Best Texas Musicians from Country music and beyond
There's more to Texas music than just country. The Lone Star State has produced some of the greatest musicians from Texas in various genres.
From rock and roll to blues and beyond, these Texas musicians have made a name for themselves both at home and abroad.
So if you're looking for something new to listen to, check out our list of the best Texas musicians that's more than just country. You might be surprised at what you find.
Brief History of Music in Texas
Texas music history stretches back centuries. From Texas blues to country & western, Texas is home to some of the most iconic genres in American music.
Texas has been the birthplace of numerous musical legends, including Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin, who helped shape Texas' musical identity.
The earliest known Texas music can be traced back to the Texas-Mexican borderland region, which has been home to a thriving culture of Mexican ranchera and Tejano music.
Texas blues was also an early form of Texas music, with Texas-based players such as Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lead Belly making their mark on the genre.
Country & western music also has strong Texas roots, with Texas-based artists like Bob Wills and Gene Autry helping to establish the genre in the early decades of the 20th century.
Texas is home to two distinct styles of country & western music: Texas honky tonk and progressive Texas country. The former is characterized by a rawer sound than its Nashville counterpart, while the latter is more modern in its approach.
Texas-based artists such as Willie Nelson and George Strait have had a major influence on country & western music throughout the years.
Texas' musical identity has also been shaped by rock 'n' roll, with Texas musicians like Janis Joplin making a name for themselves on the global stage.
Texas has also played host to a vibrant punk rock scene, with bands like The Dicks and Big Boys helping to define the genre in Texas.
The Lone Star state also produced well-known heavy metal rockers. Among the famous acts include Pantera which was formed in Arlington and Slayer (SA Slayer) which originated in San Antonio. Heavy metal bands are thriving in the local music scene.
Psychedelic Rock which became popular in the 1960s can be credited to the band 13th Floor Elevators from Austin using the term for the band’s business card in 1966. The name would be used to describe a rock music genre heavily influenced by the psychedelic culture of that era.
In recent years, Texas has become a hub for hip hop, with Texas-based artists such as UGK and Geto Boys becoming nationally renowned.
For soul music, Texas has its contributions starting with renowned crooner Barry White from Galveston and Leon Bridges from Fort Worth.
For R & B, Texas has produced greats such as Usher from Dallas and Beyonce Knowles from Houston.
Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams is known for the popular singing group Destiny’s Child which originated in Houston with their original name Girl’s Tyme.
Texas' musical identity is an ever-evolving one, and Texas continues to produce new musical stars each year. Texas has a proud musical history and its music will continue to enrich the lives of listeners for generations to come. Texas is sure to remain a leader in American music for many years to come.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a country music singer, songwriter, and actor who was born in Abbott, Texas on April 30, 1933. He began his career in the 1960s as a songwriter in Nashville and had several hits as a recording artist in the 1970s and 1980s. Nelson is known for his laid-back, easygoing style and distinctive voice, earning him a devoted following of fans.
Nelson has released more than 200 albums throughout his career and has had numerous hit songs, including "On the Road Again," "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "Always on My Mind," and "Crazy."
He has also acted in several movies and television shows and has written several books.
In addition to his successful career in music, Nelson is known for his activism for various causes, including the environment and the legalization of marijuana. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including several Grammy Awards and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Selena
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known professionally as Selena, was a Mexican-American singer born in Lake Jackson, Texas on April 16, 1971. She began her career as a child, performing with her family's band, Selena y Los Dinos.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Selena became known as the "Queen of Tejano music," a Mexican-American genre combining elements of country, rock, and traditional Mexican music.
Selena's success as a Tejano musician made her a prominent figure in the Latin music scene, and she released several successful albums in the United States and internationally. As she stated then, ‘I was from Texas and I made hits such as "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom and Amor Prohibido.’
Tragically, Selena was murdered on March 31, 1995, at 23. Despite her untimely death, her music and legacy continue to be celebrated, and she remains an important figure in Latin music. In 1997, a movie about her life, "Selena," was released, starring Jennifer Lopez as Selena.
