20 famous singers from the Midwest

Tracy Chapman is from Cleveland, Ohio, which makes sense because something about her single "Fast Car" feels so Midwestern.

John Legend, who's known for his smash hits like "Ordinary People" and "All Of Me," is from the great state of Ohio. He's a big fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and is always ready to cheer them on from The Shoe.

Many rappers and big personalities were born in Chicago, Illinois, and Chance the Rapper is one of them. In addition to repping his city online, the performer has given back to the state in several ways. In 2017, he donated one million dollars to support mental health in Chicago's Public Schools. “I’m honored to make this donation to Chicago Public Schools Foundation and help cultivate Chicago creative minds,” he told the New York Times. “I’m committed to helping Chicago’s children have quality learning experiences that include the arts.”

Bon Iver loves his hometown in Wisconsin so much that he made a song all about it — and yep, it's called "Wisconsin."

Although many people associate Eminem and his success with his time in Detroit, Michigan, the rapper, who has five No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, is originally from St. Joseph, Missouri. He shows a little love for his birth state in his latest album, The Death of Slim Shady.

The Midwest loved Prince, and he loved the Midwest. The singer was from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and although he could've lived anywhere after becoming a global icon, he never left. ”I like Hollywood. I just like Minneapolis a little bit better," he once said. He even joked with Oprah during their interview in Paisley Park (his once 10,000-square-foot home) that he loved the state so much because its bitter winters "keep the bad people out."  

Many famous entertainers come from Indiana, including James Dean, David Letterman, and, of course, John Mellencamp. He once spoke about his love for the Hoosier State, saying Bloomington has always been a "touchstone for me."

Lizzo, from Detroit, Michigan, has always been vocal about her love for the Motor City. She once campaigned for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, saying Michigan would be "crucial" in the 2020 election. She also teared up on her stop in Michigan during her "Special Tour," saying the night was "a very special night ’cause we are home, b-tch!"

Spencer Sutherland, the singer of popular songs like "Sweater" and "Chicken Little" with Megan Trainor, is from Pickerington, Ohio, a suburb just east of Columbus. During an interview in 2016, he spoke about being from central Ohio, saying the Midwest city helps him "keep a very humble attitude."

The only reason I know of Gary, Indiana, is because it's home to Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, and their famous sisters, Janet and LaToya. Someone cue "Gary, Indiana" from The Music Man, please.

Chance the Rapper isn't the only famous musician from Chicago. Earth, Wind, & Fire, known for their popular song "September," are also from the Windy City. They're a beloved group with several accolades, including seven Grammys, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Chris Stapleton, the country superstar with the angelic voice behind "Tennesee Whiskey," lives in Nashville with his family. However, he was born in Lexington, Kentucky. Although some may consider Kentucky to be the South, I'm calling it the Midwest for the simple fact that it shares an airport with Cincinnati.

We don't talk much about Bow Wow these days, but I'll always be a fan since he's from my hometown (Columbus, Ohio). Plus, his single "Like You" is a true bop that'll take the late '90s kids way back. 

Cleveland has everything. LeBron James, Halle Berry, and Kid Cudi — the rapper who gave us his biggest and catchiest hit, "Day 'n' Nite."

Anita Baker is a legendary performer who was born in Toledo, Ohio, but grew up in Detroit, Michigan, after being adopted by a foster family.

Twenty One Pilots is a rock duo from Columbus, Ohio, with a handful of catchy albums and a Grammy Award to match. They debuted in 2009, and as of May 2024, the group released their seventh album, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.

Many of Rascal Flatts' members are Columbus, Ohio, natives, and they love giving back to the community whenever they can. They once performed the national anthem at an OSU football game, and in 2015, they headlined the Buckeye Country Superfest. In an interview with WCOL, Columbus' local country music station, lead singer Gary LeVox called Columbus "the promised land for me."

Macy Gray pops in and out of the scene whenever she feels like it, so sometimes I forget that the soulful singer with a Grammy and Billboard Music Award is from Canton, Ohio.

Not only is Babyface an impressive singer, he's also an exceptional songwriter. He's the pen behind some of the industry's biggest hits, like "I'll Make Love To You," "Honeymoon Avenue," and "Never Love A Stranger."Oh, and he's from Indiana!

We all know about Luda and his five No. 1 hits, including "Yeah!" with Usher, but you might not have known he's from the Windy City. In fact, he's one of Illinois' biggest fans. "... the Taste of Chicago," he once said, talking about the state's many eateries. "That's one of the things that I remember as a child that I cherish and I love."