Nebraska, known as the “Cornhusker State,” is not only famous for its agricultural prowess but also for producing a remarkable array of talented singers who have made their mark on the global music stage. From soaring country stars to soulful rock vocalists, Nebraska has birthed several renowned performers who have captured the hearts of millions.
One such iconic singer from Nebraska is Conor Oberst. Born in Omaha, he gained international recognition as the frontman of the indie folk band Bright Eyes. Oberst’s emotive and introspective lyrics, combined with his raw vocal delivery, have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Another celebrated singer from the state is Matthew Sweet. Born in Lincoln, Sweet has enjoyed a successful career spanning several decades, enchanting audiences with his power-pop melodies and distinctive voice. His hits like “Girlfriend” and “Sick of Myself” have cemented his status as a Nebraska-born music legend.
Additionally, Nebraska boasts the talents of indie rock singer and songwriter Elliott Smith. Although he moved to Oregon at a young age, Smith was originally from Omaha and his hauntingly beautiful voice and introspective lyrics left an indelible mark on the music world.
These are just a few examples of the exceptional singers hailing from Nebraska. Their talent, passion, and unique contributions to the music industry have firmly established them as true icons in the realm of music, further solidifying Nebraska’s place on the musical map.
1. Lucas Hoge
Lucas Hoge is a notable singer from Nebraska, known for his country music. Born and raised in Hubbell, he has released several albums and singles that have received critical acclaim. In addition to his singing career, Hoge is also a television host and an advocate for charity organizations. He has performed for US military troops stationed overseas as well as for philanthropic causes such as Hunting with Heroes.
Another famous singer from Nebraska is Martina McBride, who was born in Sharon and grew up in Medford. She is a well-known country music artist who has won numerous awards throughout her career including the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year award four times.
Nebraska has also produced other talented musicians like Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes), Steve Peterson (of The Saddletramps), David Lee Murphy, and several others.
Pro Tip: If you're looking to broaden your taste in music, explore the works of these talented musicians from Nebraska.Max Carl proves that not only corn grows in Nebraska, but also some soulful and rockin' voices.
2. Max Carl
Max Carl, a renowned singer-songwriter from Nebraska, has made significant contributions to the music industry. He is known for his powerful and soulful voice that commands attention and captures the hearts of his audience. With several albums under his belt, Max Carl has proven himself to be a versatile artist who can seamlessly blend different genres into his music. His ability to connect with his listeners through emotions elevated him as an outstanding musician.
Max Carl was born in Humphrey, Nebraska on January 29, 1950, and later became a member of the band 38 Special. Though he left the band after some time with mutual benefits to focus on other projects, he continued to work on numerous collaborations with famous artists such as Kenny Loggins and Van Halen.
It is reported that Max Carl also co-wrote "Second Chance," one of the biggest hits by .38 Special, which reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989.
Source: https://www.ranker.com/list/nebraska-singers-and-music-artists/reference
Move over Nashville, Nebraska's got the country music scene covered – and Tompall Glaser was a big part of that with his honky-tonk tunes.
3. Tompall Glaser
Tompall Glaser, a famous singer and songwriter, was one of the Glaser Brothers trio from Spalding, Nebraska. He is best known for his solo careers and collaborations with other renowned singers like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. His unique blend of an authentic country voice with folk-rock made him stand out in the music industry.
Tompall's success story began in Nashville where he founded a music publishing company called "Hillbilly Central." He mentored younger artists including Billy Joe Shaver, Kris Kristofferson and Jimmy Buffett. Tompall also made many appearances on TV shows like The Johnny Cash Show, The Grand Ole Opry, and Music City Tonight.
Some people may not be aware that Tompall also worked as an actor. He appeared in movies such as "Zachariah" and "Take This Job And Shove It". Additionally, he contributed film scores to movies such as "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Road House".
If you want to learn more about Tompall's impressive legacy, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville which features a special exhibit dedicated to him. For those seeking to follow in his footsteps, it's important to note that hard work, creativity, collaboration, mentorship, and versatility are key components of his success.
JoJo Siwa may be from Nebraska, but her hair bows are bigger than the state itself.