George Strait
George Strait is a country music lead singer and songwriter born in Poteet, Texas, on May 18, 1952. He began his career in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity for his traditional country sound and smooth, crooning vocals.
Throughout his career, Strait has released more than 60 albums and has had numerous hit songs, including "All My Ex's Live in Texas," "Check Yes or No," "I Cross My Heart," and "Amarillo by Morning." He has also won numerous awards, including multiple Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
Strait is known for his traditional country sound and clean-cut image and has a large and loyal fan base. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling artists ever.
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an iconic American blues-rock band active since the late 1960s. The group includes vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard.
Over the years, the band’s sound has remained true to its roots, blending elements of classic rock, boogie-woogie, and blues.
The band has made their mark in rock history with a string of hit songs and albums, including classics like “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man.”
ZZ Top's classic sound is often called “Texas boogie,” inspired by their state of Texas (the band was formed in Houston). Their music is also classified as Southern rock. The band has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.
Kenny Rogers
Born in Houston, Kenny Rogers' soft baritone voice made him an instantly recognizable figure in country music.
His illustrious music career spanned nearly six decades, from the late 50s well into the 1980s and 1990s, with many of his albums topping the charts worldwide.
Rogers initially dabbled in jazz and folk music, but he later became a country music sensation with hits like "The Gambler," "Coward of the County," and "Islands in the Stream." His songs were often about love, heartache, and life lessons.
Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson is a legendary American musician and songwriter. He has released over 30 albums throughout his career.
His music is often deeply personal and reflective, combining country, folk, gospel, and blues elements. Many of Kris' songs are considered classics and have become iconic in the music industry.
A native of Brownsville, where he was born and raised. Kris is also a member of the iconic country group The Highwaymen, alongside fellow music legends Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, who are considered members of outlaw country music, which churned out unforgettable country hits.
In 2004, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Kris is also an actor in his notable films, including A Star is Born opposite Barbra Streisand, which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Kris Kristofferson on Wikipedia
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes is one of the world's best-selling female artists. Her music successfully blends country, pop, gospel, and blues elements.
With over 20 million records sold worldwide, She has released several classic albums throughout her career, including "Blue,” "You Light Up My Life,” and "Sitting on Top of the World.”
Initially born in Jackson, Mississippi, the family moved to Garland, Texas, when she was 6. She began her musical career in Dallas, Texas, performing in musical theater.
She was discovered by Dallas record promoter Bill Mack, who lent her his song “Blue,” which gave her an early breakthrough in country music.
Initially identified as a country singer, her songs have become some of the most recognizable in history, including her Grammy-winning single "How Do I Live.”
LeAnn is a multi-award-winning recording artist with two Grammys, three Academy of Country Music Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards.
Beyonce Knowles
Singing superstar and pop icon Beyonce Knowles, who hails from Houston, rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the R&B girl group Destiny's Child alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
She went solo after the group disbanded and has become a multi-platinum recording artist.
Her first solo album "Dangerously In Love" was a critical and commercial success that quickly established her path to superstardom.
Possessing powerful vocals, Beyonce is known for a wide range of octaves in her repertoire notably her single “Love on Top,” which showcases her incredible vocal range.
Apart from her hits, she also has 24 Grammy awards, making her the most-awarded female American music artist of all time.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
The blues guitarist from Dallas rose to fame during the 1980s. Stevie Ray Vaughan, who became the frontman for the band Double Trouble, was renowned for his unique playing style, combining rock and roll with traditional blues influences.
Despite a relatively short musical career, his passion and skill earned him worldwide recognition and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. He released four studio albums before he died in 1990. In 2015, he and Double Trouble were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Stevie Ray Vaughan on Wikipedia
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born and raised in Fort Worth. She gained fame when she won the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002, and her debut single, “A Moment Like This,” became a smashing hit around the globe.
