10 Famous Singers from Texas
Texas has a rich and diverse musical history, and the state has produced some of the most influential and iconic singers in the world. From country music legends to rock and roll icons, Texas has been home to some of the most significant figures in the history of music. In this article, we will take a closer look at 10 of the most famous singers from Texas and explore their unique contributions to the world of music.
Our list includes some of the most beloved and influential artists of all time, from country music icons like Willie Nelson and George Strait to rock and roll legends like Roy Orbison and ZZ Top. We also feature groundbreaking singers like Erykah Badu and Selena, who broke barriers and paved the way for new generations of artists. Each of these singers has made an indelible mark on the music world and continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians. Join us as we explore the lives and careers of these 10 famous singers from Texas and celebrate their enduring legacies.
1. Beyoncé
Beyoncé is a renowned singer, songwriter, and actress hailing from Houston, Texas. She gained fame as a member of the R&B girl group Destiny’s Child, which was one of the best-selling groups of all time. After the group disbanded in 2006, Beyoncé embarked on a solo career, releasing numerous hit albums and singles. She is known for her powerful vocal range and captivating live performances. Beyoncé has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including 28 Grammy Awards, making her the most awarded female artist in Grammy history. In addition to her music career, Beyoncé has also made a name for herself as an actress, starring in films such as Dreamgirls and The Lion King. She is also a philanthropist, using her platform to promote various charitable causes and organizations. Beyoncé is considered one of the greatest artists of all time and is often referred to as “Queen Bey” by her fans.
2. Townes Van Zandt
Townes Van Zandt was a highly influential singer-songwriter born in Fort Worth, Texas. He is often cited as one of the most significant figures in the Texas country music scene and is known for his poetic and introspective lyrics, as well as his distinctive fingerpicking guitar style. Despite a relatively low profile during his lifetime, Van Zandt’s music has had a profound impact on generations of musicians and has been covered by a wide range of artists. Some of his most well-known songs include “Pancho and Lefty” and “Tecumseh Valley.” Van Zandt struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout his life and passed away in 1997 at the age of 52. Despite his relatively short career, his legacy as a songwriter and musician continues to endure and influence new generations of artists.
3. Selena
Selena was a beloved singer and songwriter from Lake Jackson, Texas, who rose to fame in the early 1990s as a leading figure in the Tejano music scene. She is often referred to as the “Queen of Tejano music” and is credited with helping to popularize the genre in the United States and beyond. Selena’s music was known for its catchy rhythms and infectious melodies, and she quickly became a beloved icon in the Latinx community. Tragically, Selena’s life was cut short when she was murdered at the age of 23 by the president of her fan club in 1995. Despite her untimely death, Selena’s legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry continues to live on, and she remains an inspiration to countless fans and musicians around the world.
4. Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers was a country music legend and actor born in Houston, Texas. With a career spanning six decades, Rogers was known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt storytelling in songs like “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” and “Islands in the Stream,” which he famously performed with Dolly Parton. He sold over 100 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Rogers also dabbled in acting, appearing in films such as “Six Pack” and “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” He was known for his philanthropic efforts, including founding the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, which provided therapy and support to children with developmental disabilities. Rogers passed away in 2020 at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich legacy as a musician, actor, and humanitarian.
5. George Strait
George Strait is a legendary country music singer and songwriter from Poteet, Texas. With a career spanning over four decades, Strait has sold over 100 million records worldwide and holds the record for the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Known for his traditional country sound and smooth baritone voice, Strait’s catalog includes classics like “Amarillo By Morning,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” and “The Chair.” He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards, the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Strait retired from touring in 2014 but has continued to release new music and perform occasionally. He is considered one of the most significant and influential figures in country music history and remains a beloved icon in Texas and beyond.
6. Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison was a singer-songwriter born in Vernon, Texas, who rose to fame in the 1960s with his distinctive voice and emotional ballads. Known for his operatic vocal range and signature dark sunglasses, Orbison’s hits included “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” and “Only the Lonely.” He is regarded as one of the most influential and innovative figures in the history of rock and roll and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Despite a career that was at times plagued by personal tragedy and setbacks, Orbison remained dedicated to his craft and continued to record and perform until his death in 1988 at the age of 52. His music continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians, and he is widely considered to be one of the greatest singers of all time.
7. Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings was a country music singer, songwriter, and musician from Littlefield, Texas. He was known for his outlaw image and rebellion against the Nashville establishment, helping to pioneer the “outlaw country” movement in the 1970s. Jennings’ hits included “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love),” “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” and “Good Hearted Woman.” He was also known for his collaborations with fellow outlaw country musicians Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson in the supergroup The Highwaymen. Jennings’ music and persona continue to inspire new generations of artists, and he is regarded as one of the most influential and significant figures in the history of country music. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 64, leaving behind a rich legacy as a musician and iconoclast.
8. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a legendary singer-songwriter and musician from Abbott, Texas, who has been a prominent figure in the country music scene for over six decades. Known for his distinctive voice, storytelling abilities, and guitar playing, Nelson’s hits include classics like “On the Road Again,” “Crazy,” and “Always on My Mind.” He is also known for his collaborations with other iconic artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson in the supergroup The Highwaymen. Nelson is widely regarded as an American icon and has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Honors. In addition to his music career, Nelson is also an activist and philanthropist, supporting numerous causes such as farmers’ rights, the environment, and LGBTQ+ rights. He remains an enduring and beloved figure in Texas and beyond.
9. Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and actress from Dallas, Texas, who is known for her unique blend of soul, R&B, and hip hop. Badu’s hits include “On & On,” “Tyrone,” and “Bag Lady,” and she is known for her soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and eclectic style. She has released multiple critically acclaimed albums throughout her career, including the landmark “Baduizm” in 1997. Badu is also an accomplished actress, appearing in films such as “The Cider House Rules” and “What Men Want.” In addition to her music and acting career, Badu is also an activist and philanthropist, supporting numerous causes such as education, mental health, and Black Lives Matter. She is widely regarded as one of the most significant and innovative figures in contemporary R&B and continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists.
10. ZZ Top
ZZ Top is a legendary rock band formed in Houston, Texas, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard. The band is known for their blues-infused rock sound, signature beards, and iconic music videos. ZZ Top’s hits include “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and they have sold over 50 million albums worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and continue to tour and record new music to this day. ZZ Top’s enduring legacy as one of the most beloved and influential rock bands of all time is a testament to their talent, showmanship, and dedication to their craft, and they remain an iconic and cherished part of Texas music history.
Darren Jamison 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.
