Nebraska, often referred to as the heartland of America, has produced an impressive array of talent throughout its history. While the state may not be the first that comes to mind when one thinks of renowned singers, it has given birth to an astonishing number of musical prodigies who have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. From the sprawling plains and small towns of this Midwestern state emerged a collection of extraordinary voices that captivated audiences worldwide. In this article, we delve into the lives and careers of ten famous singers who hail from Nebraska, each with their own unique style and contribution to the world of music. These artists have not only achieved unparalleled success in their respective genres but have also paved the way for aspiring singers from the Cornhusker State to dream big and make their voices heard. Whether it’s the soulful crooning of jazz or the heart-rending ballads of country music, Nebraska has proven to be a breeding ground for extraordinary talent. So, let us embark on a journey through the musical landscape of Nebraska and celebrate the rich legacy of these ten exceptional singers who put the state firmly on the map of musical greatness.
1. Pigeon John
Pigeon John – a legendary rapper, singer, and songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska – has made his mark in the music industry. He's famous for his unique style which fuses funk, soul, and alternative hip hop. His debut album "Is Dating Your Sister" was a world-wide hit and launched his illustrious career. Pigeon John is also part of the hip-hop collective "L.A. Symphony".
His live performances are electrifying! He captivates audiences with his charm. Pigeon John has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Murs, Blackalicious, and Brandi Carlile. His sound has inspired many hip-hop artists.
What sets him apart is his drive to explore new sounds and push boundaries. To learn from him, experiment with different genres of music to create something unique. Different types of music can provide artists with ideas that lead to creating something innovative.
Overall, Pigeon John's work ethic, determination, and creativity make him an inspirational figure in the music world. Anyone wanting to enter the music industry should take note of his unique approach to creating successful songs that leave an impression on listeners.
2. Ruth Etting
Ruth Etting, a popular singer from Nebraska, wowed her audience with her soulful, smooth voice. In the 1920s, her talent caught the attention of Columbia Records executives. She became famous with a range of hits and was one of the most recognized singers of that time.
Etting's style was distinct from other vocalists like Bessie Smith and Sophie Tucker. Her vocal range was remarkable, but what truly made her stand out was her ability to convey emotion through her songs. She sang with poise and grace, and earned the title "America's Sweetheart of Song".
Although Etting was opposed by her partner – an abusive gangster – she still kept performing and succeeding. During a show in Chicago, his henchmen shot her, which only increased the public's interest in her career.
Emily Kinney started on 'The Walking Dead', but her singing career continues to thrive in Nebraska.
3. Emily Kinney
Emily Kinney is an acclaimed actress, singer, and songwriter from Nebraska. She started out in theatre, before winning a role in The Walking Dead. Her character's singing on the show gained her mainstream recognition. She has released albums and EPs, and her song "Be Good" has been streamed millions of times on Spotify.
What makes Emily special is her versatility and range. She has a captivating voice and her lyrics have depth and emotion. She mixes folk, indie, and pop genres – creating a sound that's truly her own.
Despite fame, Emily is humble and sincere. She interacts with fans online and values authenticity in her craft. If you haven't heard her music or seen her performances on TV shows like The Flash or Arrow, don't miss out! Listen to her unique talent today.
4. Bill Lee
Bill Lee was Nebraska's singing sensation! His voice filled the state – and beyond – with pride. He was highly respected in the music industry. With an amazing vocal range, Lee could perform any genre.
Lee was more than a singer. He wrote lyrics that touched people from all backgrounds. His words resonated with fans, showing his passion for music. He also had a captivating stage presence – everyone watched him!
Want to be like Lee? Get voice lessons from a pro. Or, join a choir/ensemble. That way, you'll get opportunities to practice and work with others.
Bill Lee's legacy continues to inspire young musicians. With his dedication and passion, aspiring singers can learn how to be successful in the music industry. Who needs a turntable when you've got Erik Turner on guitar?
5. Erik Turner
Erik Turner is a legendary Nebraska-born heavy metal guitarist. He co-founded the iconic rock band Warrant in 1984 and has sold millions of records worldwide. He's praised for his dynamic playing style and songwriting abilities.
He's also involved in philanthropy, supporting charities such as St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, The Humane Society, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Plus, he takes time to interact with his fans on social media.
