Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, is renowned for its rich musical heritage and vibrant music scene. From blues and country to rock and hip-hop, the Lone Star State has produced a plethora of talented and influential musicians. In this article, we will explore the top 10 famous singers from Texas who have made an indelible mark on the global music industry. These exceptional artists have captivated audiences worldwide with their unique voices, powerful performances, and distinct styles. Each singer on this list has not only achieved commercial success but has also contributed to the cultural fabric of Texas, embodying the state’s diverse musical traditions. Through their songs, they have narrated tales of love, heartbreak, resilience, and the Texan spirit. Whether they hail from the vibrant music scenes of Austin, Houston, or Dallas, these renowned artists have elevated Texas to a hotbed of musical talent. Join us as we celebrate the iconic voices and extraordinary talents of the top 10 famous singers from the Lone Star State, showcasing their lasting impact on the world of music.
1. Usher
Renowned American singer, songwriter and dancer with over 75 million records sold worldwide, Usher, is one of the most famous singers from Texas. Known for his mesmerizing musical performances that showcase his unique vocal abilities and penchant for dance, Usher has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including eight Grammy Awards.
Usher's debut album "Usher" was released in 1994 and featured the hit single "Think of You". He went on to release several other successful albums such as "My Way", "Confessions" and "Hard II Love". Usher's music spans multiple genres like R&B, pop, hip-hop, and soul. His collection of chart-topping singles include hits like "Yeah!", "Burn", "U Remind Me", "Love in This Club" and many more.
Apart from being a talented musician, Usher has also made appearances in various movies such as "She's All That," which marked his acting debut. He has also been a mentor to aspiring musicians through his stint as a judge on the talent show “The Voice”.
Pro Tip: Take inspiration from Usher’s evolution as an artist to explore diverse genres within your industry.
Ornette Coleman's saxophone skills were so impressive, even the cows in Texas started mooing in harmony.
2. Ornette Coleman
This legendary musician from Texas, Ornette Coleman, carved his name in the pages of jazz history. His distinctive style of free jazz earned him global recognition. His contributions to avant-garde and experimental music remain unparalleled. With a career spanning six decades, Ornette Coleman was a recipient of numerous prestigious awards including Pulitzer Prize for music in 2007.
Coleman refused to follow stylistic conventions and developed his own unique approach to improvisation. He has recorded over 50 albums, from classic ensemble works to solo performances. Coleman is also renowned for his innovations in saxophone playing, creating his own tuning systems and playing style.
Coleman's music had an anarchic quality that challenged traditional notions of melody and structure, making him one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century. He collaborated with various artists from all over the world and played a major role in shaping modern jazz.
It's interesting to note that Coleman was self-taught and started on the saxophone only at 14 years old. Yet he became one of the most celebrated jazz musicians in history with his freeform sound that turned everything into pure energy.
Sorry, Buddy Holly, but we all know your true love was Peggy Sue, not the state of Texas.
3. Buddy Holly
One of the most iconic musicians to come out of Texas is Buddy Holly. This rock and roll pioneer was born in Lubbock, Texas in 1936 and rose to fame in the late 1950s with hits like "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day". Despite tragically dying at a young age in a plane crash, his legacy and influence on music continue to be felt today.
Holly's signature sound blended elements of country, blues, and rock and roll into an irresistible mix that captured the spirit of youth culture at the time. He also pioneered new studio techniques like multitrack recordings and overdubbing, which would become standard practices in the music industry.
Beyond his musical achievements, Holly also broke racial barriers by touring with black artists like Chuck Berry and fostering a more integrated approach to music. His influence can be heard in countless artists who followed in his footsteps, from The Beatles to Elvis Costello.
For fans of rock and roll history or those looking for some classic tunes, exploring Buddy Holly's life and career is a must. Don't miss out on this essential piece of Texas music history."
Stevie Ray Vaughan may have left us too soon, but his guitar solos still make us feel alive.
4. Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan was a famous Texan musician and singer known for his impeccable guitar skills and unique bluesy style. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his band, Double Trouble, and became a household name with hits such as "Pride and Joy" and "Texas Flood". Vaughan's music was heavily influenced by blues legends such as Albert King and B.B. King, but he brought his own Texas flair to the genre.
What set Stevie Ray Vaughan apart from other artists was not just his technical ability on the guitar, but also his passionate performances that left audiences mesmerized. His tragic death in a helicopter crash in 1990 at the young age of 35 only added to the legend of this influential musician.
Interestingly, despite being such an accomplished guitarist, Vaughan struggled with addiction throughout much of his career. However, he managed to overcome it and inspire countless musicians after him through his music.
Texas must have some serious hot air coming out of their speakers, because Nelly was able to turn up the heat even more!
5. Nelly
A well-known singer and rapper, Nelly was born in Austin, Texas. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and sold over 21 million albums in the United States alone. Nelly is also a philanthropist and actively participates in various charitable organizations. His distinctive voice and style make him one of the most recognizable artists from Texas.
Nelly's breakthrough album "Country Grammar" released in 2000 spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard charts. He has collaborated with several prominent artists throughout his career, including Kelly Rowland, Tim McGraw, and Justin Timberlake. Nelly is also recognized for his acting skills and has appeared in several movies such as "The Longest Yard" and "Reach Me."
