Oklahoma, located in the heart of the United States, has a rich musical history that has produced many famous singers. From country to rock to pop, the state has given rise to a diverse array of talented musicians who have left their mark on the world of music. In this article, we will explore 20 of the most famous singers from Oklahoma and their contributions to the music industry.
One of the most iconic names on this list is Woody Guthrie, a folk singer and songwriter who rose to fame during the Great Depression. Guthrie’s music was inspired by his experiences traveling across the country and witnessing the struggles of the working class. His songs, which often dealt with social and political issues, have had a profound influence on American music and culture. Other notable names on the list include Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks, and Carrie Underwood, all of whom have achieved great success in the country music genre. However, the list also includes singers from other genres such as rock, pop, and jazz, highlighting the diversity of musical talent that has emerged from Oklahoma over the years.
1. Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks is a country music legend who hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born in 1962, Brooks got his start in the music industry in the late 1980s and quickly became one of the most successful country artists of all time. With over 170 million records sold worldwide, Brooks is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He is known for his energetic live performances and catchy, anthemic songs, many of which have become country music classics.
Brooks has won numerous awards throughout his career, including two Grammy Awards and 17 American Music Awards. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012 and has been named the Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association six times, more than any other artist in history. Brooks is also known for his charitable work, particularly through his Teammates for Kids Foundation, which supports children’s charities around the world.
Some of Brooks’ most popular songs include “Friends in Low Places,” “The Dance,” and “The Thunder Rolls.” He continues to tour and record new music, and his influence on the country music genre is undeniable.
2. Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire is a country music icon who was born in McAlester, Oklahoma in 1955. She began her music career in the late 1970s and quickly became one of the most successful female country artists of all time. Known for her powerful vocals and emotional performances, McEntire has sold over 75 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards and 16 Academy of Country Music Awards.
In addition to her music career, McEntire is also a successful actress and has appeared in a number of films and television shows. She is known for her roles in movies like Tremors and TV shows like Reba and Young Sheldon. She has also hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards multiple times.
Some of McEntire’s most popular songs include “Fancy,” “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” and “Is There Life Out There.” She is also known for her collaborations with other country music legends, including Dolly Parton and Linda Davis. McEntire continues to tour and record new music, and her impact on the country music genre is undeniable. She is a true icon of North Oklahoma and of country music as a whole.
3. Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton is a country music superstar from Ada, Oklahoma. Born in 1976, Shelton began his music career in the early 2000s and quickly rose to fame with his distinctive baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics. He has released over a dozen albums and has won numerous awards throughout his career, including several Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards.
In addition to his music career, Shelton is also known for his role as a coach on the popular singing competition show, The Voice. He has served as a coach on the show since its inception in 2011 and has mentored several winning contestants.
Some of Shelton’s most popular songs include “Austin,” “God’s Country,” and “I’ll Name the Dogs.” He is known for his relatable lyrics and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with more contemporary elements. Shelton continues to tour and record new music, and his impact on the country music genre is undeniable. He is a proud Oklahoman and has often referenced his home state in his music.
4. Toby Keith
Toby Keith is a country music superstar from Clinton, Oklahoma. Born in 1961, Keith began his music career in the early 1990s and has since become one of the most successful country artists of all time. He has released over 20 albums and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. He is known for his unique blend of traditional country sounds with rock and pop influences, as well as his catchy and sometimes controversial lyrics.
In addition to his music career, Keith is also a successful actor and has appeared in a number of films and television shows. He is also known for his support of the US military and has performed for troops stationed overseas on several occasions.
Some of Keith’s most popular songs include “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Red Solo Cup,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including several Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards. Keith continues to tour and record new music, and his impact on the country music genre is undeniable. He is a true icon of North Oklahoma and of country music as a whole.
5. Vince Gill
Vince Gill is a country music legend from Norman, Oklahoma. Born in 1957, Gill began his music career in the late 1970s and has since become one of the most respected and successful musicians in the genre. He has released over 20 albums and has won numerous awards throughout his career, including 21 Grammy Awards and 18 Country Music Association Awards.
