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From beloved bakeries to small-town diners, these are the best places to grab a cinnamon roll.
As the weather turns cooler, there are few treats more comforting than a warm cinnamon roll.
Whether you like yours fresh from the oven and dripping with cream cheese frosting, dusted with pecans, or filled with fall flavors like pumpkin and apple, bakeries across the country offer plenty of reasons to slow down and savor the season.
Yelp recently compiled a list of the best cinnamon rolls in every state by identifying businesses in its restaurants and food categories with a high concentration of reviews from Yelp Elite members mentioning “cinnamon rolls,” and then ranking them based on factors such as review volume and ratings.
When available, every business on the list had a passing health score as of August 18, 2026.
Here are the best cinnamon rolls in every state, according to Yelp.
ALABAMA: Lighthouse Bakery in Dauphin Island
Lighthouse Bakery.
Alaina S./Yelp
What customers say: "The pecan iced cinnamon roll is the best I've had in years! Lots of pecans and icing! Also, the coffee is excellent! We'll be back for lunch today," wrote Yelp user Catherine M.
What customers say: "The cinnamon roll! Did I mention the cinnamon roll? Get the cinnamon roll. This trendy and welcoming café hits all the marks with fresh and flavorful food, wonderful coffee, and a lovely atmosphere," wrote Yelp user Robert M.
What customers say: "My family and I absolutely LOVE Rise-Up Bakery! We got the limited banana Biscoff cinnamon roll, and HOLY COW, it was incredible. Seriously, worth every penny. The other cinnamon rolls are delicious and all very large. The bakery itself is very large, pristine, and the staff is very helpful and attentive. They even gave my little one his own small cinnamon roll on the house, which was so sweet and kind of them. We love coming here for a special treat-highly recommend," wrote Yelp user Aubrey R.
What customers say: "Greeted by a friendly server who actually asked if I wanted a booth or table. What a nice way to start off breakfast. My husband found them online because he was looking for cinnamon rolls for me. They bring you a basket. They are delicious No gooey icing, thank goodness. Homemade and amazing," wrote Yelp user Pj M.
What customers say: "The go-to spot for doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches! We love getting their BLT on a croissant, doughnut holes, and cinnamon rolls. Service is always fast and friendly, and you can taste how fresh everything is. Indoor seating only, and their parking spaces are small but easy to get in and out of," wrote Yelp user Viv H.
What customers say: "We stopped at Cinnamon's Bakery on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park. We got to the shop at opening and had many options to choose from! The staff was super sweet and answered my many questions. We got three different flavors to try and loved them all. The location is a bit out of the way, but there is plenty of parking, and it's so worth a detour," wrote Yelp user Chelsey B.
What customers say: "Nobody does pastries like Kouign! I've worked at multiple coffee shops that have carried their baked goods, and I can never pass up buying them. Insanely delicious, especially the cinnamon buns and croissants," wrote Yelp user Victoria W.
What customers say: "The shareable cinnamon roll (five of us split it before our breakfast came out) is insanely delicious. Great breakfast food and a delicious iced latte. Excellent service, extremely friendly staff, and great ambiance! We loved it," wrote Yelp user Tami L.
What customers say: "The shake was delicious as well as the cinnamon bun. It makes sense this place is so highly recommended and loved by the residents," wrote Yelp user Rob M.
What customers say: "We started with a cinnamon roll that was so light, soft, and tasty, it just melted in my mouth. We knew right away we had made the right choice," wrote Yelp user Alex L.
What customers say: "Excellent. Can't think of anything they can improve on. Totally worth the wait in line. That cinnamon roll was heaven. Can't wait to go back," wrote Yelp user Nicole G.
What customers say: "We shared a cinnamon roll too and sampled the pies and brownies at dinner at their sister restaurant at the Sawtooth Hotel. Completely worth the calories," wrote Yelp user Lauren Elizabeth C.
ILLINOIS: Ann Sather Restaurant & Catering in Chicago
Ann Sather Restaurant & Catering.
