10 Country Singers From Tennessee

Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage & Chris Polk/Variety/Penske Media/Getty Images & Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Tennessee is undoubtedly the place to be for up-and-coming country artists.

The state’s capital is literally named “Music City,” and for good reason.

Nashville is considered the home of country music and is famous for its country music venues, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Nashville, Tennessee, has a strong reputation as a center for music recording and production, attracting musicians and recording artists from all over the world. But some of your favorite country artists didn’t have to travel quite as far as others. They were literally born right into the heart of Tennessee!

From established icons to rising stars, the state continues to be a breeding ground for exceptional country music talent.

Keep reading for a list of 10 of your favorite country artists, all from Tennessee!

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton performs onstage at the Academy of Country Music Awards held at Allegiant Stadium on March 7, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Polk/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Chris Polk / Variety / Penske Media via Getty Images

Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, started her performing career as a child, showcasing her singing talent on local radio and television shows in the East Tennessee region.

Kenny Chesney

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY Kenny Chesney performs onstage during the 57th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 08, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage)
Astrida Valigorsky / WireImage

Born on March 26, 1968, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and raised in Luttrell, Kenny Chesney relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, after graduating from East Tennessee State in 1990. In Nashville, he showcased his musical talent at various local clubs.

Kelsea Ballerini

AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 07: In this image released on April 07, 2024 Kelsea Ballerini performs on the 2024 CMT Music Awards at the University of Texas Tower on April 3, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Hubert Vestil/Getty Images)
Hubert Vestil / Getty Images

Kelsea Ballerini was born on September 12, 1993, in Mascot, Tennessee, and grew up in Knoxville. At the age of 12, she wrote her first song as a gift for her mother, and three years later, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.

Chris Young

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 08: Chris Young performs during CMA Fest 2024 at Ascend Amphitheater on June 08, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
Erika Goldring / Getty Images

Born on June 12, 1985, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Chris Young developed a passion for music at a young age, participating in numerous children’s theater productions. During high school, he joined the choir and started performing at local clubs.

Kane Brown

FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 16: Kane Brown performs onstage at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards at The Star in Frisco on May 16, 2024 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
John Shearer / Getty Images

Kane Brown was born on October 21, 1993, and grew up in rural northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga, Tennessee, region. His introduction to country music came after he nearly won a school talent show in 11th grade, sparking his passion for performing country music.

Rodney Atkins

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 06: Rodney Atkins performs during CMA Fest 2024 at Ascend Amphitheater on June 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
Erika Goldring / Getty Images

Rodney Atkins, born on March 28, 1969, in Knoxville, Tennessee, began writing songs while in college. In the mid-nineties, he relocated to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry.

Jelly Roll

Jelly Roll performs onstage at the 2023 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on April 2, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
Christopher Polk / Variety via Getty Images

Jelly Roll, born and raised in the Antioch neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee on December 4, 1984, initially focused on hip-hop and rap music, selling mixtapes out of his car. However, he made a significant mark in the country music genre with his first number-one hit, “Son Of A Sinner.”

Hillary Scott

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MAY 04: Hillary Scott of Lady A performs onstage during the 2024 iHeartCountry Festival presented by Capital One at Moody Center on May 04, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)
Gary Miller / Getty Images

Hillary Scott was born on April 1, 1986, in Nashville, Tennessee, and spent her early years in the city. At the age of 14, she made the decision to pursue a career as a country singer and crossed paths with her future bandmates of Lady A in 2006.

Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen performs the song "'98 Braves" at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The show airs on November 19, 2023 on BBMAs.watch. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Christopher Polk / Penske Media via Getty Images

Morgan Wallen, born on May 13, 1993, in Sneedville, Tennessee, received piano and violin lessons during his childhood. He eventually relocated to Nashville, which was just under four hours away from his birthplace.

Dustin Lynch

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 23: Dustin Lynch performs at Little Caesars Arena on February 23, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images)
Scott Legato / Getty Images

Born on May 14, 1985, in Tullahoma, Tennessee, Dustin Lynch began playing the guitar at around 8 or 9, briefly set it aside, and resumed playing at 15. At 16, he received a positive response after performing at a local cafe, inspiring him to start a band.

This list represents just a fraction of the incredible talent that Tennessee has contributed to the country music genre.

If you enjoyed this lineup, you should check out our lists of 20 Country Singers Who Are From Texas and 20 Country Singers Who Are From Kentucky.

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