List of Famous Bands from Columbus
- Adult contemporary music, Country pop, Pop music
From humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, emerged the country-pop powerhouse trio Rascal Flatts. Comprised of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney, this group has captivated audiences for over two decades with their unmistakable harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and explosive live performances. They've amassed numerous awards throughout their career, proving their place among Columbus' best bands. With chart-topping hits like "Bless the Broken Road" and "What Hurts the Most," Rascal Flatts have cemented themselves as one of Columbus' most beloved and successful exports.
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- Rockabilly, Country rock, Country
Country music icon Dwight Yoakam got his start in the bustling music scene of Columbus, Ohio. Known for his distinctive voice and innovative style, Yoakam has sold millions of records and earned multiple Grammy Awards. By blending traditional honky-tonk with elements of rock and punk, he has carved out a unique niche in the world of country music and solidified his status as one of Columbus' best artists. Fans around the globe continue to celebrate his contributions to the genre, making "A Thousand Miles From Nowhere" seem a little closer to home.
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Bizzy Bone
Hip hop music, Midwest hip hop, Gangsta rapHailing from Columbus, Ohio, Bryon Anthony McCane II, better known as Bizzy Bone, emerged as a standout member of the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. With his rapid-fire rhymes and distinct vocal delivery, he quickly became a fan favorite and gained widespread recognition as a solo artist. In fact, his 1998 debut album, Heaven'z Movie, was certified gold by the RIAA. Bizzy Bone's talent and continued success make him one of the best artists to have ever come out of Columbus.
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- Hip hop music, Pop rap
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Shad Moss, professionally known as Bow Wow, burst onto the music scene as a teenage rap prodigy. Discovered by Snoop Dogg, his debut album Beware of Dog went double platinum, establishing him as a formidable force in hip-hop. His catchy hits and dynamic stage presence have earned him a loyal following, securing his spot among Columbus' finest musicians. Bow Wow continues to release music, proving that he's still got it all these years later.
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- Nu jazz, Hip hop music, Pop music
Ramble Jon Krohn, better known as RJD2, is an electronic music producer and DJ who calls Columbus, Ohio, home. With a career spanning over two decades, his unique fusion of hip-hop, electronica, and jazz has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. RJD2's innovative approach to music production, exemplified by his hit song "Ghostwriter," has made him one of the city's most influential and enduring artists. He remains a vital figure in the world of electronic music and a proud representative of the Columbus music scene.
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- Contemporary R&B, Rhythm and blues
Soulful R&B singer Joe Lewis Thomas, simply known as Joe, hails from Columbus, Ohio, and has made an impressive impact on the music industry since his 1993 debut album, Everything. His smooth vocal style and heartfelt lyrics have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide, as evidenced by his numerous gold and platinum-selling albums. With timeless hits such as "I Wanna Know" and "All The Things (Your Man Won't Do)," Joe's passionate artistry secures his spot among the best musicians to emerge from Columbus.
- Rock music, Folk rock, Country rock
Though often recognized as Neil Young's backing band, Columbus-based Crazy Horse is an exceptional rock group in its own right. Founded by Danny Whitten, Billy Talbot, and Ralph Molina, the band has been an integral part of creating some of rock music's most iconic moments. Their raw, gritty sound and undeniable chemistry with Young has contributed to their status as one of Columbus' best bands. This legendary group remains an influential force in rock music history.
- Nu metal, Deathcore, Mathcore
Born in Columbus, Ohio, alternative rock musician Howard Jones is known for his thought-provoking lyrics and passionate performances. As the lead singer and keyboardist of the band Killswitch Engage, Jones helped to shape the sound of modern hard rock and metalcore. His powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence have earned him a devoted global following, as well as accolades that solidify him as one of Columbus' top-tier musical artists.
- Noise rock, Shoegazing, Noise pop
Columbus, Ohio's own lo-fi indie rock trio Times New Viking made a name for themselves in the mid-2000s with their fuzzy guitars and ferocious energy. Comprised of Beth Murphy, Jared Phillips, and Adam Elliott, the band's unique sound quickly gained them widespread acclaim and a loyal fanbase. With albums like Rip It Off and Present the Paisley Reich, Times New Viking cemented their place among the best bands to ever come out of Columbus.
