1. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, also known as “The King of Rock and Roll,” was a legendary singer, musician, and actor. He rose to fame in the 1950s, becoming one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of popular music. Presley’s unique blend of rock, blues, country, and gospel music, combined with his electrifying stage presence, made him a sensation around the world. His hits include “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Suspicious Minds.” Despite his untimely death at the age of 42, his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians.
2. Britney Spears
Britney Spears is a pop singer, dancer, and actress who rose to fame in the late 1990s with her debut single “Baby One More Time.” She quickly became a cultural icon and one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Known for her catchy pop hits, provocative music videos, and energetic performances, Spears has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Despite facing personal struggles and controversies in the public eye, she continues to inspire and entertain fans with her music and live shows. Some of her other hit songs include “Toxic,” “Oops!…I Did It Again,” and “Womanizer.”
3. Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke was a pioneering American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur whose career spanned the late 1950s until his untimely death in 1964. He was known for his smooth and soulful voice, which helped popularize gospel-infused R&B music. Cooke’s hits included “You Send Me,” “Chain Gang,” and “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which became a civil rights anthem. He also founded his own record label and publishing company, paving the way for future generations of Black musicians to have greater control over their own careers.
4. Rick Ross
Rick Ross is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and record executive. He rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his distinctive deep voice and hard-hitting lyrics about his life in the drug trade. Ross has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including “Deeper Than Rap” and “Teflon Don.” He’s also known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including his Maybach Music Group record label and his Wingstop and Checkers franchises. Ross has collaborated with numerous other artists, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Drake, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation.
5. Tammy Wynette
Tammy Wynette was an American country music singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. She was known as the “First Lady of Country Music” and is best remembered for her hit song “Stand By Your Man.” Wynette’s music often dealt with themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and the struggles of women in relationships. She recorded over 20 number one hits during her career, and her distinctive voice and emotional delivery have made her an icon of country music.
6. Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty was an American country music singer and songwriter who had a career that spanned over four decades. Twitty’s music was known for its blend of rockabilly and country, and he recorded hits such as “Hello Darlin’,” “It’s Only Make Believe,” and “Tight Fittin’ Jeans.” He was also known for his duets with Loretta Lynn, including “After the Fire Is Gone” and “Lead Me On.” Twitty’s smooth vocals and romantic ballads made him a favorite among country music fans, and his music continues to be celebrated today.
7. Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and producer. She rose to fame in the 1990s with her self-titled debut album, which spawned hit singles like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby.” With her unique blend of R&B and pop, Brandy became a leading figure in the music industry and has since released several successful albums, including “Never Say Never” and “Full Moon.” Her voice is soulful and powerful, and she has received critical acclaim for her vocal abilities. In addition to her music career, Brandy has also acted in various TV shows and films.
8. LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes is an American singer and actress who rose to fame in the late 1990s with her debut single “Blue.” She has since released several successful albums and is known for her powerful voice and unique blend of country and pop music. LeAnn has won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards, and has sold over 37 million records worldwide. In addition to her music career, she has also acted in various films and TV shows. LeAnn is known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and health.
9. Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Paramore. With her distinctive voice and dynamic stage presence, she has become an icon in the alternative music scene. Hayley’s songwriting often touches on themes of personal struggle, resilience, and empowerment, and her lyrics have resonated with fans around the world. In addition to her work with Paramore, Hayley has released solo material, including the album “Petals for Armor,” which showcases her versatility as an artist. She has also been recognized for her fashion sense and advocacy for mental health awareness.
10. B.B. King
B.B. King was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who became known as the “King of the Blues.” Born in Mississippi in 1925, King began playing the guitar at a young age and developed a unique style that incorporated both traditional blues and jazz influences. His smooth, soulful voice and virtuosic guitar playing made him a legendary figure in the music industry. King recorded dozens of albums and won numerous awards throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards. He was also a passionate advocate for civil rights and used his music to spread messages of love, hope, and social justice. King passed away in 2015 at the age of 89, but his influence on the blues and rock genres continues to be felt to this day.
