Famous Musicians From Oklahoma - Top 10 Harmony from the Heartland
by B Kishwar | Updated Dec 13, 2023
Top 10 Famous Musicians From Oklahoma
1
Blake Shelton
2
Toby Keith
3
Chet Baker
4
Reba McEntire
5
Garth Brooks
6
Carrie Underwood
7
Vince Gill
8
Kings of Leon
9
Hanson
10
Lee Hazlewood
S.No
Famous Musicians From Oklahoma
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Famous Musicians From Oklahoma
Oklahoma, despite being a less-populated central state in America, has made a significant impact on the music world by producing a remarkable array of talented musicians across various genres. From country legends to jazz virtuosos, and rock and pop sensations, these famous musicians from Oklahoma have left an indelible mark on the global music landscape. Their creative prowess, distinctive styles, and chart-topping hits continue to resonate with audiences, making them celebrated figures in the realm of music. In this list, we explore 17 of the most iconic musicians who have emerged from the heartland of Oklahoma, each contributing uniquely to the rich tapestry of musical history.
1. Blake Shelton
Born Blake Tollison Shelton in Ada, Oklahoma, in 1976, Blake Shelton is a renowned American country singer and songwriter. From an early age, Shelton showcased his musical talents, learning to play the guitar and crafting his first song by the age of 15. In 2001, he gained widespread recognition with his debut single, "Austin," which quickly rose to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Shelton's success continued with a string of hit songs, including "The Baby," "Some Beach," and "Home."
Apart from his solo career, Blake Shelton became a household name as a coach on the popular television show "The Voice," where his engaging personality and mentorship have endeared him to audiences. With over 10 million records sold worldwide, numerous awards, and a reputation as one of country music's leading figures, Shelton has left an enduring impact on the genre and remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
2. Toby Keith
Toby Keith, a multifaceted talent hailing from Clinton, Oklahoma, has left an indelible mark on the country music scene. Beginning his musical journey in 1993, Keith quickly rose to stardom with his debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy," which not only topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs but also became the most-played country song of the decade. Known for his distinctive baritone voice and charismatic stage presence, Keith continued to release hit songs and albums that resonated with a broad audience.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the country music landscape, Toby Keith was named "Artist of the Decade" by the American Country Awards in 2011. Beyond his music career, Keith is also celebrated for his philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes. With a career spanning decades, Toby Keith's impact on country music extends far beyond chart success, solidifying his status as a country music icon.
3. Chet Baker
Chet Baker, born in Yale, Oklahoma, in 1929, was a highly influential jazz trumpeter and vocalist. Growing up in a musical household, Baker developed a love for the trumpet as a child. After serving in the United States Army, where his interest in jazz blossomed, he embarked on a music career that would make him a prominent figure in the jazz world. Baker gained recognition while playing with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet, and between 1953 and 1956, he released his first albums, earning accolades for his trumpet skills.
Despite battling substance abuse throughout his career, Chet Baker's innovations in cool jazz earned him the nickname "Prince of Cool." His impact on the jazz scene was profound, and he continued to perform until his untimely death in 1988. Chet Baker's le
4. Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire, often hailed as the "Queen of Country," is a multifaceted artist born into a musical family in McAlester, Oklahoma. Her illustrious career spans across several decades, and she has become a country music icon with a remarkable impact on the industry. McEntire's distinctive voice and dynamic stage presence have earned her numerous accolades, including over 75 million records sold worldwide.
With more than a hundred singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and 25 top-spot placements, she has solidified her status as one of the most successful country artists in history. Beyond her vocal talents, McEntire is a skilled songwriter, producer, actress, and businesswoman, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment world. Her ability to seamlessly blend traditional country with contemporary elements has endeared her to fans globally, making Reba McEntire a true legend in the country music realm.
5. Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, stands as one of the best-selling artists in the history of country music. His groundbreaking approach to country music involves a fusion of rock and pop elements, setting him apart from his contemporaries. Brooks catapulted to fame in 1989 with his debut album, "Garth Brooks," and quickly became a household name with hits like "If Tomorrow Never Comes" and "Friends in Low Places." Boasting a career that includes 23 records, 67 singles, and nine diamond-certified albums by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Brooks has left an indelible mark on the genre.
His numerous awards, including two Grammys and 17 American Music Awards, highlight the profound impact of his music. Beyond his musical achievements, Brooks was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his legacy as a pioneering force in reshaping the landscape of country music.
6. Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood, born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, rose to prominence as a country music sensation after winning the fourth season of "American Idol" in 2005. Her debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, setting the stage for a career marked by chart-topping success. Underwood's powerful vocals and emotive performances have earned her a multitude of awards, including eight Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, and five Guinness World Records.
With over 85 million records sold worldwide, she stands as the only female artist with the most #1 entries on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Underwood's catalog of hits, including "Jesus Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats," showcases her ability to connect with audiences through compelling storytelling and a dynamic musical range. As an accomplished singer, songwriter, author, and actress, Carrie Underwood continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of country music.
7. Vince Gill
Born in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1957, Vince Gill is a highly acclaimed male country-rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Gill's journey to fame began in the late 1970s, where he gained recognition for his exceptional guitar playing and songwriting skills. Throughout his career, Gill has released hit albums that consistently topped the Hot Country Songs chart on Billboard. His distinctive tenor voice and a blend of country and rock elements in his music have garnered him 18 Country Music Awards (CMA) and the most Grammy Awards by a country artist by 2018.
Inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1997, the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012, Vince Gill's impact on the country music scene is undeniable. Some of his notable songs include "When I Call Your Name," "I Still Believe In You," and "One More Last Chance." With over 26 million albums sold, Gill's enduring influence extends beyond his chart-topping success, making him a revered figure in the country music genre.
8. Kings of Leon
The American rock band Kings of Leon has its roots in Oklahoma, with Nathan Followill, one of the founding members, being born in the state. Comprising the Followill brothers – Caleb, Nathan, and Jared – along with their cousin, Matthew, the band gained international recognition in the early 2000s with their distinctive blend of Southern rock, alternative rock, and garage rock influences. Their breakthrough album, "Only by the Night," propelled them to mainstream success and earned them several Grammy Awards.
Kings of Leon's sound has evolved over the years, showcasing a mix of rock, indie, and arena-ready soundscapes. Songs like "Sex on Fire," "Use Somebody," and "Radioactive" have become anthems, solidifying their status as one of the prominent rock bands of the 21st century. With a string of successful albums and a reputation for energetic live performances, Kings of Leon continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
9. Hanson
Hanson, the pop-rock band consisting of brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson, rose to fame in the late 1990s. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Isaac and Taylor, the primary members, captured global attention with their infectious hit, "MMMBop," from the album "Middle of Nowhere." The band's success continued with tours, subsequent albums, and a continued presence in the music industry.
Beyond their early fame, Hanson has demonstrated resilience, evolving their sound and maintaining a dedicated fan base. Albums like "This Time Around" and "Underneath" showcased their growth as musicians. In addition to their musical endeavors, the brothers have engaged in philanthropy and maintained a strong connection with their fan community. Hanson's longevity in the industry is a testament to their musical versatility and commitment to their craft.
10. Lee Hazlewood
Lee Hazlewood, born in 1929 in Oklahoma City, left an indelible mark on the music industry as a record producer, country, and pop singer, and songwriter. His career spanned from the 1950s to the 1970s, during which he contributed to the distinctive "cowboy psychedelia" sound, a fusion of Western and psych-rock. Hazlewood's collaboration with rock and roll guitarist Duane Eddy and singer Nancy Sinatra solidified his reputation.
Notably, Hazlewood produced the Nancy Sinatra hit "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" and had a duet with her in "Some Velvet Morning." His influence extended to hit instrumental records like "(Dance with the) Guitar Man" and "Rebel-‘Rouser." Hazlewood's legacy lives on through the songs he wrote and produced, showcasing his impact on various artists and the evolution of music during his era. Despite his passing in 2007, Hazlewood's contributions remain influential and timeless.
Which Oklahoma-Born Jazz Musician Earned the Title "Prince of Cool"?
Chet Baker: The "Prince of Cool" from Oklahoma
Chet Baker, born in Yale, Oklahoma, in 1929, is the Oklahoma-born jazz musician who earned the prestigious title of the "Prince of Cool." Growing up in a musical household, Baker's early exposure to the trumpet and his fascination with jazz set the stage for his remarkable career. Unlike his father, who had to abandon his musical aspirations to support the family, Baker was fortunate to pursue his dreams
Baker's interest in jazz deepened during his service in the United States Army, where he fell in love with the trumpet. After his discharge, he embarked on a music career that would propel him to jazz stardom. Notably, Baker gained recognition while performing with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet, captivating audiences at jazz clubs in Los Angeles.
Between 1953 and 1956, Baker released his first albums and emerged victorious in several reader's polls, beating renowned trumpeters like Miles Davis and Clifford Brown. In 1954, he was declared the top jazz vocalist. His innovative contributions to cool jazz led to the moniker "Prince of Cool."
Despite his rise to prominence, Baker's career was marred by struggles with substance abuse, an issue that persisted until his death in 1988. Nevertheless, he continued to perform and create music, leaving behind a legacy of influential jazz compositions that solidify his place as one of the most iconic jazz musicians to emerge from Oklahoma. The title "Prince of Cool" not only reflects Baker's innovations in jazz but also underscores his enduring impact on the genre.
Famous Musicians From Oklahoma - FAQs
Vince Gill is a highly acclaimed country-rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1957. His distinctive tenor voice, exceptional guitar playing, and a fusion of country and rock elements in his music have earned him 18 Country Music Awards (CMA) and the most Grammy Awards by a country artist by 2018.
Kings of Leon, an American rock band with roots in Oklahoma, gained international recognition in the early 2000s. Comprising the Followill brothers and their cousin, the band's breakthrough album, "Only by the Night," propelled them to mainstream success and earned them several Grammy Awards.
Hanson, a pop-rock band consisting of brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson, became globally famous in the late 1990s. They gained widespread recognition with their infectious hit, "MMMBop," from the album "Middle of Nowhere."
Lee Hazlewood, born in 1929 in Oklahoma City, was a notable figure in the music industry as a record producer, country, and pop singer, and songwriter. He is associated with the "cowboy psychedelia" sound, a fusion of Western and psych-rock, notably contributing to hit instrumental records and collaborations with Nancy Sinatra.
Hanson showcased resilience and growth in the music industry by evolving their sound and maintaining a dedicated fan base beyond their early fame. Albums like "This Time Around" and "Underneath" demonstrated their musical versatility and commitment to their craft, contributing to their longevity in the industry.