The Best Musical Artists From Illinois

Formed in 1972, Styx has solidified its place as one of the best musical artists from Illinois. With their unique blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and pop elements, this Chicago-based band has captured the hearts and ears of generations of fans. Their extensive arsenal of hit songs, such as "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," and "Mr. Roboto," showcases their diverse musical prowess and enduring appeal. Styx's enduring legacy is evident in their continued success as they continue to tour and release new music.

Hailing from Chicago, The Smashing Pumpkins have been a force in the alternative rock scene since their formation in 1988. Fronted by the enigmatic Billy Corgan, the band's distinctive sound, characterized by layers of guitars and introspective lyrics, garnered significant attention both critically and commercially. With iconic tracks like "Tonight, Tonight," "Bullet with Butterfly Wings," and "1979," The Smashing Pumpkins have etched their name in rock history as one of Illinois' finest musical exports.

Since forming in 1967 as Chicago Transit Authority, this legendary group has become synonymous with classic American rock music infused with jazz elements. Known for creating some of the most memorable songs in popular music history, such as "Saturday in the Park" and "25 or 6 to 4," Chicago's dynamic sound and world-class musicianship have earned them a well-deserved place among Illinois' elite artists.

Raised in Chicago, Sam Cooke is known as one of the most influential singers and songwriters in popular music history. Considered the king of soul with an indelible impact on R&B, gospel, and pop music, Cooke's smooth vocals and captivating performances continue to captivate audiences today. Timeless hits such as "You Send Me" and "A Change Is Gonna Come" are testaments to his incredible talent and significance as a musical artist from Illinois.

Born in Alton and raised in East St. Louis, Miles Davis was a groundbreaking jazz musician who forever changed the face of music. As one of the most respected figures in jazz history, Davis was known for his remarkable ability to creatively evolve throughout his career continually. Notable works such as Kind of Blue and Bitches Brew showcase his immense talent and impact on the genre, solidifying him as a true Illinois luminary.

Rockford's Cheap Trick has been entertaining audiences with their flawless blend of power pop and hard rock since 1974. Known for their catchy melodies and energetic live performances, the band continues to display an unwavering commitment to their craft. Hits such as "Surrender," "Dream Police," and "I Want You to Want Me" exemplify their unique sound and have made Cheap Trick a staple in the world of rock music.

Hailing from Champaign, REO Speedwagon rose to fame in the 1970s with their powerful blend of rock and pop ballads. Their classic hits, including "Take It on the Run," "Keep On Loving You," and "Can't Fight This Feeling," have stood the test of time and remain fan favorites today. With decades of success under their belt, REO Speedwagon is undoubtedly one of Illinois' most cherished musical treasures.

One of the most influential blues musicians of all time, Muddy Waters emerged from the vibrant Chicago blues scene in the late 1940s. Born in Mississippi, Waters moved to Chicago to pursue his musical career, ultimately revolutionizing the blues with his pioneering electric guitar sound. His legend lives on through iconic recordings like "Rollin' Stone," "Mannish Boy," and "Hoochie Coochie Man."

As a prominent figure in the Chicago blues scene, Buddy Guy is a living legend whose influence on blues and rock music is undeniable. Hailing from Lettsworth, Louisiana, Guy moved to Chicago in the 1950s and quickly became known for his emotive guitar playing and dynamic live performances. Collaborating with some of the most prominent musicians of his time, including Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy's contributions to blues music have earned him well-deserved recognition as one of Illinois' best musical artists.

Few artists have had as profound an impact on contemporary music as Chicago native Kanye West. Since bursting onto the scene with his debut album The College Dropout in 2004, West has consistently pushed boundaries both musically and artistically. His groundbreaking production style and penchant for genre-blending have marked him as one of Illinois' most iconic musical artists with hit songs like "Gold Digger," "Stronger," and "Jesus Walks."

Founded in 1977 in Chicago, Survivor is best known for their iconic 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger," which became synonymous with the Rocky film series. The band's powerful mix of hard rock and melodic pop anthems has made them a staple in classic rock history. With additional hits like "Burning Heart" and "Is This Love," Survivor deserves recognition as one of the top musical artists from Illinois.

Born and raised in Chicago, Curtis Mayfield was a multifaceted artist known for his soulful voice, innovative guitar playing, and poignant songwriting. As a driving force behind the Impressions, as well as through his successful solo career, Mayfield's impact on soul music and social activism is undeniable. His influential body of work includes such revered classics as "Move On Up," "People Get Ready," and "Superfly."

Born in Chicago in 1909, Benny Goodman is remembered as one of the most prominent figures in jazz history. Known as the "King of Swing," Goodman's innovative approach to music and his extraordinary clarinet playing helped popularize big band and swing music throughout the 1930s and 1940s. His memorable recordings, including "Sing, Sing, Sing" and "Stompin' at the Savoy," continue to captivate audiences today.

One of the most successful heavy metal bands hailing from Illinois, Disturbed was formed in Chicago in 1994. Known for their aggressive sound and powerful vocals by lead singer David Draiman, the band has released multiple chart-topping albums and singles throughout their career. Hits like "Down With The Sickness" and their haunting cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sound Of Silence" have made Disturbed a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy metal.