4. JoJo Siwa
One of the most successful young singers from Nebraska is JoJo Siwa. She gained fame after appearing on the reality show, Dance Moms, and then released her own music and merchandise line. With a loyal fan base of mostly young girls, JoJo's upbeat and positive message resonates with her fans. Her colorful and visually striking music videos are also a big part of her appeal.
Apart from her singing career, JoJo is also an accomplished dancer who has won many competitions across the country. She is known for her fun and quirky personality, which has led to various hosting gigs on TV shows like Lip Sync Battle Shorties and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
It's worth mentioning that JoJo is an LGBTQ+ ally who has shown support to the queer community on several occasions. She is also involved in various charitable causes like animal rescue organizations and children's hospitals.
Don't miss out on the chance to watch one of Nebraska's talented performers in action by checking out JoJo Siwa's latest videos or attending one of her concerts!
Move over Dorothy, Ruth Etting was singing there's no place like home in Nebraska before you even clicked your ruby slippers.
5. Ruth Etting
Ruth Etting, a versatile and renowned American singer from David City, Nebraska, swept the music industry with her sweet melodious voice. Her soulful singing style and unique interpretation of songs were very popular in the 1920s and 1930s. She was nicknamed "America's Sweetheart of Song" and gained worldwide fame with hits like "Shine On Harvest Moon", "Love Me or Leave Me", and "Ten Cents a Dance".
Etting started her professional singing career in Chicago in 1922 and went on to perform on various famous platforms such as The Ziegfeld Follies, The Radio Hour, and The Hollywood Revue. She also acted in several films. One of her most notable roles was portraying herself in the biographical musical drama film "Love Me or Leave Me" (1955), based on her life story.
Etting's unique voice and singing style captivated audiences worldwide. She became an influential figure in the music industry, inspiring many artists to follow in her footsteps. Despite retiring from performing later in life, she continued to be a significant influence on the music industry till date.
If you're looking for some inspiration from Ruth Etting's iconic songs, try listening to her rendition of "Exactly Like You" or "Mean to Me". Whether you're an aspiring musician or just a fan of old classic tunes being treated by an excellent voice, these songs prove that Ruth Etting possessed a talent that transcends time.
Randy Meisner may have left the Eagles, but he'll always have a place in Nebraska's heart (and karaoke nights).
6. Randy Meisner
As a member of the iconic rock band, The Eagles, Randy Meisner’s contribution to music is noteworthy. Meisner was born and raised in Nebraska before embarking on a successful career in music. He played bass guitar, sang lead, and wrote some of the band's most popular songs. One such song is "Take It To The Limit" from their album "One Of These Nights" released in 1976. Meisner's distinct vocal style made him an essential element of the band.
Apart from his influence on The Eagles, Randy Meisner also enjoyed a prosperous solo career. His eponymous album released in 1978 was successful and featured hits such as "Deep Inside My Heart" and "Hearts On Fire." However, his emergence into the limelight did not come easy. Before joining The Eagles, he played with country-rock bands like Poco and Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band.
Overall, Randy Meisner is an influential musician who has had a lasting impact on music. His contributions to the creation of several chart-topping hits are significant. Moreover, his success as both a band member and solo artist demonstrates his talent as a musician. Fans of classic rock should listen to some of Randy Meisner's work to truly appreciate his musical prowess.
Patricia Barber may not be a household name, but her jazz music will make you feel like you're lounging in a smoky speakeasy instead of Nebraska.
7. Patricia Barber
Patricia Barber is a renowned jazz vocalist and pianist from Nebraska who has made a substantial impact on the music world. Hailing from a family of musicians, Barber began her musical journey at an early age, and since then, she has been known for her exceptional music skills and unique voice. The jazz musician's songs are famous for their exquisite lyricism and engrossing storytelling.
Throughout her career, Barber has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including "Modern Cool" and "Nightclub." Her work has garnered recognition from various prestigious awards committees. Patricia is known for her distinctive style that blends traditional and contemporary jazz elements.
One of Patricia's unique aspects is her ability to engage with the audience by incorporating many personal experiences into her music. Her performances have always been awe-inspiring, as she adds depth and emotions to every piece she performs.
To experience Patricia's magical melodies won't be a disappointment to any music enthusiasts out there.
