Ohio, known as the Buckeye State, has been a cradle for musical talent, giving rise to numerous singers who have left an indelible mark on various genres, from R&B and soul to rock and pop. These artists have not only showcased Ohio’s rich musical heritage but have also made significant contributions to the global music scene. In this article, we will explore the top 10 famous singers from Ohio and delve into their remarkable careers and the impact they have had on the music industry.
1. Dean Martin
Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti in Steubenville, Ohio, was a singer, actor, and comedian known for his smooth, baritone voice and his charismatic stage presence. As a member of the legendary Rat Pack, alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., Martin became an iconic figure in American entertainment, renowned for his laid-back, effortless style and his ability to captivate audiences with his music and humor. His musical repertoire spanned various genres, including jazz, swing, and pop, with hits like “That’s Amore,” “Volare,” and “Everybody Loves Somebody” cementing his status as a beloved crooner. Martin’s success extended beyond music, as he also achieved great popularity through his films, television shows, and live performances. His enduring legacy as a multifaceted entertainer and his contributions to the golden age of Hollywood have made him one of Ohio’s most celebrated and influential cultural figures.
2. Doris Day
Doris Day, born Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a singer, actress, and animal welfare activist whose career spanned over five decades. With her warm, vibrant voice and her wholesome, girl-next-door image, Day became one of the most successful and beloved entertainers of the 20th century. Her musical career began with big band performances and radio appearances before she transitioned to solo recordings, releasing numerous hit songs such as “Sentimental Journey,” “Secret Love,” and “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be).” Day’s success also extended to film, where she starred in iconic movies like “Calamity Jane,” “Pillow Talk,” and “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” often showcasing her comedic timing and her ability to convey romance and charm on screen. Later in life, Day devoted much of her time to animal welfare causes, founding the Doris Day Animal Foundation and advocating for animal rights. As a native of Ohio and a true icon of American entertainment, Doris Day’s impact on music, film, and popular culture has made her one of the state’s most cherished and enduring legends.
3. Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde, born in Akron, Ohio, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the frontwoman of the influential rock band The Pretenders. With her distinctive voice, her rebellious attitude, and her talent for crafting memorable, often autobiographical songs, Hynde has become a trailblazing figure in the world of rock music. The Pretenders’ self-titled debut album, released in 1980, showcased Hynde’s songwriting prowess and the band’s unique blend of punk, new wave, and classic rock influences, with hits like “Brass in Pocket” and “Stop Your Sobbing” earning them critical acclaim and commercial success. Throughout her career, Hynde has been a fearless and uncompromising artist, known for her political activism, her vegetarianism, and her commitment to animal rights. Her contributions to rock music and her role in paving the way for future generations of female musicians have made her an icon and a source of inspiration for countless artists. As a proud native of Ohio and a true rock and roll legend, Chrissie Hynde’s impact on music and popular culture has cemented her place as one of the state’s most significant and influential cultural exports.
4. John Legend
John Legend, born John Roger Stephens in Springfield, Ohio, is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and actor known for his soulful, expressive vocals and his socially conscious lyrics. With a career spanning over two decades, Legend has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, earning him an impressive 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a place among the most respected and influential artists of his generation. His music, which often blends elements of R&B, soul, and pop, has tackled themes of love, social justice, and the human experience, with hits like “All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” and “Glory” showcasing his ability to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. Beyond his musical achievements, Legend has also made a name for himself as an actor, with roles in films such as “La La Land” and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” and as a philanthropist and activist, using his platform to advocate for various social and political causes. As a native of Ohio and a shining example of the state’s musical talent and social consciousness, John Legend’s impact on music and popular culture has made him one of its most respected and influential figures.
5. Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman, born in Cleveland, Ohio, is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her powerful, evocative vocals, her socially and politically charged lyrics, and her unique blend of folk, rock, and soul influences. With her self-titled debut album in 1988, Chapman achieved international success, thanks to hit singles like “Fast Car” and “Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution,” which showcased her talent for crafting poignant, storytelling songs that addressed issues of race, poverty, and social inequality. Throughout her career, Chapman has remained committed to using her music as a vehicle for change, often performing at benefit concerts and advocating for various humanitarian causes. Her subsequent albums, such as “Crossroads” and “New Beginning,” further demonstrated her growth as an artist and her ability to explore diverse musical styles while staying true to her roots. As a native of Ohio and a pioneering figure in the world of socially conscious music, Tracy Chapman’s impact on popular culture and her role in giving voice to the struggles and aspirations of marginalized communities have made her one of the state’s most significant and respected musical exports.
