Iowa, the land of sprawling cornfields and small-town charm, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of famous singers. However, this unassuming Midwestern state has been home to some of the most remarkable vocal talents in the music industry. From pop to country, rock to jazz, Iowa has produced a remarkable array of singers who have captivated audiences around the world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 famous singers who hail from the Hawkeye State, showcasing their extraordinary talent, chart-topping hits, and lasting impact on the music scene. These gifted individuals, born and raised in the heartland, have defied expectations and risen to international fame, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. Through their powerful voices, lyrical prowess, and magnetic stage presence, these singers have shattered barriers and conquered the hearts of millions. Join us as we take a journey through the musical landscape of Iowa and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these top 10 singers who have made their mark both locally and globally.
1. Joey Jordison (Slipknot)
One of the most famous singers from Iowa is a heavy metal drummer, Joey Jordison. Known for his work as the founder of the band Slipknot, he was also a member of other bands like Scar the Martyr, Murderdolls and Sinsaenum. Jordison has been recognized as one of the greatest drummers of all time, ranking number one by Loudwire in 2014. He was born on April 26th, 1975 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Growing up in a musical family, Jordison started playing drums at a young age. He formed Slipknot in 1995 and released their debut album in 1999 which went certified platinum by RIAA. Throughout his career, he has won several awards including Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. Apart from music, Joey Jordison is also known for his philanthropic work and support for education programs.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Joey Jordison has also made an impact on popular culture through appearances on TV shows and documentaries. His story has even been the subject of a documentary titled "Slipknot Unmasked: All Out Life," which details the history and legacy of Slipknot.
The contribution that Joey Jordison has made to the world of music can only be described as remarkable. He will always be remembered for his innovative approach to playing drums and his ability to inspire others with his music.
Tommy Bolin may have been born in Sioux City, Iowa, but his killer guitar skills took him to rockstar status…until his bad habits brought him down.
2. Tommy Bolin
Tommy Bolin, a legendary musician from Iowa, is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His unique style and sound have influenced countless musicians throughout the years. Bolin began playing guitar at an early age and was quickly discovered for his extraordinary talent.
He went on to play with iconic bands such as Deep Purple and The James Gang, before tragically passing away at the young age of 25.
Bolin's music has touched people all over the world with its soulful melodies and captivating rhythms. He continues to inspire generations of musicians to this day. Bolin's legacy is celebrated through various tribute concerts, albums, and documentaries. His contribution to the world of music remains unmatched and he will always be remembered as a true icon.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Tommy Bolin also played piano, drums and sang vocals? His versatility made him stand out even more in the music industry.
For those who want to experience Tommy Bolin's music in its purest form, listening to his live performances is highly recommended. By doing so, one can truly appreciate his incredible skill as a musician and feel the energy he brought to each performance.
Another great way to honor Tommy Bolin's memory is by supporting local music programs in Iowa. By doing so, aspiring musicians can get access to resources needed to develop their skills and pursue their passions.
William Elliott Whitmore may hail from Iowa, but with a voice like that, he could sing the phone book and still make it sound like the blues.
3. William Elliott Whitmore
William Elliott Whitmore's sincere artistic sensibilities and captivating voice have made him a distinguished singer in Iowa. He is known for incorporating authentic American folk music into his compositions, delivering powerful messages through his lyrics. His intimate and poignant performances have earned him national recognition, including sharing the stage with well-known musicians.
Born and raised in Iowa, Whitmore spent much of his life on the family farm before pursuing music professionally. He has released multiple critically acclaimed albums, charted on Billboard's Top 200, and received praise from notable publications such as Rolling Stone and NPR Music. Whitmore's sound reflects his rural upbringing, featuring unique instruments such as the banjo and harmonica.
Whitmore is dedicated to environmental activism, often advocating for sustainable agriculture practices in his music. He has worked with various organizations to promote environmentally conscious programs and events.
A true fan favorite, William Elliott Whitmore continues to captivate audiences with his raw and emotive performances that showcase Iowa's rich musical heritage at its finest.
Julia Michaels may be from Iowa, but she's got the world singing along to her heartbreak.
4. Julia Michaels
One of the famous singers from Iowa is a highly talented artist known by the name 'Julia Michaels'. She is a well-known singer, songwriter and composer who has made a name for herself in the music industry. Her unique voice and style have captured the hearts of fans all around the world.
Michaels started as a songwriter before stepping into the limelight herself. With her exceptional songwriting skills, she has penned hits songs for popular artists such as Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Fifth Harmony. Following her success as a writer, she embarked on her own singing career, releasing top-charting songs such as 'Issues', 'Uh Huh' and 'Heaven'.
Michaels was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, where she honed her skills in music production and songwriting. She received early recognition with her first hit single 'Issues', which topped Billboard's Hot 100 chart for several weeks. Her second EP titled "Inner Monologue Part 2" released in 2019 further solidified her standing in the music industry.
Fun fact: Julia Michaels is actually not her original name; she was born as Julia Carin Cavazos.
Nate Ruess may have left Iowa for the bright lights of pop stardom, but let's be honest, it's hard to resist the siren song of a state that brought us corn and Slipknot.
5. Nate Ruess
A celebrated singer and songwriter from Iowa, Nate Ruess is a household name in the music industry. The former lead vocalist of the band 'Fun', Ruess has contributed to several hit singles, including 'We Are Young' and 'Some Nights'. With his distinct voice, emotive lyrics, and dynamic stage presence, he has won numerous accolades and critical acclaim. As a solo artist, Nate Ruess continues to captivate audiences with his soulful performances and thought-provoking compositions.
