List of Top 20 Famous Musicians from Tennessee

The state of Tennessee has long been a breeding ground for some of the most exceptional musical talents. From country icons like Dolly Parton and Roy Acuff to soulful sensations like Aretha Franklin and rock sensations like Kings of Leon, Tennessee has produced some of the best musicians ever. The state has also given us the likes of Miley Cyrus, who started her career as a child star and has since become a household name. With such a diverse and illustrious musical legacy, it is no wonder that Tennessee continues to inspire and nurture new generations of musicians.

Let’s have a glimpse of the most exceptional musicians the state has in store:

1. Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a renowned artist who has captivated audiences with her unique voice, flamboyant style, and heartfelt music. She is best known for her hit songs “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” With over 100 million units sold worldwide, Parton has earned 10 Grammy Awards and countless other accolades for her exceptional talent. Her music continues to inspire and delight fans across the globe.

Her philanthropic efforts are widely recognized, particularly for her role in establishing the Dollywood Foundation. The organization is dedicated to providing books to underprivileged children, helping bridge the gap in educational resources. Her commitment to improving the lives of those in need has earned her a reputation as a beacon of hope and a champion for social causes.

2. Kenny Chesney

Country music sensation Kenny Chesney has graced the music industry with his exceptional talent, producing an impressive 20 albums. He has attained remarkable success, with over 30 singles reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Some of his most notable hits include “I Go Back,” “Young,” and “There Goes My Life.”

With over 30 million units sold globally, Chesney’s music has been recognized with numerous accolades. Among them are four Country Music Association Awards for Entertainer of the Year, cementing his position as one of the most accomplished musicians in the industry.

3. Tina Turner

Tina Turner, the legendary singer, songwriter, and actress, is renowned for her dynamic vocal range, electrifying stage presence, and timeless classics like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Proud Mary,” and “Simply the Best.” Her talent and passion have earned her a permanent place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

With over 100 million units sold worldwide and eight prestigious Grammy Awards, Turner has undoubtedly left her mark on the music industry. Her inspiring life story and incredible resilience have also been widely celebrated, with her autobiography “I, Tina: My Life Story” providing a powerful insight into her journey.

4. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake is a renowned R&B singer, songwriter, and actor who initially rose to fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC. He later established himself as a successful solo artist and continued to charm the music industry with his soulful voice and captivating performances.

Timberlake has dropped five albums throughout his career, each of which has been met with widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. Some of his most popular hits include “Cry Me a River,” “SexyBack,” and “Mirrors.” In addition to his commercial success, Timberlake has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to the music industry. Impressively, he has sold over 88 million units, solidifying his status as one of the most successful artists of his generation.

5. Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon is a renowned rock band incorporating blues influences into their music. Their sound is characterized by a raw, Southern-inspired vibe that has won fans worldwide. Their hits, including “Sex on Fire,” “Use Somebody,” and “Waste a Moment,” are beloved by many. The band has earned numerous accolades for their music and is famous for putting on unforgettable sold-out shows.

6. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, famously known as the “Queen of Soul,” pioneered the music industry as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her contributions to the soul and R&B genres are unparalleled. Franklin’s musical legacy is comprised of several chart-topping hits, including “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”

With her immense talent and undeniable impact on the music industry, she has won a staggering 18 Grammy Awards and has been recognized repeatedly for her remarkable contributions.

7. Gregg Allman

Gregg Allman, a renowned musician, singer, and songwriter, is famous for co-founding the Allman Brothers Band. The band’s distinctive sound, a fusion of rock, blues, and country, produced chart-topping hits like “Melissa,” “Ramblin’ Man,” and “Midnight Rider.”

Allman was honoured with an induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his remarkable contributions to the music industry. Additionally, he was widely recognized and admired for his exceptional keyboard talents and unique vocal style.

8. Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus, a versatile artist known for her musical prowess, acting skills, and songwriting abilities, first gained public recognition as the lead protagonist in the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana.” Over the years, Cyrus has continued to create and release numerous successful albums. He has consistently dominated the music charts with her hit singles like “Wrecking Ball,” “Party in the USA,” and “Malibu.”

Although Miley Cyrus began her career as a talented child performer, she has now established herself as a flourishing musician, continuously dominating the charts. Her achievements in the music industry are vast, and she has received numerous awards for her outstanding performances. Despite her success, Cyrus shows no signs of slowing down, and her passion for music remains unwavering.

