Kansas, a state situated in the heart of the United States, has produced a number of talented singers who have made significant contributions to various genres of music.
One of the most iconic bands to emerge from Kansas is Kansas itself. Formed in Topeka, the progressive rock group achieved tremendous success in the 1970s and 1980s. Known for their elaborate compositions and intricate musicianship, Kansas produced hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind,” which became timeless classics and solidified their status as pioneers of progressive rock.
Another notable singer from Kansas is Martina McBride, a powerhouse in the country music scene. With her powerhouse vocals and emotionally charged performances, McBride has garnered numerous accolades and hits, including “Independence Day” and “A Broken Wing.” Her expressive range and heartfelt lyrics have made her one of the most respected voices in country music.
Additionally, the band Kansas has also produced notable rock singers like Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren. Steve Walsh, the former lead vocalist of the band, showcased his dynamic vocal range and charismatic stage presence, contributing to the band’s success. Kerry Livgren, a founding member of Kansas, not only served as a vocalist but also contributed as a songwriter and guitarist, playing a significant role in the band’s unique sound.
These singers from Kansas have made lasting impacts on their respective genres, with their powerful voices, captivating performances, and memorable songs. From progressive rock to country music, their talent has transcended boundaries and solidified their place in the music industry, representing the diverse musical heritage of Kansas.
1. Joyce DiDonato
With roots in Prairie Village, Kansas, Joyce DiDonato is one of the most iconic opera singers of our time. She has won several prestigious awards, including Grammy and Olivier Awards for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album and Best Female Opera Performance respectively. Famed for her signature vocal style known as the bel canto technique, DiDonato has recorded numerous albums and performed at top venues globally. Her passion for music shines through her impeccable performances, making her a celebrated figure in the field of opera.
Continuing down the list of famous singers from Kansas brings us to Janelle Monáe, also originally from Prairie Village. This multi-talented artist made waves with her unique blend of soul, funk, and R&B music that earned her millions of fans worldwide. Monáe's artistry goes beyond music as she is also an accomplished actress, appearing in multiple films and TV shows.
It's worth noting that Melissa Etheridge is another notable singer from Leavenworth, Kansas. With more than 25 million sold albums worldwide, she established herself as one of the most successful rock musicians in history. Besides being a prolific songwriter and performer who received several honors for her work in music industry such as Oscar and Emmy – Etheridge also confirmed that she enjoy working with others by mentoring young artists.
It would be remiss not to mention some of the other talented singers from Kansas such as Martina McBride from Sharon Springs or Tyler Childers from Paintsville in Kentucky – who have both gained immense success thanks to their incredible talent levels.
Don't miss out on listening to these legendary singers' amazing works they've produced throughout their careers – let their magic flow inside you!
Andy McKee's guitar skills are so impressive, even the cows in Kansas stop grazing just to listen.
2. Andy McKee
This Kansas born musician has gained a massive following for his impressive fingerstyle guitar skills. Andy McKee's unique sound and innovative techniques have made waves in the acoustic music scene. He has created several successful albums and continues to tour internationally, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and musical prowess.
McKee began playing guitar at a young age and was influenced by artists such as Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, and Don Ross. He gained recognition after his videos went viral on YouTube, leading to an explosion of popularity for his distinctive style. His ability to use the guitar as a percussive instrument while weaving intricate melodies is both visually and audibly stunning.
What sets McKee apart is his creative approach to acoustic music, incorporating unexpected techniques like percussive slapping and harmonics into his compositions. His use of alternate tunings creates a unique sound that many musicians strive for but few can achieve.
For fans of acoustic guitar music, seeing Andy McKee perform live is an unforgettable experience. His engaging stage presence and passion for music shine through in every show he performs. If you have the chance to see him play in person, it is highly recommended – your ears will thank you!
Melissa Etheridge, born in Leavenworth, Kansas, proves that great music can come from anywhere – even a town known mostly for its prison.