Chicago-born Herbie Hancock has long been regarded as one of the most inventive jazz musicians of all time. With a career spanning over five decades, Hancock's diverse contributions to music have transcended genres and influenced countless artists. In addition to his innovative work in jazz-funk fusion with groundbreaking albums like Head Hunters and Thrust, Hancock's unforgettable hit "Rockit" has cemented him as an integral part of Illinois' rich musical heritage.

Hailing from Lombard, a suburb of Chicago, Plain White T's achieved widespread popularity with their infectious blend of pop-punk and emo-rock. Their 2006 smash hit "Hey There Delilah" received critical acclaim and garnered multiple award nominations, securing their place among the best musical artists from Illinois.

Formed in Wilmette, a suburb of Chicago, pop-punk powerhouse Fall Out Boy exploded onto the scene with their infectious hooks and anthemic songwriting. Since their early beginnings in 2001, the band has continued to produce hit after hit, including fan favorites like "Sugar, We're Goin Down," "Thnks fr th Mmrs," and "Centuries." Fall Out Boy's enduring success cements their position among Illinois' best musical artists.

Chicago-based sisters Sheila, Wanda, and Jeanette Hutchinson formed The Emotions in the 1960s and quickly made their mark in the world of R&B and soul music. Their powerful harmonies delivered unforgettable hits such as "Best of My Love" and "Don't Ask My Neighbors," solidifying their place among Illinois' most influential musical artists.

Hailing from Chicago, Ray Manzarek was a founding member and keyboardist of the influential rock band The Doors. His unique and innovative playing style helped create the band's unmistakable sound, as heard on classics like "Light My Fire" and "Riders on the Storm." Manzarek's distinct keyboard work solidifies his status as one of Illinois' most significant musical figures.

Formed in Chicago in 1992, alternative rock band Veruca Salt gained popularity in the mid-'90s with their hard-hitting debut album American Thighs. Their combination of grungy guitars, driving rhythms, and memorable lyrics led to hit songs like "Seether" and "Volcano Girls." Veruca Salt's contributions to the '90s rock scene make them a standout in Illinois' rich musical landscape.

Champaign native Alison Krauss is a virtuoso bluegrass fiddler and singer who has become one of the most highly regarded artists in her genre. With numerous accolades to her name, including 27 Grammy Awards, Krauss' angelic voice and flawless musicianship have captivated audiences worldwide. Her collaborations with Robert Plant and Union Station showcase her immense talent and versatility within the world of bluegrass and roots music.

Emerging from Chicago's thriving alternative music scene in the late 1980s, The Jesus Lizard made a name for themselves as a formidable noise rock band with a chaotic and captivating live presence. Their raw and abrasive sound, as heard on tracks like "Mouth Breather" and "Monkey Trick," helped to define an era in underground rock music and land them a top spot among Illinois' musical artists.

Born Chancelor Bennett in Chicago, Chance The Rapper has become a revolutionary figure in the world of hip-hop. With his unique blend of conscious rap, gospel influences, and soulful production, Chance has made a significant impact on the music industry while maintaining his independence as an artist. His groundbreaking mixtape Coloring Book earned him accolades and solidified his status as one of Illinois' most influential artists.

Formed in Chicago in 1984, alternative rock band Urge Overkill made waves throughout the 1990s with their eclectic blend of grunge, glam, and punk influences. Their cover of Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon," which featured prominently on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, helped catapult them into mainstream success.

Hailing from Chicago, The Buckinghams were a popular rock group in the mid to late 1960s. Known for their infectious pop-rock sound and tight vocal harmonies, they produced chart-topping hits like "Kind of A Drag" and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy." The Buckinghams' lasting impact on the music scene cements their status as one of the best musical talents from Illinois.

Hailing from Calumet Park, a suburb of Chicago, Juice WRLD took the rap world by storm with his emo-infused hip-hop and introspective lyrics. Though his life was tragically cut short at just 21 years old, Juice WRLD left an indelible mark on the music industry with hits like "Lucid Dreams" and "All Girls Are The Same." His emotive storytelling and genre-blurring style continue to resonate with fans, making him one of Illinois' most notable musical talents.

The Staple Singers, a gospel and soul group from Chicago, was active from the 1950s to the 1990s, impacting generations of listeners with their distinctive harmonies and messages of hope and activism. Led by patriarch Roebuck "Pops" Staples, the family group recorded classics like "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself," helping to define an era in American music history. Their inspiring influence makes them one of the best musical artists from Illinois.

Naked Raygun emerged from Chicago's punk rock scene in the early 1980s as a driving force behind its development and growth. Known for their melodic approach to punk and distinctive vocals by frontman Jeff Pezzati, Naked Raygun left an indelible mark on both punk music and Chicago's musical history.

Born and raised in Chicago, Peter Cetera is best known as a founding member and lead vocalist of the iconic rock band Chicago. His smooth, powerful voice can be heard on beloved tracks such as "If You Leave Me Now" and "Hard To Say I'm Sorry." In addition to his work with Chicago, Cetera has also enjoyed a successful solo career, further solidifying his place among Illinois' top musical artists.