List Of Top 20 Famous Musicians from Texas

Texas has earned a reputation for producing some of the most legendary musicians across a wide range of genres. From pop to soul, R&B to rock, the Lone Star State has given birth to countless iconic singers, songwriters, and even actors. These talented individuals have not only made a significant impact on the music industry, but they have also influenced audiences around the world with their unique styles and sounds.

Texas is home to some of the most legendary musicians in history. In this article, we’ll delve into the lives and work of these notable artists and their significant impact on the music industry. Join us as we take a closer look at some of the most famous musicians to ever come out of Texas.

1. ZZ Top

The renowned ZZ Top band made a name for themselves through their chart-topping hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs”. Their unparalleled sound is a combination of blues, rock, and boogie rock, which has established them as a distinctive group in the music industry. Their exceptional guitar style and rhythm are what sets them apart, and their iconic beards and sunglasses have become a trademark of their image.

2. Beyoncé

Beyoncé, also known as Queen Bey, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and actress who gained popularity as a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child. She subsequently embarked on a thriving solo career, cementing her position as a leading figure in the music industry.

With her captivating voice and electrifying stage presence, she has become a household name in the music industry. Her impressive achievements include a remarkable 32 Grammy Awards and an astounding 200 million units sold across the globe. Her talent and artistry have touched the hearts of millions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Beyoncé, who is renowned for her chart-topping tracks such as “Crazy IN Love,” “If I Were A Boy,” and “Halo,” is also well-known for her advocacy and charitable work, especially in the fields of gender equality and racial justice.

3. George Strait

Known as the “King of Country”, George Strait is a highly acclaimed country music singer and songwriter who has sold over 120 million records worldwide.

George Strait, a prolific singer, has amassed several awards, including the CMA and ACM awards. His discography boasts numerous popular songs, including “Amarillo by Morning” and “Give It All We Got Tonight.”

4. Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu, a celebrated singer, songwriter and actress, has gained worldwide fame for her soulful and experimental music. Her exceptional talent and unique sound have earned her multiple Grammy Awards, cementing her position as a prominent figure in the neo-soul music genre.

Erykah Badu, a renowned R&B-soul singer, has been a familiar face in the entertainment industry. She has showcased her acting skills in various movies like “House of D,” “The Cider House Rules,” and “Blues Brothers 2000.” Her genuine persona and exceptional talent have undoubtedly earned her a permanent place in the limelight.

5. Waylon Jennings

Waylon Jennings was a prominent figure in the world of country music. He was not only a singer but also a songwriter and actor who played a vital role in the development of the outlaw country movement.

With his chart-topping tracks like “Luckenbach, Texas” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”, Jennings left an indelible mark on the country music scene. He was also well-regarded for his musical partnerships with other legendary artists, including Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.

6. Selena

Selena, also known as the “Queen of Tejano music,” was a talented singer, songwriter, and fashion designer who gained immense popularity during the early 1990s. She played a crucial role in popularizing the Tejano music genre, which blends Mexican music traditions with American rock and roll.

At just 23 years old, Selena’s life was cut short in a tragic event. However, her memory and influence have lived on, inspiring and touching the hearts of countless musicians and fans throughout the years.

7. Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson is an acclaimed country music artist, songwriter, and actor who has gained legendary status in the world of outlaw country music. His signature sound, exemplified by chart-toppers such as “Funny How Time Flies Away” and “On The Road Again,” has served as a source of inspiration for countless musicians across generations.

Nelson has gained recognition for his advocacy efforts, specifically in the fields of legalizing marijuana and organizing Farm Aid, a charity concert for farmers.

8. Kenny Rogers

Kenny Rogers, a renowned singer, songwriter, and actor, had a prolific career that spanned over the years, with over 100 million units of his music sold worldwide. He was celebrated for his distinctive voice and several chart-topping hits songs, including “The Gambler” and “She Believes In Me.” Throughout his career, Rogers was honored with several awards, including three Grammy Awards, solidifying his place as a music icon.

9. Roy Orbison

Hailing from Vernon, Texas, Roy Orbison was a renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his unique vocal style and emotionally charged ballads. During the 1960s, he created a plethora of chart-topping hits, such as “Oh, Pretty Woman” and “Only the Lonely”.

