North Carolina, a state in the southeastern United States, has produced a number of famous singers over the years. From country music stars to R&B icons, North Carolina has been a fertile ground for musical talent.
One of the most famous singers from North Carolina is Nina Simone, a singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist who was born in Tryon. Simone’s powerful voice and political activism made her a legend of R&B and jazz music.
Another notable singer from North Carolina is Randy Travis, a country music superstar who has won numerous awards and sold millions of records worldwide. Travis was born in Marshville and got his start performing in local clubs and bars.
Other famous singers from North Carolina include James Taylor, a folk and rock singer-songwriter who was born in Boston but raised in Chapel Hill, and Ben Folds, a singer, songwriter, and pianist who has released numerous successful albums as a solo artist and with his band, Ben Folds Five.
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina has produced a diverse range of talented singers who have made their mark on the music industry. Their contributions have helped put North Carolina on the map as a hub of musical talent and continue to inspire a new generation of musicians.
1. Nina Simone
Nina Simone, born in Tryon, North Carolina, was a renowned singer, songwriter and civil rights activist. With her deep-rooted love for music and gigs at Atlantic City clubs, she started singing gospel. She then transitioned to jazz and blues genres by the 1960s. Her exceptional vocals in hits such as "I Put A Spell On You" and "Feeling Good" won her much acclaim. Her activism continued throughout her musical career with songs like "Mississippi Goddam."
Simone was also the first African American woman pianist for Atlantic City tours. She received a degree in Music from Juilliard School of Music in New York but was turned down by the Curtis Institute of Music due to racial discrimination.
Her reach is insurmountable; Nina Simone introduced soulful jazz narration that inspired subsequent generations of performers like Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys.
To appreciate her music even further, one can listen to some of her finest renditions while relaxing indoors or while taking a leisurely evening walk down memory lane.
Ronnie Milsap may be blind, but he sure saw success in his music career.
2. Ronnie Milsap
Ronnie Milsap, a renowned musician from North Carolina, has unleashed his versatile singing talent in country, pop and R&B genres. With an impressive six Grammy awards and forty number one hits, he is known for his soulful performances and profound lyrics. Milsap's visual impairment since birth has not deterred him from achieving tremendous success and recognition in the music industry. It comes as no surprise that he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
Milsap's musical journey began at an early age when he started taking piano lessons. As he grew older, his passion for music flourished and landed him a career as a studio musician before becoming a solo artist. His unique blend of country music with different styles captured everyone's attention, setting him apart from other artists of his time. In addition to his successful career in music, Milsap has also ventured into acting where he starred in movies and TV shows.
Ronnie Milsap proved that disabilities cannot limit anyone's potential through his unwavering determination to pursue a career in music despite the challenges he faced. He continues to inspire millions of fans around the world through his phenomenal performances even today. (Source: Biography.com)
Even though Jermaine Dupri is from North Carolina, he's living proof that you don't have to be born in Georgia to have that Southern hospitality.
3. Jermaine Dupri
This section highlights the renowned musician and record producer from North Carolina, who earned immense popularity with his exceptional talent in music production. Jermaine Dupri's prolific work in R&B, hip-hop, and pop genres helped him collaborate with several celebrated artists in the industry. He has produced numerous chart-topping singles and albums over the years.
Dupri is recognized for his contributions to Mariah Carey's successful projects, where he played a crucial role in producing her hit tracks. He received Grammy Awards for his works on Usher's Confessions album and TLC's CrazySexyCool project. Additionally, he has worked with other significant names like Jay-Z, Ludacris, Aretha Franklin, and Nelly.
Fun Fact: Jermaine Dupri was only 19 when he started producing songs for popular artists like Kriss Kross, leading to their massive success.
George Clinton may not be related to Bill, but he's got enough funk to fill a presidential library.
