Iowa, a state known for its agricultural heritage and scenic landscapes, has also been home to several notable singers who have made their mark on the music industry.
One of the most renowned singers from Iowa is the iconic jazz vocalist and pianist, Andy Williams. Born in Wall Lake, Williams gained fame for his smooth, velvety voice and timeless hits such as “Moon River” and “Can’t Get Used to Losing You.” His warm and soothing vocals, coupled with his charming stage presence, made him a beloved figure in the world of popular music.
Another celebrated singer from Iowa is rock musician and songwriter, Corey Taylor. Known as the lead vocalist of the bands Slipknot and Stone Sour, Taylor’s powerful and versatile voice has captivated audiences. With hits like “Snuff” and “Through Glass,” Taylor has showcased his emotional depth and range, solidifying his status as one of the prominent figures in modern rock.
Additionally, Iowa has produced country music stars like Maddie & Tae. This female duo, consisting of Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye, gained recognition for their heartfelt lyrics and harmonies. Their breakthrough hit “Girl in a Country Song” challenged the stereotypes in country music and paved the way for their success.
These singers from Iowa have each contributed to their respective genres, showcasing the diversity of talent that emerges from the state. From jazz to rock and country, their unique voices and musical abilities have left a lasting impact on the music world, representing the rich musical tapestry of Iowa.
1. Arthur Russell
Arthur Russell, a popular singer-songwriter and cellist, hails from Iowa. He was known for his avant-garde style of music, blending genres like disco, folk and classical. Arthur's experimental approach to music made him an influential cultural figure in the 80s. His unique voice continues to inspire many new artists from across the globe.
Arthur's music mostly resonated with underground or marginalised audiences due to its unconventional sound. Despite releasing a few albums during his lifetime, Arthur gained more recognition posthumously as his unreleased music was compiled and released in a box set titled "Love is Overtaking Me".
In 1992, Arthur died due to complications related to AIDS. Today, he's well-known for being ahead of his time and often cited as an inspiration by contemporary musicians from different backgrounds.
Shannon Brown may have Iowa roots, but her voice could take her all the way to Mars…if Elon Musk ever needs a pop star for his space crew.
2. Shannon Brown
Born in Iowa, Shannon Brown is a celebrated singer and songwriter whose music has touched the hearts of many. She has won numerous awards for her soulful contributions to the industry and is known for her powerful lyrics and captivating performances. Brown's unique style of music sets her apart from other artists in the industry, making her a force to be reckoned with. Her fans admire her strong presence on stage as well as her honest approach to songwriting.
Beyond being a talented musician, Shannon Brown is also an advocate for various social causes. She uses her platform to raise awareness about issues such as mental health, environmental conservation, and gender equality. Her dedication to bringing about positive change has earned her respect and admiration from around the world.
What makes Brown's story even more inspiring is that she began singing at a young age despite facing significant obstacles. Growing up in a small town, she had limited access to resources but used every opportunity to hone her skills. Through hard work and determination, she rose to become one of the most sought-after performers in the industry today.
Hailey Whitters puts the 'country' in 'country music' and the 'Iowa' in 'Iowan singer'.
3. Hailey Whitters
Hailey Whitters, a talented singer and songwriter from Shueyville, Iowa, has made waves in the country music scene. With a natural storytelling ability and compelling lyrics, Whitters has collaborated with some of Nashville's biggest stars. She gained widespread recognition with her album "The Dream" in 2020.
Whitters' love for music began at a young age, writing songs on her guitar in her bedroom. She pursued her passion by moving to Nashville and working hard as a songwriter before launching her solo career.
Despite facing rejection and setbacks early on, Whitters persevered and eventually found success with songs like "Ten Year Town" and "Janice at the Hotel Bar." Her unique voice and honest lyrics continue to win over fans worldwide.
It's interesting to note that Whitters also landed a major endorsement deal with Gap Inc. The clothing brand featured her song "Fillin' My Cup" in their holiday commercial in 2020, further showcasing her rising star power.
Overall, Hailey Whitters is an exciting talent from Iowa making an impact on the country music industry.
Greg Brown puts the 'folks' in folksy, proving Iowan singers can make you feel like you're sitting on the front porch sipping lemonade, even if you're stuck in a city apartment.
4. Greg Brown
With a distinctive voice and folk-root influences in his music, Greg Brown is one of the most celebrated musicians to hail from Iowa. The singer-songwriter has been active for over five decades and is known for his poetic lyrics that often tell stories of everyday people. His genre-bending style has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting.
Brown's music covers a diverse range of topics, from love and loss to politics and social issues. He has released more than 30 albums in his career, showcasing both his guitar-playing skills and unique vocal range. In addition to his solo work, he has also collaborated with other renowned musicians such as Willie Nelson and Iris DeMent.
He was born in Fairfield, Iowa on July 2, 1949.
William Elliott Whitmore may sing the blues, but growing up in Iowa must have given him plenty of material.
5. William Elliott Whitmore
William Elliott Whitmore, a well-known singer from Iowa, has made significant contributions to the music industry with his unique blend of folk and blues. His soulful voice combined with powerful lyrics has captivated audiences worldwide. Throughout his career, he has released multiple albums and even collaborated with other famous musicians. Whitmore's music is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, addressing social and political issues in his songs. Fans appreciate him for his raw and authentic approach to music-making.
Whitmore's roots lie in rural Iowa, where he gained inspiration for writing poetry and songs from the land around him. He often incorporates themes of farming and nature into his work, creating a heartfelt connection between the listener and the song. His live performances are energetic and passionate, leaving audiences wanting more.
Interestingly, William Elliott Whitmore's passion for music is not limited to singing alone; he also plays instruments like the guitar and banjo proficiently.