- Pop punk, Rock music, Power pop
Emerging from Columbus, Ohio, Christian rock band Everyday Sunday became a favorite amongst religious and secular music fans alike due to their catchy hooks and uplifting message. The group, originally fronted by Trey Pearson, garnered significant success in the 2000s with their infectious blend of pop-punk and rock-influenced sounds. Their meaningful contributions to the Christian rock genre distinguish Everyday Sunday as one of the best bands to hail from Columbus.
- Hip hop music, Alternative hip hop, Underground hip hop
Columbus, Ohio's own Albert Shepard, better known by his stage name Blueprint, is a highly respected hip-hop artist and producer. With his poetic lyricism and innovative production techniques, Blueprint has had a significant impact on the underground hip-hop scene since his 2000 debut album, The World Is Yours. As a member of the acclaimed duo Soul Position and a successful solo artist, he solidifies his status as one of the best musicians to emerge from Columbus.
- Swing music, Jazz
Considered one of the finest trumpeters in jazz history, Columbus, Ohio's Harry "Sweets" Edison is best known for his time spent with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. His soulful, bluesy playing style and masterful use of the plunger mute garnered him the admiration of critics and fans alike. The legacy left behind by Edison is immense, as he significantly influenced the course of jazz music and undoubtedly earned a place among Columbus' greatest musicians.
- New Wave, Pop music, Dance music
Born in Columbus, Ohio, before relocating to Chicago, Jermaine Stewart made a name for himself as an R&B singer and dancer in the 1980s. His talent caught the attention of Culture Club's Mikey Craig, leading to a record deal and the release of his debut album in 1984. Known for his infectious dance-pop hit "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off," Stewart's distinctive style and undeniable charisma make him one of the most memorable artists to originate from Columbus.
- Garage punk, Garage rock, Alternative rock
The New Bomb Turks, a garage punk band from Columbus, Ohio, have been rocking the world with their frenetic energy and raw sound since forming in 1990. Eric Davidson, Jim Weber, Matt Reber, and Bill Randt make up the band's core lineup, and together, they've released numerous critically acclaimed albums throughout the years. Their invigorating live shows and dedication to their craft firmly position the New Bomb Turks as one of Columbus' greatest bands.
- Rock music, Alternative rock, Christian rock
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, alternative rock band House of Heroes has been captivating audiences with their dynamic sound and thought-provoking lyrics since their formation in 1996. The band, led by Tim Skipper, has released several successful albums, including the critically acclaimed The End Is Not the End. With their unique fusion of rock, pop-punk, and emo, House of Heroes has left an indelible mark on the music industry as one of the best bands to emerge from Columbus.
- Hip hop music
Columbus, Ohio, native Tero Smith, known by his stage name Camu Tao, was a talented rapper, singer, and producer whose contributions to the underground hip-hop scene were immense. As a member of the groups MHz Legacy and the Weathermen, as well as a solo artist, his innovative style and diverse range made him an influential figure in the world of hip-hop. Tragically, Camu Tao passed away in 2008, but his powerful legacy endures as one of Columbus' most respected musicians.
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- Rhythm and blues, Rock and roll
Renowned doo-wop singer Bobby Hendricks got his start in Columbus, Ohio, as a member of the iconic Drifters and later enjoyed a successful solo career. His smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence earned him significant acclaim during his time in the spotlight. With hits like "Itchy Twitchy Feeling" cementing his place in music history, Hendricks stands out as one of the best artists to come from Columbus.
- Rock music, Power pop
Formed in Columbus, Ohio, in 1987, power-pop rockers Watershed have been entertaining fans with their energetic sound and memorable hooks for more than three decades. Comprised of Colin Gawel, Joe Oestreich, and Herb Schupp, the trio has released several successful albums and toured extensively, earning them a devoted fanbase. Watershed's impressive longevity and undeniable talent make them a standout act among Columbus' best bands.
- Christian music, Contemporary Christian music
Singer-songwriter Bebo Norman, a native of Columbus, Ohio, gained recognition in the late 1990s with his heartfelt blend of folk and contemporary Christian music. His introspective lyrics and tender vocals have resonated with fans of various genres, leading to a successful career that spanned over two decades. Norman's contributions to the world of Christian music secure his position as one of the most talented artists to emerge from Columbus.
J. Rawls
Hip hop music, Underground hip hopHip-hop producer and DJ J. Rawls, hailing from Columbus, Ohio, has had a significant impact on the underground hip-hop scene since his production work for Mos Def and Talib Kweli's acclaimed group, Black Star, in the late 1990s. With his soulful beats and keen ear for samples, he has continued to make waves in the industry as a solo artist and as part of the duo Lone Catalysts. J. Rawls' innovative approach to hip-hop production and his enduring success solidify him as one of the best musicians from Columbus.
