Most Famous Musician From Each State

While culture is not the largest of U.S. exports, it has had the most pronounced and observable effect on the world. Global entertainment is dominated by U.S.-produced art, with music as a leading form. From rock and roll to rap music to pop, the world loves American music.
American music is not itself a distinct genre. The country’s evolving history and Americans' varied experiences have influenced art in different ways -- over the years and across states. Each U.S. state has produced musicians who -- to varying degrees -- have attained some level of fame.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed a range of data indicative of popularity to identify the most famous musician from each state.
Musicians' birthplaces can be central to their identity, and consequently their art as well. Songs by artists like Bruce Springsteen and The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, for example, are clearly influenced by their home states. For many music fans, Wilson is practically synonymous with California and Springsteen with New Jersey.
Some particularly large states are home to dozens of musicians who, if born elsewhere, would be far and away the most famous musician in that state. New York, for example, is the birthplace of mega industry stars like Barbara Streisand, Jay-Z, and Mariah Carey, each of whom has sold well over 25 million albums. However, with 82.5 million album sales to date, Billy Joel ranks as the Empire State’s most famous musician.
Many smaller states do not have an artist who has sold millions of records. But when it comes to quantifying fame, album sales are not the only useful metric. Wiz Khalifa, a rapper born in Minot, North Dakota, has had some 4.8 million Wikipedia page views in the last two years, along with two chart topping singles.
In other states, record sales alone are not enough to eclipse other, often less quantifiable metrics of fame. For example, Seattle-born Kenny G is far and away Washington state’s best selling artist, with some 48 million record sales to date. Still, the state is home to Jimi Hendrix, revered as one of the best and most influential guitarists of all time. Despite selling about 25 million fewer records than Kenny G, Hendrix is Washington state’s most famous musician.

. Alabama\> Artist: Hank Williams

> Album sales: N/A
> Top track: Father & Son
> Place of birth: Mount Olive
> Active: 1930s - 1950s




California

> Artist: Brian Wilson
> Album sales: 22.5 million (The Beach Boys)
> Top track: Caroline, No
> Place of birth: Inglewood
> Active: 1960s - present

Arkansas

> Artist: Johnny Cash
> Album sales: 23.5 million
> Top track: A Boy Named Sue
> Place of birth: Kingsland
> Active: 1950s - 2000s
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. Arizona

> Artist: Linda Ronstadt
> Album sales: 30 million
> Top track: You're No Good
> Place of birth: Tucson
> Active: 1960s - present

Alaska

> Artist: John Gourley
> Album sales: N/A
> Top track: Evil Friends (Portugal. The Man)
> Place of birth: Wasilla
> Active: 2000s - present