Kansas may be known as the heartland of America, with its vast plains and rural charm, but it has also produced a remarkable lineup of talented individuals who have made a significant impact on the music industry. From soulful balladeers to powerhouse rock icons, Kansas has given birth to some of the most celebrated singers in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at ten famous singers hailing from the Sunflower State, each leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of music history. These artists have captivated audiences with their unparalleled vocal prowess, heartfelt lyrics, and unforgettable performances. From the legendary crooning of a jazz icon to the electrifying stage presence of a rock ‘n’ roll legend, Kansas has produced a diverse array of musical talent that has resonated with people from all walks of life. Join us on this musical journey as we explore the lives, careers, and enduring legacies of these ten extraordinary singers who proudly call Kansas their home. Whether you’re a fan of country, blues, or pop, there’s something for everyone in this illustrious group of artists who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
1. Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge, a famous singer-songwriter from Kansas, has earned two Grammy Awards for her soulful and powerful performances. Her unique blend of rock and blues has won the hearts of millions worldwide. Her contributions to the music industry have been substantial and admirable.
She was born in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1961. From a young age, Melissa had a passion for music and began playing the guitar. By the time she was a teen, she was performing at venues in Kansas. In 1988, she released her debut album, 'Melissa Etheridge', which became popular with fans all around the world.
Melissa has successful albums such as 'Yes I Am', 'Your Little Secret', and 'This Is M.E.'. She has also collaborated with other famous artists like Sheryl Crow and Bruce Springsteen. Her music inspires people and raised awareness about breast cancer when she was diagnosed in 2004.
According to Billboard magazine, Melissa Etheridge was ranked number 96 on their list of Top 100 Women in Music-making history in 2019-2020. This is a testament to her talent and impact on society.
Kendall Schmidt shows that Kansas can produce more than just wheat and tornadoes.
2. Kendall Schmidt (Big Time Rush)
Kendall Schmidt hails from Wichita. His mark is huge as a vocalist and actor. He was widely known for his leading role, Kendall Knight, in the famous musical comedy show "Big Time Rush". With his bandmates, he dropped four albums which topped the Billboard charts and sold millions copies worldwide. Apart from his music career, he starred in different popular TV shows like "The Young and the Restless" and "CSI: Miami". Few people know that he even worked as a production assistant before becoming a successful artist.
Fun Fact: In an interview with People Magazine, Kendall shared that his talent was passed down from his mum Kathy, an ex-opera singer. Andy McKee's fingerwork on the guitar is fast like lightning, showing that you don't need words to make beautiful songs… or to get away from Kansas.
3. Andy McKee
Andy McKee, a fingerstyle guitarist and YouTube celeb from Topeka, Kansas, has been dazzling audiences with his unique style for over two decades. His musical gifts have gained him worldwide fame, including successful album releases and global touring. His signature sound is characterized by beautiful guitar melodies and percussive elements, creating a full and distinctive sound.
McKee's music stirs up strong emotions in listeners, showing his talent for conveying feelings without words. Many consider him a master of the acoustic guitar, renowned for his technical precision and creativity.
McKee's music journey began when he was 13 and received an old guitar from his dad. He started taking lessons and writing songs, and never looked back. His hard work paid off when he won first place in a guitar competition in 2001 with his innovative performance techniques.
4. Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel, a daughter of Kansas, made history as the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1939. She had impressive roles in theatre and radio throughout her career. McDaniel was also a civil rights activist. Despite racial barriers, she inspired many aspiring artists worldwide.
Plus, she was a talented singer and made recordings! Explore her incredible music and contributions to American culture!
Joyce DiDonato is from Kansas and she's making a name for herself on the international opera scene.
5. Joyce DiDonato
Joyce DiDonato, a renowned singer hailing from Kansas, is celebrated for her remarkable mezzo-soprano voice. Born in Prairie Village, she began her musical journey by studying vocal performance at Wichita State University. She went on to shine on stages worldwide, becoming a sought-after artist in the music industry. Her unique interpretation of Baroque repertoire, combined with her efforts to make opera more accessible to a wider audience, make her stand out.