11. Faith Hill
Faith Hill is an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s with her blend of country and pop music. Born in Mississippi in 1967, Hill began singing in local venues before moving to Nashville to pursue a career in music. She released her debut album in 1993, which spawned several hit singles and earned her multiple awards. Throughout her career, Hill has sold over 40 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards. She has also made several appearances in film and television, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Hill continues to be a prominent figure in the country music scene and remains a beloved artist among fans.
12. Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of blues music. Born in Mississippi in 1911, Johnson’s life and career remain shrouded in mystery, but his recordings have had a profound impact on blues, rock, and pop music. Johnson’s music was characterized by his intricate guitar playing and haunting vocals, and his lyrics often dealt with themes of love, betrayal, and the devil. Despite only recording a handful of songs before his death in 1938 at the age of 27, Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
13. Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett is an American singer, songwriter, and author known for his laid-back, island-inspired music and persona. Born in Mississippi in 1946, Buffett began his music career in the 1970s and has since released over 30 albums, with hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” He is also a successful author, with several best-selling books, including “A Pirate Looks at Fifty” and “Tales from Margaritaville.” Buffett’s music and writing often celebrate escapism, island life, and the tropics, making him a beloved figure among fans of beach and country music.
14. Charley Pride
Charley Pride was an American singer and guitarist who broke barriers as one of the first African American performers to achieve mainstream success in the country music genre. Born in Mississippi in 1934, Pride began his music career in the 1960s and went on to release over 50 albums, with hits like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” and “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone.” He won multiple awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Pride passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer and pioneer in country music.
15. Ray J
Ray J is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and television personality. Born in Mississippi in 1981, Ray J began his career as a child actor, appearing in television commercials and the sitcom “The Sinbad Show.” He then transitioned to music, releasing his debut album “Everything You Want” in 1997. However, it was his second album, “This Ain’t a Game,” that gained him mainstream success with the hit single “Wait A Minute.” Ray J continued to release music and has collaborated with various artists throughout his career, including Lil Kim, Brandy, and Yung Berg. He has also appeared on reality TV shows such as “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood” and “Celebrity Big Brother.”
16. Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price is an American soprano and one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. Born in Mississippi in 1927, Price began singing in church choirs and went on to study music at the Juilliard School in New York City. She made her operatic debut in 1952 and quickly gained acclaim for her powerful voice and dramatic performances. Price is known for her interpretations of the works of Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart, among others, and has performed in opera houses around the world. She has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and continues to be regarded as a trailblazer in the world of opera.
17. David Ruffin
David Ruffin was an American soul singer and member of the iconic group The Temptations. Born in Mississippi in 1941, Ruffin joined The Temptations in 1964 and became the lead vocalist on many of the group’s biggest hits, including “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” He also had a successful solo career, with hits like “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” and “Walk Away From Love.” Ruffin was known for his powerful and emotive voice, as well as his showmanship on stage. Despite personal struggles with addiction, he remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of soul music.
18. Lance Bass
Lance Bass is an American singer, dancer, actor, and television personality. Born in Mississippi in 1979, he rose to fame as a member of the pop group *NSYNC in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The group achieved enormous success with hits like “Bye Bye Bye” and “It’s Gonna Be Me.” Bass also pursued a solo career, releasing an album in 2002. In addition to his music career, he has appeared in films and on television shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Meredith Vieira Show.” Bass is also an advocate for LGBTQ rights and has been active in various charitable organizations.
19. Jamie Lynn Spears
Jamie Lynn Spears is an American singer and actress. Born in Mississippi in 1991, she rose to fame as a teenager for her role as Zoey Brooks on the Nickelodeon series “Zoey 101.” Spears also pursued a music career, releasing her debut single “How Could I Want More” in 2013. She has since released several more singles and an EP. In addition to her entertainment career, Spears is a mother and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including organizations that benefit children’s hospitals and animal shelters. She continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
20. Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson was an American singer and founding member of the Motown group The Supremes. Born in Mississippi in 1944, Wilson joined the group in 1959 and remained with them until their disbandment in 1977. The Supremes became one of the most successful girl groups of all time, with hits such as “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Wilson continued to perform and record music after the group’s breakup, as well as writing books and being involved in charitable work. She passed away in 2021, but her legacy as a pioneering figure in the music industry lives on.
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.