Sharon C./Yelp
What customers say: "The cinnamon rolls definitely lived up to their reputation. They were soft, fresh, and generously topped with icing, making for a delicious treat. After seeing all of the other dishes being served, we'd love to come back for a full meal on a future visit," wrote Yelp user Chelsea M.
INDIANA: Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls and Cafe in Nashville
Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls And Cafe.
Nicole S./Yelp
What customers say: "This place completely satisfied our cinnamon roll craving! My husband and I split the Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll, and it was loaded with flavor — sweet, savory, and absolutely indulgent. It was a bit rich for me personally, but my husband was obsessed and would order it again in a heartbeat," wrote Yelp user Sydney T.
What customers say: "As for bakery items, we had the orange cinnamon roll and a normal cinnamon roll, and they were good as well. They have a fluffy bread texture and the frosting isn't too sweet," wrote Yelp user Rubyanne M.
What customers say: "A fun, quirky little cafe. Staff is super friendly and helpful. The breakfast sandwiches were excellent, but the cinnamon roll was LIFE CHANGING! Definitely worth heading to this gem," wrote Yelp user Kathryn C.
What customers say: "From the biscuit sandwich to the rye brownie to the cinnamon roll to the lemon almond danish, each pastry was perfection," wrote Yelp user Lora P.
What customers say: "The pastries, especially the cinnamon rolls, are just the right amount of sweet. It's takeout-only, but the staff is friendly, and the service is quick. Get there early — things sell out fast," wrote Yelp user Casey J.
What customers say: "We started with the cinnamon roll, which was delicious and different. Soft in the middle, but the outer edges were more like a crispy biscuit," wrote Yelp user Nicole E.
What customers say: "Do not sleep on that cinnamon roll. Die and go to an icy heaven with all that icing and cinnamon flavor heated up and shareable for two," wrote Yelp user Eric H.
What customers say: "Absolutely fantastic breakfast spot. We waited for about 15 minutes at 8 a.m. (I thought we would be early, but I guess not lol). We started off with coffee and a cinnamon roll. The coffee was great, and the cinnamon roll was amazing, so gooey, warm, and the frosting was spot on," wrote Yelp user Jill B.
What customers say: "The cinnamon bun was massive with tons of very sweet icing. People say the puppy tail is a better ratio, which is true, but even as an icing girlie, something about the cinnamon roll hit different. It was decadent, rich, and almost overpoweringly sweet," wrote Yelp user Lori J.
What customers say: "The food was outstanding. The cinnamon roll skillet is listed as a 'small plate,' but it is massive and perfect for sharing…Honestly, everything we tried was so, so, so good," wrote Yelp user Caty S.
What customers say: "After reading the reviews, I had to come here on a trip to St. Louis. And now I understand why people love this place. The brunch is amazing, and the biscuits and cinnamon roll were two highlights. And I had to get a gooey butter cake to go, which was incredible," wrote Yelp user Jim B.
What customers say: "Heaven in a cinnamon bun. They are HUGE, fresh, and oh-so-tasty. So are all the other desserts and pastries I tried, as well as the entrées. Terrific value, friendly service, and a wonderful place to relax and enjoy," wrote Yelp user Jim G.
What customers say: "Be sure to try the cinnamon rolls and scones, which are homemade. They also make their own syrups, some of which rotate seasonally," wrote Yelp user Stephanie A.
What customers say: "Location was clean and everyone was friendly! Food came out fast and was great! I would recommend the cinnamon roll because it came out fast and was nice and hot," wrote Yelp user Angel H.
What customers say: "I ordered the cinnamon roll and the rosemary focaccia bread. Both were amazing! The cinnamon roll was light and fluffy. I'm not the biggest fan of cream cheese frosting, but it wasn't bad and didn't take away from it at all," wrote Yelp user Samantha A.
What customers say: "Probably most famously known for their ooey gooey cinnamon buns (that are so coveted a line forms around the block on weekends), but The Hive also serves up great coffee, a cozy space, and a very kid-friendly vibe," wrote Yelp user Katarina L.