In addition to his music career, Gill is also a talented songwriter and has written hit songs for other country music artists, including George Strait and Patty Loveless. He is also known for his collaborations with other music legends, such as Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris.
Some of Gill’s most popular songs include “When I Call Your Name,” “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” and “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away.” He is known for his incredible vocal range and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with more contemporary elements. Gill continues to tour and record new music, and his impact on the country music genre is undeniable. He is a true icon of North Oklahoma and of country music as a whole.
6. Leon Russell
Leon Russell was a singer-songwriter, pianist, and music producer from Lawton, Oklahoma. Born in 1942, Russell began his music career in the 1960s and quickly became a sought-after session musician and songwriter. He has worked with a wide range of artists throughout his career, including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Elton John.
Russell’s music is a blend of rock, blues, and country, and he was known for his distinctive voice and piano playing style. Some of his most popular songs include “A Song for You,” “This Masquerade,” and “Tight Rope.” He has released over 30 albums throughout his career and has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Album Notes.
In addition to his music career, Russell was also an advocate for social justice and civil rights. He performed at the Concert for Bangladesh, a benefit concert for the refugees of the Bangladesh Liberation War, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Russell passed away in 2016, but his impact on the music world and on North Oklahoma in particular will never be forgotten.
7. Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie was a legendary American singer-songwriter and folk musician from Okemah, Oklahoma. Born in 1912, Guthrie was best known for his songs that spoke to the struggles and experiences of working-class Americans during the Great Depression era. He wrote hundreds of songs throughout his career, including “This Land Is Your Land,” which has become a beloved American folk anthem.
Guthrie was also known for his activism and social justice work, often using his music to bring attention to important issues such as workers’ rights and racial equality. He was a member of the Almanac Singers and the Weavers, both of which were influential groups in the American folk music scene.
Despite struggling with health issues in his later years, Guthrie continued to perform and write music until his passing in 1967. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and has left a lasting legacy on the music world and on North Oklahoma in particular. Guthrie’s music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today, and his contributions to American folk music and social justice are immeasurable.
8. Roger Miller
Roger Miller was a singer-songwriter and actor from Erick, Oklahoma. Born in 1936, Miller began his music career in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity for his unique blend of country and rock music. He was known for his clever and witty lyrics, as well as his distinctive voice and yodeling style.
Miller released several hit songs throughout his career, including “King of the Road,” “Dang Me,” and “Chug-a-Lug.” He also wrote songs for other popular country artists, such as George Jones and Ray Price. In addition to his music career, Miller appeared in several films and television shows, including the TV series “Hee Haw” and the film “Robin Hood.”
Despite struggling with alcoholism and other personal issues throughout his life, Miller continued to make music and perform until his passing in 1992. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995 and his contributions to the music world and to North Oklahoma in particular will always be remembered.
9. Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth is a multi-talented singer and actress from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Born in 1968, Chenoweth began her career in musical theater, starring in productions such as “Wicked” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” She quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile performer, with a powerful voice and an ability to effortlessly switch between comedic and dramatic roles.
Chenoweth has also appeared in several films and television shows, including “Pushing Daisies,” “Glee,” and “The West Wing.” She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Tony Award for her role in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and an Emmy Award for her performance in “Pushing Daisies.”
In addition to her acting and singing career, Chenoweth is also an advocate for several charitable causes, including education and the arts. She has established the Kristin Chenoweth Arts & Education Fund to support arts education in public schools.
Chenoweth’s contributions to the performing arts and to North Oklahoma have been significant, and she continues to be a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
10. Patti Page
Patti Page was a legendary singer and actress from Claremore, Oklahoma. Born in 1927, Page rose to fame in the 1950s with hit songs such as “Tennessee Waltz” and “(How Much Is That) Doggie in the Window.” She was known for her clear and soothing voice, as well as her ability to perform in a wide range of musical styles, including country, pop, and jazz.
Page’s success continued throughout the 1960s, with several more hit songs and appearances on popular TV shows such as “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Andy Williams Show.” She also appeared in several films, including “Elmer Gantry” and “Boys’ Night Out.”