- Pop music, Rhythm and blues, Jazz
Columbus, Ohio, born singer and American Idol finalist Justin Guarini captured the hearts of millions with his soulful voice and magnetic charm during the show's inaugural season. Although he didn't take home the top prize, his impressive performances on American Idol propelled him to a successful career in music, theater, and television. With his incredible vocal capabilities and undeniable charisma, Guarini has cemented his status as one of the best artists ever to emerge from Columbus.
- Hip hop music, Pop music, Rap music
Grammy Award-winning music producer and songwriter Devo Springsteen hails from Columbus, Ohio, and has made notable contributions to the music industry, primarily in the world of hip-hop and R&B. Having worked with major artists such as Kanye West, John Legend, and Estelle, Springsteen's musical prowess and vision have had a substantial impact on the contemporary music landscape. His exceptional talents and accomplishments earn him a place among the best musicians to come out of Columbus.
- Contemporary Christian music, Country
As a member of Columbus, Ohio's own Rascal Flatts, bassist and vocalist Jay DeMarcus has played a crucial role in the band's ascent to country music superstardom. His talent for crafting infectious harmonies and his skill on both piano and bass have contributed to the group's ability to captivate audiences worldwide. DeMarcus' numerous accolades and enduring success solidify his position as one of the finest musicians to originate from Columbus.
- Comedy music, Bluegrass, Country
The late comedian and musician Tim Wilson made a name for himself through his quirky, country-inspired tunes and razor-sharp wit. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Wilson's unique blend of humor and music earned him a cult following and a successful career that spanned over three decades. His hilarious songs like "Booty Man" and "First Baptist Bar and Grill" left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, solidifying his legacy as one of the best artists to have hailed from Columbus.
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- Hip hop music, Pop music, Rhythm and blues
Columbus, Ohio's R&B/hip-hop group Fatty Koo burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with their smooth sound and catchy hooks. Consisting of Valure, Gabriela, Eddie B, and D-Money, the group gained notoriety through their reality show Fatty Koo: The House of Fatty Koo. While their time in the spotlight was relatively short-lived, Fatty Koo's unique sound and undeniable talent earn them a spot among Columbus' most memorable bands.
- Hip hop music, West Coast hip hop
Born in Columbus, Ohio, hip-hop artist Rico Smith, better known as Tash, made significant waves in the West Coast rap scene as a member of the influential group Tha Alkaholiks. With his clever wordplay and distinctive flow, Tash has contributed to some of the group's most memorable tracks and enjoyed moderate success as a solo artist. His continued presence in the hip-hop world secures his status as one of the best musicians to emerge from Columbus.
- Country
Country singer and former Army Ranger Keni Thomas hails from Columbus, Ohio, and has used his unique background to inspire his heartfelt, patriotic music. After serving in the elite Task Force Ranger, he embarked on a successful music career, releasing several albums and earning praise for his stirring performances. Thomas' dedication to his craft and his compelling story make him one of the finest artists to come from Columbus.
- Pop music, Rock music, Alternative rock
Formed in Columbus, Ohio, pop-rock group Saving Jane garnered a significant following in the 2000s with their infectious blend of catchy melodies and powerful vocals led by Marti Dodson. Known for their hit single "Girl Next Door," the band enjoyed success both on the charts and through extensive touring. Saving Jane's memorable sound and dynamic presence secure their place among the best bands to emerge from Columbus.
Howlin’ Maggie
Alternative rockAlternative rock band Howlin' Maggie made their mark on the Columbus, Ohio, music scene in the 1990s with their unique infusion of blues, funk, and rock elements. Led by the charismatic Harold "Happy" Chichester, the band released two critically acclaimed albums and played alongside some of the era's most prominent acts. Howlin' Maggie's distinctive sound and undeniable talent make them one of the best bands to have originated from Columbus.
The Wake
Gothic rockHailing from Columbus, Ohio, influential post-punk band The Wake emerged in the early 1980s with their atmospheric sound and dark, introspective lyrics. With a devoted underground following, the band's distinct style greatly influenced the 1980s indie scene, making them a vital part of Columbus' musical history. The Wake's enduring legacy and innovative contributions to the genre solidify their status as one of the city's most important bands.