What customers say: "Our first stop in Albuquerque...if they have been around since the 40s, you know the food must be good. We tried the breakfast burrito, which is a definite 10 out of 10, and the chicken quesadilla, which was also great. The guacamole was really good, too. Got a cinnamon roll to go that took up the size of the to-go box. OMG so yummy," wrote Yelp user Erin G.
What customers say: "I picked up some of their most popular items, including the triple chocolate chunk cookie, a cinnamon bun, and the honey cake. All three were fantastic," wrote Yelp user Sein S.
NORTH CAROLINA: Louie and Honey's Kitchen in Winston-Salem
Louie and Honey's Kitchen.
Lindsay B./Yelp
What customers say: "It's a bold statement to say I just ate the best cinnamon roll in North Carolina, but honestly... I think I did. Louie and Honey's Kitchen is flat-out amazing. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is cool and welcoming, with plenty of comfortable seating both indoors and out. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. And the baked goods? There were so many incredible-looking options that I already know we'll have to come back and work our way through the menu," wrote Yelp user Lee S.
What customers say: "Stopped here for a great breakfast on our way out of Medora. They have really good caramel cinnamon rolls. Be sure to try them. The staff is really nice, and it was nice and clean. Had a kind of local favorite feel to it," wrote Yelp user Nancy S.
What customers say: "This place is fantastic. The staff is friendly and warm. They know the products and can answer any questions you have. It's a tight space, so it's best to be mindful of the space and courteous of others. Otherwise, it's a cute little place on a cute street making DELICIOUS pastries. The cinnamon roll had a tangy cream cheese icing with orange zest. It may be the most balanced pastry I've eaten this year," wrote Yelp user Kryssie H.
OKLAHOMA: Harvey Bakery & Kitchen in Oklahoma City
Harvey Bakery & Kitchen.
Abigail C./Yelp
What customers say: "I just walked in randomly to pick up some baked goods. I hadn't been before. I grabbed the Harvey cinnamon rolls, and they were the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had! Also, the Gruyère scones were delicious," wrote Yelp user Crystal W.
What customers say: "My go-to is a mixed spread of sweet and savory bites. Got the cinnamon roll for the first time, and it was divine. They have interesting seasonal offerings too, so don't forget to review those while perusing the menu," wrote Yelp user Tiffany V.
What customers say: "I really enjoyed the cinnamon rolls. They are not ooey gooey with frosting like typical cinnamon rolls; they're closer to a monkey bread texture, and I like that about them. Not as messy to eat and just as addictive," wrote Yelp user Ainsley E.
What customers say: "The meal comes with dinner rolls, their (legendary) cinnamon buns, fresh salad, pasta with sauce, crispy french fries, and of course the juicy chicken," wrote Yelp user Rebecca H.
SOUTH CAROLINA: The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli in Columbia
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli.
Allie G./Yelp
What customers say: "The banana foster [cinnamon roll] is outstanding, but can't go wrong with a classic cinnamon roll. Pay attention to their grits of the day as it changes," wrote Yelp user Jerrin H.
What customers say: "I got a cinnamon bun to go. It was huge and delicious. I also got a scrambled egg and bacon on a fresh bun. It was great also," wrote Yelp user Beverly M.
TENNESSEE: Crockett's 1875 Breakfast Camp in Gatlinburg
Crockett's 1875 Breakfast Camp.
Lisa L./Yelp
What customers say: "Yummy! The fried cinnamon roll was very good. I had the hash, and it was great. My daughter had the pot roast Benedict, and it might be the best breakfast I've ever tasted. Five stars," wrote Yelp user Lee H.
TEXAS: Cranky Granny's Sweet Rolls in Pflugerville
Cranky Granny's Sweet Rolls.
Kell J./Yelp
What customers say: "I was worried that the cinnamon roll quality would be subpar due to being covered with the toppings, but I was wrong. The cinnamon itself was fresh and soft and probably delish on its own. I recommend checking out this place," wrote Yelp user Tia T.
What customers say: "The best food for any time of the day. Very quick, coffee is great. The morning line was insane, but they cleared it quickly. Pricing is beyond reasonable. One thing — never leave without a cinnamon roll," wrote Yelp user Christina S.
