Southern music is a huge part of the American music sound, and even though the state is not known as a music mecca, South Carolina’s contribution to musical entertainment is profound. Whether it’s jazz, rock, country, pop or soul, this Southern state has produced an impressive line-up of entertainers.
Hootie and the Blowfish
With Darius Rucker as frontman, this pop rock group was one of the biggest entertainers in the 1990s. The group started in Charleston, South Carolina, and occasionally plays today. Mostly, Rucker is building a solo career as a Country singer.
Eartha Kitt
For many, this South Carolina native is the Queen of Camp. She was Catwoman on the Batman TV show, and she used that campy role as a calling card for many years. She was loved in the dance clubs, and a big entertainer for gay men, but what many don’t know is that she was the original singer of “Santa, Baby.”
Marshall Tucker Band
Southern Rock at its finest. This genre of music is still big in entertainment today, and these pioneers of the sound are from Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Brook Benton
This entertainer is best remembered by music and entertainment history buffs. To say his name, most people have no idea who this South Carolina native is. To mention the song, “Rainy Night in Georgia,” and everyone will say, “Ah ha!”
Dizzy Gillespie
As a Jazz entertainer, this trumpeter is at the top of the list. He also happens to be from South Carolina
James Brown
Long known throughout the entertainment world as the Godfather of Soul, James Brown is one guy who make South Carolina proud of its musical heritage.
Chubby Checker
He is the embodiment of 1950s rock ‘n roll. Even though he’s from a tiny little town in South Carolina, his musical presence is huge.
This list proves that South Carolina can produce some serious entertainment.