Ohio, a state in the midwestern United States, has produced a number of famous singers over the years. From rock legends to R&B icons, Ohio has been a fertile ground for musical talent.
One of the most famous singers from Ohio is Dean Martin, a singer, actor, and comedian who was born in Steubenville. Martin’s smooth voice and charm made him a popular entertainer in the mid-20th century.
Another notable singer from Ohio is Steven Tyler, the lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith. Tyler was born in Yonkers, New York, but grew up in the Cleveland area and began his musical career there.
Other famous singers from Ohio include John Legend, an R&B and soul singer-songwriter who has won numerous awards for his powerful vocals and songwriting abilities, and Dave Grohl, the lead singer of the rock band Foo Fighters and former drummer for Nirvana.
From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, Ohio has produced a diverse range of talented singers who have made their mark on the music industry. Their contributions have helped put Ohio on the map as a hub of musical talent and continue to inspire a new generation of musicians.
1. John Legend
A renowned Ohioan musician, John Legend, has made a remarkable impact in the music industry with his soulful voice and versatility. As a 10-time Grammy winner, the Springfield-born artist has brought to life several hits such as "Ordinary People," "All of Me," and "Glory." With his impressive range and pitch-perfect vocals, John Legend has established himself as one of the most successful singers of this era.
John Legend's career started after he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where he was associated with jazz groups. However, it wasn't until he signed with Kanye West's label that he achieved mainstream success. In addition to music, John Legend is also passionate about philanthropy work, particularly issues like education and criminal justice reform.
Despite possessing exceptional musical talents, not many people know that John Legend was originally named John Stephens after his birth name. The singer reportedly adopted the pseudonym 'Legend' for its grandeur and epic connotations before releasing his debut album 'Get Lifted.
As per Rolling Stone magazine's review in 2004 – "Listening to him sing feels like having someone massage your soul."
Art Tatum tickled the ivories with such finesse, even the piano couldn't resist falling in love with him.
2. Art Tatum
Born in Toledo, Ohio, an exceptional jazz pianist who inspired many music legends with his technical prowess and innovative improvisations was Art Tatum. Revered for his dexterity and speed, his style featured complex harmonies and rapid tempos that were ahead of their time. Tatum's musical influence was widely recognized as he has extensively collaborated with popular musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter, among others. His remarkable talent earned him several awards posthumously and continues to inspire jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
As a self-taught musician, Art Tatum's technique taught other professional pianists how to play faster while still playing complicated compositions smoothly in the industry during his time. He utilised both hands equally well while playing intricate chord changes that were yet to be invented on the fly without losing a beat. This mastery led him to create over 200 studio recordings aside from influencing new genres like bebop with his intricate virtuosity.
Despite facing challenges like visual impairment since childhood, he performed live concerts at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and toured globally throughout his career.
Pro Tip: If you want to master the art of Jazz piano improvisation, study the recorded performances of Art Tatum for inspiration.
Dean Martin may have been born in Ohio, but he made the Italians proud with his smooth vocals and love for whiskey.
3. Dean Martin
An iconic singer, Dean Martin was born in Steubenville, Ohio. He first found fame performing with Jerry Lewis as part of a comedy duo before stepping out as a solo artist. With his suave demeanor and smooth vocals, Martin became known as the "King of Cool" and recorded numerous hits throughout his career, including "That's Amore" and "Everybody Loves Somebody." He also acted in films and television shows such as the popular series "The Colgate Comedy Hour."
Martin was not just a renowned singer but also an accomplished actor who received numerous awards for both his singing and acting skills. His style inspired many other singers to follow in his footsteps, making him an important figure in music history. Despite struggling with personal issues throughout his life, Martin remained a beloved performer until his death in 1995.
One interesting fact about Martin is that he was fluent in Italian, which allowed him to sing many of his songs in both English and Italian. This bilingual talent helped him appeal to a wide audience and gain popularity all around the world.
If you want to learn from Dean Martin's success, it's important to adopt his effortless approach to performance. Practice your vocals until they become second nature so you can focus on delivering an effortless performance like Martin did. Additionally, study his stage presence and mannerisms to develop your own unique personality on stage.
Move over Adele, Ohio's got Doris Day – the original queen of heartbreak anthems.
