Nebraska may be tucked away in the heart of the Midwest, but when it comes to musical talent, this unassuming state punches far above its weight. From sprawling prairies to tight-knit towns, Nebraska has nurtured a surprising number of powerhouse performers whose voices have reached far beyond the Cornhusker State. With roots in country, pop, rock, folk, and beyond, these artists have taken their Midwestern grit and turned it into pure star power.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular and famous singers from Nebraska—icons who’ve topped charts, won awards, and captured hearts around the world. These are the trailblazers with unforgettable voices and stories to match—proof that you don’t need to come from a big city to make a big impact. Whether they’re commanding massive stages or crafting intimate ballads, these Nebraska-born talents bring authenticity, heart, and a whole lot of soul to their music.
So if you thought Nebraska was all about cornfields and college football, think again. This list is a celebration of the voices that turned Nebraska into a hidden musical gem. Get ready to be amazed by the stars who prove that greatness can come from the most unexpected places.
1. Paul Williams
Paul Williams is a songwriting legend whose words and melodies have become ingrained in the fabric of popular music. Born in Omaha, Williams crafted some of the most enduring songs of the 20th century, including We’ve Only Just Begun (popularized by The Carpenters) and Rainbow Connection, the timeless anthem made famous by Kermit the Frog. His distinctive voice and heartfelt compositions have touched audiences across generations. While his solo recordings highlight his tender, expressive vocals, it’s his songwriting prowess that has truly defined his career. Williams’ contributions extend beyond music into film, television, and theater, earning him Grammy and Academy Awards. A passionate advocate for artists’ rights, he has also worked to ensure songwriters receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. His impact on music and culture remains profound.
2. Conor Oberst
A true poet of indie rock, Conor Oberst has spent decades weaving deeply introspective lyrics with raw, heartfelt melodies, making him one of the most respected songwriters of his generation. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Oberst first gained prominence as the frontman of Bright Eyes, a band that blended folk, indie rock, and experimental sounds to create something uniquely evocative. Albums like Fevers and Mirrors (2000) and I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning (2005) showcased his ability to capture profound emotions with piercing honesty. Beyond Bright Eyes, Oberst has explored various musical landscapes—punk with Desaparecidos, folk with Monsters of Folk, and rootsy Americana in his solo career. His poetic storytelling and vulnerable performances have influenced countless artists, cementing his place as a defining voice in indie music.
3. JoJo Siwa
JoJo Siwa is more than just a pop singer—she’s a cultural phenomenon. Born in Omaha, she first gained fame as a standout performer on Dance Moms before launching a massively successful music career. With vibrant, high-energy songs like Boomerang, Siwa quickly built a devoted fanbase of young listeners drawn to her infectious melodies and uplifting messages. Her signature bows, colorful outfits, and unwavering positivity make her a standout in the entertainment industry. Beyond music, Siwa is an advocate for self-expression, inclusivity, and confidence, using her platform to inspire kids and teens worldwide. Whether she’s performing on stage, starring on television, or engaging with millions of fans on social media, JoJo Siwa has solidified herself as a powerful force in pop culture and an icon for the digital generation.
4. Buddy Miles
Few drummers could command the stage quite like Buddy Miles, a powerhouse musician whose soulful voice and thunderous drumming left an indelible mark on rock and funk. Born in Omaha, Miles first gained attention as part of The Electric Flag, but it was his collaboration with Jimi Hendrix in Band of Gypsys that solidified his status as a legend. His signature song, Them Changes, became an anthem of funk-rock, showcasing his ability to blend groove, blues, and raw emotion seamlessly. Over the years, Miles worked with some of music’s biggest names, including Carlos Santana and Bootsy Collins, proving his versatility across genres. His music was a fusion of rhythm, energy, and unfiltered passion—a legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.
5. Wynonie Harris
Long before rock and roll exploded onto the mainstream, Wynonie Harris was already shaking up the music world. Born in Omaha, Harris was a pioneering rhythm and blues singer whose charismatic performances and swaggering vocal style helped shape the foundations of early rock. His 1948 recording of Good Rockin’ Tonight is often credited as one of the first true rock and roll songs, directly influencing legends like Elvis Presley. A master showman, Harris infused his music with blues, swing, and jump blues, creating an electrifying sound that was both danceable and rebellious. His larger-than-life personality and musical innovation cemented his place as a crucial figure in the evolution of rock music.
6. Randy Meisner
A key figure in shaping the sound of 1970s rock, Randy Meisner was a founding member of The Eagles and contributed to some of their most memorable harmonies and bass lines. Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Meisner co-wrote and sang lead on Take It to the Limit, one of the band’s most soaring ballads. Before his time with the Eagles, he played with pioneering country-rock acts like Poco and Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band, helping lay the groundwork for the genre. Though he left the Eagles in 1977, his impact on the band’s early success was undeniable. Meisner went on to release several solo albums, showcasing his heartfelt songwriting and smooth vocals. His contributions to rock music remain a vital part of its history.
7. Nathaniel Rateliff
Nathaniel Rateliff’s music is a powerful blend of blues, soul, and rock, carried by his gritty, heartfelt vocals. Born in St. Louis but raised in Missouri and Nebraska, Rateliff’s journey to musical success was one of perseverance and transformation. Initially known for his folk-inspired solo work, he burst onto the scene with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, a high-energy band that brought old-school rhythm and blues back into the mainstream. Their breakout hit S.O.B. introduced the world to Rateliff’s raw, passionate sound—a fusion of gospel, rock, and vintage soul that felt both timeless and fresh. Whether performing foot-stomping anthems or deeply introspective ballads, Rateliff’s music carries an emotional weight that resonates with audiences across genres.
8. Matthew Sweet
A master of power pop, Matthew Sweet has spent decades crafting infectious melodies and emotionally rich songs that resonate with rock fans of all ages. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, he first gained widespread attention with his 1991 breakthrough album Girlfriend, which blended jangly guitars, introspective lyrics, and a perfect balance of nostalgia and modern rock energy. Hits like Sick of Myself and Divine Intervention showcased his knack for writing unforgettable hooks while maintaining a raw emotional depth. Sweet’s music, often infused with Beatles-esque harmonies and edgy guitar work, has influenced countless artists and remains beloved by fans of both classic and alternative rock. His ability to combine heartfelt songwriting with impeccable musicianship ensures his lasting place in rock history.
9. Buddy Miles
Buddy Miles’ music was a fusion of rock, funk, and soul, and his legacy as a drummer and singer remains legendary. Born in Omaha, he started his career as a teenage prodigy before making his mark with Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys. His solo hit Them Changes became an anthem of funk-rock, showcasing his powerful voice and infectious groove. He collaborated with an array of artists, from Carlos Santana to Bootsy Collins, leaving a mark across multiple genres. Miles embodied the spirit of musical exploration, pushing boundaries with every performance.
10. Terry Kath (Honorable Mention: Raised in Nebraska, Born in Illinois)
As the original guitarist and vocalist for Chicago, Terry Kath was a musician whose talent and innovation left a lasting imprint on rock music. Though born in Illinois, he spent part of his youth in Nebraska, where he developed his love for music. His guitar work was nothing short of revolutionary—Jimi Hendrix himself once praised Kath’s skills, calling him one of the best guitarists he’d ever heard. With a deep, soulful voice, he delivered standout performances on classics like Make Me Smile and Colour My World. Tragically, his career was cut short by an accidental death in 1978, but his legacy endures through Chicago’s enduring catalog and the countless guitarists he continues to inspire.
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.