3. Melissa Etheridge
With her soulful voice and prolific songwriting, this Grammy-winning artist has been wowing audiences worldwide for over three decades. Melissa Etheridge's music is deeply rooted in rock, but she also adds bluesy and folksy elements to her sound. She was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, before moving to California to pursue her music career. Etheridge's hits include "I'm The Only One," "Come To My Window," and "I Want To Come Over." Her music continues to inspire and ignite passion in listeners all over the world.
Etheridge's music often deals with themes of love, loss and heartbreak. She has spoken openly about her personal struggles as a gay woman in the music industry, becoming an advocate for LGBTQ rights. With multiple platinum records under her belt and critical acclaim for her live shows, Etheridge remains one of Kansas's most famous exports.
Did you know that Etheridge is also an accomplished actress? She had a recurring role on Showtime's hit series 'The L Word,' as well as various TV appearances and film roles. Her most recent album 'One Way Out' is set for release in 2021.
Don't miss out on experiencing the magic of Melissa Etheridge's music firsthand. Whether it's through audio recordings or live performances, let yourself be moved by this incredible artist from Kansas.
Move over Wizard of Oz, Janelle Monáe is the real magic coming out of Kansas.
4. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is a talented singer from Kansas, known for her eclectic mix of funk, soul, and pop music. Her unique sound draws inspiration from a variety of genres, resulting in critical acclaim and commercial success throughout her career. Her compelling stage presence and vocal range have made her one of the most iconic performers to come out of Kansas.
Monáe's music revolves around themes of identity, race, gender, and sexuality. She has used her platform to advocate for equality and social justice causes. In addition to singing, she has also acted in several films including Moonlight and Hidden Figures.
Interestingly, Monáe's distinctive style is heavily influenced by her upbringing in Kansas. Growing up in a working-class family, she was exposed to a diverse range of musical styles which sparked her creativity.
Pro Tip: Listen to Monáe's critically acclaimed albums ArchAndroid and Dirty Computer to experience her unique blend of music styles.
Joe Walsh may have left Kansas, but he brought his guitar and distinctive voice with him all the way to Hotel California.
5. Joe Walsh (The Eagles)
Joe Walsh, a renowned American musician, was a vital part of the rock band The Eagles. His exceptional guitar skills and unique voice contributed to the success of several hit songs. He is also known for his solo career and collaborations with other musicians. Walsh's music style blends rock, country and blues, creating an extraordinary musical experience.
As a member of The Eagles since 1975, Joe Walsh participated in the creation of some of their most famous songs such as "Hotel California" and "Life in the Fast Lane." After joining the band, he contributed significantly to its sound by introducing more rock elements into it. Later on, he developed his own distinctive sound that set him apart from other musicians.
One notable achievement of Joe Walsh is his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a part of The Eagles in 1998. This honor recognized his contribution to the music industry and cemented his place among legendary artists.
Interestingly, prior to his music career, Joe Walsh earned a degree in classical music from Kent State University. However, he later admitted that he was more interested in playing guitar than composing traditional music.
Overall, Joe Walsh's musical talent has left an everlasting impact on the industry; he continues to be admired by numerous aspiring musicians worldwide who seek inspiration from his work.
"Charlie Parker may have been born in Kansas, but his music soared far beyond the wheat fields and straight into the jazz heavens."
6. Charlie Parker
This jazz saxophonist from Kansas revolutionized the genre with his innovative style and technique. Charlie Parker, also known as "Bird," gained fame in the 1940s for his bebop music and collaborations with Dizzy Gillespie. His addiction struggles and tragic early death at the age of 34 added to his legendary status in the music industry.
Parker's virtuosic improvisational skills were ahead of their time, influencing many musicians who followed him. He was a prominent figure in jazz history, paving the way for modern expressions of the genre. His contributions to American music continue to be celebrated today.
Despite battling addiction throughout his career, Parker maintained his passion for music until the end of his life. He remains an inspiration to aspiring jazz musicians and a testament to the power of artistic expression.