6. Bobby Womack
Bobby Womack, born in Cleveland, Ohio, was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his powerful, soulful voice, his influential contributions to the genres of R&B, soul, and funk, and his collaborations with some of the most iconic artists of his time. Womack began his career as a member of the Valentinos, a family vocal group, before embarking on a successful solo career that spanned over six decades. His music, which often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and social commentary, influenced countless artists and helped shape the sound of popular music in the 1960s and 1970s. Some of his most famous songs, such as “If You Think You’re Lonely Now,” “Across 110th Street,” and “Woman’s Gotta Have It,” have become classics of the soul and R&B canon, showcasing his raw, emotive vocals and his talent for infusing his performances with deep feeling and authenticity. Throughout his career, Womack also achieved great success as a songwriter, penning hits for artists like Wilson Pickett, Janis Joplin, and the Rolling Stones. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, including battles with addiction and health issues, Womack remained a vital and influential figure in the music world until his passing in 2014. As a native of Ohio and a true legend of soul and R&B music, Bobby Womack’s enduring legacy and his contributions to the art form have made him one of the state’s most significant and beloved musical icons.
7. Boz Scaggs
Boz Scaggs, born William Royce Scaggs in Canton, Ohio, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his distinctive blend of rock, blues, soul, and jazz influences, his smooth, sophisticated vocal style, and his successful solo career. Scaggs first gained prominence as a member of the Steve Miller Band in the late 1960s before embarking on a solo career that produced numerous hit albums and singles, showcasing his talent for crafting polished, radio-friendly tunes with a deep, soulful undercurrent. His breakthrough album, “Silk Degrees,” released in 1976, featured the smash hits “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle,” which became enduring classics of the era and cemented Scaggs’ status as a leading figure in the world of blue-eyed soul and soft rock. Throughout his career, Scaggs has continued to explore various musical styles, collaborating with a wide range of artists and earning critical acclaim for his versatility and his commitment to his craft. He has also been recognized for his contributions to music with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. As a native of Ohio and a true icon of American music, Boz Scaggs’ impact on popular culture and his role in shaping the sound of multiple genres have made him one of the state’s most significant and respected musical exports.
8. Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner in Canton, Ohio, is a singer, songwriter, actor, and visual artist known for his controversial persona, his shock rock music, and his influence on the industrial metal and gothic rock genres. With his theatrical live performances, his provocative lyrics, and his distinctive blend of heavy metal, industrial, and electronic music, Manson has become one of the most polarizing and iconic figures in the world of alternative music. His albums, such as “Antichrist Superstar,” “Mechanical Animals,” and “The Pale Emperor,” have explored themes of rebellion, alienation, and social commentary, often sparking debates about censorship, morality, and the role of the artist in society. Throughout his career, Manson has faced numerous controversies and legal battles, but he has also earned a devoted cult following and has been recognized for his impact on popular culture, with his music, visual art, and film work showcased in various exhibitions and publications. As a native of Ohio and a true iconoclast, Marilyn Manson’s contributions to music and his role in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression have made him one of the state’s most significant and provocative cultural exports.
9. The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers, formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, are a legendary R&B, soul, and funk group consisting of brothers O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald Isley, along with various other family members and collaborators over the years. With a career spanning over seven decades, the Isley Brothers have released numerous hit albums and singles, showcasing their incredible vocal harmonies, their musicianship, and their ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining their signature sound. Some of their most famous songs, such as “Shout,” “Twist and Shout,” “It’s Your Thing,” and “That Lady,” have become enduring classics of the genre, influencing countless artists and shaping the course of popular music. The group’s impact on R&B and soul music is immeasurable, as they have not only created timeless hits of their own but have also penned and produced songs for other iconic artists, such as Jimi Hendrix and Aretha Franklin. Throughout their career, the Isley Brothers have faced various lineup changes and personal challenges, but their music has remained a constant source of joy, inspiration, and innovation for generations of fans. As proud natives of Ohio and true living legends of R&B and soul music, the Isley Brothers’ enduring legacy and their contributions to the art form have made them one of the state’s most significant and beloved musical institutions.
10. Anita Baker
Anita Baker, born in Toledo, Ohio, is a singer and songwriter known for her lush, velvety vocals, her romantic ballads, and her significant contributions to the quiet storm and adult contemporary R&B genres. With her unique blend of soul, jazz, and pop influences, Baker achieved massive success in the 1980s and 1990s, releasing a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums that showcased her incredible vocal range and her talent for conveying deep emotion through her music. Her breakthrough album, “Rapture,” released in 1986, featured the hit singles “Sweet Love” and “Caught Up in the Rapture,” which established her as a leading voice in the world of sophisticated, adult-oriented R&B. Throughout her career, Baker has won numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards, and has been recognized for her contributions to music with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite taking some time away from the spotlight to focus on her family and personal life, Baker has remained a beloved figure in the music world, with her timeless songs continuing to resonate with audiences of all ages. As a native of Ohio and a true icon of R&B and soul music, Anita Baker’s impact on popular culture and her role in shaping the sound of modern R&B have made her one of the state’s most significant and respected musical exports.
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.
