses are dense with wordplay, cultural insight, and emotional depth, tackling everything from racial identity to self-worth with unflinching grace. She’s worked with icons like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Anderson .Paak, yet she’s always remained true to her own voice. Rapsody doesn’t rely on shock or gimmicks—her power lies in her intellect, authenticity, and dedication to truth-telling. In a genre too often obsessed with flash, she stands out as a beacon of substance. Rapsody is more than a rapper—she’s a modern-day griot, preserving history and pushing culture forward one verse at a time.
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.
