Oklahoma, the land of the red dirt and the Sooner State, has produced some of the most renowned and influential singers of all time. From country to rock and roll, Oklahoma has a rich and diverse musical heritage that has given rise to numerous musical icons. In this article, we will explore the top 10 famous singers from Oklahoma, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Starting with the “King of Western Swing,” Bob Wills, who pioneered the genre in the 1930s and 1940s with his band The Texas Playboys, we will journey through the decades to present-day stars like Blake Shelton, whose country hits have dominated the charts. Along the way, we will also encounter the likes of Woody Guthrie, the folk icon whose socially conscious lyrics still resonate today, and Leon Russell, the masterful songwriter who worked with everyone from Elton John to Frank Sinatra.
In addition to these well-known names, we will also introduce some lesser-known but equally talented singers from Oklahoma, such as Reba McEntire and Vince Gill. With their distinctive voices and unique musical styles, these artists have enriched the world of music and continue to inspire new generations of singers and songwriters. So join us as we celebrate the incredible musical legacy of Oklahoma and its top 10 famous singers.
1. Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood, a well-known singer from Oklahoma, rose to fame after winning American Idol in 2005. With a powerful voice and a range of hits under her belt, she has become one of the most successful country artists in recent years. Despite her success, she remains true to her roots and often honors her hometown at live shows.
Move over Elvis, Wanda Jackson proves that Rockabilly Queens rule Oklahoma.
2. Wanda Jackson
Wanda Jackson, the 'Queen of Rockabilly,' hails from Oklahoma. The talented singer started her music career in high school and soon caught the attention of Capitol Records. With hits like "Let's Have a Party" and "Fujiyama Mama," she helped pave the way for female artists in the male-dominated industry. Her genre-bending style influenced rock, country, and even punk music.
Wanda Jackson's unique voice, energy on stage, and daring fashion choices set her apart as an icon of 1950s and 1960s music. She toured with Elvis Presley early in their careers and brought rockabilly to mainstream audiences. Even after recording over fifty albums, receiving numerous accolades, and being inducted into multiple halls of fame, Wanda Jackson remains a beloved figure in music history.
Fun fact: Wanda Jackson was once engaged to Elvis Presley but called off their engagement due to his controlling ways.
Pro Tip: Are you an aspiring musician? Take notes from Wanda Jackson's fearless attitude towards performance and experiment with different genres to create your own signature sound.
Cross Canadian Ragweed may be a weed, but their music is like a sweet and addictive poison that you just can't help but crave.
3. Cross Canadian Ragweed
This band, originating from Oklahoma, gained nationwide success with their unique rock/country fusion sound. Cross Canadian Ragweed was formed in 1994 and released 8 studio albums before disbanding in 2010. Their hit songs include "Alabama", "Sick and Tired" and "17". They have been credited for pioneering the Red Dirt Music genre of Oklahoma.
Cross Canadian Ragweed's music incorporates elements from country, rock, blues and even punk. The band members include Cody Canada (lead vocals, guitar), Grady Cross (guitar), Randy Ragsdale (drums) and Jeremy Plato (bass). Their influence can be heard in many contemporary artists such as Stoney LaRue and Jason Boland.
One interesting fact about Cross Canadian Ragweed is that they named their band after a type of weed that grew rampant around Stillwater, Oklahoma where they were formed.
Tyson Ritter proves that Oklahoma is not just known for its oil, but also for producing rockstar heartthrobs.
4. Tyson Ritter
As one of Oklahoma's famous singers, Tyson Ritter has made a name for himself in the music industry. He is known as the lead vocalist and bassist of the band The All-American Rejects. With a career spanning over two decades, Tyson Ritter has graced stages all around the world, exhibiting his distinctive voice and energetic performances.
Tyson Ritter's journey to success began in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he co-formed The All-American Rejects. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2003 and went onto become a platinum-selling record. Over the years, their music has evolved, and they have recorded several hits such as "Move Along," "Gives You Hell," "Dirty Little Secret," among others.
Aside from his venture with the band, Tyson Ritter has also dabbled in acting, appearing in movies and TV shows such as "Love & Mercy" and "Parenthood." Moreover, he has lent his voice to animated series like "American Dad!" and video games such as "Call of Duty: Black Ops II."
Pro Tip: Tyson Ritter's passion for music and dedication towards his craft can serve as inspiration for aspiring singers looking to make it big.
Jimmy Rushing proves that Oklahoma not only produces great singers but also talented individuals with names that sound like a superhero's secret identity.
5. Jimmy Rushing
Jimmy Rushing, an Oklahoma-born singer and bandleader, is a celebrated blues and jazz vocalist known for his powerful voice and innovative improvisation. Rushing's remarkable career spanned several decades, during which he worked with renowned musicians such as Count Basie and Benny Goodman. He also recorded several hit singles and albums, including the popular tune "Going to Chicago Blues." A larger-than-life personality on stage, Rushing was considered one of the most influential singers in the history of American music.
Move over, Carrie Underwood, Jean Shepard was the real queen of country music from Oklahoma.
6. Jean Shepard
One of the renowned musicians that Oklahoma has gifted to the world of music is Jean Shepard. Her achievements as a singer, songwriter and performer have influenced several country singers across the nation. Jean Shepard has made significant contributions towards popularizing authentic country music in the early fifties and sixties. With her heart-warming voice and captivating performances, she became a prominent figure in the industry.
