10 Famous Singers from Kansas

Kansas, situated in the heart of the United States, has been home to several famous singers who have left a lasting impact on the music industry. From rock and country to pop and jazz, Kansas has produced notable voices across various genres.

One of the most iconic singers associated with Kansas is the legendary rock musician and songwriter, Joe Walsh. Born in Wichita, Walsh achieved success as a member of the rock band Eagles, known for their timeless hits like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy.” Walsh’s exceptional guitar skills and unique vocal style have made him a revered figure in the rock music world.

In the realm of country music, Kansas boasts the acclaimed singer-songwriter Martina McBride. Hailing from Sharon, McBride has earned numerous accolades, including multiple CMA Awards and Grammy nominations. Known for her powerful vocals and emotionally charged performances, her hits such as “Independence Day” and “A Broken Wing” have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Moreover, Kansas has produced notable jazz singers, such as Karrin Allyson. Born in Great Bend, Allyson has garnered critical acclaim for her smooth and versatile vocal style. Her Grammy-nominated albums and captivating interpretations of jazz standards have solidified her reputation as a respected jazz vocalist.

These singers from Kansas exemplify the state’s musical contributions across genres. With their talent, creativity, and lasting impact, they have enriched the music industry and represented Kansas on a global scale, showcasing the diverse voices that emerge from the heartland of America.

1. Joyce DiDonato

This famous mezzo-soprano from Prairie Village, Kansas, has garnered numerous accolades for her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. Joyce DiDonato has performed at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses and is known for her interpretations of Rossini and Handel repertoire. Her artistry has earned her many awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. DiDonato is also a vocal advocate for various humanitarian causes and engages with audiences through her masterclasses and workshops.

DiDonato's talent also extends beyond the operatic stage. She has collaborated with many contemporary composers to showcase new works and has released several solo albums that highlight her versatility as a musician. DiDonato's commitment to sharing her life experiences and knowledge has made her a beloved figure in the classical music community.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, DiDonato continues to break barriers for women in the industry through initiatives like "The Weill Music Institute", which identifies young female voices from underserved communities across North America. Her advocacy work continues to inspire future generations of musicians around the world, making her an invaluable cultural icon of our time.

DiDonato's success hasn't come without challenges: she's faced vocal injury before, but instead of letting it get in the way of her career, she used it as an opportunity to grow and heal. Through this experience, DiDonato developed a deeper appreciation for the power of resilience and self-care — qualities that have become hallmarks of both her personality and music.

"Kansas may be known for tornadoes, but Andy McKee's fingerstyle guitar playing has the power to blow you away too."

2. Andy McKee

This iconic fingerstyle guitarist from Kansas, known for his unique style and rhythmic tapping techniques, has earned international recognition as a master of the instrument. With over 200 million YouTube views, Andy McKee's music has mesmerized fans worldwide. His ability to blend complex harmonies with rhythm and melody creates a live experience that is truly unforgettable. A true pioneer of his craft, Andy's innovative use of the acoustic guitar has paved the way for generations of musicians to come.

Andy first gained attention in 2004 after winning third place in the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. Since then, he has released several successful albums and toured extensively across North America and Europe. In addition to his solo work, he has collaborated with numerous artists such as Lee Ritenour, Don Ross, and Antoine Dufour.

Andy is also a talented music educator who enjoys sharing his knowledge through instructional DVDs and workshops. He is dedicated to promoting fingerstyle guitar and inspiring new generations to take up the instrument.

Fun fact: Andy's hit song "Drifting" was originally written as an exercise for improving his tapping technique but became one of his most famous works after going viral on YouTube.

Melissa Etheridge from Kansas proves that rock and roll isn't just a man's game – it's a lesbian's too.

3. Melissa Etheridge

This singer needs no introduction, as her music has been acclaimed worldwide. She hails from the state of Kansas and has dominated the rock music genre since the 1980s. With a unique voice and an eclectic mix of rock, blues, and folk music, she has won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Melissa Etheridge's hits like "Come to My Window" and "I'm The Only One" are still popular among fans.

Janelle Monáe proves that you don't have to be from Kansas to sing like a Jayhawk.

4. Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a famous singer from Kansas. She has gained immense popularity due to her unique sound and style. Her music often combines different genres such as R&B, funk, soul, and hip-hop. Janelle Monáe is known for her powerful vocal range and high-energy live performances.

In addition to her singing career, Janelle Monáe is also an actress and has appeared in several films such as Hidden Figures and Moonlight. She has also been recognized for her activism on issues such as gender equality and LGBTQ rights.

One interesting fact about Janelle Monáe is that she founded the Wondaland Arts Society, a collective of artists who create music, films, and art that challenges traditional norms. Through this platform, she has helped other artists gain exposure and recognition in the entertainment industry.

For those looking to improve their singing skills like Janelle Monáe's, working with a vocal coach can be beneficial in developing proper technique and enhancing vocal range. Additionally, exploring different genres of music can help singers find their own unique style like Janelle Monáe did with her blend of various genres.

I guess you could say Joe Walsh really did find the Hotel California in Kansas.

5. Joe Walsh (The Eagles)

Joe Walsh is among the renowned musicians who come from Kansas. Having been part of The Eagles, an iconic rock band, Walsh is a household name to many music enthusiasts globally. Through his successful career, he has released several chart-topping hits and has continually worked with other legendary artists in the music industry.

Walsh has earned numerous accolades for his contribution to the music industry, including several Grammy Awards. In addition, he is considered a multi-instrumentalist, having realized success not only as a guitarist but also as a keyboardist and percussionist.

