Famous American Vocalists

Considered the prototypical rock star, Jim Morrison remains one of the most influential singer-songwriters, almost five decades after his death. Jim influenced the counterculture of the 1960s as he embodied the hippie counterculture rebellion. Due to his erratic performances and wild personality, he is regarded as one of the most iconic frontmen in rock history.

Louis Armstrong was an American trumpeter and singer who played an important role in the development of jazz. Thanks to his playing, trumpet became known as a solo instrument and jazz, which was previously known as a collectively improvised folk music, became a soloist's art form. Not surprisingly, Louis Armstrong is widely accepted as the embodiment of jazz. 

The son of popular actor and singer Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr. followed in the footsteps of his father to become a singer-songwriter and conductor. He was kidnapped at age 19 and released two days later. The kidnapping was rumored to be a publicity stunt to promote his singing career, which he established around the same time.

Brenda Lee is a singer best-known for performing country music and pop. One of the earliest pop singers to enjoy a contemporary international following, Lee was among the most-charted singers during the 1960s. A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Lee is the only female performer to be inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.

Shooter Jennings is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. In addition to releasing his songs and albums, Jennings also produces tracks and albums for several other bands like Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Fifth on the Floor, and Hellbound Glory. Shooter Jennings is also credited with forming a multi-format recording company and a label named Black Country Rock.

Best remembered as rich and spoiled Blair Warner on NBC sitcom, The Facts of Life, actress Lisa Whelchel is also a well-known singer and songwriter. She reached No. 17 on the Billboard Contemporary Christian music charts with her Christian pop album, All Because of You. Founder of Momtime Ministers and author of ten books, she is also known for her motivational speeches.

Bobby Womack began his career with his family band The Valentinos, after gaining a record deal with The Soul Stirrers singer Sam Cooke. He later began a solo career and became famous for tracks such as Lookin’ for a Love. He also contributed to the soundtrack of Across 110th Street.

Lzzy Hale is a singer, musician, and songwriter best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the hard rock band Halestorm. She is also the co-founder of the band. She began writing and performing music as a teenager and began her career collaborating with her brother, Arejay. She has also collaborated with many other artists.    

Sister Rosetta Tharpe was an American recording artist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter. Characterized by a mixture of electric guitar and spiritual lyrics, Tharpe's music played an influential role in the development of rock and roll. Her music influenced several rock-and-roll musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Chuck Berry. She is often referred to as the Godmother of rock and roll.

Former lead singer of the hard-rock band Flyleaf, Lacey Sturm is known for her trademark screams and her tracks such as I'm So Sick and All Around Me. Her album Life Screams made her the first solo female performer to top the hard-rock album charts. She has also penned a memoir.