The Top 15 Famous People from Tennessee You Never Knew

Tennessee, also known as the Volunteer State, is home to many famous individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. From musicians to politicians, athletes to actors, here is a list of the top 10 famous individuals from Tennessee:

• Elvis Presley – Known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi but moved to Memphis, Tennessee at a young age. His unique voice and energetic performances revolutionized the music industry.
• Aretha Franklin – The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Her powerful voice and soulful performances made her one of the greatest singers of all time.
• Dolly Parton – Hailing from Sevierville, Tennessee, Dolly Parton is a country music legend. Her songwriting skills and iconic voice have made her a cultural icon.
• Andrew Johnson – Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States and was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, but made Tennessee his home. He became president following Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and played a crucial role in the Reconstruction Era.
• Al Gore – Former Vice President Al Gore was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Carthage, Tennessee. He is well-known for his work on environmental issues and his efforts to combat climate change.
• Oprah Winfrey – Although originally from Kosciusko, Mississippi, Oprah Winfrey’s career took off in Nashville, Tennessee. She is a media mogul and philanthropist, best known for her talk show and her efforts to empower others.
• Justin Timberlake – Justin Timberlake was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He rose to fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC and has since become a successful solo artist, actor, and entrepreneur.
• Pat Summitt – Pat Summitt, born in Clarksville, Tennessee, was a legendary women’s college basketball coach. She led the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to eight national championships.
• Johnny Cash – Known as the “Man in Black,” Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas, but later moved to Dyess, Tennessee. His deep, distinctive voice and rebellious spirit made him one of the most influential musicians in country music history.
• Jack Daniel – Although not a person, Jack Daniel deserves mention as the founder of the famous Jack Daniel’s distillery. Born in Lynchburg, Tennessee, his whiskey brand has become renowned worldwide.

These individuals from Tennessee have left a lasting impact on their respective fields, shaping the culture and history of not only the state but also the entire nation. They exemplify the talent and passion that Tennessee has cultivated throughout its rich history.

Most Famous Celebrities from Tennessee

Tennessee is home to many talented individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and gained fame worldwide. Here are five famous celebrities from Tennessee:

• Dolly Parton (Country Music): This legendary singer, songwriter, and actress was born in Sevierville, Tennessee. Dolly Parton’s iconic country hits such as “Jolene” and “9 to 5” have earned her numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards. She is not only known for her music but also for her philanthropy, owning her own theme park, and her larger-than-life personality.
• Elvis Presley (Rock ‘n’ Roll): Though born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Presley spent his childhood and early years in Memphis, Tennessee. Known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Presley’s charismatic performances and hits like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Love Me Tender” made him a music icon whose influence is still felt today.
• Justin Timberlake (Music and Acting): This multi-talented artist was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Justin Timberlake gained fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC before launching a successful solo career. His hit songs, including “Cry Me a River” and “SexyBack,” showcase his versatility and innovative style. Timberlake has also showcased his acting skills in movies like The Social Network.
• Morgan Freeman (Acting): Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Morgan Freeman is regarded as one of the greatest actors of our time. His deep, commanding voice and exceptional performances have earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Million Dollar Baby. Freeman’s notable films include Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, and Invictus.
• Aretha Franklin (Soul Music): Often referred to as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Her powerful voice, emotional delivery, and remarkable range led her to become one of the greatest singers in history. Hits like “Respect” and “Natural Woman” showcased her talent and influence in soul music. Franklin’s contributions earned her numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career.

These famous celebrities from Tennessee have left a lasting impact on their respective industries and continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Top Richest Individuals from Tennessee

Here are the top 5 richest people from Tennessee, including those with strong connections to the state:

• Thomas Frist Jr. – Co-founder of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), one of the largest for-profit healthcare providers in the United States. Frist Jr. served as the CEO until 1997 and played a significant role in the company’s growth. His net worth is estimated at $12.1 billion.
• Jim Walton – Born in Newport, Arkansas, Jim Walton is the youngest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton. Although he was raised in Arkansas, he currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Walton is an heir to the Walmart fortune and serves on the company’s board of directors. His net worth is estimated at $55 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
• Brad Kelley – Born in Franklin, Tennessee, Brad Kelley amassed his fortune through the tobacco industry. He founded Commonwealth Brands, a company that produced discount cigarettes. Kelley later sold the company for a significant profit. His net worth is estimated at $2.4 billion.
• Brad Martin – A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Brad Martin is the former CEO and chairman of Saks Incorporated. Martin led the company’s expansion and played a crucial role in its success. His net worth is estimated at $1.8 billion.
• Phil Bredesen – Born in Shortsville, New York, Phil Bredesen served as the governor of Tennessee from 2003 to 2011. Prior to his political career, Bredesen founded HealthAmerica Corporation, a managed care company that focused on providing insurance to rural communities. His net worth is estimated at $60 million.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various industries, including healthcare, retail, tobacco, and politics. Their entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, and leadership have propelled them to great fortunes. Tennessee is home to several prosperous individuals who have not only built wealth but have also made a significant impact on their communities and industries.

The Most Famous Rappers from Tennessee

Tennessee has been a cradle for numerous talented rappers who have achieved great success in the music industry. Here is a list of the top 5 famous rappers from Tennessee, including those who were born in California but have significant connections to the state:

• Young Buck: Born in Nashville, Tennessee, David Darnell Brown, widely known as Young Buck, is a renowned rapper and actor. Buck rose to prominence as a member of the rap group G-Unit and gained success with his solo album “Straight Outta Cashville.” His expertise in gangsta rap has contributed to his rise to riches.
• Juicy J: Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Jordan Michael Houston, best known as Juicy J, is a rapper, record producer, and songwriter. Juicy J co-founded the popular hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia and has collaborated with various renowned artists, including Katy Perry. His ability to produce catchy beats and deliver captivating lyrics has undoubtedly contributed to his financial success.
• Starlito: Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Jermaine Eric Shute, professionally known as Starlito, is a successful rapper and entrepreneur. Starlito gained recognition for his mixtapes and has released several collaborative projects with fellow Tennessee rapper Don Trip. His combination of introspective storytelling and lyrical prowess has been key to his success in the industry.
• Sonny Digital: Though born in Saginaw, Michigan, Sonny Digital, whose real name is Sonny Corey Uwaezuoke, has significant connections to Tennessee. As a prominent record producer and rapper, he has worked with numerous notable artists, including Future and 2 Chainz. Sonny Digital’s expertise in producing trap beats has played a crucial role in his financial achievements.
• Megan Thee Stallion: Although born in Bexar County, Texas, Megan Pete, known as Megan Thee Stallion, spent her formative years in Memphis, Tennessee. Megan gained immense popularity with her breathtaking flow, explicit lyrics, and empowering demeanor. As a female rapper, she has become a prominent figure in hip-hop and has amassed considerable wealth through her music, endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures.

These rappers have not only achieved success in the music industry but have also made significant contributions to the rap genre. Through their unique styles, they have left an indelible mark on the industry and continue to inspire aspiring artists worldwide.

If you’d like to delve deeper into about the famous people of Tennessee, we encourage you to visit the Findoc official website and references for accessing relevant materials.