Four Influential Musicians Who Started in Arizona

Arizona is home to rattlesnakes, cacti, and, of course, lots of famous musicians. From legends like Alice Cooper to pioneers like Rex Allen, the Grand Canyon State has inspired artists whose influence reaches far beyond its desert borders. Many of these musicians got their start in Arizona’s vibrant local scenes before rising to national fame. Their styles are diverse, but they all share roots in Arizona. Here are 4 famous musicians from Arizona!

Arizona. / Photo by Christoph von Gellhorn on Unsplash

Rex Allen

The Arizona Cowboy, Rex Allen, is a famous Hollywood actor and songwriter. With hits such as "Who Shot The Hole In My Sombrero." It is no shock he was born in Wilcox Ariizona! According to the Rex Allen Museum, as a young boy, he performed at a variety of functions with his father, who taught him how to play the fiddle. He signed with Mercury Records in 1948, where he released a number of successful country albums.

Later in his career, he tried his hand in Hollywood, where he found lots of fame. Despite the success, he continued to write music. Many of his songs were featured in his movies. The Western Performers Hall of Fame inducted Rex Allen in 1983. Not only that, Rex Allen was the first recipient of "the Golden Boot Award." In 1975, Rex Allen received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash

Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks is one of the biggest names of her time. Not only did she have a successful solo career, but she was also a part of Fleetwood Mac. She was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1948, and at 16 she began songwriting. As Stevie grew, so did her talent. She would eventually join forces with Lindsey Buckingham, a partnership that led them both to Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and helped the band rise to global fame through albums like Rumours and hits such as "The Chain."

Despite her worldwide success, Stevie always kept Arizona close. According to the Arizona Hall of Fame, for over 20 years, she maintained a home near Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley. She made her home in the desert, where her musical inspiration started.

Fun Fact: Stevie Nicks' mother, Barbara meeks was born in Bisbee, Arizona!

Chester Bennington

Chester Bennington is the powerful voice behind the famous band Linkin Park. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1976. His early years were shaped by the landscapes and communities of the Valley, where he first discovered the power of music during a difficult childhood. Chester attended Greenway High School in Phoenix, but eventually moved to California.

He went to California to audition for the band that would eventually become Linkin Park. Despite this, his artistic beginnings remain forever rooted in Arizona’s music community. From singing in Phoenix garages to fronting one of the most influential rock bands in the world, his journey is a testament to the creativity that can rise from dry, harsh conditions.

Phoenix Arizona. / Photo by Gabriel Valdez on Unsplash

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Alice Cooper

The King of Rock and Roll and one of the most amazing theatrical geniuses of his time just so happened to grow up in Phoenix, Arizona. Alice Cooper was born in Detroit, but he grew up in Phoenix. He went to high school at Cortez High School. When he was a sophomore in 1964, he started his first band. Later on, he released famous songs still heard today, such as "School's Out" and "Feed My Frankenstien."

Later on in his career, Cooper had his own TV show called "The Nightmare." He also appeared alongside other famous bands of his time in Movies such as Stg Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. He even made an appearance on the Muppets Show! He currently resides in Paradise Valley, Arizona, very close to where his love for music began.

Photo by Jacob Skowronek on Unsplash

All four of these famous artists made their start right here in Arizona! They weren't the only ones; bands like the Meat Puppets and Jimmy Eat World found their sound in the desert as well. Arizona’s music scene has always been a mix of grit, creativity, and spirit. The energy continues to inspire new talent every year.

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