10 Iconic Singers You Didn’t Realize Are From Alabama

Alabama is home to many celebrities, including Channing Tatum, and Robin Roberts.

Did you know that there are legendary singers from the Yellowhammer state? Check out this list of singers you didn't know were from Alabama.

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Jason Isbell

This rock/country artist was born in 1979 in Greenhill, Al. He was once a member of the Drive By Truckers but now is with the band The 400 Unit. Isbell has won 4 Grammy’s for songs like “24 Frames” and “If We Were Vampires”. 

Wilson Pickett

From Prattville, Al this soul and r&b artist was born in 1941. Nominated for 5 Grammy’s and inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. After suffering a heart attack, Pickett died in 2006 in Reston, VA. He had popular song that included,” Midnight Hour” and “Land of a Thousand Dances”.

Emmylou Harris

Only an hour from Tuscaloosa, this country folk rock singer was born in Birmingham, AL in 1947. Harris has collaborated with artist like Dolly Parton and has received a whopping 13 Grammy Awards. She has also opened a rescue in honor of her dog called Bonaparte’s Retreat.

Nat King Cole

Nathaniel Adams Cole was a jazz pop blues singer. He has four recordings in the Grammy Hall of Fame, which includes “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa”. Unfortunately, Cole developed lung cancer in 1964 and died months later.

The Commodores

This popular band is known for 2 words, brick house. This band was founded in 1968 and signed to Motown by 1972. A funk and soul group, that included Lionel Richie, won one Grammy award.

Jimmy Buffett

Born Christmas Day in 1946 this gulf western music artist was raised in Mobile, Al. He was nominated twice in the 47th Grammys. He does have a loyal fan base called the Parrotheads.

Alabama Band

From Fort Payne, Al the country rock sound this band had got them inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Tuscaloosa locals probably know them for the song “Dixieland Delight” but what you might not know is this group was founded by two cousins.

Hank Williams Sr

Of Mount Olive West, AL, this honky-tonk, blues, country artist was known for songs like “Hey Good Lookin” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart”. Hank died young due to a heart attack at only age 29. A couple years later in 1961 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Lionel Richie

This Tuskegee, Al native was born in 1949 and as mentioned above was a part of band The Commodores. After to deciding to go solo in 1982 he has hit like “Endless Love” with Diana Ross and “All Night Long”. Richie is also a philanthropist who participated in cowriting the song “We Are The World” to raise money for Africa.