A true fact: "Whitmore once stated in an interview that he draws inspiration from old-time African American blues singers such as Lead Belly." (Source: AllMusic)
Julia Michaels may be from Iowa, but with her powerhouse vocals and catchy lyrics, she's definitely not 'Issues'-ing with her place in the music industry.
6. Julia Michaels
With a remarkable career in the music industry, Julia Michaels is one of the most iconic singers from Iowa. Her versatile style of singing and songwriting abilities make her stand out among her contemporaries. Her hit singles like "Issues," "Uh Huh," and "Heaven" have topped charts worldwide. She has also won several awards for her work, including two Billboard Music Awards nominations in 2018.
Julia Michaels's music has inspired millions across the globe with her compelling lyrics and soulful tunes. Her success journey began when she moved to Los Angeles to pursue music at the age of 19. She began writing for other artists and then collaborated with big names such as Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato. It was not until 2017 when she released her debut single "Issues" which became a massive hit and brought her into limelight.
One unique aspect about Julia Michaels's music is that she wears heartbreak on her sleeve, through honest and vulnerable lyrics which many people can relate to. Her aim is to inspire emotions within every person who listens to her voice.
Despite achieving tremendous success in a short span, Julia Michaels remains grounded rooted deeply in the Midwest values she was raised with in Iowa City. Growing up as Julie Carin Cavazos before changing it later on for professional purposes, Julia struggled with anxiety issues while attending school but ultimately found healing through music.
Overall, Julia Michaels is an exceptional singer from Iowa who continues to inspire and make history that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
Corey Taylor may have been born in Iowa, but his vocal cords seem to have come from a fiery pit in hell.
7. Corey Taylor
Corey Taylor, an Iowa native, is a renowned singer-songwriter and actor. He is widely known as the lead vocalist of Slipknot and Stone Sour. Not only is he a successful musician, but he also authored several books including 'Seven Deadly Sins: Settling the Argument Between Born Bad and Damaged Good.'
Taylor began his career in music when he joined Slipknot in 1997. Over time, the band gained immense popularity with their unique style of music that combines heavy metal and nu-metal genres. Taylor's distinct voice and stage presence contributed immensely to the band's success. In 2002, he formed his own band called Stone Sour, which went on to produce several hit albums.
Apart from his success in music, Taylor has also ventured into acting with roles in movies such as 'Fear Clinic' and 'Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens.' He has also appeared on several television shows including 'Doctor Who' and 'America's Got Talent.'
Interestingly, despite being a successful musician, Taylor struggled with drug addiction early in his career. However, he overcame his addiction and has been sober since 2003. This experience inspired him to help others by co-founding the Rock to Recovery program which helps other musicians overcome addiction.
Even if you don't recognize the name Tionne Watkins, you definitely know her as TLC's Left Eye. And yes, she was from Iowa, proving that even the cornfields can produce some serious hip-hop talent.
8. Tionne Watkins
One gifted singer hailing from Iowa is Tionne Watkins, a highly successful performer within the R&B and hip hop music genres. With a career spanning over three decades, Watkins initially rose to prominence as one of the founding members of the girl group TLC. Their debut album, "Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip," skyrocketed them to fame with hits like "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" and "What About Your Friends." In her solo career, Watkins performed under the stage name T-Boz and released singles like "Touch Myself" and "My Getaway." Despite medical setbacks such as sickle cell disease and a benign brain tumor, Watkins has continued to perform and make music.
One noteworthy aspect of Tionne Watkins' career is her activism for various causes. She founded charities supporting sickle cell disease research and youth entrepreneurship, among other initiatives. Additionally, she has been vocal about issues affecting Black Americans in particular, such as police brutality.
Aspiring singers can learn valuable lessons from Watkins' work ethic and persistence. No obstacle – health-related or otherwise – has stopped her from pursuing what she loves most: making music. Furthermore, her commitment to giving back through philanthropy demonstrates that artists can use their platform for good while still creating art that resonates with their audiences.
Move over, cornfields! Andy Williams was the real heart and soul of Iowa.
9. Andy Williams
Born in Wall Lake, Iowa, Andy Williams was a renowned American singer who rose to fame in the 1960s. Having sold over 100 million records worldwide, he had a successful career with hits like "Moon River" and "Can't Get Used to Losing You." Williams performed on various television programs and hosted his own show for many years. He was also known for his Christmas albums and specials, which became an annual tradition for many families.
Aside from his music career, Williams worked as a philanthropist, supporting several charitable causes and organizations. He received numerous accolades during his lifetime, including multiple Grammy nominations and induction into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
One unique aspect of Williams' life was his love for golf. He owned several courses throughout the United States and even had a tournament named after him – the Andy Williams San Diego Open.
Pro Tip: Listen to some of Andy Williams' classic songs to experience his timeless music style.
Move over corn fields, Maddie Poppe is the real Iowa treasure.
10. Maddie Poppe
Maddie Poppe – Hawkeye State's Rising Star. The American Idol season 16 winner hails from Clarksville, Iowa, whose fame skyrocketed after the win. With a soulful voice and catchy songwriting skills, Maddie has released two albums, including her debut Whirlwind in 2019. She is also an advocate for mental health, as seen through her work with the Mental Health Association of Iowa.
Notably, Maddie started her journey by participating in several talent shows around Iowa before auditioning for American Idol. She is known for covering classic songs and adding her unique twist to contemporary hits such as Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" and Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide." As of 2021, she is set to go on tour across America.
Fun Fact: Maddie's single "Going Going Gone" from Whirlwind immediately hit number one on the iTunes charts following its release. (Source: Billboard)