Tennessee, often dubbed the “Music Mecca of the South,” has been home to some of the most iconic voices in the history of popular music. From the soulful melodies of gospel and blues to the twangy tunes of country and the electrifying sounds of rock and roll, this state has consistently produced an impressive array of talented singers. In this article, we will delve into the lives and careers of ten famous singers who hail from the great state of Tennessee. These individuals have not only captured the hearts of millions with their exceptional vocal prowess but have also left an indelible mark on the global music scene. We will explore the diverse genres they have excelled in, the accolades they have achieved, and the impact they have had on shaping the music industry. From legendary names like Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” to contemporary sensations like Justin Timberlake, these ten singers represent a rich tapestry of musical artistry that exemplifies the vibrant heritage of Tennessee. Join us on this musical journey as we celebrate the extraordinary talent that has emerged from the heartland of American music.
1. Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a legendary singer from Tennessee. She has won a Grammy and sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her country-pop style and unique vocals have made her famous. She's received lots of awards throughout her career.
Parton uses her platform to help others. She created the Imagination Library, which gives free books to children up to age five. She also built Dollywood, a popular theme park in Tennessee.
Parton showed her generosity when she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 vaccine research. This donation helped develop Moderna's vaccine. It demonstrates Parton's dedication to using her influence for good.
Gregg Allman may be from Tennessee, but his soulful voice really comes from the bayou.
2. Gregg Allman
Gregg Allman was a famous singer-songwriter from Tennessee. His soulful voice earned him fame when he formed the band ‘The Allman Brothers Band’ and co-wrote hits such as "Whipping Post" and "Midnight Rider". He made solo albums and worked with many other artists, including Eric Clapton and Cher.
Allman's career began when he won a guitar in a radio contest. He started to perform in local clubs. He then formed a band with his brother, Duane. Even after facing tough losses, he kept making music that people love.
Fun Fact: In 1977, he was arrested for drug possession. He threw a bottle of Jack Daniels out of his car while driving down I-65 in Tennessee.
Duane Allman may have left us, but his guitar solos still remain like a sweet Southern breeze.
3. Duane Allman
Duane Allman, born in Nashville, Tennessee, was an incredible guitar player. He co-founded The Allman Brothers Band and was known for his southern blues-inspired slide guitar style. Allman's musical career was tragically cut short when he died at 24 in a motorcycle accident. His legacy lives on through his influence on rock music and the Duane Allman Guitar Festival held yearly in Macon, Georgia.
One unique thing about Allman was his eagerness to learn from musicians of all genres: jazz, classical, even cello. He studied it to expand his musical knowledge. This dedication to learning made him a versatile musician who could mix various styles and techniques into his playing.
Though his life was brief, Duane Allman left a lasting impact on music. A story often told is about Eric Clapton inviting him to record with Derek and the Dominos for their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Allman's contributions added a new layer to the tracks and established him as a guitar hero.
4. Bessie Smith
Bessie Smith, the Empress of Blues, was an American singer known for her powerful vocals. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894, she sang on streets before moving to vaudeville circuits. Her style often showed love and suffering. Hits like "Downhearted Blues" and "Gimme a Pigfoot" made her famous. Legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman recorded with her. Smith's legacy continues to motivate generations of artists today.
She was a queer artist in a time when it wasn't accepted. She had relationships with both men and women, despite being married to Jack Gee. Despite society's reaction, she stayed true to herself and kept performing.
To appreciate Bessie Smith, understand the social context of her era. How she defied conventions with her art is inspiring. Listen to her music or learn about her life – you won't regret it! Chet Atkins may have been from Tennessee, but his guitar skills were out of this world – perhaps from another planet.
5. Chet Atkins
Chet Atkins was born in Luttrell, Tennessee and gained fame as a musician, producer, and "Mr. Guitar." He had an impactful career, collaborating with stars such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers. He also ran RCA's Nashville division while producing.
Atkins changed country music by introducing rock and jazz elements. He was well-respected, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and awarded many honors.
Surprisingly, Atkins didn't plan to pursue music at first. His career began by chance when he was playing in a Knoxville club and a record executive noticed him. This chance encounter set him on his path to becoming a renowned figure in country music history.
6. Tina Turner
Tina Turner, a renowned star from Brownsville, Tennessee, has won the hearts of millions with her powerful vocals and energetic performances. Her journey started as a backup singer for Ike Turner. Then she gained fame as a solo artist. Her hit songs like "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "Simply the Best" are famous. She's not just a singer, but an actress and author too.
Turner's story is about strength as she conquered personal problems and achieved success in the music industry, dominated by men. In 1991, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, exemplifying her lasting influence on American music culture.
Also, Tina Turner's fashion sense influences fashion trends even now. Her iconic look includes mini dresses with high heels, with either straight hair or wild curls. Famous celebs, such as Beyonce, copied Turner's look by wearing a silver fringe dress at the 2008 Grammy Awards.
If you want musical inspiration or want to find ways to rekindle your spark, read Tina Turner's autobiography, 'I, Tina'. In it, she reveals how she took back control of her life after leaving an abusive relationship.
7. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, from Nashville, Tennessee, is a superstar singer and actress. She rose to fame on Disney Channel's Hannah Montana show. Miley's unique voice has blessed us with hit songs like "Party in the USA," "Wrecking Ball," and "Malibu." She's also a generous philanthropist, supporting charities like Lollipop Theater Network and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Miley also bravely opened up about her mental health struggles, encouraging people to seek help.
Billboard's Top 125 Artists of All Time list (2019) ranked her#71 for her achievements in music and pop culture.
Justin Timberlake: living proof that Tennesseans can be talented, successful, and still rock a Canadian tuxedo!
8. Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake, from Tennessee, is a popular singer with amazing writing and performance skills. Over two decades of fame, he won multiple awards for his music and acting. He was born in Memphis in 1981. His first big break was with the boy band NSYNC. In 2002, he released his solo album, Justified, which earned two Grammy Awards. FutureSex/LoveSounds and The 20/20 Experience were also huge successes.
Justin also acted in several films, like The Social Network and Friends with Benefits. He even hosted Saturday Night Live a few times.
If you haven't heard his music yet, it's time to jump on the bandwagon! His soulful voice and catchy tunes are still dominating pop music. Kenny Chesney may sing about beaches, boats, and sunshine, but deep down we all know he's a cowboy from Tennessee.
9. Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney hails from Tennessee. He's an acclaimed country singer with numerous hits and awards. His sound is a mix of pop, rock and traditional country music. Popular albums include "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems", "Live Those Songs Again" and "The Road And The Radio". His live gigs are epic – they often last over 3 hours! Plus he's a producer. So, if you're a fan of country music, add Kenny Chesney's top singles like "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" and "Beer In Mexico" to your playlist!
Oh, and let's not forget the sweet, seductive smell of Tennessee whiskey – even Aretha Franklin couldn't resist it!
10. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, nicknamed the 'Queen of Soul', was a famous singer and songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. Her powerful voice and soulful renditions left a mark on the music industry. Spanning over six decades, her career served as an inspiration for many singers.
Franklin's voice was one-of-a-kind. She earned 18 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most honored musicians in history. Despite the challenges she faced, she kept creating music that impacted generations.
Moreover, her involvement in the civil rights movement is notable. Her hit "Respect" became the anthem of both the movement and women's liberation. It showed her faith in equality and justice.
To honor Franklin's legacy, fans can attend tribute concerts or listen to her classics like "I Say A Little Prayer" or "Chain Of Fools". These tunes bring back memories of her success and introduce it to new listeners.
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.
