Chattanooga's Iconic Musicians: Legends Past and Present
Chattanooga resonates with musical soul. Its heritage, spanning over a century, has nurtured top music industry talents from blues pioneers to contemporary stars. Discover these artists with deep Chattanooga roots—many will surprise you!
BESSIE SMITH
Born in April 1894, Bessie Smith rose from singing on Chattanooga's street corners and in churches to become her era's best-selling artist, earning the title "Empress of the Blues." Her powerful voice carried the Mississippi Delta's stories with a distinctive Chattanooga twang to global audiences. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center on M.L. King Blvd. honors her legacy through historical exhibits, concerts, and performances.
USHER
Raised in Chattanooga, Usher honed his talent in church choirs, launching a career as one of today's most successful artists. His achievements include multiple Billboard No. 1 hits, Grammy Awards, People's Choice Awards, and more. He frequently visits his hometown, so you might spot him here!
KANE BROWN
This Chattanooga native gained fame via social media with a viral George Strait cover amassing over 7 million views. He signed with Sony Music Nashville under RCA Nashville, debuting "Last Minute Late Night" at No. 3 on Billboard's Top Country Albums.
LAUREN ALAINA
Raised just south in Rossville, GA, Lauren Alaina shone at Riverbend Festival until age 12. Her 2011 American Idol Season 10 audition earned Steven Tyler's praise: "We have found the one." As runner-up, she released two hit albums.
THE IMPRESSIONS
Founded by Chattanooga natives Fred Cash and Sam Gooden as doo-wop group The Roosters on the historic "Big 9" (now M.L. King Blvd.), they evolved into The Impressions in Chicago, scoring multiple Billboard Top 10 hits. In 2010, a section of I-24 in Chattanooga was named in their honor.
ISAIAH RASHAD
From Chattanooga's rap scene, Isaiah Rashad began rapping in ninth grade, opening for Juicy J before signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (home to Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q).
ROGER ALAN WADE
Renowned songwriter for Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, and Hank Williams Jr., Wade's career got a boost from cousin Johnny Knoxville. He hosts a Sirius XM show with Knoxville, featuring tracks like "Brainerd Road."
CLYDE STUBBLEFIELD
Chattanooga's industrial sounds shaped this drummer's rhythm in the 1940s. He joined James Brown's band, earning Rolling Stone's Drummer of the Year and LA Weekly's No. 2 all-time ranking.
VALAIDA SNOW
Born in Chattanooga, Valaida Snow mastered jazz trumpet worldwide, earning Louis Armstrong's nickname "Little Louis." She performed across the U.S., Europe, and China.
JIMMY BLANTON
Chattanooga's Jimmy Blanton revolutionized jazz bass as a Duke Ellington band member in the 1930s, influencing generations.
MITCH ROSSELL
A UTC 2009 grad, Mitch Rossell writes over 250 songs, recording with Zac Brown Band members. Catch him at Riverbend Festival.
JORDAN SMITH
From Lee University and its Singers, Jordan won The Voice Season 9, securing a Republic Records deal. His "Mary, Did You Know?" debuted at No. 1 on Digital Singles.
NORMAN BLAKE
A bluegrass revival leader, Blake toured with Johnny Cash, appeared on Bob Dylan and Alison Krauss albums, and featured in O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.
LOVIE AUSTIN
A top jazz pianist and women's pioneer, Lovie studied theory in college—a rarity. She worked with Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, and Paramount Records.
YUSEF LATEEF
Praised by The New York Times for pioneering world music, this Grammy winner received the NEA Jazz Masters Award, later becoming a research fellow and professor.
ANGEL SNOW
Chattanooga-born Angel Snow partnered with Alison Krauss in Nashville, touring together and writing for her.
ANNE LEE PATTON
Cadek Conservatory grad Anne Lee Patton was an international harpist with poetic recitals on her gold "Queen Anne" harp, inspired by African-American themes. She toured Africa, Europe, South America, and the Soviet Union.
WILFRED MIDDLEBROOKS
Son of a bassist, Chattanooga native Wilfred trained with the Symphony from age 12, later playing for Ella Fitzgerald. In retirement, he taught at the Chattanooga African-American Museum.
GEORGE CLINTON
1940s Chattanooga-born composer George Clinton started at Warner Bros., recording four albums. He's renowned for scores in Austin Powers, Mortal Kombat, and Red Shoe Diaries.
THE FORESTER SISTERS
Lookout Mountain-raised sisters who dominated 1980s country with Warner Bros., scoring 15 Billboard Top 10s including 5 No. 1s.
ERIC HEATHERLY
From local bars to Fender/Takamine endorsements, he played lead guitar for Shania Twain at the 1997 CMAs, signed with Mercury Nashville (Top 10 single), and featured on Grey's Anatomy.
KEITH HARLING
Self-taught drummer by age 10 in Chattanooga, multi-instrumentalist Harling signed with MCA Nashville, debuting two Top 40 Billboard singles.
CONFEDERATE RAILROAD
Led by Chattanooga's Danny Shirley since 1987, they signed with Atlantic in the 90s; debut album 2x platinum with six hits, winning ACM Best New Group in 1993.
BOBBY BOYD
Chattanooga performer with Bobby Boyd & The Playboy Review toured with Willie Nelson and Toby Keith, then songwrote hits for Garth Brooks ("Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House," 80M+ copies) and others.
THE ASSOCIATION
Chattanooga's Jules Alexander and Terry Kirkman scored 1960s hits like "Along Came Mary" (No. 7) and No. 1 "Cherish."
ROLAND HAYES
From Chattanooga church spirituals to classical mastery, Roland Hayes became the first African-American with an international concert/opera career. UTC's auditorium bears his name.
LENELL GLASS
Chattanooga jazz musician who backed The Temptations, Sammy Davis Jr., Buddy Guy, and The Platters.
