Singers and Vocalists

21 Iconic Country Singers from the Sunshine State: Florida

Florida’s music scene often brings to mind beach tunes and Latin rhythms. But many don’t realize the Sunshine State has also produced some of country music’s brightest stars. These artists have left their mark on the genre, blending Florida’s unique vibe with the country’s heartland roots.

We promise to take you on a musical journey through Florida’s country music legacy. Our list showcases 21 iconic singers who’ve made the state proud with their twangy tunes and Southern charm.

This article will explore these talented Floridians who’ve shaped country music. From seasoned legends to rising stars, you’ll learn how the Sunshine State has contributed to the country music landscape.

21 Iconic Country Singers from Florida

Florida’s country music scene has produced a remarkable collection of talent, from chart-topping stars to beloved local heroes. This list celebrates 21 singers who’ve put the Sunshine State on the country music map, showcasing their unique contributions to the genre.

1. Jake Owen

Jake Owen, known for his laid-back country style, has become a staple in modern country music. He gained widespread recognition with his chart-topping hit “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.”

Birth Date: August 28, 1981
Major Albums: Barefoot Blue Jean Night (2011), Days of Gold (2013), American Love (2016)
Major Achievements: Multiple number-one singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, ACM Top New Male Vocalist (2009)

2. Easton Corbin

Easton Corbin quickly made a name for himself with his traditional country sound. His debut single, “A Little More Country Than That,” topped the charts and established him as a prominent figure in country music.

Birth Date: April 12, 1982
Major Albums: Easton Corbin (2010), All Over the Road (2012), About to Get Real (2015)
Major Achievements: Two singles reaching number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, ACM Top New Solo Vocalist (2010)

3. Mel Tillis

Mel Tillis was a legendary country music singer and songwriter, known for his stutter, which became his trademark. He penned numerous hit songs for other artists before finding success as a solo performer.

Birth Date: August 8, 1932
Major Albums: Sawmill (1973), Me and Pepper (1979), Southern Rain (1980)
Major Achievements: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2007), CMA Entertainer of the Year (1976)

4. John Anderson

John Anderson’s distinctive voice and style made him one of the most influential country artists of the 1980s. His song “Swingin'” is a country classic that remains popular today.

Birth Date: December 13, 1954
Major Albums: Wild & Blue (1982), Seminole Wind (1992), Solid Ground (1993)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nomination, CMA Single of the Year (1983 for “Swingin'”)

5. Michael Ray

Michael Ray is a contemporary country singer who blends traditional and modern elements. His self-titled debut album produced two number-one hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Birth Date: April 29, 1988
Major Albums: Michael Ray (2015), Amos (2018), Higher Education (2021)
Major Achievements: Two number-one singles on Billboard Country Airplay, CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year (2016)

6. Josh Turner

Josh Turner’s deep baritone voice and traditional country sound have made him a fan favorite. His “Long Black Train” breakout hit showcased his old-school country influences.

Birth Date: November 20, 1977
Major Albums: Long Black Train (2003), Your Man (2006), Deep South (2017)
Major Achievements: Multiple platinum-certified albums, Grammy Award nominations

7. Johnny Tillotson

Johnny Tillotson was a crossover artist who succeeded in both country and pop music. His smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics made him popular in the 1960s.

Birth Date: April 20, 1938
Major Albums: It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’ (1962), Talk Back Trembling Lips (1964)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominations, multiple Top 10 hits on the country and pop charts

8. Billy Dean

Billy Dean is known for his soulful voice and storytelling ability. He succeeded in the early 1990s with a string of hits resonating with country audiences.

Birth Date: April 2, 1962
Major Albums: Young Man (1990), Billy Dean (1991), Fire in the Dark (1993)
Major Achievements: ACM Top New Male Vocalist (1992), CMA Horizon Award (1992)

9. Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker became a country music sensation very young with her hit “Delta Dawn.” She has had a long and successful career with numerous hits over the decades.

Birth Date: October 10, 1958
Major Albums: TNT (1978), What’s Your Mama’s Name (1973), While I’m Livin’ (2019)
Major Achievements: Multiple CMA Awards, Grammy Award winner (2020)

10. Mindy McCready

Mindy McCready gained fame in the late 1990s with her debut album Ten Thousand Angels, which went double platinum. Despite a troubled personal life, she left a lasting impact on country music.

Birth Date: November 30, 1975
Major Albums: Ten Thousand Angels (1996), If I Don’t Stay the Night (1997), I’m Not So Tough (1999)
Major Achievements: Double platinum debut album, multiple Top 10 country hits

11. Jim Stafford

Jim Stafford is known for his humorous country songs and witty lyrics. His music often blends comedy with country, making him a unique figure in the genre.