Despite facing criticism for his lyrics being overly explicit at times, Nelly continues to be an influential figure in the music industry. His unique blend of hip-hop and pop has appealed to a diverse audience worldwide. Nelly's contribution to music earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
If you're looking to incorporate some of Nelly's style into your own music or simply admire his creativity, try experimenting with catchy hooks or incorporating electronic beats into your sound. Another suggestion would be to stay true to yourself and always remember your roots as it can help distinguish you from other artists.
Everything is bigger in Texas, even the fierce talent of Queen Beyoncé.
6. Beyoncé
With a career spanning over two decades, the pop icon from Texas, known as one of the most influential musicians of all time, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her powerful vocals and electrifying performances have garnered her numerous accolades and awards, solidifying her place as a cultural icon. Beyoncé's chart-topping hits and boundary-pushing music videos have inspired generations and made her beloved by millions around the world.
From her humble beginnings in Houston to commanding sold-out stadiums across the globe, Beyoncé's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has broken barriers as a successful black female artist, using her platform to empower women and promote social justice causes. Beyoncé also uses her influence for philanthropic efforts, supporting various charities and organizations.
In addition to her impressive music career, Beyoncé is also an accomplished actress and businesswoman. She has starred in several films and television shows while managing various successful ventures such as Ivy Park and Parkwood Entertainment. With multiple Grammy Awards under her belt, Beyoncé continues to push boundaries in the entertainment industry while serving as a role model for young performers worldwide.
Even if you're not a fan of Barry White's music, his smooth voice could still make your heart melt and your ice cream soft.
7. Barry White
With a deep baritone voice, the late Maestro Barry White was an iconic singer-songwriter from Texas known for his signature soulful and romantic ballads. His music gained popularity in the 1970s with hits such as "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" and "You're The First, The Last, My Everything", which won him two Grammy Awards. He left a lasting impact on the music industry, inspiring many artists to this day.
White's success was not only limited to music; he also made appearances in movies and television shows throughout his career. In addition to his singing talent, he was also a producer and arranger, credited with shaping the sound of R&B and funk during his time.
Interestingly, White began his career as a songwriter for other artists before launching his solo career in 1973 with the release of "I've Got So Much to Give". He went on to release several albums over the next few decades and continued to tour until shortly before his death in 2003.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for some classic love songs or want to explore the history of R&B and funk music, go check out Barry White's discography.
Willie Nelson may have smoked a lot of pot, but his music still manages to give us all a high.
8. Willie Nelson
One of the most acclaimed Texas-born singer-songwriters is a legendary talent widely known for his unique voice, heartfelt lyrics and impressive guitar-playing abilities. With a career spanning several decades, this artist has become an icon in country music and beyond. He was born and raised in Abbott, Texas, and began performing at an early age. His name is synonymous with classic hits such as "On The Road Again", "Always on My Mind" and "Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain". This artist is none other than Willie Nelson.
Willie Nelson emerged as a prominent figure in the 1970s Outlaw country movement that opposed the Nashville sound prevalent at that time. Known for his unconventional style and progressive politics, he released his first album "And Then I Wrote" in 1962 and has not stopped since. He has sold over 40 million records, won numerous awards including Grammys, Country Music Association Awards among others.
What sets him apart is not just his music but also his activism work which includes founding Farm Aid to support small farmers. Also, Willie Nelson was one of the first mainstream musicians to support LGBTQ+ causes by participating on behalf of AIDS organizations during the height of the epidemic.
Pro tip: Listen to Willie Nelson's back catalogue, from his early recordings to more recent albums – you won't be disappointed!
Kenny Rogers was the Gambler, and if you're betting on a Texan singer stealing your heart, you can't go wrong with him.
9. Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers, a renowned singer-songwriter hailing from Texas, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His unique voice and ability to blend different genres have earned him global recognition.
- Rogers began his career in the 1960s as a member of The First Edition;
- His solo career skyrocketed in the late 1970s with hits like "The Gambler" and "Lucille";
- He has sold over 120 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time;
- Rogers is also an accomplished actor, appearing in movies and TV shows such as The Muppet Show and Six Pack;
- He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and six CMA Awards;
- At age 81, Rogers passed away in March 2020.
Rogers' legacy extends beyond his music and acting careers. He was known for his philanthropic efforts, including founding the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, which provides therapy services to children with special needs.
Don't miss out on listening to the timeless classics of this Texas-born legend. Give "The Gambler" another spin or discover some of his lesser-known gems. Kenny Rogers' impact on music will continue to live on for generations to come.
Roy Orbison's voice was so powerful, it could make a stone statue shed a tear.
10. Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison – A Musical Gem from the Lone Star State
With his luscious voice and heartfelt ballads, Roy Orbison was one of Texas' shining stars. The legendary singer-songwriter's musical career spanned over decades and produced hits like "Cryin'", "Only the Lonely", and "Oh, Pretty Woman," which are still loved today.
Orbison's trademark sound was a powerful blend of rock, country, and pop that echoed his innermost emotions. From his early days with The Teen Kings to his collaborations with icons like Bob Dylan, Orbison's distinctive voice made an indelible impact on music.
A lesser-known fact about Orbison is that he suffered immense tragedy in his personal life. He lost both of his sons in separate accidents and later passed away at the age of 52 due to a heart attack. Despite these setbacks, Orbison continued to pour his soul into his music until the very end.
Texas continues to cherish Roy Orbison as one of its brightest musical exports. His legacy lives on through countless tributes, including a posthumous induction into both the Rock and Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame.
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.
