Iowa, a state in the Midwestern region of the United States, has a rich musical history that has produced many notable singers over the years. From country to pop, rock to blues, and everything in between, Iowa has contributed significantly to the world of music. This article will highlight 20 famous singers from Iowa, who have made a name for themselves in the music industry and left an indelible mark on the hearts of their fans.
One of the most well-known singers from Iowa is Meredith Willson, the composer and lyricist of the hit musical “The Music Man.” Willson was born in Mason City, Iowa, and is considered one of the most successful musical theatre composers of the 1950s. Another notable singer from Iowa is Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Greg Brown, who was born in Fairfield and has released over 30 albums throughout his career.
Other famous singers from Iowa include the country music legend Buck Owens, who was born in Sherman; the pop-rock duo known as The Everly Brothers, who were born in Shenandoah; and the lead vocalist of the rock band Slipknot, Corey Taylor, who was born in Des Moines. These artists and many more have helped put Iowa on the map in the world of music and continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
1. Corey Taylor
Corey Taylor is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who is best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the heavy metal band Slipknot. Born on December 8, 1973, in Des Moines, Iowa, Taylor’s powerful and versatile voice has been a defining characteristic of Slipknot’s sound since he joined the band in 1997. Outside of his work with Slipknot, Taylor has also been involved in other musical projects, including Stone Sour, and has released several solo albums. He is known for his dynamic stage presence, emotional performances, and ability to seamlessly transition between clean singing and guttural screams.
2. Julia Michaels
Julia Michaels is a singer, songwriter, and performer from the United States. She began her music career as a songwriter, penning hit songs for artists such as Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Demi Lovato. In 2017, Michaels released her debut single as a solo artist, “Issues,” which became a commercial success and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She has since released several successful singles and an EP titled “Inner Monologue Part 1.” Michaels’ music is known for its vulnerable and honest lyrics, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. She has a unique and powerful voice, and her performances are emotional and engaging.
3. Andy Williams
Andy Williams was an American singer, known for his smooth baritone voice and his interpretations of popular songs from the 1950s to the 1970s. He began his career as a member of The Williams Brothers, a vocal quartet formed with his brothers. Williams went on to become a successful solo artist, releasing over 40 albums and numerous hit singles throughout his career. He is best known for his recordings of “Moon River,” “Can’t Get Used to Losing You,” and “Speak Softly Love,” among others. Williams was also a popular television host and starred in his own variety show, “The Andy Williams Show,” for several years. His music and performances continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world.
4. Adam Young
Adam Young, better known by his stage name Owl City, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He gained popularity in 2009 with his hit single “Fireflies,” which topped charts in several countries. Young’s music is known for its upbeat and dreamy electronic soundscapes, often featuring whimsical lyrics and themes of nature and imagination. He has released several albums, including “Ocean Eyes” and “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” which have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Young has also collaborated with other artists, including Carly Rae Jepsen on the hit single “Good Time.” His music continues to captivate audiences with its unique and infectious style.
5. Nate Ruess
Nate Ruess is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the band fun. He formed the band in 2008 with Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff and gained widespread popularity with their hit singles “We Are Young” and “Some Nights.” Prior to forming fun., Ruess was the lead vocalist of the band The Format. His music is characterized by his powerful vocals and emotive lyrics, often exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. He has also collaborated with other artists, including P!nk on the hit single “Just Give Me a Reason.” Ruess’s music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
6. Tionne Watkins
Tionne Watkins, better known as T-Boz, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is best known as one-third of the legendary R&B group TLC, which also included Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. TLC was one of the most successful girl groups of the 1990s, with hit songs like “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” and “Creep.” T-Boz’s powerful and soulful vocals were a key element of the group’s sound, and her lyrics often addressed issues like self-esteem and relationships. She continues to perform and record music as a solo artist and with TLC, and her influence on pop and R&B music is undeniable.
7. Charlie Haden
Charlie Haden was a renowned jazz double bassist, composer, and bandleader, who played with some of the greatest musicians in the history of jazz, including Ornette Coleman, Keith Jarrett, and Pat Metheny. He was born in Iowa in 1937 and started playing the bass at an early age. Haden’s unique style was characterized by a deep, resonant tone and a lyrical, melodic approach. He was known for his ability to improvise with great sensitivity and emotional depth, and his contributions to jazz were widely recognized, earning him numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Haden passed away in 2014 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.
8. Art Farmer
Art Farmer was a jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist known for his smooth, lyrical style and impeccable technique. He was born in Iowa in 1928 and began playing the trumpet at an early age. Farmer was a prolific recording artist who released over 60 albums as a leader and appeared on countless others as a sideman. He was also a respected educator who taught at the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Massachusetts. Farmer’s music was characterized by his beautiful tone, elegant phrasing, and sophisticated sense of harmony, and his influence can be heard in the playing of countless trumpet and flugelhorn players today. Farmer passed away in 1999 at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful music that continues to be celebrated by jazz fans around the world.
