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These Are Best Country Singers From Every State in the Midwest

Let’s take a stroll through the heartland and discover the best country singer from each state in the Midwest. 🎶 #CountryMusicLegends

Winona, Minnesota – When you think of country music, places like Tennessee and Texas may come to mind. But did you know that the Midwest has produced some incredible country talent too? Let’s take a stroll through the heartland and discover the best country singer from each state in the Midwest.

Meet the Midwest’s Finest Country Singers!

Illinois – Alison Krauss

  • Hometown Hero: Born and bred in Illinois.
  • Tough Competition: Beat out John Prine, Gretchen Wilson, and Brett Eldredge.
  • Fun Fact: Alison Krauss boasts a record-breaking 27 Grammy Awards (and counting)!

Indiana – Crystal Gayle

  • Hoosier Roots: Originally from Kentucky, but Indiana-raised in Wabash.
  • Facing Off: Competed with Connie Smith, Joey Feek, Preston Brust from LoCash, and Steve Wariner.
  • Did You Know? Crystal Gayle, famous for “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” has dozens of Top 10 hits and is likely to join the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Iowa's Best: 365 Unique Adventures by Jack and Kitty Norton - Amazon Best-Seller!

Iowa – Everly Brothers

  • Iowa Connection: Spent their childhood in Iowa.
  • Unbeatable: No one could top them in their Iowa Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame status.
  • Fun Tidbit: The Everly Brothers are Iowa legends!

Kansas – Martina McBride

  • Sunflower State Star: Born and raised in Kansas.
  • The Competition: Beat out Jerrod Niemann and Chely Wright.
  • Noteworthy: Martina McBride ruled as country music’s leading lady for nearly two decades.

Michigan – Kid Rock

  • Michigan Made: A true Michigander.
  • Going Head to Head: Competed with Frankie Ballard and Josh Gracin.
  • Unique Path: Kid Rock rocked the rap scene and later found success in country music with hits like “All Summer Long.”
Minnesota's Best: 365 Unique Adventures by Jack and Kitty Norton - Amazon Best-Seller!

Minnesota – Liz Anderson

  • Minnesota Memories: Spent her early childhood in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
  • Fierce Competition: Went up against Caitlyn Smith and Dawn Sears.
  • Interesting Fact: Liz Anderson, known primarily as a songwriter, also scored several Top 5 hits.

Missouri – Ferlin Husky

  • Show-Me State Pride: Born and raised in Missouri.
  • Rivals: Faced off against Sara Evans, Chris Janson, and Rhonda Vincent.
  • Hall of Famer: Ferlin Husky’s legacy earned him a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Nebraska – Tompall and the Glaser Brothers

  • Nebraska Roots: Born in Spalding, Neb.
  • The Contender: Competed with Boxcar Willie.
  • Visionaries: Tompall, Jim, and Chuck Glaser were musical pioneers in the ’60s and ’70s.

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North Dakota – Lynn Anderson

  • North Dakota Native: Born in Grand Forks, N.D.
  • Facing the Challenge: Competed with Tigirlily.
  • Family Ties: Discover Lynn Anderson’s mom, Liz, on this list too (Minnesota).

Ohio – Rascal Flatts

  • Buckeye State Beginnings: Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus hail from Ohio.
  • Tough Opponents: Went head-to-head with Dwight Yoakam, Earl Thomas Conley, and Bobby Bare.
  • Record Breakers: Rascal Flatts’ early 2000s hits made them one of the most successful country bands of all time.

South Dakota – Sherwin Linton

  • True South Dakotan: A lifelong resident.
  • Fierce Foe: Competed with Gary Mule Deer.
  • Local Legend: Sherwin Linton’s importance to South Dakota is comparable to George Strait’s status in Texas. Fun fact: my hubby Jack and I have performed several shows with Sherwin, and he’s just about as nice as nice can be!
Wisconsin's Best: 365 Unique Adventures by Jack and Kitty Norton - Amazon Best-Seller!

Wisconsin – Joe Diffie

  • Wisconsin Wanderer: Spent middle school years in Wisconsin.
  • Rivals: Went up against Pee Wee King and Josh Thompson.
  • Unconventional Journey: Joe Diffie’s country music success came after his move to Nashville.

There you have it, folks! These remarkable country artists from the Midwest have left their mark on the world of country music. From Grammy winners to local legends, the heartland has produced some incredible talent. Stay tuned for more stories of musical greatness right here at Travel with Jack and Kitty!

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