Birth Date: January 16, 1944
Major Albums: Jim Stafford (1974), Not Just Another Pretty Foot (1975)
Major Achievements: Multiple Top 10 hits, TV variety show host (The Jim Stafford Show)

12. The Bellamy Brothers (Howard and David Bellamy)

The Bellamy Brothers are a duo known for their catchy songs that often cross between country and pop. They have had a lasting career with numerous hits over the decades.

Birth Date: Howard Bellamy: February 2, 1946; David Bellamy: September 16, 1950
Major Albums: Let Your Love Flow (1976), Sons of the Sun (1980), Rebels Without a Clue (1988)
Major Achievements: Numerous chart-topping hits, CMA and ACM awards

13. Aaron Tippin

Aaron Tippin is known for his patriotic themes and working-class anthems. His music resonates with fans who appreciate his straightforward, no-nonsense approach.

Birth Date: July 3, 1958
Major Albums: Read Between the Lines (1992), Call of the Wild (1993), Tool Box (1995)
Major Achievements: Multiple gold-certified albums, ACM Top New Male Vocalist (1992)

14. Bryan White

Bryan White gained fame in the mid-1990s with his smooth vocals and heartfelt ballads. During the peak of his career, he enjoyed a series of chart-topping hits.

Birth Date: February 17, 1974
Major Albums: Bryan White (1994), Between Now and Forever (1996), The Right Place (1997)
Major Achievements: Multiple number-one hits on the country charts, ACM Top New Male Vocalist (1995)

15. Pat Boone

Pat Boone was one of the biggest stars in the 1950s, known for his smooth voice and clean-cut image. Though primarily a pop singer, he also had success with country music.

Birth Date: June 1, 1934
Major Albums: Ain’t That a Shame (1955), Pat Boone’s Greatest Hits (1958)
Major Achievements: Over 45 million records sold, multiple gold and platinum albums

16. Steve Wariner

Steve Wariner is a versatile musician known for his guitar skills and smooth vocals. He has enjoyed a long career with numerous hits in the country music scene.

Birth Date: December 25, 1954
Major Albums: Life’s Highway (1985), I Am Ready (1991), Burnin’ the Roadhouse Down (1998)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award winner, CMA Male Vocalist of the Year (1985)

17. Lari White

Lari White was a talented singer-songwriter and actress who brought a soulful edge to her country music. She was known for her powerful voice and emotional depth.

Birth Date: May 13, 1965
Major Albums: Wishes (1994), Don’t Fence Me In (1996), Stepping Stone (1998)
Major Achievements: Three Grammy Awards, multiple Top 10 country hits

18. Brian Kelley (of Florida Georgia Line)

Brian Kelley is best known as one half of the duo Florida Georgia Line. The group revolutionized country music with their blend of country and pop, creating a new sub-genre known as “bro-country.”

19. Donny Osmond

Though Donny Osmond is primarily known for his pop career, he ventured into country music during his versatile career. His ability to cross genres showcased his broad musical talents, earning him a dedicated fan base.

Birth Date: December 9, 1957
Major Albums: Donny & Marie (1976), Somewhere in Time (2002), The Soundtrack of My Life (2014)
Major Achievements: Over 100 million records sold worldwide, multiple gold and platinum albums, TV variety show host

20. Bobby Bare

Bobby Bare is a country music legend who has profoundly impacted the genre with his storytelling songs. Although born in Ohio, he spent much of his life in Florida, influencing the state’s country scene.

Birth Date: April 7, 1935
Major Albums: Detroit City and Other Hits (1963), Bobby Bare Sings Lullabys, Legends and Lies (1973), 500 Miles Away from Home (1963)
Major Achievements: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2013), Grammy Award winner, numerous Top 10 hits

21. Gwen Sebastian

Gwen Sebastian is a country singer with roots in Florida, known for her strong vocals and emotional performances. She gained national attention after competing on The Voice and has since built a solid career in country music.

Birth Date: May 3, 1974
Major Albums: Gwen Sebastian (2009), The Good Ol’ Days (2014), Once Upon a Time in the West: Act I (2018)
Major Achievements: Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a frequent collaborator with Blake Shelton, national tour performances

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through Florida’s country music landscape, it’s clear that the Sunshine State has been a fertile ground for twang and talent.

These 21 singers have proven that country music isn’t just about the heartland – it’s about the heart, period. They’ve carried Florida’s unique spirit from small-town beginnings to Nashville stardom into their music.

But why does this matter? It shows that great country music can come from anywhere, even places known more for beaches than banjos. These artists have expanded the genre’s boundaries and enriched its sound.

What’s next?Learn more about these artists’ discographies. You might find your new favorite song or rediscover an old classic.

And who knows? The next big country star from Florida might be just around the corner, waiting to be heard.

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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