What customers say: "We got the Danish, a loaf of sourdough, some coffee, and cinnamon rolls. Everything was really good, but the cinnamon rolls were exceptional! Great little bakery," wrote Yelp user Yuval J.
What customers say: "The wait can be very long (we waited 90 minutes on a Sunday morning), but it is worth it because the food is AMAZING! We had the latte flight, cowboy Benedict, and the cinnamon roll. Everything was delicious," wrote Yelp user Leah O.
What customers say: "Getting in line an hour before opening for a good chance of locking down a box [of doughnuts] and their equally delicious cinnamon roll. Flour Box usually sells out around noon," wrote Yelp user Trung V.
WEST VIRGINIA: Wardensville Garden Market in Wardensville
Wardensville Garden Market.
Wardensville Garden Market/Yelp
What customers say: "When I walked inside, I was impressed by how cute this little bakery was set up. Then I had to try something from here, and I got a cinnamon roll. The cinnamon roll was so good! If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend stopping in and checking this place out," wrote Yelp user Alexa A.
What customers say: "Franks Diner was awesome and such a fun experience. We went for breakfast. There was a 40-minute wait on a Saturday morning, so we walked part of the farmers market, which was a perfect spot and just enough time. I had their Bloody Mary and veggie omelet with a side of bacon, and we split a cinnamon roll. I recommend all of it. The booths on the train car are comfy, and it's just a fun restaurant setting. The staff was fun and attentive. I'd give 10 stars. Highly recommend," wrote Yelp user Ashley H.
What customers say: "For a Friday mid-morning, they were still hopping and yet greeted us the moment we walked in. We were directed to a table and had hot coffee almost as quickly as we ordered it! The cinnamon roll was beautiful, but even better, it tasted better than it looked. Warm, fragrant with cinnamon. It melted in our mouths. It's a friendly step back in time with the counters and the conversations. When in Laramie, don't miss it," wrote Yelp user Rebekah A.
And, in a lot of ways, it's designed to take your cash. From the moment you step off the plane, you're greeted with the flashing lights and glitzy promise of easy money topped with a good time. Just put a dollar or 10 into the slot machines, and all your dreams might come true!
I've lived here for almost 20 years, and the first thing you learn as a local is that the house always wins. The second thing you learn is how to make sure it doesn't win everything.
Here are a few things I think tourists should stop wasting money on when they visit Las Vegas.
ATMs on the Strip can have really high fees.
Jena Brown
No one should come to Vegas without a plan, and that includes a gambling budget.
It's rare for someone to walk through the winding maze of slot machines and not feel inclined to drop a few dollars. It's like an adult video game that often comes with free drinks.
But the last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of a gambling streak without any cash. Many casino ATM fees hover around $10 a transaction, but I've also seen worse.
Instead, stop by an ATM or a bank off the Strip. It might seem inconvenient, but between resort fees, room taxes, and inflated prices, the last thing you want is to lose money by simply taking out cash.
You'll probably be paying a premium if you buy a drink at the first bar you see.
Jena Brown
In my experience, if the bar is conveniently located, you're probably going to pay too much for the drink. Even inside the casinos, the bars closest to the lobby will often be more expensive than others tucked in the back.
For example, in the same section of a casino, I once found two vendors selling nearly identical frozen cocktails, but the one closer to the action had prices double the other's.
So, before ordering, walk around a bit and see if you can find a better deal.
And if you have the time, play a few dollars at the slots and wait for the cocktail server. Most casinos offer free drinks if you're actively gambling.
Getting advanced tickets for shows is often way pricier than waiting until the day of.
Jena Brown
Vegas is known for its broad selection of world-class shows. From Cirque du Soleil to any number of all-star residencies, there's no shortage of killer entertainment on the Strip.
However, that doesn't mean you have to pay full price for tickets. In fact, given how unpredictable a day in Las Vegas can be, waiting until the last minute has its perks.
Kiosks along the Strip often offer unsold, day-of tickets for around half the original price. Plus, several websites and other vendors have similar deals with casinos and entertainment venues.
