Nebraska, home to nearly 2 million people, is known for its agricultural communities and midwestern roots. As a state that covers over 77,000 square miles, Nebraska is also unique in that it is home to a few breathtaking natural marvels, like Chimney Rock and Toadstool Geological Park.
Aside from Nebrsaka’s beauty, did you know that it’s also the birthplace of a few famous musicians? From Fred Astaire to JoJo Siwa, and Conor Oberst, here are the biggest musicians from “The Cornhusker State.” To compile this list, 24/7 Tempo gathered information from sites including Hello Music Theory and Singersroom.
Fred Astaire
- Birthdate: May 10, 1899
- Hometown: Omaha
Known for his iconic choreography, Fred Astaire is one of the most famous people from Nebraska. Beyond singing, he was also an actor and dancer, known for his unique combination of tap dancing and ballet. He’s most known for his roles in movies such as “Funny Face” (1957), “Holiday Inn” (1942) alongside Bing Crosby, and “The Towering Inferno” (1974).
Fred, born Frederick Austerlitz II, entered show business at an early age. In 1904, his family traveled to New York in an effort to obtain professional training for his older sister, Adele. According to the Library of Congress, Fred and his sister were enrolled in Claude Alvienne’s dancing school upon arrival in NYC. By the early 1930s, Fred made his way to Hollywood. There, he changed the movie musical scene with his unique choreography and smooth voice.
In 1981, Fred received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute for his work as an actor and musician. He passed in 1987 at age 88.
James Valentine
- Birthdate: October 5, 1978
- Hometown: Lincoln
Now known as the lead guitarist for the Grammy Award-winning band Maroon 5, James Valentine has roots tied back to Nebraska. Born and raised in Lincoln, Valentine graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School. While there, he served as president of the Student Council and also became an Eagle Scout.
After attending college at UNL, Valentine went on to attend the Berklee College of Music. Through connections in California, he was introduced to the other members of Maroon 5, and the band was soon formed. While he is most known for his work as lead guitarist in this iconic pop group, he’s also had the opportunity to work with other artists on their albums as well. Valentine now resides in California with his wife.
Elliott Smith
The musicians were playing rock music on stage, there was an audience full of people watching the concert. Concert,mini concert and music festivals.
- Birthdate: August 6, 1969
- Hometown: Omaha
While born with the name Steven Paul Smith, Elliott Smith became a stage name for this singer-songwriter and musician. Smith is most known for his work as lead singer and guitarist to the band Heatmiser before taking on a solo career in the mid-90s.
While he was born in Nebraska, Smith moved to Texas with his mother at an early age. He was introduced to many instruments as a child, and aside from the guitar, could play the piano, harmonica, and drums. He also played the clarinet in his school band. After moving from Texas to Oregon at age 14, Smith began mixing and creating his own music.
While his life was cut short at age 34, his legacy lives on through several artists who have dedicated songs to him including Pearl Jam, Third Eye Blind, and Sparta. Songs he never released have also slowly been produced over the years.
Buddy Miles
Concert view of a saxophone player with vocalist and musical jazz band in the background
- Birthdate: September 5, 1947
- Hometown: Omaha
Known for his drumming ability and smooth R&B voice, George Allen “Buddy” Miles, Jr. hails from Omaha, Nebraska. Miles attended Omaha North High School before dropping out to pursue a music career. It’s believed that he started touring with his father’s jazz band, the Bebops, at age 12.
Miles received the opportunity to perform with many jazz and R&B groups and artists in his early years. He then went on to form his first group, the Electric Flag. Later bands included the Buddy Miles Express, the Band of Gypsys (featuring Jimi Hendrix), and many other groups aside from his solo work. Miles was known for his friendship with Hendrix as the two collaborated on many songs together.
Miles passed in 2008 at the age of 80 from congestive heart failure, but his work lives on as artists continue to cover some of his most popular songs.
Matthew Sweet
- Birthdate: October 6, 1964
- Hometown: Lincoln
Like James Valentine, Sidney Matthew Sweet graduated from Southeast High School in Lincoln before beginning his musical career. Sweet, most known for his guitar playing and singing ability, was part of several groups in the 1980s before breaking out in a solo career in the ’90s.
Sweet graduated from high school in 1983 and then made his way to Athens, Georgia, where he was able to take part in the music scene. Many of his songs have been used in TV shows and movies through the years as well. His latest album, Catspaw, was released in 2021.
Staying true to his Nebraskan roots, Sweet now resides in Omaha with his wife.
Emily Kinney
- Birthdate: August 15, 1984
- Hometown: Wayne
Known most for her iconic role as Beth Greene in “The Walking Dead,” Emily Kinney is a singer-songwriter and actress born in Wayne, Nebraska. Kinney graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan College in Lincoln. She then moved to New York City to pursue her acting career and join Broadway.
While she has had several acting roles in recent years, Kinney is also known for her singing and songwriting abilities. Her latest album, Swimteam, was recently released in 2023.
JoJo Siwa
- Birthdate: May 19, 2003
- Hometown: Omaha
Born Joelle Joanie Siwa, JoJo began her career on the reality TV show, “Dance Moms,” with her mother in 2015. Following the show, JoJo went on to produce her own music, including her most popular song, “Boomerang.”
Siwa is also known for her YouTube channel and media personality. Beyond singing, she’s appeared as a judge for shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars.” She’s also won several Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards over the years and was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
Erik Turner
- Birthdate: March 31, 1964
- Hometown: Omaha
As one of the founding members of the band Warrant, Erik Turner is known for his “glam rock” vibe and guitar skills. You may notice Warrant from their hits like “Cherry Pie,” “Heaven,” and “Sometimes She Cries.”
While he was growing up, Turner was heavily influenced by bands like Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin, and guitarists Jimmy Page and Joe Perry. Warrant was formed during Turner’s time in Los Angeles, California in the mid-80s. Turner has remained a constant in the band lineup over the years and is well-known for his talent on guitar and backup vocals.
Amy Noonan
- Birthdate: April 29, 1986
- Hometown: Seward
Just outside Lincoln in Seward, Nebraska, Amy Heidemann Noonan was born and raised. Professionally, she’s known as Qveen Herby, but her career began as half of the duo pop band Karmin, which she began with her now-husband, Nick Noonan.
Karmin saw success in the early 2010s but changed directions in 2017 to focus on Amy’s solo career. As a solo artist, Amy, a.k.a. Qveen Herby, has released several albums with her most recent one coming out in 2023. Beyond her skills as a singer, songwriter, and rapper, Noonan has also done voice acting for movies like “Rio 2” and has had small acting roles in movies like “Chick Fight” and “Black Lightening.”
Conor Oberst
- Birthdate: February 15, 1980
- Hometown: Omaha
Releasing his first album at just age 13, Conor Oberst is best known as the front-runner of the band Bright Eyes. Oberst grew up in Omaha, attending St. Pius X/St. Leo’s Catholic schools. He was interested in music at an early age, participating in choir and other musical opportunities.
During the early years of Oberst’s career, he formed many bands. His first was called Commander Venus which began in 1994 but disbanded in ’98. Bright Eyes began as a solo project in ’95 and eventually became a trio that still produces music to this day. Oberst is known for his Indie rock sound and has even gone on to create an independent music label in Omaha called Saddle Creek Records. His group, Bright Eyes, is one of the most famous bands from Nebraska. (Click to read about baby boomer artists still making great music.)