Minnesota, a state located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, has been a breeding ground for talented singers who have made significant contributions to the music industry.
One of the most iconic singers from Minnesota is Prince. Born in Minneapolis, Prince was a musical prodigy and a true visionary. With his flamboyant style, electrifying stage presence, and genre-blending sound, Prince became a global superstar. Hits like “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Kiss” showcased his immense talent as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His innovative approach to music and fearless creativity solidified him as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Another celebrated singer from Minnesota is Bob Dylan. Born in Duluth and raised in Hibbing, Dylan is a folk music legend and one of the most influential singer-songwriters in history. Known for his poetic lyrics, distinctive voice, and profound storytelling, Dylan’s impact on music is immeasurable. Songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” and “The Times They Are a-Changin'” became anthems of social change and cultural revolution.
Additionally, Minnesota is the birthplace of other notable singers such as Judy Garland and Prince’s protégé, Sheila E. Judy Garland, born in Grand Rapids, rose to fame as a Hollywood icon and renowned singer, known for her powerful vocals and performances in films like “The Wizard of Oz.” Sheila E., born in Oakland but raised in Minneapolis, became a prominent percussionist, singer, and collaborator with Prince, contributing to his hits like “The Glamorous Life” and showcasing her own musical talents.
These singers from Minnesota have not only made a significant impact on the music industry but have also become cultural icons. Through their distinctive voices, groundbreaking music, and enduring legacies, they have left an indelible mark on the world of music and represent the diverse musical heritage of Minnesota.
1. Liz Anderson
One of the famous singers hailing from Minnesota is a talented musician named Liz Anderson. She has made significant contributions in the field of country music, as both a singer and songwriter. Her music has been widely appreciated for its unique blend of traditional country elements and contemporary lyrics.
Liz Anderson is known for her chart-topping hits such as "Mama Spank" and "The Game Of Triangles". Her style truly set her apart from her contemporaries, with a distinct voice that resonated with her listeners.
Interestingly, Liz's daughter, Lynn Anderson, also became a famous singer in her own right, following in her mother's footsteps. The duo even recorded an album together titled "Mother May I" in 1969.
Liz Anderson's music continues to inspire generations of musicians across the world. To appreciate her work, one can listen to some of her classic songs or read about her life journey as a musician and writer.
Tammy Faye Bakker: proof that excessive makeup and evangelism don't mix.
2. Tammy Faye Bakker
Tammy Faye Bakker was an American singer, television personality, and evangelist hailing from Minnesota. She gained fame in the 1970s as a co-host of the PTL Club alongside her husband Jim Bakker. Tammy Faye had a unique voice, which she often used to sing gospel songs on her television show. Despite facing controversy and scandal throughout her career, she continued to share her faith with millions through music and preaching until her death in 2007.
One of Tammy Faye's most memorable performances was singing "The Rose" at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997. Known for her flamboyant makeup and fashion choices, she also released several albums throughout her career, including the critically acclaimed "You Can Make It!".
In addition to her musical success, Tammy Faye is remembered for her kindness and compassion towards those marginalized by society. She was an advocate for AIDS research and treatment during a time when many religious leaders shunned those living with the disease.
Pro Tip: If you're interested in learning more about Tammy Faye Bakker's life and legacy, be sure to check out the upcoming biopic "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" starring Jessica Chastain.
Move over Hanson, the Andrews Sisters were putting Minnesota on the musical map long before MMMBop was a thing.
3. The Andrews Sisters
The talented vocalists hailing from Minnesota, known as The Andrews Sisters, have carved a prominent place in the industry. Renowned for their tight harmonies and swing music, the trio was one of the most successful female groups of the 1940s. With hits such as "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Rum and Coca-Cola," they reached worldwide fame, inspiring many future musicians.
Their career began when sisters LaVerne, Maxene and Patty Andrews started touring vaudeville shows during the 1920s. They soon made their way into radio programs and signed a contract with Decca Records in 1937, after which they quickly climbed the charts. Despite taking a hiatus during World War II to perform for American troops abroad, their popularity never waned.