This requires some flexibility and risk — not all shows have unsold tickets or offer lower prices every day. However, if you don't mind some uncertainty and love a good deal, it's easy enough to find cheap seats not long before a show starts.
Clothes, toiletries, and other essentials tend to cost a lot more on the Strip.
Jena Brown
Whether you're looking for designer duds or a toiletry you forgot, you'll be able to find it in Vegas.
There are tons of shops conveniently located near every major casino property and all along the Strip.
However, at a lot of these places, you may find yourself paying a premium for basics and items that aren't that special. For example, I've seen a four-pack of Motrin for $5 and a not-officially-licensed Las Vegas Raiders jacket going for $150.
So, pack your essentials from home whenever possible and be vigilant when you browse. And, if you want to do some shopping during your trip, head just north of the Strip to the Premium Outlets for better deals.
Parking fees can really add up.
Jena Brown
For years, casinos didn't charge for parking in their garages — and some still don't. So knowing which ones do can stop you from wasting money.
Additionally, it might seem like renting a car is the way to go to save on rideshare or cab fees. However, if you don't pay attention, you could easily spend way more on parking for a day than on a few rideshare trips.
Before you head to Vegas, definitely research parking garages and do a little math to see if it's even worth having a car.
This story was originally published on January 6, 2024, and most recently updated on October 26, 2026.
As a local, I know there are a few things you should never do in Alaska.
Lisa Maloney
Having lived in Alaska for over 35 years, I've seen many visitors make the same mistakes.
Many tourists underestimate Alaska's size and think the state is more drivable than it actually is.
A lot of visitors don't realize that some attractions and activities are seasonal.
As someone who's lived in Alaska for over 35 years, I see why tourists love traveling here. From the beautiful national parks to opportunities to see the northern lights, the state has something for everyone.
However, as a local, I often see tourists make the same mistakes — like expecting to drive everywhere or forgetting that some activities are seasonal.
It's important to remember that Alaska has a limited road network.
Lisa Maloney
I'm always surprised by how many visitors think Alaska is small. In reality, Alaska is so big that if you split it into two states, each half would be bigger than Texas. You can easily spend hours driving from one large community to the next.
However, Alaska has a shockingly limited road network for such a huge state. If we say a community is "off the road system," it means you can't drive there — instead, you'll have to catch a plane or a boat.
Trying to do too much in one trip
People traveling to a new location often feel pressure to visit as many destinations as possible. But if you never take a minute to enjoy just being here, you're missing out on a big chunk of the Alaska experience.
Plus, having a little flex time in your schedule helps accommodate when excessive wind, rain, or rough seas keep you from doing planned activities. I recommend giving yourself two or three days in a community before moving on.
Not learning the local vocabulary
In Alaska, we have a lot of local lingo that can be helpful to know. For example, if someone says they're going outside, they're not just leaving the building — they're leaving the state.
To us, outside means "Outside" with a capital "O," which is anywhere that's not Alaska.
Another thing to remember is that we don't typically use road numbers for our highways (no matter what your GPS tries to tell you). Instead, we use the names of highways.
Forgetting that some attractions and activities are seasonal
The northern lights can typically be seen in Alaska between late August and late April.
biletskiyevgeniy.com/Shutterstock
Some of the biggest attractions in Alaska are available for only a few months of the year.
Two big ones to keep in mind are bear-viewing season, which typically peaks with the salmon runs in July and August, and aurora-viewing season, which runs from roughly late August to late April.
Missing out on Alaska Native culture
The umbrella term for Alaska's Indigenous people is Alaska Native. Most towns have at least one cultural center where visitors can learn about Alaska Natives in that region.
These facilities are part visitor center and part museum, and they offer a celebration of Native traditions and culture. I always recommend tourists take the time to explore these centers.
Expecting the wildlife — or the weather — to be predictable
You never know where you might find wildlife in Alaska.
Lisa Maloney
Alaska tour guides often field sincere questions like "When are the moose scheduled to show up?" That makes sense in a controlled environment like a zoo, but Alaska's wildlife is, well, wild — so they come and go whenever they like.
