List of Top 20 Famous Musicians from Missouri
Missouri boasts a vibrant and illustrious music scene that has been home to some of the most legendary and gifted musicians in American history. The state’s musical legacy is brimming with artists who have made a mark in various genres, showcasing the diversity of talent that Missouri has to offer.
The contributions of music legends like Chuck Berry and Ike & Tina Turner in rock and roll and Count Basie and Coleman Hawkins in jazz have earned them a reputation and played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of music history.
Digging deeper into the musical scene of Missouri, we can explore some of the renowned artists that hail from this state:
1. Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was an innovator in the world of rock and roll music. His exceptional guitar skills and unique ability to incorporate elements of blues and country music into his rock and roll style set him apart from other musicians of his time.
Chuck Berry’s musical legacy is undeniable, and some of his most iconic songs are “Johnny B. Goode,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Maybelline.” His contribution to rock and roll was so significant that he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Today, his music continues influencing and inspiring generations of musicians across various genres.
2. Sara Evans
Sara Evans is a renowned singer-songwriter in the country music industry. She has been responsible for creating several chart-topping hits, such as “No Place That Far,” “Suds in the Bucket,” and “A Real Fine Place to Start.” Her soulful voice and exceptional songwriting skills have earned her a special place in the hearts of millions of music lovers.
Sara Evans, a renowned musician, has not only won awards for her exceptional music but has also showcased her acting skills in various television shows and movies, including ‘Nashville’ and ‘C.M.T. Crossroads.’ Her talent and versatility have earned her recognition in multiple areas of the entertainment industry.
3. Nelly
Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., also known as Nelly, is a multi-talented artist from St. Louis, Missouri. The year 2000 marked the beginning of his rise to stardom with the release of his debut album, “Country Grammar.” This album featured two hit singles, “Ride wit Me” and “Country Grammar (Hot Sh*t),” which catapulted Nelly into the spotlight.
Nelly’s music has been embraced by fans across the United States, resulting in over 20 million albums sold. The rapper has also been recognized for his talents with numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards.
4. Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known as Eminem, has made a name for himself with his intricate rhymes and daring lyrics. He is undoubtedly one of the most successful rappers in history, having sold over 100 million records across the globe.
With his music, Eminem delves into various themes that people may find relatable, such as addiction, mental health, and personal struggles. He is recognized for his honest and reflective approach to songwriting, often drawing from his life experiences to craft his lyrics.
With hit songs like “Rap God,” “Lose Yourself,” “Stan,” and “The Real Slim Shady,” Eminem has secured his place as one of the greatest rappers of all time. He has been recognized for his talent with an impressive 15 Grammy Awards and countless other accolades.
5. Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow is a renowned singer-songwriter with over 50 million albums sold worldwide and nine Grammy Awards under her belt. Her hit songs such as “All I Wanna Do,” “If It Makes You Happy,” and “Soak Up the Sun” are still popular today.
Throughout her career, she has worked alongside numerous well-known musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Sting, to name a few. Her music has also been prominently featured in various movies and T.V. shows.
6. Nathaniel Rateliff
Hailing from Hermann, Missouri, Nathaniel Rateliff is a singer-songwriter who achieved widespread recognition for his folk-rock band Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
After the release of their album, the song “S.O.B.” became a massive hit and catapulted the band to global recognition. Following this triumph, Rateliff has created numerous solo albums and worked alongside various other musicians in the industry.
7. Ike & Tina Turner
During the 1960s and 1970s, the world was introduced to Ike & Tina Turner, a dynamic husband-and-wife musical duo. Although Ike Turner was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the couple primarily operated out of St. Louis, Missouri, throughout their career.
With their explosive live shows and chart-topping hits like “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” and “River Deep – Mountain High,” Ike & Tina Turner have become synonymous with high-energy entertainment. Their incredible talent has earned them a place in the coveted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as one of the most iconic duos in music history.
8. Tech N9ne
Born as Aaron Dontez Yates, Tech N9ne is a celebrated rapper hailing from Kansas City, Missouri. With more than 16 studio albums under his belt, he has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile artists in the industry. Collaborating with an impressive roster of artists, Tech N9ne has solidified his position as a prominent figure in rap.
Renowned for his unparalleled style and speedy delivery, Tech N9ne’s musical repertoire delves into the complexities of mental health and personal battles.
9. Count Basie
Count Basie was an eminent jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer born in Red Bank, New Jersey. However, he later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in the 1930s, where he became a prominent figure in the jazz scene. Count Basie is most renowned for his exceptional leadership of the Count Basie Orchestra, which he led from 1935 until his demise in 1984.