4. Doris Day
The renowned singer and actress from Ohio, Doris Day was widely regarded as one of the most successful female performers of her time. Her mesmerizing voice, charisma and acting skills earned her numerous accolades throughout her long career. Day's music career spanned over 20 years, with countless chart-topping hits that resonated with fans around the world. She also starred in several Hollywood movies, including "Calamity Jane" and "Pillow Talk". Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to this day.
Day's success can be attributed to many factors, including her innate talent for captivating audiences. Her wholesome image and positive attitude endeared her to fans everywhere. Though she faced personal struggles throughout her life, including failed marriages and financial difficulties, Day remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry until her passing in 2019.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate Doris Day's artistry, take some time to listen to her music and watch some of her classic films. You won't be disappointed!
Anita Baker may have been born in Toledo, Ohio, but her voice could melt even the coldest of Cleveland winters.
5. Anita Baker
Anita Baker, a renowned musician hailing from Ohio, has made an indelible impact on the music industry. Her soulful voice and unique style of blending R&B with jazz have earned her multiple Grammy Awards. Baker's success can be attributed to her innate ability to communicate through her lyrics and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Her iconic hits such as "Sweet Love" and "Giving You the Best That I Got" continue to be timeless classics that still resonate with fans today.
One cannot talk about Anita Baker without mentioning her dynamic career that spans over four decades in the music industry. After starting out in local funk bands, she eventually signed with Elektra Records in the 80s which launched her into mainstream success. She solidified her position as a heavyweight artist with albums like "Rapture," "Compositions," and "Giving You The Best That I Got." In addition to selling millions of records worldwide, Baylor also cultivated a loyal fan base who cherish her music.
Notably, Anita Baker is one of the few artists who have been successful in not only capturing their sound but also defining it. Her crossover appeal across genres stands testament to this uniqueness. She has collaborated with numerous legends including Luther Vandross, George Duke, and Nile Rodgers making her a universally respected artist.
Interestingly, despite many accolades throughout her career, Anita Baker has maintained relative privacy in comparison to other musicians. This is largely attributed to how she prefers focusing on creating new music instead of being caught up with media attention. With all said and done, Anita Baker remains an icon in not only Ohio's but also America's musical culture– something that she will undoubtedly go down in history for.
Tracy Chapman may have been 'Born to Sing' but Ohio definitely gave her a head start.
6. Tracy Chapman
This segment spotlights one of Ohio's most renowned musicians, Tracy Chapman, whose folk-inspired sound and socially conscious lyrics earned worldwide acclaim. Her breakout hit "Fast Car," released in 1988, propelled her into stardom and earned her four Grammy nominations.
Throughout her career, Chapman has remained a steadfast activist for human rights, particularly regarding issues of race and gender. In addition to contributing to numerous benefit concerts and organizations, she also founded the nonprofit website Stand Up America to empower activists in the fight against injustice.
It is worth noting that Chapman has sold over 30 million records and won multiple prestigious awards for her contributions to music. She has also worked with a diverse array of fellow artists, from Buddy Guy to BB King to Neil Young.
For aspiring musicians seeking inspiration from Chapman's storied career, it is essential to remember the power of authentic storytelling in songwriting. Embracing meaningful themes like social justice can elevate one's artistry while impacting listeners in positive ways.
Bobby Womack, proving that Ohio not only produces great singers but also great nicknames, was known as 'The Preacher' in his early days with The Valentinos.
7. Bobby Womack (The Valentinos)
Bobby Womack's name is associated with the group called The Valentinos, who marked their presence in the music arena of Ohio. His notable contributions were in R&B and soul genres wherein he grabbed significant attention from the audience. Apart from his spellbinding vocal range, he was also an instrumentalist playing numerous instruments effortlessly.
Womack's musical journey started at a young age when his father encouraged him to perform with his brothers as a gospel ensemble. Later, he joined The Valentinos and recorded hits that topped various charts. After gaining success with the group, he embarked on a solo career, which led to massive hits like Across 110th Street and Looking for a Love. The latter track paved the way for future artists like The J. Geils Band and Z.Z. Top.