Our weather does pretty much the same thing, so if you're determined to hide inside until the rain and wind stop and the sun comes out, you'll miss out on a lot.
Dressing in layers can help visitors stay comfortable, no matter what the weather is doing. I recommend lighter layers in the summer and heavier layers in winter, but a weatherproof outer layer is always a must.
This story was originally published on July 26, 2024 and most recently updated on October 26, 2026.
Dolly Parton had a whole theme park dedicated to her in Tennessee.
Ron Davis/Getty Images
Every state lays claim to at least one famous musician.
We considered each artist's popularity, awards, and record sales to compile our list.
Prince is famously from Minnesota, while Tony Bennett edged out the competition in New York.
Though places like New York and California are known for producing countless celebrities, it turns out there's at least one — in most cases, many more — famous musicians from every US state.
Business Insider has already identified the most famous band from every state, so we're now focusing on individual singers, songwriters, and performers. This encompasses country pioneers, rappers, jazz cats, pop stars — you name it. Even if they perform(ed) with a backing band, these musicians stand out as the star of the show.
The list is somewhat subjective, but to help determine the most famous musician from every state, Business Insider looked at each artist's reputation (within their own era), record sales, and awards.
It's also important to note that while most of these people were born in their corresponding state, others were not, but spent a lot of time living there.
Check out which musician took the No. 1 spot in your home state.
ALABAMA: Hank Williams
GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty Images
Hank Williams, who was born in Mount Olive, Alabama, is widely considered the father of country music and the genre's foremost songwriter. Before the pioneering musician tragically died at 29 years old in 1953, he released a slew of singles that rocketed to the top of the country music charts, including "Kaw-Liga," "Honky Tonk Blues," and "Hey Good Lookin'."
Although his career was cut short, his impressive catalog of songs lives on in the contemporary musical landscape, thanks to covers by artists including James Brown, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Ray Charles.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
ALASKA: Jewel
Steve Jennings/WireImage/Getty
Although she was born in Payson, Utah, Jewel Kilcher grew up near Homer, Alaska, and is by far the state's most successful musical export. The singer has earned four Grammy nominations and sold more than 30 million records. She's best known for hit songs including "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "You Were Meant for Me."
Jewel, 52, is also known for her yodeling, which she learned from her father, Atz Kilcher, a local musician and star of the reality show "Alaska: The Last Frontier."
ARIZONA: Linda Ronstadt
Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns/Getty Images
Hailing from Tucson, Arizona, Linda Ronstadt, 80, is one of America's most successful and versatile singer-songwriters.
Since her Grammy Award-winning breakout album "Heart Like A Wheel" hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went platinum, she hasn't looked back. Ronstadt has won 11 Grammys from 27 nominations, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, and released numerous hit singles spanning many genres beyond pop, including rock, folk, Latin, and country.
ARKANSAS: Johnny Cash
Associated Press
There are few musicians in the history of music who are as accomplished and influential as Johnny Cash, who was born in Kingsland, Arkansas.
The Man in Black won 13 Grammys out of 35 nominations and received the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Cash died just over a decade later in 2003 at 71.
He saw multiple albums reach the top of the Billboard 200 chart, including "At San Quentin" and "American V: A Hundred Highways," both of which hit No. 1.
CALIFORNIA: Jerry Garcia
Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
There never was and never will be another musician like Jerry Garcia. While he's best known for his role in the Grateful Dead, he also released dozens of live and studio solo albums.
His spirited guitar solos emitted an energy that could mesmerize entire stadiums of fans while his vocals could rock your socks off just as easily as they could soothe your biggest troubles.
Garcia wasn't in it for the awards or recognition — he just loved to play. And that genuineness is what contributed to his legacy. He was a working-class kid from San Francisco who changed rock 'n' roll forever.
In fact, he was so influential that he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as part of the Grateful Dead, in 1994. He died the next year, in 1995, at 53.
COLORADO: John Denver
Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns/Getty Images
Thanks to iconic hits like "Rocky Mountain High" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads," John Denver, who died in 1997 at 53, cemented his place in the arena of folk-rock legends — and as the creator of some of the best campfire songs. Denver only won one Grammy from four nominations, but his legacy is unquestionably larger than his awards résumé suggests.
