Kansas artists contribute to the cultural landscape of the state with a diverse range of creative expressions spanning various mediums such as painting, sculpture, music, literature, and performance. Drawing inspiration from the state’s unique landscapes, history, and cultural heritage, these artists capture the essence of Kansas through their work.
Many Kansas artists are influenced by the state’s vast prairies, rolling hills, and iconic landmarks, while others find inspiration in the dynamic urban centers and small-town communities that define the Kansas experience. Their art often reflects the beauty, complexity, and diversity of Kansas’ landscapes, as well as the rich tapestry of stories and experiences that shape the state’s identity.
Through their creativity and innovation, Kansas artists enrich the cultural fabric of the state, fostering dialogue, stimulating thought, and fostering a sense of community. They contribute to local galleries, theaters, festivals, and events, showcasing their talents and engaging audiences from all walks of life.
Kansas artists also play a vital role in preserving and celebrating the state’s cultural heritage, drawing on traditions and influences from various cultural backgrounds, including Native American, European American, Latino, and African American communities.
Overall, Kansas artists contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of the state’s cultural scene, leaving a lasting legacy that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of its people.
1. Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for her powerful voice, soulful lyrics, and rock-infused sound. Born on May 29, 1961, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Etheridge emerged as a prominent figure in the music industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Etheridge’s music is characterized by its raw emotion, introspective lyrics, and bluesy rock melodies. Her songs often explore themes of love, heartache, identity, and social justice, resonating with audiences around the world. Hits like “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” and “Like the Way I Do” propelled her to stardom and earned her critical acclaim and commercial success.
In addition to her powerful vocals and songwriting prowess, Melissa Etheridge is also known for her activism and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and other social causes. She has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and equality, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.
Throughout her career, Melissa Etheridge has released numerous albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and earned a devoted fanbase. Her music continues to inspire and empower listeners, showcasing the enduring power of rock and roll to connect people and create change.
2. Kendall Schmidt
Kendall Schmidt is an American actor, singer, and songwriter known for his work in the music industry and television. Born on November 2, 1990, in Wichita, Kansas, Schmidt first gained prominence as a member of the boy band Big Time Rush.
As part of Big Time Rush, Schmidt achieved commercial success with hit songs like “Boyfriend,” “Windows Down,” and “Til I Forget About You.” The band also starred in their own Nickelodeon television series of the same name, which aired from 2009 to 2013. The show followed the fictionalized adventures of the band as they navigated fame, friendship, and romance in Los Angeles.
Following the success of Big Time Rush, Kendall Schmidt has continued to pursue music as a solo artist and as part of the band Heffron Drive, which he formed with musician Dustin Belt. Heffron Drive has released several albums and EPs, showcasing Schmidt’s talent as a singer and songwriter.
In addition to his music career, Kendall Schmidt has appeared in various television shows and films, further expanding his acting repertoire. He continues to entertain audiences with his versatility, charisma, and passion for music and performing.
3. Andy McKee
Andy McKee is an American acoustic guitarist and composer known for his innovative fingerstyle technique and captivating performances. Born on April 4, 1979, in Topeka, Kansas, McKee began playing guitar at a young age and developed his own unique style influenced by various genres including folk, blues, jazz, and rock.
McKee gained widespread recognition through his YouTube videos, where he showcased his remarkable fingerstyle playing and intricate compositions. His videos, featuring songs like “Drifting” and “Rylynn,” quickly went viral, earning him millions of views and a dedicated fanbase around the world.
In addition to his solo career, McKee has collaborated with other musicians and released several albums, including “Art of Motion” (2005), “Joyland” (2010), and “Next” (2021). His music is characterized by its melodic complexity, rhythmic precision, and emotive storytelling, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards in the guitar community.
McKee is also known for his use of alternate tunings and extended techniques, such as percussive tapping and harmonics, which allow him to create a rich, layered sound on the acoustic guitar. His virtuosic playing and ability to push the boundaries of the instrument have inspired countless guitarists and musicians around the world.
With his mesmerizing performances and innovative approach to the guitar, Andy McKee continues to captivate audiences and push the limits of acoustic music. He remains a beloved figure in the guitar community and a true pioneer in the world of fingerstyle guitar.
4. Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel was an American actress, singer-songwriter, and comedian, best known for her groundbreaking role as Mammy in the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind.” Born on June 10, 1895, in Wichita, Kansas, McDaniel was the youngest of 13 children in a family of performers.
McDaniel began her entertainment career as a singer and songwriter, performing in vaudeville shows and on the radio. She gained recognition for her comedic talents and powerful voice, and she soon transitioned to acting in films.
McDaniel’s role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind” made her the first African American to win an Academy Award, earning her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1940. Her win was a historic moment in Hollywood history, breaking barriers for Black performers in the film industry.
Throughout her career, McDaniel appeared in over 300 films, often playing roles that perpetuated racial stereotypes of the time. Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities as a Black actress in Hollywood, McDaniel’s talent and resilience paved the way for future generations of African American performers.
In addition to her acting career, McDaniel was also a trailblazer in the music industry, becoming the first African American woman to sing on the radio in the United States.
Hattie McDaniel’s legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking role in “Gone with the Wind.” She was a pioneer in the entertainment industry, breaking down barriers and opening doors for Black performers in Hollywood. Her talent, courage, and perseverance continue to inspire people around the world, and she is remembered as a true trailblazer and cultural icon.
5. Joyce DiDonato
Joyce DiDonato is an American operatic mezzo-soprano known for her stunning vocal performances, dramatic interpretations, and charismatic stage presence. Born on February 13, 1969, in Prairie Village, Kansas, DiDonato has risen to international acclaim as one of the leading opera singers of her generation.
DiDonato’s voice is celebrated for its warmth, richness, and agility, allowing her to excel in a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque opera to contemporary works. Her performances are marked by her exceptional technical skill, expressive phrasing, and deep emotional connection to the music and characters she portrays.
Throughout her career, Joyce DiDonato has appeared on the world’s most prestigious opera stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, and Paris Opera, collaborating with renowned conductors, directors, and fellow artists. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her performances, including multiple Grammy Awards and an induction into the Gramophone Hall of Fame.
In addition to her operatic career, DiDonato is also an advocate for the arts and a passionate educator. She frequently gives masterclasses, workshops, and talks, inspiring the next generation of musicians and sharing her love of music with audiences around the world.
Joyce DiDonato’s artistry, talent, and dedication to her craft have made her a beloved figure in the world of opera. Her performances continue to captivate audiences and critics alike, earning her a reputation as one of the greatest opera singers of her time.
6. Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker, also known as “Bird,” was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who revolutionized the genre with his innovative approach to improvisation, harmonic complexity, and virtuosic technique. Born on August 29, 1920, in Kansas City, Kansas, Parker emerged as one of the leading figures of the bebop movement in the 1940s.
Parker’s contributions to jazz are immeasurable, and his impact on the genre is still felt today. His rapid-fire improvisations, intricate melodic lines, and rhythmic ingenuity pushed the boundaries of jazz and paved the way for future generations of musicians.
Throughout his career, Charlie Parker recorded numerous groundbreaking albums and compositions, including classics like “Now’s the Time,” “Ornithology,” and “Confirmation.” His collaborations with fellow jazz luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Miles Davis further solidified his status as one of the greatest innovators in jazz history.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 34, Charlie Parker’s legacy lives on through his timeless recordings and enduring influence on jazz musicians around the world. His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the boundless creativity and artistic brilliance of one of the greatest saxophonists in history.
7. Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer known for his versatile guitar playing and his work with bands such as the Eagles and the James Gang. Born on November 20, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, Walsh began his music career in the late 1960s, gaining recognition for his distinctive guitar style and energetic stage presence.
Walsh first gained prominence as a member of the James Gang, a rock band known for their hit songs “Funk #49” and “Walk Away.” His innovative guitar work and songwriting contributions helped propel the band to success in the early 1970s.
In 1975, Walsh joined the Eagles, one of the most successful rock bands of all time. As the lead guitarist for the Eagles, Walsh brought his unique sound and musical sensibility to the band, contributing to iconic songs like “Hotel California,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and “New Kid in Town.” His guitar solos and vocal harmonies became a defining feature of the Eagles’ sound, and he remained a key member of the band until their breakup in 1980.
