North Carolina isn’t just known for its barbecue, college basketball, or scenic Blue Ridge Mountains—it’s also a hotbed of musical talent that has shaped the sound of America across genres. From the soulful streets of Charlotte to the quiet corners of Snow Hill, the Tar Heel State has produced an impressive lineup of artists who’ve left an indelible mark on the music world. Whether it’s the gritty honesty of hip-hop, the smooth elegance of R&B, or the heartfelt twang of country, North Carolina’s musical roots run deep and wide. This isn’t just a list of singers—it’s a celebration of voices that have echoed far beyond state lines, capturing hearts and topping charts around the globe. From Grammy winners to cultural trailblazers, these artists represent the soul, struggle, and spirit of a state that continues to produce icons. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these voices for the first time, get ready to explore the talent that makes North Carolina a musical powerhouse. Here are the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from North Carolina—and trust us, by the end of this list, you’ll be spinning their songs and proud to say, “They’re from NC!”
1. J. Cole
J. Cole is the embodiment of lyrical authenticity and poetic storytelling in modern hip-hop. Hailing from Fayetteville, North Carolina, his rise from a small Southern city to global superstardom is as inspiring as his music. Cole’s debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story marked the beginning of a career built on introspection, raw honesty, and social commentary. What sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to substance over spectacle—he famously went platinum with no features multiple times, defying industry norms. Through Dreamville Records, he’s also cultivated a new generation of artists, further cementing his influence. Whether he’s addressing systemic injustice or internal conflict, J. Cole delivers every verse with precision and heart. Fayetteville now beams with pride as the hometown of one of hip-hop’s most respected voices.
2. Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino’s voice doesn’t just sing—it testifies. From her breakthrough as the Season 3 winner of American Idol to her Grammy-winning career, Fantasia has captivated audiences with a vocal power rooted in gospel and soul. Born in High Point, North Carolina, she overcame immense personal adversity, and that emotional depth bleeds into every performance. Her debut single, I Believe, went straight to No. 1, and she’s continued to evolve with projects like Back to Me and her self-titled album. Fantasia’s live shows are electrifying—she doesn’t just perform; she channels something bigger. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and fearless artistry, making her one of the most compelling voices to emerge from North Carolina.
3. Rapsody
Rapsody is a lyrical powerhouse who’s reshaping the rap landscape with intellect, grace, and unapologetic Black womanhood. Born in the small town of Snow Hill, North Carolina, she’s shown that you don’t need to come from a major city to make a massive impact. Her albums Laila’s Wisdom and Eve are masterclasses in storytelling and cultural homage, blending razor-sharp rhymes with jazz and soul-infused production. Backed by 9th Wonder and Jamla Records, Rapsody has carved out a lane that prioritizes substance over flash. She’s earned Grammy nominations and the respect of legends like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar. Every verse is a lesson, and every track feels like a movement. Rapsody represents the thoughtful, conscious heart of hip-hop—and she wears it proudly.
4. Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s voice is silk and soul wrapped in sophistication. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she rose to prominence in the ’70s with a string of timeless ballads that still stir hearts today. Her breakout hit, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, introduced the world to a vocal delivery that could freeze time. Then came Killing Me Softly With His Song, which became a global anthem of heartbreak and vulnerability. Flack’s artistry blends jazz, classical, and R&B, reflecting her background as a trained pianist and music teacher. She was one of the first Black women to win the Grammy for Record of the Year—twice in a row. Her influence spans generations, and her music continues to inspire singers and songwriters across genres. Roberta Flack didn’t just perform songs—she redefined how a song could feel.
5. Randy Travis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgJXbIP83A8
Randy Travis is a cornerstone of American country music, known for bringing a traditional sound back to the mainstream in the 1980s. Born in Marshville, North Carolina, Travis emerged with a deep, resonant voice and a style that honored country’s roots. His album Storms of Life was a game-changer, spawning a string of hits like Forever and Ever, Amen and On the Other Hand. With multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame, his impact is undeniable. Travis helped pave the way for the neotraditional country movement and inspired countless artists who followed. Despite health setbacks in recent years, his legacy remains intact—etched in the hearts of fans and in the DNA of country music itself.
6. Avi Kaplan
While Avi Kaplan wasn’t born in North Carolina, his musical journey has deep ties to the region’s folk and Americana traditions. Best known as the vocal bass anchor of the Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix, Kaplan helped revolutionize modern a cappella with his rich, earthy tones. After leaving the group to pursue a solo career, he leaned fully into his love for folk, spirituals, and nature-inspired songwriting. His solo work, including the haunting I’ll Get By EP, reflects a deep introspection and reverence for organic soundscapes. Kaplan’s music feels like a walk through misty woods—soulful, sparse, and profoundly moving. Though his roots are Californian, his spirit resonates with the music of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian regions, making him an honorary son of North Carolina’s folk scene.
7. Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton’s voice feels like Southern comfort wrapped in soul. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hamilton broke out in the early 2000s with Comin’ from Where I’m From, a record that fused gritty realism with heartfelt vulnerability. His voice—a gravelly, gospel-soaked instrument—carries the weight of every lyric, turning each song into a sermon of love, struggle, and redemption. Tracks like Charlene and Can’t Let Go became instant classics, and his collaborations with artists like Jill Scott and Al Green solidified his place in the pantheon of modern soul. Hamilton’s music is timeless, rooted in tradition yet never feeling dated. He’s a storyteller, a crooner, and a keeper of the Southern soul flame—and North Carolina proudly claims him as one of its finest.
8. Luke Combs
Luke Combs is the everyman superstar of country music—a guy who looks like your neighbor but sings like a legend. Born in Huntersville, North Carolina, Combs exploded onto the scene with relatable lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and a string of chart-topping hits. His debut album, This One’s for You, was a smash, and each release since has only solidified his status as a country juggernaut. Songs like Hurricane, Beautiful Crazy, and Beer Never Broke My Heart resonate with fans across the spectrum, blending honky-tonk grit with heartfelt balladry. Combs represents a new era of country: sincere, unpretentious, and wildly successful. With multiple CMA awards and a fanbase that spans generations, he’s proof that North Carolina keeps producing stars who speak to the soul of America.
9. James Taylor
Though born in Boston, James Taylor’s heart and artistry are deeply rooted in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he was raised. Known for his mellow guitar style and introspective songwriting, Taylor became a defining voice of the 1970s singer-songwriter movement. Tracks like Fire and Rain and Carolina in My Mind are not only iconic—they’re deeply personal reflections that resonate across decades. His gentle voice and acoustic phrasing made him a soothing presence during turbulent times. Taylor earned numerous Grammy Awards and was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His North Carolina upbringing is a recurring theme in his music, offering a sense of place and peace that listeners continue to cherish. He’s more than a musician—he’s a storyteller who gives voice to the quiet moments of life.
10. Petey Pablo
Petey Pablo brought the gritty, high-energy spirit of North Carolina to the national stage in the early 2000s—and he did it with swagger. Born in Greenville, NC, he burst onto the scene with Raise Up, an anthem that had everyone spinning their shirts “like a helicopter.” With Timbaland’s production and Pablo’s Southern drawl, the track became a cultural phenomenon. His debut album Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry earned a Grammy nomination and put North Carolina hip-hop on the map. Petey Pablo’s brash delivery and infectious beats made him a staple in clubs and on radio stations, and his pride in his home state was never in question. Though his mainstream presence has mellowed, his influence remains, especially for Southern rappers who followed. He put NC on the hip-hop map—and that’s something worth celebrating.
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.