The singer wasn't actually born in Colorado and spent much of his childhood moving around the US due to his father's job in the Air Force. But he settled in Aspen later in life and adopted his stage name after Denver, the capital of his favorite state, according to his website.
CONNECTICUT: John Mayer
Joseph Okpako/WireImage
Since his debut album "Room For Squares" in 2001, John Mayer has evolved into one of the most talented singer-songwriters and guitarists in the game — so much so that surviving members of the Grateful Dead tapped him to play lead guitar in their touring spinoff, Dead & Company.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Mayer, 49, has won seven Grammys out of 19 nominations and continues to please listeners with his soulful solos and gentle croonings — including his most recent single, "Tom and Jerry."
DELAWARE: George Thorogood
Isaiah Trickey/FilmMagic
With more than 15 million albums sold during a career just shy of five decades, 76-year-old George Thorogood is one of the most accomplished blues-rockers out there.
With mega-hits including "I Drink Alone," "Move It On Over," and of course, "Bad To The Bone," Thorogood and his band, The Destroyers, are known for their gritty tone and catchy riffs. Thorogood was born in Wilmington, Delaware.
FLORIDA: Tom Petty
Andrew Chin/Getty Images for ABA/Getty Images
Some of the most iconic singles populating classic rock radio have been penned by Tom Petty, who died in 2017. From "American Girl" to "Learning to Fly" and "Wildflowers," it seemed as if anything Tom Petty touched turned to gold. Or rather platinum.
Petty's breakout third album, "Damn the Torpedoes," went triple platinum and launched the musician and his band, the Heartbreakers, into superstardom.
Throughout his nearly 40-year career, Petty, born in Gainesville, Florida, won three Grammys out of 18 nominations. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
GEORGIA: James Brown
Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Image
Dubbed the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown set a new standard of showmanship while simultaneously molding the future of funk, soul, and rap music. Thanks to songs including "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "I Got You (I Feel Good)," and "It's a Man's Man's World," Brown scored 17 No. 1 hits and sold 50 million records during his career.
Brown won three Grammys out of eight nominations and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class of 1986.
He died in 2006 at 73.
HAWAII: Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole
Mountain Apple Company Inc.
Honolulu's Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole became the state of Hawaii's first platinum-selling artist in 2005 after the singer's hit 1993 album "Facing Future" sold more than 1 million CDs, according to the Honolulu Star Bulletin.
"Bruddah Iz," who died in 1997 at 38, has posthumously hit 1.6 billion views on YouTube for his iconic rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
The outlet also reported that the medley has spent "a record 541 weeks on the World Digital Song Sales chart, including 332 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 starting in 2011."
IDAHO: Nikki Sixx
Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Although Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx, 67, wasn't born in Idaho, he has revealed that he spent a few formative teenage years living in the state.
Sixx helped Mötley Crüe receive three Grammy nominations, sell over 100 million albums worldwide, and record numerous chart-topping hits, including "Kickstart My Heart" and "Girls, Girls, Girls."
ILLINOIS: Miles Davis
David Redfern/Redferns/Getty
Miles Davis, who died in 1991 at 65, is one of the most influential and innovative musicians in jazz history.
Born in Alton, Illinois, the trumpeter's landmark 1970 album is an improvisational jazz masterpiece that inspired countless fusion musicians and went platinum.
Albums like "Kind of Blue" and "In a Silent Way" were critically acclaimed and have remained among the best-selling jazz records of all time. Davis won eight Grammys out of 32 nominations, received the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award, and 10 of his recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
INDIANA: Michael Jackson
Frank Micelotta / Getty Images
What else can be said about the "King of Pop" that you don't already know? With 13 Grammys out of 38 nominations, a 2001 induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a 2026 biopic that grossed $1 billion worldwide, the wunderkind turned pop legend from Gary, Indiana, reigns supreme as one of the best performers in music history.
Jackson boasts a remarkable arsenal of hits, including "Thriller," "Beat It," and "Billie Jean," but was just as famous for his moonwalking.