9. Bessie Smith

Known as the “Impress of the Blues,” Bessie Smith was a renowned and influential blues singer during the 1930s. Her repertoire included popular hits like “Downhearted Blues,” “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” and “Careless Love Blues.”

Smith’s remarkable voice was renowned for its power, and her recordings played a vital role in spreading the popularity of blues music. Her musical legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians of all generations.

10. Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, is a multi-talented artist who has made her mark in the music and entertainment industry as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Her music is often compared to that of her father, and she has released numerous albums, including “To Whom It May Concern” and “Storm & Grace.” Her hits such as “Lights Out” and “Idiot” have solidified her position as a prominent figure in the music world.

11. Rosanne Cash

Rosanne Cash is a multi-talented artist who has made a name for herself as a singer, songwriter, and author. She happens to be the daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash. Cash’s music uniquely blended country, rock, and pop, earning her several successful albums. Her “Interiors” and “The Wheel” albums have topped the charts. Her famous hits include “Seven Year Ache” and “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me.”

With an impressive record of four Grammy Awards, she has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of country music. Her unique and forward-thinking approach to the genre has earned her widespread recognition and acclaim.

12. Juicy J

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Juicy J is an accomplished rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He gained immense popularity as one-half of the legendary hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia and later released chart-topping solo albums, such as “Stay Trippy” and “Rubba Band Business.” Known for his captivating hooks, electrifying trap beats, and party anthems, he has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, including Katy Perry, The Weeknd, and Wiz Khalifa.

13. Dottie West

Dottie West, the renowned country music singer and songwriter, was widely recognized for her unique voice and style that earned her several hits, such as “Here Comes My Baby,” “Country Sunshine,” and “A Lesson in Leavin’.” Her contributions to the country music industry are highly regarded, and her legacy remains today.

West’s impressive achievements include winning several awards, including a Grammy Award, and being honoured with induction into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame.

14. Kitty Wells

Kitty Wells, a notable country music artist, made history by becoming the first female country singer to secure a number-one hit with her song “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” She also succeeded with hits such as “Heartbreak USA.”

Wells was renowned for her distinct and crisp vocals and her conventional country style, making her a trailblazer for women in the country music industry.

15. Hank Williams III

Hank Williams III, a celebrated musician, is the grandson of the legendary country music icon Hank Williams Sr. and the son of Hank Williams Jr. Renowned for his unparalleled fusion of country, punk, and metal music, he is also highly regarded for his electrifying live performances.

Williams III has built a loyal following through his successful albums, which include “Straight to Hell” and “Lovesick, Broke and Driftin'”. His music has resonated with fans, who have supported him throughout his career.

16. Roy Acuff

Roy Acuff, a trailblazer in country music, was renowned for his exceptional talents as a singer and fiddler. He earned a name for himself through his mesmerizing performances of classics like “Wabash Cannonball,” “Great Speckled Bird,” and “The Precious Jewel.”

Acuff was pivotal in establishing the Grand Ole Opry radio show, which led to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Interestingly, he was the first living recipient of this prestigious award.

17. Hillary Scott

Hillary Scott is an accomplished singer-songwriter who is the lead vocalist of the popular country music band Lady Antebellum, commonly known as La.

The country music sensation has churned out several chart-topping tracks, such as “Need You Now,” “I Run to You,” and “Downtown,” and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. Her captivating vocals and dynamic stage presence testify to her talent and artistry.

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Dustin Lynch, a renowned country music singer and songwriter, has made a name for himself with his chart-topping singles like “Small Town Boy,” “Good Girl,” and “Ridin’ Roads.” His exceptional talent and captivating voice have won over the hearts of country music fans worldwide.

With numerous chart-topping albums and a CMT Music Award, Lynch has become a household name in the country music scene. His signature style, which blends traditional country sound with irresistible hooks, has earned him a dedicated fanbase.

19. Isaiah Rashad

Isaiah Rashad is a talented rapper and songwriter with a loyal following. He has successfully released albums such as “The Sun’s Tirade” and “The House Is Burning.” His music has resonated with many fans, making him a beloved artist in the music industry.

Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with several notable figures in the hip-hop industry. Some of his most memorable performances have been alongside Juicy J and Smoke DZA, both renowned artists in their own right. His ability to collaborate with other musicians has allowed him to expand his reach and connect with a broader audience.

20. Ashley Monroe

Ashley Monroe is a country music singer renowned for her fusion of traditional country and pop music and her emotional, personal lyrics. Monroe has released several successful albums, including “Satisfied” and “The Blade,” and has had hits including “Like a Rose” and “Hands on You.”

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