Jean Shepard was among the first women to record solo country songs such as "A Dear John Letter", which became an instant classic. She received various accolades throughout her career, including a Grammy award nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance- Female for her song "The Tip of My Fingers". In recognition of her contribution to country music, she was inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
Jean Shepard's influence on country music extends beyond her discography and live performances. She served as a mentor to multiple country artists, notably Loretta Lynn and Jeannie Seely. She openly advocated for women's rights within the industry and paved paths for future female musicians.
Jean Shepard's legacy continues to inspire generations and reminds all aspiring artists that with hard work, talent and dedication one can achieve great success in their chosen field.
For those seeking inspiration from this iconic musician, listening to her legendary recordings is a must-do task. Furthermore, learning more about her life-story through documentaries or written biographies would offer valuable insights into how she navigated her career struggles and triumphs with grace.
Sandi Patty may be the Queen of Christian Pop, but even she knows that sometimes you need a little devilish wordplay to spice things up.
7. Sandi Patty
Sandi Patty, a renowned singer, hailing from Oklahoma, has captivated audiences worldwide with her soaring vocal range and deeply emotive performances. Her career, spanning several decades, has produced numerous chart-topping songs that have become timeless classics. Known as "The Voice" in the music industry, Sandi has won five Grammy Awards and countless other accolades for her contributions to the art of music.
Sandi's passion for singing started when she was a child learning gospel hymns at church. Her talent soon became apparent as she began performing at various events across Oklahoma and beyond. She later went on to attend Anderson University where she honed her skills and was discovered by Bill Gaither of the Gaither Vocal Band.
With over 30 albums to her name, Sandi has covered a wide range of genres including Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), Gospel, Inspirational and Worship Music. In addition to being an accomplished singer, Sandi is also an author and speaker who advocates for the rights of children through World Vision.
Pro Tip: To learn more about Sandi Patty's musical journey, check out her autobiography "Broken on the Back Row".
8. The Gap Band: If you can't groove to "You Dropped a Bomb on Me", then you're probably a robot sent to destroy humanity.
8. The Gap Band
This band was formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma and gained popularity in the late 1970s. Their music is a blend of funk, soul and R&B, and they have been recognized for their unique sound in the industry. Hailing from a gospel background, The Gap Band consisting of siblings Charlie, Ronnie and Robert Wilson achieved great success with hits such as "You Dropped a Bomb on Me", "Outstanding" and "Burn Rubber on Me". Their music has influenced many artists over time and their legacy carries on till today.
The Gap Band's music style has been described as funky soulful R&B that incorporates an energetic dance vibe perfectly suited to their party-themed brand of funk. With its funky bassline and catchy hook, "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" became one of the most recognizable tunes of the 1980s. The smooth vocal acrobatics from Charlie's gritty voice accompanied by his brothers' complementary harmonies set them apart from other acts.
The Gap Band’s optimism shine through their lyrics which celebrates life in all its glory – love, joy, unity and above all the beauty of being alive. When fans would hear grooves like "Early in the Morning" or “Yearning for Your Love,” it would transport them to a place where they were free to sing along as if nobody was watching.
Robert Wilson had suffered from multiple sclerosis for years before passing away in 2010 at age 53. In honor of his musical contributions, his family started a foundation called M.S.G.I.V.E (Multiple Sclerosis Get Involved Virtual Engagement) that raises awareness about Multiple Sclerosis and helps people living with the disease to access treatment and support resources. The foundation also provides scholarships to students pursuing education in healthcare-related fields.
Joe Diffie made it clear that life is a highway, and he was just driving on it…in his pickup truck, with a six-pack, and a heartache to sing about.
9. Joe Diffie
One of the notable singers from Oklahoma is the late Joe Diffie, who was a well-respected vocal artist in the country music scene. He released numerous chart-topping hits throughout his career, including "Home," "Pickup Man," and "Third Rock from the Sun." Diffie also collaborated with other artists and won multiple awards for his works, including a Grammy award for Best Country Collaboration. Besides music, he appeared in television shows and movies as an actor.
Diffie's unique voice and style made him stand out in the country music industry. He often used humor and clever wordplay in his songwriting, which resonated with audiences of all ages. Additionally, he was known for being a friendly and approachable person offstage, earning him respect from fellow performers.
Despite his untimely death due to COVID-19 complications in 2020, Joe Diffie left behind a legacy as one of Oklahoma's most beloved singers. His timeless music continues to inspire listeners today.
If you want to pay tribute to Joe Diffie's work, try listening to some of his greatest hits or attending a live concert featuring his songs. You can also support local musicians in your area by attending their performances or purchasing their albums online. By doing so, you can help keep the spirit of country music alive for future generations to enjoy.
Lee Hazlewood put Oklahoma on the map with his unique voice and witty lyrics – it's no wonder he was a hit with both Nancy Sinatra and the Grim Reaper.
10. Lee Hazlewood
This particular singer was one of the most versatile and recognizable voices in the music industry. Known for his unique low baritone voice, he was none other than Lee Hazlewood. He not only made a successful career as a solo artist but also collaborated with several legends, including Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra.
His impact on the music industry cannot be undermined as he wrote many songs that helped shape the creative landscape. Lee Hazlewood's hit songs are still being played worldwide, reminding us of his talent as an exceptional musician.
Some unique details about this talented singer are that he started his career as a disc jockey in Arizona and later became a producer and songwriter in Los Angeles. He co-wrote "These Boots Are Made for Walking," one of Nancy Sinatra's most popular songs.
Sources say that Lee Hazlewood did not enjoy being famous; instead, he found comfort behind the scenes making music just how he liked it.
Samuel Moore 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.