Womack's unique style of guitar playing made him stand apart from others immensely contributing to his success in the music industry. He inspired many artists such as Janis Joplin, Ron Isley who sought inspiration from him. In addition to this, he has also collaborated with several famous musicians like Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz fame.
One interesting anecdote about Womack was that he once had an opportunity to tour with Jimi Hendrix but turned down as he did not want to be "upstaged" by Hendrix's virtuosic guitar playing skills. Despite such setbacks and challenges in life, Womack remained committed to making music that would leave an everlasting impact on people's hearts worldwide.
Bootsy Collins may have been born in Ohio, but with that star power and funky style, he's from a whole other galaxy.
8. Bootsy Collins
One of the renowned singers from Ohio is a member of Parliament-Funkadelic, bringing in a unique blend of funk music. This artist is none other than the talented Bootsy Collins, who has created an impressive legacy with his musical journey. With his innovative bass techniques and captivating stage presence, Bootsy has left an indelible mark on the music industry. He has also collaborated with several legendary musicians like James Brown, George Clinton, and Prince, among others.
Bootsy Collins was born in Cincinnati and grew up playing the guitar before discovering his talent for bass. He joined Funkadelic in 1972 as their bassist and later became a part of Parliament-Funkadelic. Over the years, he played an integral role in creating some of their biggest hits such as "Flashlight," "One Nation Under a Groove," and "Atomic Dog." He also established himself as a solo artist with albums like 'Stretchin' Out in Bootsy's Rubber Band.'
Interestingly, Bootsy is known for his colorful costumes and signature space-aged glasses that add to his persona on stage. In addition to his contributions to funk music, he has also been recognized for his philanthropic work through initiatives like The Funk Unity Foundation.
It is worth mentioning that Bootsy Collins' distinctive sound has inspired generations of musicians across various genres. Rolling Stone magazine even listed him on their list of '100 Greatest Bassists of All Time.'
(Source: https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/11/10-famous-singers-from-ohio.html)
Kid Cudi proves that Ohio is more than just cornfields and cows, it's also home to some sick beats and rhymes.
9. Kid Cudi
An illustrious native of Ohio, Kid Cudi is a remarkable singer and songwriter. With a career spanning over a decade, Kid Cudi has earned name and fame with his unique music style ranging from hip-hop, rock to alternative rap. He gained immense popularity for his debut album 'Man on the Moon: The End of Day' followed by numerous other successful albums.
As an actor, he has also displayed his talent in movies and TV series such as 'How to Make It in America', 'Dreamland' and 'We Are Who We Are'.
Apart from music and acting, Kid Cudi is known for his philanthropy works, including founding the non-profit organization, The Scott Mescudi Foundation to assist with mental health treatment amongst youths. Kid Cudi's collaborations included legendary artists like Kanye West and landing chart-topping hits.
A pilgrimage trip to Ghana helped him rediscover himself during difficult times. Kid Cudi strives to instill positivity in his listeners through lyrics that reflect heartbreaks, triumphs, and growing up. It is no doubt that Kid Cudi is an epitome of versatility within the music industry unique only to him; he has managed a rare blend of multiple genres into one sound – His own.
Don't let Dave Grohl's rugged exterior fool you, he's just a soft-hearted Ohio boy with a guitar and a dream.
10. Dave Grohl (Nirvana / Foo Fighters)
Dave Grohl, an American singer and songwriter, is famously known for his time as the drummer of Nirvana and the frontman of Foo Fighters. Born in Warren, Ohio, Grohl's musical influences stem from his early years playing in local garage bands. His passion for music led him to join Nirvana in 1990, where he became one of the most influential drummers in rock history with hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit." After Nirvana disbanded, Grohl went on to form the Foo Fighters in 1994, which has since become one of the most successful alternative rock bands in history.
Grohl's rise to fame didn't happen overnight; it was a combination of his exceptional talent and hard work that helped him get noticed by his industry peers. Over the years, he has collaborated with several renowned artists such as Paul McCartney and Queens of the Stone Age. He has also played a significant role in rebelling against conventional music production techniques by recording several albums in his home studio.
Apart from music, Dave Grohl has been involved with various philanthropic initiatives such as supporting children's hospitals and advocating for mental health awareness. He even founded a charity organization called the "Foo Fighters Community" that supports local charities across America.