In addition to her music and acting career, Page was also known for her philanthropy and her support of charitable causes such as animal rights and cancer research. She continued to perform and record music until her passing in 2013, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and iconic singers of her generation.
Page’s contributions to North Oklahoma and to the music world as a whole will always be remembered and celebrated.
11. Wanda Jackson
Wanda Jackson, known as the “Queen of Rockabilly,” is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Maud, Oklahoma. Born in 1937, Jackson began her music career in the mid-1950s and quickly gained popularity with her unique blend of country and rockabilly music. Her distinctive voice and energetic stage presence made her a standout in the music scene, and she became one of the first female rock and roll stars.
Jackson’s hit songs include “Let’s Have a Party,” “Fujiyama Mama,” and “Right or Wrong.” She continued to record and perform music throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and her influence on the rockabilly and country music genres is still felt today.
In addition to her music career, Jackson also appeared in several films, including “TJ and the Ant Man” and “Aloha from Hawaii.” She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and continues to be a beloved and respected figure in the music world.
Jackson’s contributions to North Oklahoma and to the music industry as a whole have been significant, and she remains a trailblazer and inspiration to many.
12. J.J. Cale
J.J. Cale, born in Oklahoma City in 1938, was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his laid-back style and unique blend of blues, country, and rock music. His distinctive sound and understated approach to music influenced many other musicians, including Eric Clapton, who covered several of Cale’s songs.
Cale’s most well-known songs include “After Midnight,” “Cocaine,” and “Call Me the Breeze,” which have been covered by a range of artists over the years. He recorded and released music throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and continued to perform and tour until his death in 2013.
Despite his impact on the music industry, Cale remained a humble and private person throughout his life. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Cale’s contributions to North Oklahoma and to the music world at large have been significant, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians today.
13. Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood, born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1983, is a singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Since then, she has become one of the most successful country music artists of all time, with numerous chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and accolades including seven Grammy Awards.
Underwood’s music often combines elements of country and pop, with powerful vocals and catchy melodies. Her most famous songs include “Before He Cheats,” “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and “Blown Away.” In addition to her music career, Underwood has also appeared in several movies and television shows, including a starring role in the live television broadcast of The Sound of Music in 2013.
Underwood is known for her philanthropic work, supporting causes such as animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the music industry, receiving honors such as induction into the Grand Ole Opry and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Carrie Underwood’s talent and success have made her a beloved figure in North Oklahoma and beyond, and she continues to inspire fans with her music and charitable efforts.
14. Charlie Wilson
Charlie Wilson, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1953, is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice and R&B hits. Wilson began his music career as the lead singer of The Gap Band, a funk band that rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with hits such as “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” and “Outstanding.”
After a hiatus from the music industry in the early 1990s, Wilson launched a solo career and has since released several successful albums, including “Uncle Charlie” and “In It to Win It.” He has collaborated with artists such as Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, and Bruno Mars, and has been recognized with numerous awards, including a BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
In addition to his music career, Wilson is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the area of prostate cancer awareness. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 and has since become an advocate for early detection and treatment.
Charlie Wilson’s powerful voice and contributions to R&B and soul music have made him a beloved figure in North Oklahoma and beyond, and he continues to inspire audiences with his talent and advocacy.
15. Roy Clark
Roy Clark was a multi-talented musician, singer, and entertainer from Meherrin, Virginia, but he spent most of his life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was known for his virtuosic guitar playing, which made him a sought-after session musician in Nashville, and for his comedic talent and charm on stage. Clark hosted the popular television variety show “Hee Haw” for over 20 years, introducing audiences to many other country music stars and helping to spread the genre’s popularity.
In addition to his television career, Roy Clark had a successful recording career, with hits like “Yesterday, When I Was Young” and “Come Live with Me” earning him awards and recognition in the industry. Clark was also a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. His influence on country music and his contributions to the genre’s growth and popularity have made him a beloved figure in the music world. Even after his passing in 2018, his music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
16. David Gates
David Gates is a singer-songwriter and musician from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the soft rock band Bread. With his soulful voice and knack for crafting melodic pop ballads, Gates became one of the most prominent artists of the early 1970s. He wrote and performed some of the band’s biggest hits, such as “If,” “Make It with You,” “Baby I’m-a Want You,” and “Everything I Own.”