Don't miss out on learning more about some of Kansas' most successful musicians. Keep scrolling to discover more iconic singers from this Midwestern state.
Stan Kenton, the only singer from Kansas who could make a trumpet sound like a broken heart.
7. Stan Kenton
A renowned composer, pianist, and bandleader of pivotal importance in jazz history, Stan Kenton has left indelible marks on the American music scene. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1911 and began playing piano professionally during his high school years. Kenton formed his own big band in 1940 and recorded more than 100 albums throughout his career, including iconic pieces such as "Intermission Riff" and "Artistry in Rhythm." Kenton's vision for jazz music saw him pushing boundaries by incorporating elements of classical music and experimental forms into his compositions. His captivating performances continue to inspire musicians today.
Kenton's adeptness at crafting orchestral arrangements with dynamic rhythms and harmonies set him apart from other composers of his time. With a sound that was forward-thinking yet familiar to listeners, he created a legacy that has inspired many artists across generations. Through his artistry, Kenton introduced a more intellectual approach to jazz music that drew both admiration and criticism from various quarters of the jazz community.
Despite passing away decades ago, Kenton is still regarded as one of the most brilliant musicians in American history. In fact, he was elected into the Downbeat Jazz Hall of Fame posthumously back in 1973, attesting to the enduring impact his music continues to have even after his demise.
Martina McBride: proof that great things can come from small towns, as long as you have a voice that could move mountains.
8. Martina McBride
Martina McBride, a renowned country music singer-songwriter, hails from the state of Kansas. With over 14 million albums sold and numerous accolades, she is known for powerful and emotional ballads such as "Concrete Angel" and "I'm Gonna Love You Through It." Her powerful voice has earned her multiple Grammy nominations and recognition as Female Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association. Her ability to blend traditional country with pop and rock influences has made her a household name in the music industry.
McBride began singing at an early age and honed her skills performing at local events before signing with RCA Records in 1991. She released her first album, "The Time Has Come," a year later, which spawned several hits including "My Baby Loves Me" and "Life #9." Since then, she has released numerous chart-topping albums, including "Evolution" and "Emotion."
Aside from her musical career, Martina McBride is also known for philanthropy work aimed at combating domestic violence. Using her platform to raise awareness for victims of abuse, she founded Team Martina in 2011 to support various charitable organizations.
As one of the most successful singers to come out of Kansas, Martina McBride continues to inspire fans worldwide with her exceptional vocal talent and humanitarian efforts. Don't miss out on the chance to see this legendary artist perform live!
Kendall Schmidt may be from Kansas, but he made it big time with his boy band.
9. Kendall Schmidt (Big Time Rush)
Kendall Schmidt, a native of Kansas, is a well-known American singer, songwriter and actor. He gained immense popularity for his role as Kendall Knight in the Nickelodeon series Big Time Rush. With the band, he enjoyed massive success with multiple chart-topping hits and sold-out tours around the world.
Schmidt began his musical journey at a young age, playing guitar and writing songs. Before finding fame with Big Time Rush, he was a member of the bands Heffron Drive and Katelyn Tarver. Outside of music, he has acted in numerous TV shows such as Ghost Whisperer and Without a Trace.
Kendall Schmidt has accumulated millions of fans on social media platforms who adore him for his talent, hard work and charisma. He uses his influence to spread awareness about important issues such as mental health charity campaigns.
It's fascinating to note that despite achieving significant fame globally, Kendall Schmidt never forgets his roots in Kansas and often expresses his love for his hometown through various social media platforms.
From Kansas to the silver screen, Hattie McDaniel sang her way to an Oscar, proving that talent can come from even the most unexpected places.
10. Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel, an accomplished actress and singer, was born in Wichita, Kansas. She is best known for her role as Mammy in the movie "Gone with the Wind," which earned her an Academy Award. McDaniel also had a successful music career and recorded several blues albums. Despite facing discrimination due to her race and gender, she paved the way for future African American actresses.
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.