She has released eight studio albums with numerous Billboard hits, beginning with her debut album Thankful, released in 2003.
Besides hit songs, Clarkson also won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and two Academy of Country Music Awards.
Usher
Dallas-born Usher Raymond IV, known as Usher, is a singer and hit songwriter who has sold over 80 million records worldwide and has won eight Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, and three MTV Video Music Awards.
His unique blend of R&B and hip-hop has earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. In 2010, Billboard named him as one of the most successful music artists of the 2000s decade. As a hit songwriter, his songs were performed by famous artists such as Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, and Kelly Clarkson.
Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks are a multi-platinum-selling country band that originated in Dallas. Formed in 1989, the group consists of lead vocalist Natalie Maines (lead vocalist, guitars), Emily Strayer (vocals, guitars, banjo, Dobro), and Martie Maguire (vocals, guitars, mandolin and fiddle).
Dixie Chicks has released six studio albums, which have combined sales of 30 million copies worldwide. Aside from hits, they also won 13 Grammy Awards, eight Country Music Association Awards, and five Academy of Country Music awards.
Achieving mainstream success, Dixie Chicks has been cited with pushing boundaries within the country genre, as well as inspiring a new generation of female artists.
Buddy Holly
Charles Holdin Holley, or Buddy Holly, was among the most influential early rock and rollers. In his short career ( his life would tragically end in a plane crash in 1959), he would be known for rock and roll hits such as "That'll Be the Day" and "Peggy Sue."
Buddy Holly’s innovative style combined jazz, gospel, country, and even classical music to create a unique sound that still resonates today. Despite his short career, he has significantly influenced famous musicians like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Elton John.
Jessica Simpson
Born in Abilene, Jessica Simpson rose to fame in the late 1990s when she released chart-topping singles and had seven studio albums.
Her debut album, Sweet Kisses (1999), sold 2 million copies, while her second album, Irresistible (2001), was certified gold. Her third album, In This Skin (2004), became certified triple platinum.
Don Henley
Singer-songwriter, producer, and musician Don Henley rose to fame as a founding member of the Eagles, an iconic American rock band of which he was part for over 30 years.
As a solo artist, Henley, from Linden, has released five studio albums with multiple hit singles, such as "The Boys Of Summer," released during his first solo album, and "The End of the Innocence.” His first studio album, “I Can’t Stand Still,” released in 1982, reached gold status.
As a record producer, Henley produced hit songs for famous artists such as Stevie Nicks and Trisha Yearwood. Henley is considered one of rock music's most influential figures, having found success in the Eagles and during his solo career.
George Jones
He is considered one of Texas’ best musicians. Born in Saratoga, Texas on September 12, 1931. Jones became known for his numerous hits on the country music charts.
George Jones began performing at local clubs and radio stations in the 1950s before gaining fame with his signature song “White Lightning” in 1959. Jones released “He Stopped Loving Her Today” in 1980, becoming one of his most famous songs, reaching No.1 in the country music charts for 18 weeks.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. The music world mourned his death on April 26, 2013, at 81.
Barry White
Barry Eugene Carter, born in Galveston, started on the wrong path. He was jailed at 16 for stealing $30,000 worth of Cadillac tires. He would leave gang life and venture into music, where he would be known as Barry White.
Barry’s smooth baritone voice was instantly recognizable, making him one of the most iconic singers of the 70s. He sang with a unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk.
He recorded 20 studio solo albums and released many singles. Barry White has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Along with it came critical success.
Barry won two Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1973 and 1975. He also received numerous other awards, including the NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year in 1974 and the Soul Train Heritage Award in 1994. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
In an obituary, BBC describes his voice as “if a chocolate fudge would sing, it would sound like Barry White.”
These are just a few of the many iconic musicians who call Texas home. While their genres may differ, they all have one thing in common: a love for making music. Music is an integral part of Texas culture and has helped shape the state into its unique place today.
If you’re ever in Texas, check out some great artists! Or you can immerse in the state's thriving local music scene across its different cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
