When you think of musical hotspots, your mind might wander to New York, Los Angeles, or Nashville. But tucked in the heart of the Midwest, Ohio quietly boasts one of the richest legacies in American music. From the soulful streets of Cleveland to the humble neighborhoods of Akron, this unassuming state has birthed some of the most iconic voices and genre-defining talents the world has ever known. Whether it’s the velvet croon of a Rat Pack legend, the raw emotion of a folk troubadour, or the futuristic soundscapes of a hip-hop visionary, the Buckeye State has it all.
This list isn’t just about chart-toppers—it’s a celebration of artists who transformed music, broke barriers, and left an indelible mark on culture. These Ohio-born stars have filled arenas, won coveted awards, and inspired generations across genres like rock, R&B, pop, jazz, and beyond. So, buckle up for a sonic journey through Ohio’s musical hall of fame as we count down the top 10 most popular and influential singers who proudly call this state home. Trust us—after reading this, you’ll never look at Ohio the same way again.
1. John Legend
John Legend is the kind of artist whose talent feels both timeless and transcendent. Born in Springfield, Ohio, he grew up immersed in the sounds of gospel, soul, and R&B, singing in church before eventually stepping onto the world stage. His breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed debut album Get Lifted, but it was the soul-baring ballad “All of Me” that transformed him into a global icon. Legend’s voice—silky, emotional, and effortlessly controlled—has become synonymous with modern soul music. Beyond his vocal chops, he’s a gifted songwriter and pianist, blending classic influences with contemporary sensibilities. Legend is one of the rare entertainers to achieve EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, a testament to his creative range and impact. But what truly sets him apart is his warmth and authenticity. Whether mentoring on The Voice, performing live, or advocating for social justice, Legend brings humanity and honesty to everything he does. His songs don’t just entertain—they connect, uplift, and heal. In an industry often marked by flash and artifice, John Legend is proof that sincerity, talent, and heart still matter—and that they can take you all the way from a small-town church choir to the pinnacle of fame.
2. Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman arrived on the music scene in 1988 like a quiet revelation. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she introduced the world to a voice unlike any other—calm but commanding, gentle yet urgent. Her self-titled debut album delivered timeless songs like “Fast Car” and “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution,” which quickly became anthems for social change and personal resilience. Chapman’s music lives at the intersection of folk, soul, and protest, powered by lyrical precision and emotional depth. At a time when music was often loud and flashy, Chapman offered stripped-down honesty and authenticity. She’s famously private, rarely seen in the media, yet her impact has never waned. Her voice continues to resonate, most recently reignited by a viral cover of “Fast Car” by Luke Combs that reintroduced her storytelling to a new generation. Chapman’s artistry transcends trends—her songs still cut to the core, reflecting both personal longing and societal struggle. She doesn’t just write tunes; she captures the spirit of the times with quiet power. Tracy Chapman remains one of the most influential and respected singer-songwriters of her era, a true poet of the people whose legacy continues to grow with every listen.
3. Dean Martin
Dean Martin was the definition of suave. Born in Steubenville, Ohio, he rose from modest beginnings to become a Rat Pack legend and one of America’s most beloved entertainers. With his smooth croon and ever-present charm, Martin turned songs like “That’s Amore” and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” into eternal classics. Dubbed “The King of Cool,” he had an effortless charisma that made it all look easy—whether he was singing, acting, or hosting his hit television variety show. But beneath the tuxedos and cocktails was a remarkably talented performer who mastered multiple facets of entertainment. As part of the iconic Rat Pack with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., Martin helped redefine the American nightclub era with humor, class, and swing. Though he enjoyed enormous fame, Martin often paid tribute to his working-class Ohio roots and never let stardom go to his head. His legacy is preserved in his timeless recordings, still beloved for their warmth, wit, and romance. Even decades after his passing, Dean Martin continues to influence artists across genres. He wasn’t just a singer—he was an icon who made the art of cool look effortless.
4. Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi changed the face of hip-hop by daring to be vulnerable. Born Scott Mescudi in Cleveland, Ohio, he burst onto the scene with “Day ‘n’ Nite,” a hypnotic anthem of loneliness that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. But that was just the beginning. With his Man on the Moon album series, Cudi introduced a new kind of rap—introspective, spacey, and emotionally raw. His music tackled mental health, isolation, and dreams with a candor rarely heard in hip-hop at the time. Cudi didn’t just speak to fans—he gave them permission to feel. His influence can be heard in the work of artists like Kanye West, Travis Scott, and Logic, who cite him as a pioneer of alternative hip-hop. Beyond music, Cudi has ventured into acting, fashion, and activism, using his platform to challenge stigma around depression and anxiety. He’s not just an artist; he’s a cultural force who made it okay to be both tough and tender. With every project, Cudi brings fearless innovation and emotional honesty. He continues to inspire listeners who feel like outsiders, proving that true strength lies in being yourself—even when that self is still a work in progress.
5. Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson, born Brian Warner in Canton, Ohio, made a career out of shocking the world—and making it think. Rising to fame in the 1990s, Manson became the face of industrial metal, blending aggressive music with theatrical horror and social critique. His image—dark makeup, eerie costumes, and unsettling stage presence—was designed to provoke, and it worked. Albums like Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals were lightning rods for controversy but also brilliant, boundary-pushing pieces of art. Manson reimagined music as performance art, turning concerts into operatic spectacles. His cover of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” remains one of the most chilling reinterpretations in rock history. Often misunderstood as simply a provocateur, Manson’s lyrics reveal layers of cultural commentary—on fame, religion, and the darker sides of humanity. While his career has been clouded by serious allegations in recent years, his influence on rock, fashion, and visual artistry is undeniable. He challenged the norms of what a rock star could be and forced audiences to confront the uncomfortable. Love him or loathe him, Marilyn Manson left a permanent mark on the music world—proof that even chaos can have a voice.