An interesting fact about the trio is that they also acted in several films alongside notable actors like Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Their distinctive look and sound continue to influence artists today.
Pro Tip: Listen to The Andrew Sisters' music for an authentic experience of classic swing-style harmonies.
Mod Sun, more like Mod Fun, bringing sunshine to the rap game from the land of 10,000 lakes.
4. Mod Sun
Mod Sun, a Minnesota born musician known for his unique blend of punk and rap genres, has made a mark in the music industry. His real name is Derek Smith, and he started his career as a drummer before transitioning to rapper and singer. Mod Sun is famous for creating music that inspires positivity and self-reflection in his listeners. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, he has worked with artists like Machine Gun Kelly and Avril Lavigne on chart-topping tracks.
Mod Sun's path to success was not without challenges. He faced criticism from fans who deemed his music style too unconventional. However, this only fueled his determination to create music that reflected his message of hope and optimism. Along with his musical endeavors, Mod Sun is also an accomplished author, having written several books on mindfulness and self-discovery.
Fun Fact: Mod Sun's name comes from combining two phrases – "moderate substance use" and "signs of neglect."
Chad Smith may be from Minnesota, but he's definitely found his groove as the fiery drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers.
5. Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Chad Smith, the drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, hails from Minnesota. With a career spanning over three decades, Smith has been instrumental in shaping the band's sound and style. Known for his energetic performances and signature mustache, he has won multiple awards with the band, including Grammys and MTV Video Music Awards.
Smith started his music career at a young age and honed his skills by playing with various bands. In 1988, he joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers and has been an integral part of the group ever since. Over the years, he has collaborated with several renowned musicians and played on various hit tracks.
One interesting fact about Smith is that he is a passionate collector of drum kits. He has over 200 drum sets in his collection and frequently uses them for recordings and performances.
If you're looking to enhance your drumming skills, studying Chad Smith's technique could be beneficial. Try incorporating some of his unique techniques into your playing to experiment with different styles. Additionally, listening to more of his work can help you gain insight into how to create complex rhythms while maintaining a groove.
Bob Dylan, the man who made the harmonica cool again and proved you don't need a good singing voice to be a rockstar.
6. Bob Dylan
This section unveils one of Minnesota's best-known contributions to the music industry. Dylan is not just a singer but also a songwriter, author, and visual artist. He steers away from traditional norms, creating a new genre of music that incorporates folk, rock, and blues. His ability to play several musical instruments has garnered him admiration globally. His lyrics are often ambiguous but heavily influenced by political events and cultural changes.
Dylan has won numerous awards in his career for his music and literature works. In 2008, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in recognition of his contribution to popular music and American culture at large. Furthermore, during his 60-year-long career, Dylan has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
It's worth remembering that Dylan had an epiphany moment when he encountered Woody Guthrie performing live in New York City when he was nineteen years old. From this encounter, Bob was inspired by folk music and started playing harmonica as well as writing songs that reflected issues affecting society during the mid-twentieth century.
In summary, Bob Dylan is one of Minnesota's most famous singers who revolutionized the world of music through incorporating different genres into his work while allowing ambiguity in lyrical content to soar high above traditional norms.
Prince may have been purple, but there's no denying he was golden.
7. Prince
With his signature falsetto voice and unique style, the iconic artist from Minnesota left a lasting impact on music culture worldwide. He was not only a musician but also an accomplished actor and philanthropist. His contributions to the music industry will continue to shape it for generations to come.
Prince's dedication to his craft earned him seven Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Besides his incredible musical talent, he was known for pushing gender norms through his fashion choices and promoting racial diversity in the industry.
The Minneapolis-born artist got his start playing local venues before skyrocketing to fame with hits like "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry". Prince's masterful guitar playing, soulful vocals, and innovative production techniques have inspired countless musicians around the world.
Anecdotes about Prince abound, including how he played over 20 different instruments on one album or how he once performed in front of members of the British Royal Family while wearing assless pants. His enigmatic persona only added to his allure as an artist.