In addition to his work with the Eagles and the James Gang, Walsh has also had a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and earning critical acclaim for his solo work. He is known for his eclectic musical style, which encompasses rock, blues, country, and funk influences.
Throughout his career, Joe Walsh has been recognized as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, admired for his technical skill, musical creativity, and enduring influence on the rock genre. He continues to perform and record music to this day, delighting audiences with his timeless songs and electrifying guitar solos.
8. Stan Kenton
Stan Kenton was an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader known for his innovative approach to big band jazz. Born on December 15, 1911, in Wichita, Kansas, Kenton began his music career as a pianist, performing in dance bands and orchestras in the 1930s.
In 1941, Kenton formed his own orchestra, which became known as the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Under Kenton’s leadership, the orchestra became one of the most influential and innovative big bands of the swing era and beyond.
Kenton’s music was characterized by its bold, progressive arrangements, intricate harmonies, and complex rhythms. He experimented with unusual time signatures, extended compositions, and avant-garde elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional big band jazz and paving the way for the development of modern jazz.
Throughout his career, Kenton collaborated with some of the most talented musicians and arrangers of his time, including arranger Pete Rugolo and saxophonist Art Pepper. He also championed the work of young jazz composers and arrangers, providing a platform for emerging talent in the jazz world.
Kenton’s orchestra toured extensively and recorded prolifically, releasing numerous albums that showcased his innovative approach to jazz. His recordings, such as “Artistry in Rhythm” and “Intermission Riff,” remain classics of the big band genre and continue to inspire jazz musicians and enthusiasts around the world.
Stan Kenton’s legacy as a bandleader and innovator in jazz is profound, and his influence on the development of modern jazz cannot be overstated. He is remembered as a visionary artist who pushed the boundaries of the genre and left an indelible mark on the history of jazz music.
9. Janelle Monae
Janelle Monáe is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and producer known for her innovative blend of R&B, funk, soul, and hip-hop, as well as her bold fashion sense and Afrofuturist aesthetic. Born on December 1, 1985, in Kansas City, Kansas, Monáe rose to prominence in the late 2000s with her critically acclaimed albums and electrifying live performances.
Monáe’s music is characterized by its genre-bending sound, intricate arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics. She explores themes of identity, empowerment, and social justice in her songs, often incorporating elements of science fiction and fantasy to create a unique and immersive artistic universe.
In addition to her music career, Janelle Monáe is also an accomplished actress, known for her roles in films such as “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight,” both of which received widespread acclaim and earned her nominations for various awards, including the Academy Awards.
Throughout her career, Janelle Monáe has received numerous accolades and honors for her contributions to music and entertainment, including multiple Grammy nominations and a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
With her fearless creativity, undeniable talent, and unwavering commitment to authenticity, Janelle Monáe continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences around the world, cementing her status as one of the most innovative and influential artists of her generation.
10. Martina McBride
Martina McBride is an American country music singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals, emotive storytelling, and empowering anthems. Born on July 29, 1966, in Sharon, Kansas, McBride grew up singing in her family’s band and honing her skills as a performer.
McBride rose to prominence in the 1990s with the release of her debut album, “The Time Has Come,” which featured the hit single “My Baby Loves Me.” She achieved commercial success with subsequent albums, including “Wild Angels” (1995), “Evolution” (1997), and “Emotion” (1999), each of which produced multiple chart-topping singles and earned critical acclaim for McBride’s powerful vocals and emotional depth.
Known for her ability to convey vulnerability and strength in her music, McBride has become one of the most respected voices in country music. Her songs often explore themes of love, heartbreak, resilience, and female empowerment, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Throughout her career, McBride has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. She has also been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In addition to her music career, McBride is known for her philanthropy and advocacy work, particularly in the areas of domestic violence prevention and hunger relief. She has used her platform to raise awareness and support for various charitable causes, earning her praise for her generosity and compassion.
With her powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering commitment to her artistry and advocacy, Martina McBride continues to inspire audiences around the world and remains a beloved figure in the country music community.
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.