9. Tommy Bolin
Tommy Bolin was an American guitarist and songwriter who played with several prominent bands in the 1970s, including Deep Purple and the James Gang. He was born in Iowa in 1951 and began playing guitar at an early age. Bolin’s music was characterized by a blend of rock, jazz, and blues, and he was known for his innovative guitar playing and experimental approach to songwriting. Sadly, Bolin’s career was cut short when he passed away in 1976 at the young age of 25 due to a drug overdose, but his music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
10. Sharon Needles
Sharon Needles is the stage name of Aaron Coady, an American drag performer and singer. She rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and has since become a prominent figure in the drag community. Needles’ music is characterized by a blend of electronic, dance, and pop, and she is known for her edgy, goth-inspired style. Her music often addresses themes of queer identity, personal empowerment, and social justice, and she has become a beloved figure among LGBTQ+ audiences around the world.
11. Maddie Poppe
Maddie Poppe is an American singer-songwriter who gained widespread recognition after winning the sixteenth season of the hit television show “American Idol” in 2018. She was born in Iowa in 1997 and began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age. Poppe’s music is characterized by her unique blend of folk, pop, and indie rock elements, with her soulful vocals and catchy melodies earning her a dedicated fanbase. Since winning “American Idol”, Poppe has released several successful singles and albums, including her debut album “Whirlwind” in 2019, which showcases her impressive songwriting abilities and musical versatility.
12. Riley Smith
Riley Smith is a singer-songwriter and actor from Iowa. He started his career as a model before transitioning to acting, with roles in popular TV shows like “90210” and “Nashville”. In addition to his acting career, Smith is also an accomplished musician. He has released several albums and EPs, including his most recent album “Riley Smith” in 2020. Smith’s music is a blend of country and rock, with catchy hooks and relatable lyrics. He is known for his high-energy performances and charismatic stage presence, which have won him fans around the world.
13. Harriet Nelson
Harriet Nelson was an American singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She was best known for her role as the loving and supportive wife and mother in the popular TV sitcom “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”, which she starred in alongside her real-life husband, Ozzie Nelson. Nelson also had a successful career as a singer, with several hit songs in the 1930s and 1940s. Her smooth, soothing vocals and impeccable phrasing won her critical acclaim and made her a favorite among audiences of all ages. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and performers.
14. Arthur Russell
Arthur Russell was an American singer-songwriter and cellist, known for his innovative fusion of genres such as disco, avant-garde, and folk. He was born in Iowa in 1951 and began his career in New York City’s downtown music scene during the 1970s. Russell’s music often incorporated electronic and experimental elements, while also showcasing his skills as a classically trained cellist. His unique voice and use of repetition and minimalism in his compositions created a distinctive sound that influenced a range of artists across different genres. Despite passing away from AIDS-related complications in 1992, Russell’s music continues to inspire and captivate listeners to this day.
15. Brian Bell
Brian Bell is an American musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the guitarist and backing vocalist for the alternative rock band Weezer. Born in 1968 in Iowa, Bell began his career as a musician in the 1990s, playing in various bands before joining Weezer in 1993. He has been a crucial part of the band’s sound and success, co-writing many of their popular songs and contributing his signature guitar riffs and harmonies. In addition to his work with Weezer, Bell has also released solo material, showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter. His distinct guitar style and vocal harmonies have made him a beloved figure in the alternative rock scene.
16. William Elliott Whitmore
17. Greg Brown
William Elliott Whitmore is an American singer-songwriter and musician hailing from Iowa. He was born in 1978 and has been active in the music industry since the early 2000s. Whitmore’s music is often described as a blend of blues, folk, and punk rock, with his distinctive voice and raw, emotional delivery setting him apart from other artists in the genre. He is known for his use of traditional instruments such as banjo and harmonica, and his songs often address social and political issues. Whitmore’s live performances are also highly praised, with his powerful vocals and energetic stage presence captivating audiences around the world.
18. Lillian Russell
Greg Brown is an American folk singer and songwriter who has been active in the music industry since the 1970s. He was born in 1949 in Iowa and grew up in a musical family, which greatly influenced his passion for music. Brown’s music often reflects his rural upbringing and focuses on themes such as love, nature, and social justice. He is known for his rich baritone voice and intricate guitar work, as well as his ability to captivate audiences with his storytelling. Brown has released over 30 albums throughout his career and has been praised for his unique style and contribution to the folk music genre.
19. Tracie Spencer
Tracie Spencer is an American R&B and pop singer who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She was born in 1976 in Nebraska and began singing at a young age, eventually catching the attention of record producers. Spencer’s music is characterized by her powerful vocals and upbeat, danceable beats. She scored several hits on the US Billboard charts, including “This House” and “Tender Kisses”. Spencer’s success in the music industry was notable for being achieved at a young age, and she remains a respected figure in the R&B and pop genres.
20 . Hailey Whitters
Hailey Whitters is an American country singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the music industry in recent years. She was born in Iowa in 1987 and began writing songs as a teenager, eventually moving to Nashville to pursue her career in music. Whitters’ music is characterized by her honest and heartfelt songwriting, which often touches on themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. Her unique voice and blend of traditional and modern country elements have garnered her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Whitters’ sophomore album, “The Dream”, was released in 2020 and received widespread praise for its authenticity and emotional depth.
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.