The influence of Basie’s music on the evolution of jazz is undeniable. Some of his most popular hits, such as “One O’Clock Jump,” “April in Paris,” and “Jumpin’ at the Blues”, have become timeless classics. Not only did he captivate audiences with his unique sound, but he also received recognition from the music industry with nine Grammy Awards. Furthermore, his contributions to the genre were so significant that he was inducted into multiple halls of fame.
10. Akon
Akon, a renowned singer-songwriter and producer, gained immense popularity in the mid-2000s with his exceptional hits like “Locked Up,” “Lonely,” and “Smack That.”
With an impressive 35 million albums sold globally, Akon has cemented himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. He has worked alongside esteemed artists such as Snoop Dogg and Eminem, and his music has garnered numerous awards. Akon has also dabbled in acting and appeared in various movies and T.V. shows.
11. Samantha Fish
Samantha Fish, hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, is a talented blues guitarist and singer-songwriter who has made a name for herself in the music industry. With several albums under her belt, she has been recognized for her incredible contributions to the blues genre, earning her a prestigious Blues Music Award for Best New Artist in 2012.
Fish has gained a reputation for her exceptional vocal abilities and impressive guitar skills. Her remarkable albums, including “Black Wind Howlin’,” “Wild Heart,” and “Kill or Be Kind,” truly showcase her talent as a musician.
12. Michael McDonald
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Michael McDonald is a well-known songwriter and singer with an impressive career in the music industry. He gained fame as a member of the rock bands The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan before venturing out as a solo artist. Despite leaving the bars, he continued to achieve great success and has since become a prominent figure in the music world.
A renowned artist, Michael McDonald has been awarded five prestigious Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades throughout his illustrious career. He has produced chart-topping hits like “What a Fool Believes,” “I Keep Forgettin’,” and “Sweet Freedom.”
13. S.Z.A.
Solána Imani Rowe, known by her stage name S.Z.A., is a highly talented singer and songwriter. She gained widespread recognition in 2017 for her debut album “Ctrl,” which was well-received by critics and garnered numerous award nominations.
S.Z.A. has made a name for herself in the music industry with her unique blend of R&B and neo-soul. Her popular tracks, such as “Love Galore,” “Kill Bill,” “The Weekend,” and “Broken Clocks,” have cemented her reputation as an exceptional artist.
14. Gene Clark
Gene Clark, a singer-songwriter and co-founder of The Byrds, hailed from Tipton, Missouri, and spent most of his formative years in Kansas City. His role in shaping the folk-rock genre of the 1960s through his contributions to The Byrds is undeniable. Additionally, Clark made a name for himself as a solo artist, releasing multiple albums during his music career.
During his tenure with The Byrds, they produced several popular hits such as “Eight Miles High,” “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better,” and “Set You Free This Time.”
15. Chris Janson
Chris Janson is a renowned country singer and songwriter who has captivated audiences with his lively performances and chart-topping hits, including “Buy Me a Boat,” “Drunk Girl,” and “Good Vibes.” With multiple albums, Janson has established himself as a prominent figure in the country music industry.
Not only is he a highly skilled blogger and top-tier copywriter fluent in English, but he’s also a talented harmonica player. He’s had the opportunity to perform alongside other notable country artists such as Tim McGraw and Hank Williams Jr.
16. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, hailing from Springfield, Missouri, are a renowned country rock band that gained massive popularity in the 1970s with chart-topping hits like “Jackie Blue,” “If You Wanna Get to Heaven,” and “Country Girl.”
With a devoted fan base and widespread praise from critics, the band has become well-known for its distinctive fusion of rock, country, and bluegrass.
17. Chingy
Howard Bailey Jr., better known as Chingy, is a renowned rapper from St. Louis, Missouri. In 2003, he shot to fame with his debut album “Jackpot,” which included chart-topping tracks like “Right Thurr” and “Holidae In.”
Throughout his career, Chingy has made a name for himself in the music industry by releasing multiple albums and working alongside renowned artists like Ludacris and Snoop Dogg.
18. Dallon Weekes
Dallon Weekes, a renowned musician and songwriter, gained widespread recognition as the former keyboardist, bassist, and backing vocalist for Panic! at the Disco. Additionally, he is the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Brobecks. Weekes has also ventured into solo music with the release of his album “Xmas Jambz.”
19. Coleman Hawkins
Regarded as one of the most exceptional jazz musicians of all time, Coleman Hawkins left an indelible mark in the world of music through his remarkable saxophone skills. His revolutionary style of playing has inspired many generations of jazz artists.