Nate Ruess' musical prowess comes from his passion for creative expression and his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. He draws inspiration from personal experiences and seeks to capture the essence of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery in his music. His diverse range of influences includes classic rock, pop, soul, and folk music.
Apart from his successful career as a musician, Nate Ruess is also known for his philanthropic work in education reform. He actively supports organizations that promote access to quality education for children across the United States.
Interestingly enough, Nate Ruess was born into a musical family in Iowa City but grew up in Glendale Arizona. He started playing music at an early age and formed his first band at 17. However he didn't achieve mainstream success until later on when he joined Fun.
Nate Ruess' contribution to the American music scene has cemented his place among the most talented singers from Iowa.
Brian Bell may be from Iowa, but he's definitely not living in the Buddy Holly days with his rockin' tunes in Weezer.
6. Brian Bell (Weezer)
Brian Bell, the musician famous for being a part of Weezer, is one of the most well-known singers from Iowa. He has been a guitarist and songwriter with this popular rock band for many years, and his contributions to their music have made him a much-loved figure in the music industry.
Bell was born in Ames, Iowa, and he grew up listening to classic rock bands such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Van Halen. Inspired by their music from a young age, he started playing guitar when he was just 12 years old. After studying at various colleges around the country, including Colorado State University and Northeastern University in Boston, Brian Bell eventually settled in Los Angeles where he spent much of his time playing guitar with other aspiring musicians.
One unique detail about Brian Bell is that before joining Weezer in 1993, he was actually signed to Geffen Records as a solo artist. However, following several delays in recording his first album, he decided to join Weezer instead and became an integral member of the group.
Pro Tip: When writing about famous singers from Iowa like Brian Bell or any other person in general, it's important to do some research beforehand so as to provide accurate information about their background and work experience.
Greg Brown, the pride of Iowa, is proof that small towns can produce big, bearded talents with a voice deeper than the cornfields they come from.
7. Greg Brown
Greg Brown is a well-known singer and songwriter who hails from Iowa. He has made his mark in the music industry with his unique style that beautifully blends folk, blues, and country music. Brown's captivating voice and meaningful lyrics have won him fans across the world. He has released numerous albums, many of which have received critical acclaim. In particular, his album 'The Poet Game' was nominated for a Grammy Award. With his deep connection to Iowa, Greg Brown has proudly put the state on the map when it comes to musical talent.
Moreover, Greg Brown's music reflects his deep appreciation for nature and rural life. He often draws inspiration from his experiences growing up in small-town Iowa and uses vivid imagery to capture the essence of an era gone by. His songs often touch upon themes of love, loss, and the beauty of everyday life.
Interestingly, Greg Brown is not just a musician but also an accomplished painter. Many of his paintings are inspired by nature and feature elements such as birds, flowers, and landscapes. This dual creative output showcases a versatile artist who is driven by a passion for artistic expression.
If you haven't already discovered Greg Brown's music or artistry yet, now is the time to do so. Don't miss out on experiencing the work of this legendary singer-songwriter from Iowa – you won't regret it!
When it comes to TLC, Tionne Watkins proves that Iowa doesn't just produce corn – it can also churn out chart-topping R&B stars.
8. Tionne Watkins (TLC)
This Iowa-born musician, a member of the 90s R&B group TLC, has made waves in the music industry. With her dynamic voice and unique style, she has garnered multiple awards and chart-topping hits. Tionne Watkins continues to inspire upcoming singers with her story of success despite facing challenges.
Watkins, also known as T-Boz, grew up in Des Moines before making it big in the music industry. She co-founded TLC with Lisa Lopes and Rosonda Thomas, creating classics like "Waterfalls" and "No Scrubs." The trio tackled social issues through their music, becoming an iconic symbol of female empowerment.
One lesser-known fact about Tionne Watkins is that she struggled with sickle cell anemia throughout her career. She underwent several surgeries and faced life-threatening complications but did not let these setbacks hinder her passion for music.
Move over Field of Dreams, Maddie Poppe proves that the real magic in Iowa comes from the music industry.
9. Maddie Poppe
One of Iowa's most famous singers is known for her victory on 'American Idol' in 2018. Maddie Poppe, a native of Clarksville, became the first Iowan to win the singing competition. Her unique sound captivated fans and judges alike throughout the season. Poppe's musical talent extends past just singing; she plays guitar, piano, and ukulele. She has since released her own music and performed across the country. Maddie Poppe continues to inspire fans with her sincerity and originality in both her music and personality.
Looks like Emily West didn't need to go west to make it big in the music industry.
10. Emily West
Emily West, a famous singer from Iowa, has made remarkable contributions to the music industry. With her soulful and melodious voice, she has produced several chart-topping hits that have earned her widespread recognition. One of her most significant achievements was finishing as the runner-up on the popular singing competition show "America's Got Talent" in 2014. Her talent has touched millions of hearts across the globe.
West's versatility as a performer is another aspect that sets her apart from other artists. She has experimented with various genres such as country, pop, and rock, adding her unique touch to each one. Her compositions are relatable and convey meaningful messages that resonate with fans of all ages.
Apart from her music career, Emily West is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has contributed towards various charitable organizations such as Children's Mercy Hospital and Musicians On Call. West's generosity is inspiring and shows that she is not just an exceptional artist but also a kind-hearted human being.
If you're looking to explore some of Emily West's best works, some tracks you can start with include "Bittersweet," "Rocks in Your Shoes," and "Blue Sky." These songs showcase West's vocal range and songwriting abilities, making them a must-listen for all music enthusiasts.
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.