Don't miss out! Add Erik Turner's music to your playlist now. His contributions to the music industry won't be forgotten. Live performances are an experience not to be missed.
James Valentine, from Nebraska too, is the 'Valentine' in Maroon 5. His guitar skills are out of this world!
6. James Valentine
James Valentine, a gifted singer and musician from Nebraska, has left his mark on the music industry. He was born in Lincoln and began playing guitar as a youngin'. Later on, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Valentine is known best for being the lead guitarist of the ever-popular Maroon 5. He joined the band in 2001 and has been critical to their success. His unique playing style and immense talent have pushed the band's sound to new heights.
Aside from his Maroon 5 work, Valentine also loves to collaborate with other artists such as John Mayer and Jason Mraz. His versatility allows him to play a variety of genres, including pop, rock, and jazz.
One interesting thing about Valentine is that he owes his love of music to his parents' eclectic taste. Growing up, he was exposed to a wide range of styles, which shaped his own sound.
In addition to his musical career, Valentine is involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He supports organizations like MusiCares and The Pablove Foundation – aimed at helping musicians and children battling cancer, respectively.
All in all, James Valentine is an incredibly talented singer and musician from Nebraska. He's achieved huge success as both a solo artist and as part of Maroon 5. His passion for music shines through in all he does, making him one of the most respected artists in the industry today.
7. Buddy Miles
Buddy Miles was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He was an American musician and songwriter. He is well-known for his contributions as a drummer and vocalist for bands like The Electric Flag, Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys. He was an acclaimed artist who blended rock, blues and funk.
Buddy Miles gained fame for his musical talent and personality. His singing and drumming style changed rock music in the '60s and '70s. Despite substance abuse issues, he continued to make music.
What made him special was his ability to add soul to any style. Whether it was rock or a ballad, he stayed true to himself. Even after his death in 2008, he remains a Nebraska legend.
A great example of his dedication to music is when Buddy Miles and Jimi Hendrix performed at a US army base in Germany. There were no amplifiers so Miles used cigarette lighters to create a drumbeat. This demonstrated nothing could stop him from making great music!
8. Matthew Sweet
Matthew Sweet, an acclaimed singer-songwriter from Nebraska, is popular for his amazing music. He has created many albums throughout his career, all of which show his musical genius.
Matthew Sweet stands out with his special voice & creative lyrics. His music styles range from power pop to country.
In addition to music, Matthew Sweet has also left his mark in the film industry. He wrote & sang the theme song for the hit TV show "Girlfriend in a Coma" & contributed to soundtracks for multiple films.
Fun Fact: Matthew Sweet did guitar gigs with Mick Jagger & even opened for him during one of his tours.
If you Google 'emo folks', you'll get Conor Oberst's picture with the caption 'Nebraska's finest export since corn'.
9. Conor Oberst
Conor Oberst is an iconic American singer-songwriter and musician. He hails from Omaha, Nebraska. Since his teenage years, he's been consistently making amazing music.
His indie folk and rock tunes have left audiences worldwide in awe. His off-key vocal style and raw lyrics make him stand out. His songwriting abilities are incredible!
Conor's more than just a musician. He's an active political activist. He works for causes like liberal democracy and human rights. So inspiring!
If you want to learn from Conor, start by experimenting with your vocals. Create songs with unique lyrics that touch your audiences. Also, write songs about social issues that matter to you- like he does! That way, you can make meaningful contributions to music and society.
Despite coming from Nebraska, Elliott Smith's music often made listeners feel like they were underwater in the Pacific Ocean.
10. Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith is a musical star from Nebraska. His music style and lyrics are amazing, making him an influential artist. His voice and emotions in songs like "Waltz #2" and "Miss Misery" attract people all over the world.
He began his solo career in Portland, Oregon, after playing in bands during his teenage years. Even with addiction and mental health issues, he kept creating music until his death in 2003.
What makes Elliott Smith special is his ability to express complex feelings with simplicity and strength. He was known for finger-picking on acoustic guitars, which gave an intimate feel to his music, bringing listeners into his songs' stories.
Pro Tip: To get the most out of Elliott Smith's songs, listen to them on vinyl for that real effect!
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.
