The Lone Star state is big, arid, and apparently, full of musical talent. As they say, everything is bigger in Texas. It should come as no surprise, then, that many of the top-selling musicians of all time got their start in this state. As such, let’s meet the 10 biggest musicians from Texas. (Discover the biggest comebacks in musical history.)
To compile this list of the biggest musicians from Texas, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of musical and celebrity databases including The Famous People and Singersroom. From there, we picked a selection of popular musicians that reflect a wide range of time periods and genres. After that, we consulted websites like Biography and Britannica for the artists’ biographical information.
Willie Nelson
- Hometown: Abbott
One of the biggest musicians from Texas is country singer, guitarist, and activist, Willie Nelson. Born Willie Hugh Nelson, Nelson first rose to prominence with his successful debut album, “…And Then I Wrote.” Since then, he has gone on to have an illustrious career, having been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993 and selling millions of records.
A true American icon, Nelson is also a noted activist. In 1985, he helped found Farm Aid to increase the awareness of family farms. Nelson is also a noted marijuana enthusiast. As such, he is co-chair of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), which has been relatively successful in promoting marijuana legislation.
Janis Joplin
- Hometown: Port Arthur
Born Janis Lyn Joplin, Janis Joplin was a singer and songwriter. A musician from a young age, Joplin rose to prominence after playing at the Monterey Pop Festival with her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company. From there, Joplin would taste meteoric success and become considered one of the most unique voices in American popular music.
Though she died of an overdose at the young age of 27, her second solo album “Pearl,” would reach number one on the Billboard charts. To this day, Joplin remains one of the top-selling American musicians with over 18 million albums sold. For her success, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Beyoncé
- Hometown: Houston
Another one of the biggest musicians from Texas is singer, songwriter, and businesswoman Beyoncé. Born Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, Beyoncé first rose to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Since embarking on a solo career, Beyoncé has seen incredible success. In total, she has sold over 200 million records worldwide.
Besides music, Beyoncé is best known for her prominent acting roles in movies like “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” “Dreamgirls,” “Obsessed,” and “The Lion King.”
Nelly
- Hometown: Austin
Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., Nelly is a rapper, singer, and actor. Though he got his start as a member of the hip-hop group St. Lunatics, Nelly first rose to prominence with his solo debut album “Country Grammar.” This album was an instant success, spawning numerous hit songs and selling millions of records.
One of the biggest musical stars of the millennium, Nelly has won numerous awards during his career including three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards. With over 21 million albums sold worldwide, Nelly is ranked as the fourth-best-selling hip-hop artist of all time.
Selena
- Hometown: Lake Jackson
No doubt, one of the biggest musicians from Texas is Selena. Born Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, Selena first rose to prominence after winning the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, an award she would go on to win nine consecutive times. Her third studio album, “Entre a Mi Mundo” peaked at number one on the Billboard Regional Mexican Album charts for nearly a year.
Though she was shot and killed by the founder of her fan club, Selena’s reputation would only grow in the years after her death. The film “Selena” solidified this, which depicted her life and catapulted lead actress Jennifer Lopez to fame. Having sold over 18 million records worldwide, Selena is considered one of the bestselling female artists in Latin music history.
Kelly Clarkson
- Hometown: Fort Worth
Another one of the biggest musicians from Texas is singer, songwriter, and television personality Kelly Clarkson. Born Kelly Brianne Clarkson, Clarkson first rose to prominence after winning the first season of “American Idol.” Since then, she has gone on to release several hit albums, each with chart-topping singles.
In recent years, Clarkson has hosted her eponymous talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” For her success, she has won three Grammy Awards, three MTV Music Video Awards, as well as five Daytime Emmy Awards. Throughout her career, Clarkson has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide. (Explore the most popular patriotic songs on the Billboard Hot 100.)
Buddy Holly
- Hometown: Lubbock
Born Charles Hardin Holley, Buddy Holly was a singer, songwriter, and pioneering figure in early rock and roll music. Though a musician from an early age, he first rose to prominence with the release of his band’s single, “That’ll Be the Day.” From there, Holly would make numerous television appearances and release hit songs like “Peggy Sue.”
Though he and his band died tragically in an airplane crash a few years later, Holly would grow into a monument to early rock and roll music, solidifying rock and roll traditions like a band consisting of two guitars, bass, and drums. For his musical success, Holly was one of the first people to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Discover baby boomers who are still making hit albums.)
Usher
- Hometown: Dallas
Another one of the biggest musicians from Texas is singer and dancer Usher. Born Usher Raymond IV, Usher first rose to prominence following the release of his second album “My Way.” Since then, Usher has been called the “King of R&B” for his litany of hit singles and best-selling albums.
Considered both a pop and sex icon, Usher has won numerous accolades for his work including eight Grammy Awards, 34 ASCAP Awards, and 18 Billboard Music Awards. Throughout his career, Usher has sold a combined total of 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Travis Scott
- Hometown: Houston
Born Jacques Bermon Webster II, Travis Scott is a rapper, singer, and producer. Scott first rose to prominence with the release of his debut album, “Rodeo.” His next release, “Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight,” peaked at number one on the Billboard Charts. Since then, Scott has seen unprecedented success and become a worldwide music and cultural icon.
In his short career, Scott has already earned many accolades including eight Grammy Award nominations, a Billboard Music Award, and multiple BET Hip Hop Awards. Due to his unique fusion of hip-hop and ambient genres, Scott has sold over 45 million records worldwide.
Erykah Badu
- Hometown: Dallas
Another one of the biggest musicians from Texas is singer and songwriter Erykah Badu. Born Erica Abi Wright, Badu first rose to fame with the release of her debut album, “Baduizm,” which spawned several hit singles and was certified triple platinum in sales.
Considered the “Queen of Neo Soul,” Badu has sold millions of albums and won numerous awards for her unique and mystical sound. As for her accolades, Badu has won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album as well as sixteen other awards including MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards. (Learn about popular music artists who’ve never had a No.1 hit.)