4. George Clinton
This North Carolina native is known for his pioneering role in funk and soul music. George Clinton, the father of P-Funk, has influenced numerous artists with his innovative sound and energetic performances. With a career spanning over five decades, Clinton has released more than 40 albums and won multiple awards. His signature style of combining rock, soul and R&B paved the way for future generations of musicians.
Clinton's unique blend of music attracted a diverse fan base and earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Grammys for his contributions to the industry. Additionally, Clinton is widely recognized for his eccentric style, including flamboyant costumes and elaborate stage shows.
Fun Fact: In addition to his music career, Clinton has also dabbled in acting, having appeared in films such as House Party and PCU.
Pro Tip: Listen to Clinton's iconic hit "Atomic Dog" to fully appreciate his groundbreaking contributions to funk music.
Looks like Loudon Wainwright III got his talent from his North Carolina roots, along with some killer southern charm and a tendency to sing about dysfunctional families.
5. Loudon Wainwright III
Loudon Wainwright III, an American folk singer from North Carolina, has been in the music industry since the late 60s. He gained recognition for his self-titled debut album released in 1970 and has since released numerous albums. In addition to being a singer-songwriter, he is also an actor and writer. His music is characterized by his humorous and often sarcastic lyrics delivered over simple acoustic guitar arrangements.
Wainwright's career saw a resurgence in the early 2000s when he released albums like 'So Damn Happy' and 'Here Come The Choppers' which garnered critical acclaim. He also scored a couple of movie soundtracks during this period including 'Knocked Up' and 'The Aviator'.
Apart from being a notable musician, Wainwright is also known for his acting chops. He has appeared in movies such as 'Big Fish', TV series like 'Parks and Recreation' and even starred on Broadway.
A true fact about Loudon Wainwright III is that he was once married to Canadian singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle with whom he had two children – Rufus and Martha Wainwright – who are both successful musicians in their own right.
Ben Folds: putting the 'piano' in 'pianist' and the 'fun' in 'dysfunctional' since 1966.
6. Ben Folds
With a musician's mind that wanders into uncharted territories, Ben Folds has made his mark in the music industry with a unique style that combines pop, rock, and piano harmonies. As he grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Folds' musical prowess flourished from an early age. The acclaimed singer-songwriter boasts of numerous hits such as "Brick" and "Landed," which highlight his sonic proficiency in songwriting.
Throughout his career, Ben Folds has never feared experimentation – rather relished it – seamlessly blending multiple genres and incorporating diverse influences to create music that is as an instant classic as it is contemporary. His wide range of success not only includes eight solo albums but also a contract with RCA Records for his band: Ben Folds Five. Along with these accolades, he has been a judge on NBC's Sing-Off and acted as a member of Carolina Performing Arts Leadership Council at Chapel Hill University.
Apart from his talent in music composition and performance, what sets Ben Folds apart is his deep-rooted passion for social work. He strongly stands by causes such as fight against LGBTQIA discrimination and promoting education for arts in schools.
It's said that nothing showcases an artist's true mettle like performance under pressure. In 2009 when the Nashville government eradicated funding for its symphony orchestra due to budget constraints, Ben stepped up to rally support through organizing city-wide benefit shows where renowned artists performed – raising money to keep the orchestra alive. Such was the impact of these events that the Governor declared October 11th – "Ben Folds Day" commemorating his contributions.
As we look back at Ben Folds talents beyond just being a musician – philanthropist & songwriter – it highlights how truly remarkable this North Carolina native really is!
Move over James Brown, Maceo Parker's saxophone skills are the real star of North Carolina's music scene.
7. Maceo Parker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTfRjihu2rY&pp=ygUMTWFjZW8gUGFya2Vy
This North Carolina native is a renowned saxophonist, singer, and composer who has worked with legends like James Brown, George Clinton, and Prince. With a career spanning over five decades, Maceo Parker has become an icon in the funk and soul music scene. He has released more than 20 solo albums and collaborated on countless others. His electrifying performances have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase around the world.