Orbison’s musical prowess extends beyond his solo career, as he is also renowned for his collaborations with other music legends like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty.

10. Townes Van Zandt

Townes Van Zandt, a prominent figure in the country and folk music scene, was a gifted singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose influence on the genre is still felt today. He is widely recognized as one of the most significant and talented artists of his time.

Throughout his career, Van Zandt recorded a plethora of songs that have been covered by a diverse group of musicians. Renowned for his unique fingerpicking style and introspective lyrics, his music resonates with listeners on a deep level.

11. Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly, a renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist, played a pioneering role in the development of rock and roll music during the 1950s. He had recorded several chart-topping tracks, such as “Peggy Sue” and “That’ll Be the Day,” before his untimely demise.

Even after his death, Holly’s impact on popular music remains significant, as evidenced by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

12. Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf is an iconic hard rock singer and actor celebrated for his theatrical and bombastic performances. His album “Bat Out of Hell” has sold over 43 million copies worldwide, catapulting him to international fame. Meat Loaf has been honored with numerous accolades, including a Grammy award and other prestigious recognitions.

13. Janis Joplin

Considered as one of the most exceptional rock vocalists in history, Janis Joplin was a captivating singer and songwriter. Her distinctive throaty voice and immense talent shone through in her famous renditions of songs like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Ball and Chain,” and “Piece of my heart.” Her hits showcased her charisma and made her an unforgettable icon in the world of music.

14. Lyle Lovett

Hailing from Klein, Texas, Lyle Lovett is a remarkable artist known for his exceptional fusion of country, rockabilly, and blues music. In addition to his prowess as a singer-songwriter, he also has a talent for producing records and acting. With his unique style and sound, Lovett has made a name for himself in the music industry.

Over the years, he has produced various albums and his music has been embraced by a diverse range of performers. Lovett’s talent has earned him four Grammy Awards, in addition to other accolades. Beyond music, he has also showcased his acting skills in a number of films and television series. His songs have undoubtedly left a significant mark on the music industry.

15. Barry White

Barry White, a renowned singer, songwriter, and record producer hailing from Galveston, Texas, is famous for his mesmerizing deep voice and romantic ballads.

Barry White became a household name thanks to his chart-topping hits “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” and “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything”. These songs helped him gain immense popularity and made him a sensation among music lovers. Even today, White’s music is renowned for its remarkable ability to evoke feelings of sensuality and emotion in the listener.

16. Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson, the voice behind chart-toppers like “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” and “Because of You,” is a renowned singer, songwriter, and TV personality. She rose to prominence as the inaugural winner of the popular reality show “American Idol”.

Clarkson’s captivating vocals and relatable lyrics have solidified her position as a beloved icon in the realm of pop music.

17. Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson, a well-known singer, songwriter, and actor, has made a name for himself through his soulful and socially aware music. His hits from the 70s, including “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night”, have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Kristofferson has also made a name for himself in the film industry as an actor. He has appeared in several acclaimed movies, including “A Star is Born” and “Blade”.

18. Jim Reeves

Jim Reeves was a celebrated artist in the country music industry, renowned for his silky-smooth vocals and his immense contribution to the Nashville sound between the 1950s and 1980s.

In 1964, the world lost a legendary musician in a tragic plane crash. However, the legacy of this musician, who recorded unforgettable hits like “He’ll Have to Go” and “Welcome to My World”, lives on. The timeless quality of his music continues to be celebrated and appreciated by fans around the world.

19. Kacey Musgraves

Hailing from Golden, Texas, Kacey Musgraves is a versatile musician renowned for her distinctive fusion of country, pop, and folk genres. With her exceptional talent in songwriting and singing, she has made a name for herself in the music industry.

With hit albums such as “Same Trailer Different Park” and “Golden Hour,” she has become a household name in the music industry. Her tremendous talent has earned her numerous Grammy Awards. In addition to her original music, she also showcases her skills by covering popular songs from other artists.

20. Usher

Usher is an incredibly talented individual with a passion for music and acting. He has earned a reputation as one of the most successful R&B artists of all time, thanks to his impressive skills as a singer and songwriter. Some of his most well-known hits include “Nice & Slow” and “U Got It Bad,” but he has also produced countless other chart-topping songs, such as “Yeah!” and “Love in This Club.”

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