Aside from his work with Bread, Gates also had a successful solo career, releasing several albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His music often showcased his versatility as a musician, as he incorporated elements of country, folk, and rock into his songs. In addition to his singing and songwriting talents, Gates was also an accomplished instrumentalist, playing guitar, bass, and piano on his recordings.
David Gates’ legacy as a singer-songwriter has left an indelible mark on the soft rock genre, with his heartfelt ballads and poignant lyrics resonating with fans around the world.
17. Hoyt Axton
Hoyt Axton was an American singer-songwriter born in Duncan, Oklahoma in 1938. He was the son of famous songwriter Mae Boren Axton, who co-wrote the Elvis Presley hit “Heartbreak Hotel”. Axton started his career as a folk singer in the 1960s and quickly gained a following for his unique style that blended country, rock, and folk music.
Axton wrote many hit songs throughout his career, including “The Pusher” and “Snowblind Friend”, both of which were covered by Steppenwolf. He also wrote the iconic Three Dog Night hit “Joy to the World”. As a performer, Axton was known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.
In addition to his music career, Axton also worked as an actor in film and television. He appeared in several movies, including “Gremlins” and “The Black Stallion”, as well as TV shows such as “Bonanza” and “Baretta”. Despite his success in acting, music remained his primary passion and he continued to write and perform until his death in 1999. Axton’s legacy as a songwriter and performer continues to be celebrated by fans of his unique and influential style.
18. Ronnie Dunn
Ronnie Dunn is a country music singer, songwriter and record producer, born in Coleman, Texas, but raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is best known as one half of the country music duo Brooks & Dunn, which was formed in the 1990s and achieved great commercial success with hits such as “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “My Maria”. Following the duo’s hiatus in 2010, Dunn launched a solo career and has released several successful albums, including “Tattooed Heart” and “Re-Dunn”.
Dunn’s music is known for its classic country sound, featuring powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and thoughtful lyrics that often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and the simple joys of life. He has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards.
In addition to his successful music career, Dunn has also made appearances in film and television, including a role in the 2010 film “Country Strong”. He continues to be a respected and influential figure in the world of country music, and his music has touched the hearts of fans around the world.
19. Jimmie Davis
Jimmie Davis was an American country music singer and songwriter from North Louisiana, but his music career was heavily influenced by his connections to Oklahoma. He was born in Quitman, Louisiana, in 1899, and later moved to Shreveport, where he worked as a radio announcer and performed in local bands. Davis also made frequent trips to Oklahoma City in the 1920s and 1930s to record and perform for local radio stations.
In 1933, Davis wrote “You Are My Sunshine,” a song that would become his signature tune and one of the most popular and enduring songs in country music history. The song has been covered by countless artists and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
Davis served as governor of Louisiana from 1944 to 1948 and again from 1960 to 1964. Despite his political career, he continued to perform and record music throughout his life, releasing dozens of albums over the course of several decades.
Jimmie Davis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1972, and his contributions to the genre have left a lasting impact on country music and American popular culture.
20. Rita Coolidge
Rita Coolidge is a singer and songwriter who was born on May 1, 1945, in Lafayette, Tennessee. She grew up in Florida and attended Florida State University, where she sang in the choir and played piano. She began her musical career in the 1960s as a backup singer for artists like Joe Cocker and Leon Russell. She then signed with A&M Records and released her first solo album in 1971.
Coolidge’s music has been described as a mix of rock, pop, and country, with a touch of soul. She is known for her smooth, soothing voice and her ability to convey emotion through her music. Some of her most popular songs include “We’re All Alone,” “Higher and Higher,” and “Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher and Higher.”
In addition to her successful music career, Coolidge has also acted in films and television shows, including “A Star Is Born” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.” She has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to music, including two Grammy Awards.
Overall, Rita Coolidge has left a lasting impact on the music industry with her soulful voice and her ability to connect with listeners through her music.
Darren Jamison 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.