Parker's distinctive style blends elements of jazz, funk, R&B, and blues into a seamless fusion that is both groovy and sophisticated. His virtuosity on the saxophone is unmatched, as he effortlessly transitions between tight melodies and extended solos. He also has a soulful voice that adds depth to his live shows.
In addition to his musical achievements, Parker is known for his generosity and positive energy. He has mentored countless aspiring musicians over the years and helped to spread joy through his music. Despite facing numerous obstacles in his personal life, including financial difficulties and health issues, Parker remains committed to his craft.
One true story about Maceo Parker's career occurred in 1990 when Prince invited him to join his band for the Nude Tour. At first hesitant due to the rigorous schedule involved with performing multiple shows back-to-back without breaks, Parker eventually agreed after Prince reassured him that everything would work out fine. The tour turned out to be a huge success for Parker as it exposed him to new audiences around the world and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest saxophonists of all time.
Etta Baker's music will make you forget all your woes, unless your woe is not being able to play guitar like her.
8. Etta Baker
Etta Baker – North Carolina's Legendary Blues Musician
Etta Baker is a legendary blues musician hailing from North Carolina. Her intricate finger-picking style on the guitar left an unforgettable impression on the music world. She was born in 1913 and passed away in 2006 at the age of 93. Etta was known for her dedication to traditional Piedmont blues, which originated from African American-influenced musical styles in the southeastern United States.
During her career, Etta was awarded numerous accolades, including being named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1991 as well as receiving a North Carolina Heritage Award in 1989. Moreover, she has been featured on several documentaries, such as "The Blues: A Musical Journey" and "Music Makers with Taj Mahal".
Despite facing gender and racial barriers throughout her life, Etta never gave up her love for music and continued playing well into her later years. Her contributions to blues music have made her an icon recognized worldwide.
Source: biograph.com
Kellie Pickler from North Carolina proves that you can take the girl out of the trailer park, but you can't take the trailer park out of the girl.
9. Kellie Pickler
A prominent singer from the Tar Heel State, Kellie Pickler's talent and hard work have helped her rise to fame. With a career that spans over a decade, she has released multiple chart-topping albums and won numerous accolades, including the prestigious Daytime Emmy award. Kellie's music is known for its unique blend of country and pop, showcasing her dynamic range and soulful voice.
In addition to her musical achievements, Kellie has also made a name for herself as a TV personality. Her bubbly personality and sharp wit have endeared her to viewers of shows like American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. She has also appeared on multiple talk shows and reality series, further cementing her status as a beloved celebrity.
Uniquely, she is renowned for being an advocate for various charitable organizations such as the USO tour for military personnel stationed in Afghanistan, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital alongside many other notable volunteering roles.
Fans looking to experience Kellie's music firsthand can attend one of her electrifying live performances – she regularly tours across America playing at theaters or festivals throughout the year.
To maximize fans' experience watching Kellie perform live or listen to music online or recording it for later listening; using high-quality headphones that highlight both the bass-driven sound from background instruments like electric guitar/piano & vocals in higher decibels is highly encouraged.
Thelonious Monk may have been a jazz legend, but he sure could have used a lesson or two in proper spelling and punctuation.
10. Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Monk, an iconic jazz pianist and composer, was born in North Carolina. His unique improvisational style and use of dissonances made him a significant figure in the history of jazz. Known for his classics such as "'Round Midnight" and "Blue Monk", Monk influenced numerous musicians and continues to inspire new generations. His groundbreaking techniques continue to be studied by music scholars today, solidifying his legacy as one of the most important jazz musicians of all time.
Monk's career spanned over three decades, during which he recorded numerous albums and performed around the world. He collaborated with other greats like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as leading his own ensembles. Despite facing challenges due to racism and mental illness, Monk persisted in creating music that broke barriers and challenged conventions.
Notably, Monk was one of the first jazz musicians to receive a Pulitzer Prize special award for his contributions to American music posthumously in 2006. Today, fans still celebrate Thelonious Monk's vast contributions to music and North Carolina's rich cultural heritage.
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.