6. Eric Carmen
Eric Carmen’s music is a heartfelt mix of pop precision and emotional storytelling. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Carmen first found fame as the frontman of The Raspberries, a power pop band whose hit “Go All the Way” defined a generation’s teenage angst. But it was his solo career that turned Carmen into a ballad master. With songs like “All by Myself” and “Hungry Eyes,” he showcased a talent for crafting soaring, cinematic melodies layered with vulnerability and longing. “All by Myself,” inspired in part by Rachmaninoff, became a pop standard—its aching lyrics and dramatic arrangement striking a universal chord. Carmen’s unique blend of classical influences with pop sensibilities made his work feel timeless and grand without ever losing emotional intimacy. His songs have found new life in films, commercials, and countless cover versions, but it’s his original recordings that truly resonate. Carmen may not have stayed constantly in the spotlight, but his music continues to echo through decades of heartbreak and nostalgia. He captured the loneliness and yearning we all feel at times—and turned it into something beautiful. That’s a rare gift, and one that ensures his place in pop music history.
7. Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl is rock and roll’s ultimate renaissance man. Born in Warren, Ohio, he first exploded onto the music scene as the powerhouse drummer of Nirvana, driving the grunge movement with raw energy and emotion. After the tragic end of Nirvana, Grohl didn’t retreat—he reinvented himself. As the founder and frontman of Foo Fighters, he emerged as a gifted songwriter and charismatic performer, crafting modern rock anthems like “Everlong,” “My Hero,” and “The Pretender.” His music blends punk urgency with heartfelt lyrics, striking a balance between intensity and accessibility. Grohl’s passion for music extends beyond his bands—he’s directed documentaries, collaborated with legends, and championed the power of live performance. Known for his humility and infectious enthusiasm, Grohl is one of the most respected figures in modern rock. He’s just as comfortable jamming with Paul McCartney as he is mentoring young musicians. Through decades of change, Grohl has remained a constant—an artist who loves music for music’s sake. He may have started in Ohio, but he belongs to the world now. Whether behind a drum kit or center stage with a guitar, Dave Grohl continues to prove that rock is alive and kicking—and always evolving.
8. Art Tatum
Art Tatum was a piano genius whose talent still defies belief. Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1909, Tatum was nearly blind from birth but developed an extraordinary ear and technique that redefined jazz piano forever. His playing was lightning-fast, harmonically dense, and endlessly inventive. He could transform simple melodies into dazzling musical tapestries, often sounding like two pianists at once. Legends like Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson, and even classical virtuosos revered him. Tatum’s improvisations were sophisticated yet soulful, marked by a confidence that could only come from true mastery. He wasn’t just playing notes—he was creating entire sonic worlds with his fingers. In an era when Black musicians often went unrecognized by the mainstream, Tatum’s brilliance was undeniable. He elevated jazz from smoky clubs to concert halls, proving it could be both art and entertainment. His recordings are still studied by musicians and scholars alike, treasured as some of the finest piano work ever captured. Tatum may have passed in 1956, but his influence continues to ripple through generations. Ohio can proudly claim one of the most important musicians in American history—a man who didn’t just play jazz, but expanded the very boundaries of what the piano could do.
9. Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde is one of rock’s most unmistakable voices—both literally and figuratively. Born in Akron, Ohio, she ventured to London in the mid-1970s and found her musical calling amid the city’s burgeoning punk scene. It wasn’t long before she formed The Pretenders, fusing punk’s raw energy with melodic songwriting and emotional depth. Her smoky, soulful vocals and steely stage presence helped tracks like “Brass in Pocket,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” and “I’ll Stand by You” become timeless hits. Hynde’s songwriting is poignant and unflinching, marked by themes of heartbreak, resilience, and self-determination. As one of the few women to front a successful rock band in a male-dominated industry, she broke barriers without making it her mission—she just let the music speak. Known for her independence and authenticity, Hynde has always followed her own path, whether musically, politically, or personally. She’s more than just a performer—she’s a trailblazer, an icon, and a survivor whose legacy stretches far beyond her chart successes. With every song, she reminds listeners that toughness and tenderness can coexist—and that rock and roll is as much about attitude as it is about sound.
10. Boz Scaggs
Boz Scaggs brings a unique elegance to everything he touches. Born in Canton, Ohio, he first found his footing in the music world as a guitarist and vocalist with the Steve Miller Band. But it was his solo work that truly defined his sound—a seamless blend of blue-eyed soul, rock, and smooth R&B. His 1976 album Silk Degrees became a touchstone of sophisticated pop, featuring hits like “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle” that grooved their way into radio history. Scaggs’ voice is cool and refined, expressive without being showy, and always in service of the song. He’s the kind of artist who lets the music speak for itself, avoiding flash in favor of depth and craftsmanship. Over the years, he’s explored blues, jazz, and even roots music, continually evolving while staying true to his laid-back sensibility. Scaggs never chased trends, yet his sound has remained remarkably timeless. He might have started in the heartland, but his music feels coastal, cosmopolitan, and effortlessly classy. Boz Scaggs is proof that musical sophistication doesn’t have to sacrifice soul—and that a well-crafted song can age like fine wine.
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.
