There are hardly any arguments that Louisiana produces some of the best musicians and artists in the world. Louisiana is home to what many people know as the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans. There are a lot of music genres though that came from this southern state!
Listed below are the 10 biggest musicians from Louisiana. Can you guess their top hits?
We also have other articles related to music and entertainment. Click here to read about the most popular artists who’ve never had a No. 1 hit.
Louis Armstrong
There is no better way to start our list than with Louis Armstrong. Louis Armstrong was an incredible trumpeter and vocalist and a pioneer of jazz music. He was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana making him easily one of the most famous singers from New Orleans.
Louis Armstrong collaborated with many greats and recorded songs still sung and played today. His top hits include “La Vie en Rose”, “What a Wonderful World”, and “Can’t We Be Friends”. He didn’t write all the songs he recorded, but some songs, like “What a Wonderful World” were written specifically for him.
Fats Domino
Second on our list is another amazing artist, Fats Domino. Fats Domino was born on February 26, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was an incredible musician, specifically a pianist, who pioneered rock and roll!
His first single might be the first rock and roll single ever. Interestingly though, he never claimed to have invented or developed rock and roll and instead believed it was not new. Some of his most popular songs include “Ain’t That a Shame”, “Blue Monday”, “My Girl Josephine “, and “Be My Guest”.
Harry Connick Jr.
Another artist born in New Orleans to make our list is Harry Connick Jr., also known for his acting and composing careers. Harry Connick Jr. was born on September 11, 1967. He is an amazing male singer from Louisiana.
Popular songs sung by Harry Connick Jr. include “A Wink and A Smile”, “Whisper Your Name”, and “Come By Me”. He also plays piano and has starred in films like “Dolphin Tale”, “P.S. I Love You “, and “Memphis Belle”.
Lil Wayne
While New Orleans is known for its incredible folk and jazz music, it’s also produced many rappers, including, Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne is an American rapper and singer born on September 27, 1982. He’s been active in the music industry since 1995.
Lil Wayne’s first album was “Tha Block Is Hot”. Before this, the talented Louisiana artist performed in a group called the Hot Boys. Popular songs recorded by Lil Wayne are “Lollipop”, “Mrs. Officer”, and “6 Foot 7 Foot”.
Mahalia Jackson
There have been a lot of male musicians and artists, so let’s list some female singers from Louisiana. Mahalia Jackson was a stunning gospel singer born in New Orleans on October 26, 1911. She performed with a strong voice and passion for forty years, touring the world.
Mahalia Jackson had a wide range. She sang the following songs “My God Is Real”, “Take My Hand Precious Lord”, and “A City Called Heaven”.
Lucinda Williams
Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Lucinda Williams is a unique singer-songwriter and a solo guitarist. Lucinda was born on January 26, 1953. She creates music in different genres, including folk, Americana, alternative, country, and rock.
Some of the best songs ever recorded by Lucinda Williams include “I Lost It”, “Change the Locks”, “Car Wheels On A Gravel Road”, and “Sweet Old World”.
Irma Thomas
Another incredible Louisiana artist worth a mention is Irma Thomas. This gorgeous singer was born on February 18, 1941, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. One of the first songs she recorded was “It’s Raining”.
This influential and strong singer sang the following songs “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)”, ”
Break-A-Way”, and “Time Is On My Side”. Although no longer on tour, Irma Thomas sometimes performs and attends jazz festivals.
Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy was also born in Louisiana. This talented American blues guitarist and singer was born on July 30, 1936, in Lettsworth. He writes and performs Chicago blues, blues rock, and electric blues.
Buddy Guy started his music career playing in bands throughout Baton Rouge. His career rapidly grew when he moved to Chicago. Some songs he’s performed include “Blues Don’t Lie”, “What Kind of Woman Is This”, and “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues”.
Tim McGraw
Did you know Tim McGraw was also born in Louisiana? He was born on May 1, 1967 in Delhi, LA. This wonderful country artist has produced many songs and won a long list of awards.
Some of his most popular songs include “Don’t Take The Girl”, “It’s Your Love”, “Highway Don’t Care”, and “Please Remember Me”.
The Dixie Cups
Last but not least are The Dixie Cups, a pop girl group from the 1960s. This group originates from New Orleans, Louisiana, and has been active since 1963. They are best known for their hot singles “People Say”, “Iko Iko”, and “Chapel of Love”.
The Dixie Cups consisted of Barbara Ann, Hawkins, Rosa Lee Hawkins, and Joan Marie Johnson.
Now that you’ve met the 10 biggest musicians from Louisiana, why not also discover the real names of rock and pop icons?