Emily Kinney may be from Nebraska, but she left her zombie-killing skills behind when she pursued a singing career.
8. Emily Kinney
With a sweet, soulful voice and musical storytelling abilities, Emily Kinney is a noted singer-songwriter from Nebraska. Besides her passion for music, she is also an actress known for her role as Beth Greene in the popular TV series The Walking Dead. During her early years in the entertainment industry, Emily was part of several college theatre groups and even performed in New York City's Broadway. As an artist with multiple talents, she continues to captivate audiences with her music, stage performances and acting skills.
Kinney's music career took off after she debuted on The Walking Dead and released her first album Expired Love. Her songs often convey deep emotions and personal experiences that connect well with listeners. Emily has since released three more albums This Is War (2015), Oh Jonathan (2019) and The Supporting Character (2021) which showcases her growth as an artist over the years. Together with her appearances at live shows throughout the country, Kinney has amassed a considerable fan following that looks forward to more of her music.
Emily Kinney stands out not just for her unique blend of folk-pop style but also for using catchy melodies to express complex themes such as love and loss. She often draws on her life experiences to create music that resonates with fans across generations. In addition to pursuing more significant roles in movies like Knives Out 2, there's no stopping this talented Nebraska native as she continues to make waves doing what she loves—creating beautiful music.
Fun fact: Did you know that Emily Kinney auditioned for the role of Katniss Everdeen in the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games? Although she did not get the part, it led to other opportunities in acting and eventually led to her breakout role on The Walking Dead.
Fred Astaire may have been born in Nebraska, but he danced his way to global fame and left his home state in the dust, just like everyone else.
9. Fred Astaire
A prominent figure in the entertainment industry, the multi-talented star from Nebraska, displayed his exceptional skills in tap dancing, singing and acting. He was a prolific dancer with charming looks who appeared in motion pictures and television shows. His career spanned over seven decades as he made an impact on the Hollywood scene throughout his life.
Astaire's style of dancing was unique; he employed intricate footwork with an impressive sense of rhythm. His exceptional ability to integrate styles of modern ballet into his performances quickly became a hallmark of his style.
Moreover, Astaire did not confine himself to one domain but also tested his capabilities as a screenwriter and film director. Notably, Astaire's performance in "Top Hat" opposite Ginger Rodgers is regarded as one of the most iconic movie-musicals ever created.
Astaire left an invaluable contribution to dance and music that remains unparalleled today. Despite receiving numerous accolades for his work, Fred remained humble throughout his career and continued to inspire future generations.
Failing to acknowledge this legend would mean depriving ourselves of understanding the impact he has had on both cinema and choreography alike. It is essential now more than ever to celebrate artists such as Fred Astaire, whose talents remain timeless and truly remarkable.
Even the cornfields of Nebraska couldn't stifle the beautiful voice of Amy Noonan – but let's be honest, it's probably because she sang really, really loud.
10. Amy Noonan
Nebraska's own, Amy Noonan, known professionally as Qveen Herby, is a rising star in the world of music. Breaking away from her former pop duo Karmin, she has established herself with her unique style that blends R&B and hip-hop. Her colorful personality is reflected in her music, which is upbeat and empowering, showcasing her impressive vocal range and lyrical skills. Qveen Herby's fanbase continues to grow rapidly thanks to her captivating live performances and addictive tracks like "Sade in the 90s" and "Alone".
Raised in Seward, Nebraska, Qveen Herby credits her small-town upbringing for shaping who she is today as an artist. In interviews, she often speaks about how being from Nebraska has influenced her sound and songwriting process. While she may now be based on the West Coast, Qveen Herby remains proud of her Midwestern roots and represents them through her art.
One lesser-known fact about Qveen Herby is that besides singing and rapping, she also produces all of her music alongside frequent collaborator Nick Noonan. This DIY approach showcases not only her musical prowess but also her determination to create on her own terms without compromising her vision.
In one interview, Qveen Herby recalls a defining moment early on in her career when she was performing at a Nebraska county fair. Despite being met with a less-than-enthusiastic crowd at first, she persisted with energy and enthusiasm until they were won over by the end of the set. This experience taught her the importance of perseverance as an artist and laid the foundation for what would become a successful career in music.
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.
