If the thought of Texas conjures images of rodeos and wide open spaces, you might be surprised to learn that some of the most talented musicians in the world were born here.
However, they’re not just figures in country music. These famous artists have crafted hits spanning nearly every possible genre.
Today, we’re sharing five of the best musicians born in Texas. Did your favorite make our list?
Let’s look and see!
How Texas-Born Musicians Have Shaped American Music
For decades, Texas has shaped the music business. Its unique character has produced several of the biggest names in the industry. In fact, every genre has notable personalities with roots tied to the Lone Star State.
Over the years, many of these performers have paved the way for the success of future talents.
Artists like Janis Joplin, Steve Miller, and ZZ Top redefined rock. They set examples for later acts on and off the stage. What you hear on the radio today directly resulted from their influences over the years. However, rock and roll wasn’t the only impacted genre.
While the state’s given us many things, we’re especially appreciative of its artists. Here are five of the greatest musicians born in the state of Texas.
#1 Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly, originally named Charles Hardin Holley, was born in September 1936 in Lubbock. His siblings introduced him to music, and young Holly showed a natural aptitude. He quickly learned to play the piano, fiddle, and guitar with little effort. Shortly after graduating high school, the soon-to-be celebrity pursued it as a career.
Luckily for Buddy, this was an excellent decision. In 1957, he released That’ll Be the Day, one of his biggest hits. With a unique rockabilly sound, he attracted attention from executives and audiences. His top tunes include Everyday, Peggy Sue, and Rave On.
Sadly, in February 1959, a plane crash ended Buddy Holly’s life. He was only 22 years old. Two band members and the pilot also died during the accident.
News of the tragedy ripped through the media. Many refer to it as “the day the music died.” After all, that’s what Don McLean was singing about in his 1971 song American Pie.
Today, a large pair of eyeglasses serves as a memorial to the icon. Fans visit the crash site in Iowa to pay their respects to the legend. And many of them consider Holly one of the best musicians born in Texas.
Did Buddy Holly make our list? 5 Rock Stars Who Died Too Young
#2 George Strait
George Strait was born in Poteet, Texas, on May 18, 1952. He’s sold 100 million records and had 60 #1 hits, so many consider him the King of Country Music. With those kinds of numbers, it’s hard to argue against the moniker.
This famous country star is the son of a former junior high math teacher. After his parents divorced, George’s father raised him and his brother on their 2,000-acre cattle ranch. However, it wasn’t until high school that he discovered his passion.
During this time, Strait joined a garage band influenced by the Beatles. After graduation, he married and enlisted in the military. While stationed in Hawaii, he found his role as a country singer and devoted himself to it.
When Strait finished serving in the Army, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State University for a degree in agriculture. Several trips to Nashville, Tennessee, led him to sign with MCA. From there, he added #1 hits to his resume. Songs like Check Yes or No, All My Ex’s Live in Texas, and Carrying Your Love With Me are just a few of many.
These days, George Strait is still a significant part of the scene. In 2006, the Country Music Hall of Fame welcomed him as a member.
#3 Roy Orbison
Musician Roy Orbison was born in Vernon, Texas, on April 23, 1936. He was a singer-songwriter best known for his distinct voice and romantic ballads. He fell in love with music when he was young and asked for a harmonica for his sixth birthday. Luckily, his dad opted for a guitar instead and taught him how to play.
In 1956, at only 20 years old, Orbison signed with Sun Records. However, it took switching to Monument Records for him to find success. His biggest hits were Only the Lonely, You Got It, and Oh, Pretty Woman.
Of course, his 1987 induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame isn’t his only accolade. He also won numerous Grammys and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.
Unfortunately, at the age of 52, Orbison passed away from a heart attack. He was buried in Los Angeles, California, at Westwood Village Memorial Cemetery in an unmarked grave.
Discover More: Who Is Roy Orbison Jr?
#4 Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan was born in Dallas, Texas, in October 1954. His older brother, Jimmie, introduced him to guitar at a very young age. His influences included figures like Albert King, Buddy Guy, and BB King. Eventually, many fans would place his name alongside these incredible artists.
He spent the majority of his career navigating the Dallas music scene. Personal struggles and substance abuse hampered his success. His career took off when he formed the band Double Trouble in the early 1980s.
Vaughan’s debut album, Texas Flood, came out in 1983. It revealed his ability to mix blues, rock, and jazz into one unique style. His talents impressed many, including greats like Eric Clapton. Some hits from his four studio albums include Pride and Joy, Texas Flood, and Crossfire.
Like many great musicians, he passed away far too soon. On August 27, 1990, at the age of 35, he died in a helicopter crash near East Troy, Wisconsin. But in 2015, John Mayer inducted this guitar god into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
#5 Willie Nelson
World-renowned musician Willie Nelson was born in Abbot, Texas, on April 29, 1933. His grandparents raised him in a home surrounded by music. While most kids played with cars and imaginary friends, Nelson chose a guitar and was writing songs by the age of six.
Then, at ten, he joined a local band, Bohemian Fiddlers, to raise funds to support his family. He completed high school and enrolled at Baylor University. However, he would leave early to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He worked as a DJ, songwriter, and performer until he reached Nashville.
While in Tennessee, he wrote hits for Patsy Cline and Faron Young. His debut album, And Then I Wrote, was released in 1962, and his career took off within ten years. He moved from Nashville to Austin and was considered a central figure in the outlaw country movement.
He collaborated with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson in the supergroup The Highwaymen. He’s won Grammys, been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and is an integral name in American pop culture.
Dive Deeper into Musical Texans: All Over the Map – True Heroes of Texas Music
Texas-Born Musicians Keep on Pickin’
As you can see, many famous musicians were born in Texas. There’s something special about the state that fosters creativity and talent in the arts.
While some of these artists have passed away, the rest remain incredibly active. They’re continuing to build their legacy and shape the future of the entertainment industry for those who will take the stage next.
Who’s your favorite musician from the Lone Star State? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!