Prince may have passed away in 2016, but his impact on music will never be forgotten.
Judy Garland: The most famous singer from Minnesota, known for her voice, her acting, and her ability to get over the rainbow without a GPS.
8. Judy Garland
The legendary Judy Garland needs no introduction as a singer, actress and entertainer par excellence. Hailing from the great state of Minnesota, she has left an indelible imprint on the music industry with her incredible range and mesmerizing performances. She is best known for her iconic role in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and often referred to as the Queen of Musicals. Her signature tune ‘Over The Rainbow’ continues to touch hearts and inspire generations even today.
Judy Garland's musical genius is not limited to Hollywood alone – she had a successful recording career as well. With over 100 singles and albums to her credit, she was recognized with multiple awards including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. Besides lending her voice to classics such as ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, she also experimented with different genres like jazz, blues and swing.
What sets Judy Garland apart is her innate talent for storytelling through song. In many ways, she embodied the American spirit of resilience and optimism, channeling it into timeless melodies that continue to resonate with people worldwide. As one of the most recognizable cultural icons of the 20th century, her legacy endures through countless tributes and adaptations across media.
If you want to experience the magic of Judy Garland's music yourself, start by exploring some of her most celebrated works like ‘Meet Me In St Louis’ or ‘A Star Is Born’. Or, try incorporating some of her techniques – like using inflection or dynamics – into your own singing style for a more dramatic effect. Either way, you are sure to be entranced by this Minnesota legend's ethereal voice and remarkable charisma.
R.I.P. Eddie Cochran, whose music lives on longer than the lifespan of his famous hit song 'Summertime Blues'.
9. Eddie Cochran
Eddie Cochran, the rock and roll icon and singer-songwriter hailed from Minnesota, made a significant contribution to the music industry in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His dynamic guitar playing technique and ingenious lyrics made him a sensation worldwide. Additionally, his tracks such as "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody" etched his name in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame for all generations of music fans. Eddie's passionate music resonated with audiences around the globe, earning him a place among the greatest singers born in Minnesota.
Continuing his extraordinary musical career, Eddie studied music theory and began playing guitar at an early age in Albert Lea, Minnesota. However, he took his talent further while performing at various events across midwestern regions. Soon this led him to form his band "The Cochran Brothers," which was later renamed Bobby & Eddie. One of his initial hit singles was "Twenty Flight Rock" that he danced to with co-star Jayne Mansfield on popular TV shows like The Big Beat and American Bandstand.
What makes Eddie Cochran unique is how he transformed mainstream music genres while still staying relevant even years after his death. He invented numerous classic riffs which influenced modern-day rock upon release of Buck Owens renditions on their albums like Latinsville!. Growing up in rural Midwestern towns added depth to "Cochran Country," creating an earthy yet natural tone echoed throughout numerous classic records that remain timeless.
For aspiring musicians looking back at Eddie's legacy for inspiration, it is crucial to become dedicated to honing your craft continually. In addition to embodying self-confidence during live performances by being comfortable on stage, practicing these traits regularly becomes ideal for success in both the recording studio and on tour – commanding a sense of presence as unforgettable icons like Eddie Cochran did during their legendary careers.
Bernie Leadon may have flown away from Minnesota, but his musical roots still remain grounded in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
10. Bernie Leadon (The Eagles)
Bernie Leadon, a famous singer and performer from Minnesota, is a notable member of the popular band The Eagles. He has made significant contributions to the band's music with his unique skills in playing multiple instruments. Bernie's style of music reflects his deep roots in the country and bluegrass sounds that he grew up listening to.
Not only was Bernie an original member of The Eagles, but he also wrote some of their hit songs such as "Witchy Woman" and "Train Leaves Here This Morning." He later left the band to pursue a solo career but rejoined them for several reunion tours.
Apart from The Eagles, Bernie worked with various artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris on their albums. His reputation as a versatile artist continues to inspire younger generations who enjoy listening to his music.
It's interesting to note that Bernie Leadon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with other band members of The Eagles in 1998.
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.