In contrast to many other artists from Kansas who had humble beginnings before climbing up the ranks of stardom, Joe was born into a musical family. His father was a musician and conductor for a renowned orchestra in Kansas City. During his teenage years, Walsh began playing guitar professionally around the city with different bands.

It is said that when he turned 20 years old after graduating from high school, he dropped out of Kent State University to pursue his passion for music fully. This decision would later lead him to join famous bands such as Barnstorm and James Gang before finally joining The Eagles in 1975 where he remained until their dissolution in 1980.

Charlie Parker may have been one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, but let's not forget that he was also from Kansas, the birthplace of Dorothy and Toto.

6. Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker was a famous musician hailing from the state of Kansas. He revolutionized jazz music with his unique style of improvisation and harmonic innovations. He was also known for his use of bebop as a musical genre, and has since become an icon in the world of jazz music.

Parker was born in Kansas City, Kansas on August 29th, 1920. He grew up in a musical family and started playing saxophone at an early age. He quickly developed his own style, which combined elements of blues, swing and bebop. His innovative approach to music earned him critical acclaim and helped him establish himself as one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived.

One unique aspect of Parker's career is that he struggled with drug addiction throughout most of it. Despite this, he managed to maintain his reputation as a phenomenal improviser and innovator. Sadly, Parker passed away due to health complications related to drug use at the young age of 34.

Although his career may have been short-lived, Parker's impact on jazz music cannot be understated. He inspired countless musicians after him to experiment with new approaches and sounds. Today, his legacy lives on through the continued appreciation for his artistry and innovation.

Don't miss out on discovering more about other famous singers from Kansas who have left their mark in the world!

Stan Kenton's music was so rhythmic that even my grandma with two left feet could probably dance to it.

7. Stan Kenton

One of the 10 famous singers from Kansas, Stan Kenton was a renowned jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer. With a career spanning over three decades, he left his mark on American music with his innovative arrangements, big band sound, and collaborations with top musicians of his time. His influential work influenced not only the jazz world but also popular music.

Kenton's unique style blended classical music with jazz and was marked by complex harmonies and bold brass sections. He pioneered new forms of jazz like progressive jazz and cool jazz that influenced subsequent generations of musicians. Additionally, Kenton's groundbreaking West Coast Jazz concerts brought attention to talented young artists who went on to become stars themselves.

Notably, Stan Kenton's legacy continued after his death in 1979 through the dedicated efforts of his family and other ardent followers who formed the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra. The group has replicated his sound for new audiences and has even reunited former members to pay tribute to their late leader.

Don't miss out on exploring more about this iconic musician from Kansas.

Martina McBride may be from Kansas, but her voice takes listeners on a journey beyond the wheat fields.

8. Martina McBride

Martina McBride, born in Sharon, Kansas, is a famous country music singer and songwriter. With a career spanning over three decades, she has sold over 14 million albums worldwide and won numerous awards. Her powerful voice and relatable lyrics have earned her a place among the most successful female country singers of all time.

In addition to her music career, Martina McBride is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has supported causes such as domestic violence prevention and breast cancer research through her involvement with organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Despite facing challenges early in her life, including the loss of her father at a young age, Martina McBride's determination and talent have propelled her towards success. Her unique blend of traditional country and contemporary pop influences continues to resonate with fans around the world.

One example of how Martina McBride's music touches people's lives is seen in the story of a fan who was inspired by her song "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" during their battle with cancer. The fan said that hearing the lyrics gave them hope and strength to keep fighting. This highlights the impact that Martina McBride's music can have on individuals facing difficult situations.

Kendall Schmidt from Kansas proves that life is indeed a big time rush, especially when you're a famous singer.

9. Kendall Schmidt (Big Time Rush)

Kendall Schmidt, best known for his role as part of the boy band Big Time Rush, is one of the most popular singers hailing from Kansas. His distinctive voice and incredible stage presence make him a sought-after performer both in the US and internationally. With a career spanning over a decade, Kendall has established himself as one of the most talented singers of his generation.

As part of Big Time Rush, Kendall contributed to many hit songs that topped charts worldwide. His solo career also saw significant success with his single "Parallel," which he released in 2017. Additionally, he has acted in several TV shows such as "CSI: Miami" and "Ghost Whisperer."

Despite his busy schedule, Kendall remains active on social media where he interacts with fans from around the world. He often engages his followers by sharing snippets of his personal life and current projects.

For those looking to follow in Kendall's footsteps, it's important to cultivate your unique voice while remaining open to learning new techniques. It also helps to build a strong online presence through social media platforms as it allows you to connect with fans and showcase your range as an artist. By staying true to yourself and consistently working on improving your craft, you too can achieve success like Kendall Schmidt.

Kansas may be known for its wheat fields, but Hattie McDaniel proves that it's also a breeding ground for soulful singers.

10. Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel, an accomplished singer born in Kansas, gained international recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry. Her talent and charisma made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.

In addition to singing, Hattie made significant strides for the African American community as an actress and activist. She was a trailblazer in an era where opportunities for black actresses were incredibly limited.

Interestingly, Hattie's Academy Award-winning performance was controversial at the time due to its portrayal of a subservient housekeeper. However, she persevered in her career despite criticism and setbacks.

It is worth noting that Hattie's contribution was not limited to entertainment alone – she also helped form the Negro Actors Guild of America.

According to biography.com, "Hattie McDaniel paved the way for future generations of black actresses and entertainers through her barrier-breaking performances and activism."

Edward Tomlin

Edward Tomlin 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.