DiDonato's commitment to empowering young artists is exceptional. She serves as an Artist-in-Residence at Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, and has spoken out about issues such as gender inequality in the music industry. She also collaborates with organizations to address these issues.
In 2015, DiDonato was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Juilliard School for her outstanding contributions to classical music. Charlie Parker put Kansas on the map with his bebop, but unfortunately, it didn't help the state's flatness.
6. Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker, aka "Bird," was born in Kansas City, Kansas. He's famous for pioneering bebop jazz music with his technical and improvisational skills. His sound is still heard today in modern jazz. He collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, and his compositions remain standards.
Sadly, his personal life was troubled. He had addiction and mental health struggles. But his contributions to jazz music are timeless and monumental. Listening to Bird's recordings can show the evolution of jazz and inspire budding musicians.
7. Joe Walsh (The Eagles)
Joe Walsh, the legendary guitarist from The Eagles, hails from Kansas. His eclectic and electrifying style of playing guitar made him an iconic figure in the rock music world. Songs like "Hotel California" and "Life in the Fast Lane" have cemented his name as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Joe Walsh was born on November 20, 1947 in Wichita, Kansas. Music was in his blood; his parents were both musicians. He began playing the guitar at twelve years old. Throughout high school he joined several local bands before joining James Gang in the late 1960s.
Not only is Joe Walsh a skilled guitarist, he is also a renowned songwriter. He co-wrote many hit songs for The Eagles and released solo albums, such as 'But Seriously Folks…' (1978), which includes one of his most popular songs – "Life's Been Good."
One remarkable moment for Joe Walsh was during a recording session for The Eagles' song "Hotel California." After one listen to an early mix of the guitar solo section, he thought he could do better. So, he left for dinner and came back with one of rock music's most memorable guitar solos – a sound that has captivated listeners for decades.
There is no doubt that Joe Walsh is an icon in the rock music world. His artistic contributions have made him one of Kansas' most famous singers and his influence continues to inspire young musicians.
8. Stan Kenton
Stan Kenton was a jazz legend, born in Wichita, Kansas. He was a pianist, composer, and band leader who changed the look of big band music. His career spanned four decades with hits like "Artistry in Rhythm" and "Intermission Riff". His unique jazz style influenced the genre and gained him great respect.
Kenton started out playing piano in dance bands. His creative arrangements and complex compositions made him stand out. His music blended classical, Latin, and bebop elements.
Besides his musical genius, Kenton was also passionate about education. In the 1950s, he founded the Stan Kenton Jazz Camps to teach young musicians about jazz theory and improvisation.
Pro Tip: Give a listen to Stan Kenton's music to hear his contribution to jazz history.
9. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is an iconic musician from Kansas. Her influence on music is inspiring people all over the world. She is a singer, songwriter, and actress renowned for her unique style and strong vocals. Monáe has many successful albums plus collaborations with artists like Pharrell Williams and Bruno Mars.
Monáe was born in Kansas City and her career started after she moved to Atlanta, where Big Boi of Outkast spotted her. Since then, she has become a big name in music. Her albums combine funk, soul, jazz, and pop music, making her stand out from other artists.
Monáe is dedicated to social justice. She stands up for LGBTQ+ rights and speaks out for oppressed communities. As well as her music career, she's also starred in films such as "Hidden Figures" and "Moonlight".
To experience Monáe's music, try some of her most popular songs like "Tightrope", "Pynk", and "Make Me Feel". These tunes demonstrate her unique sound and give insight into her character as an artist.
10. Martina McBride
Martina McBride, a well-known singer from Kansas, is famous for her dynamic range and powerful vocals. Her music has touched millions of hearts worldwide, making her an inspiration to many aspiring singers.
On July 29th, 1966, she was born at Sharon Hospital in Kansas. From a young age, Martina has been passionate about music. She began playing the guitar at just 8 years old. In high school, she joined a band called 'The Penetrators'.
Martina has released over 13 studio albums in her long career spanning more than 3 decades. Some of her most popular songs are "Independence Day," "Concrete Angel," "A Broken Wing" and "In My Daughter's Eyes."
If you haven't heard her music yet, now's your chance! Don't miss out on this talented Kansas-born singer's amazing voice and inspiring story of success.
Samuel Moore 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.