Although his legacy has been marred by accusations of sexual abuse (most recently brought to light in the 2019 documentary "Leaving Neverland"), Jackson's music remains incredibly popular around the world, even 17 years after his death in 2009.
IOWA: Glenn Miller
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Glenn Miller, founder of the iconic jazz orchestra that bears his name, is a big-band pioneer responsible for dozens of Top 10 hits, including "In The Mood," "Moonlight Serenade," and "Chattanooga Choo Choo."
Miller, born in Clarinda, Iowa, was posthumously awarded the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, and many of his songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. His orchestra still tours and plays his music around the globe nearly 82 years after his death in 1944.
KANSAS: Melissa Etheridge
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Melissa Etheridge, 65, who is from Leavenworth, Kansas, is known for her LGBTQ+ rights activism as much as she is for her raspy vocals and chart-topping singles.
Her breakthrough 1993 album "Yes I Am," which yielded the single "Come to My Window," peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and went 6x platinum. To date, Etheridge has been nominated for 15 Grammys and won two.
She was also part of the 2026 class of nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
KENTUCKY: Jim James
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Jim James of Louisville, Kentucky, fronts the popular rock band My Morning Jacket and is known for his dreamy falsetto and masterful songwriting.
Since the band's debut album in 1999, James, 48, has become one of the most in-demand musicians, collaborating with everyone from The Roots to Elvis Costello and Kermit the Frog. With the Jacket, James has earned three Grammy nominations. He has also released a number of solo albums and collaborations.
With a legendary career spanning from the 1920s to the '60s, Louis Armstrong emerged from New Orleans as an integral musician who would influence nearly every era of jazz music.
More importantly, before Armstrong, jazz was largely orchestrated and did not feature much improvisational soloing. The trumpeter made extended solos a mainstay of his performance and changed the landscape of how cats approached jazz standards forever, becoming one of the hottest musicians of the early 1900s in the process.
He's so important to New Orleans that the airport was named after him in 2001 to commemorate what would've been his 100th birthday.
MAINE: Ray LaMontagne
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Ray LaMontagne's guitar playing deeply affects listeners, and his intimate lyrics are a gut punch to the soul, evoking the happiest or saddest moments in life. Hits like "You Are The Best Thing" and "Jolene" have helped earn LaMontagne two Grammy nominations and one win.
The 53-year-old singer moved to Maine after high school and worked at a radio station, which is where he heard a Stephen Stills song that inspired him to pursue music.
MARYLAND: Frank Zappa
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Frank Zappa is one of the most prolific yet misunderstood composers of the 20th century, releasing 62 albums before his death in 1993. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two years later.
Born in Baltimore, Zappa was known for using intricate time signatures, syncopation, and zany (though sometimes offensive) topics in his songs. For Zappa, it wasn't about writing hit singles; it was about getting his genius on tape so that he could enjoy it, and if anyone else did, it was a bonus.
MASSACHUSETTS: James Taylor
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There are few singer-songwriters whose careers have been as successful as James Taylor.
The Boston-born musician has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, won six Grammys out of 19 nominations, and has been presented with countless awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Kennedy Center Honors, and a 2000 induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Taylor, 78, broke onto the scene in 1970 with his hit single "Fire and Rain" and went on to release dozens of other original songs and covers that continue to be crowd-pleasers at concerts.
MICHIGAN: Stevie Wonder
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Stevie Wonder, 76, started his remarkable career as a child prodigy on Motown's Tamla label at age 11. He scored his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 a year later with the single "Fingertips, Pt. 2," which made him the youngest solo artist to top the chart.
Wonder continued his career, releasing hit album after hit album and winning an incredible 25 Grammys from 75 nominations. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 1989.
Wonder is one of only four artists to win album of the year three times in their career. His discography covers many genres from R&B to funk and blues, and Wonder's use of synthesizers helped launch R&B into new stylistic directions.
MINNESOTA: Prince
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Prince hit the ground running with his 1979 self-titled LP featuring the iconic jam "I Wanna Be Your Lover," which immediately established the singer as a force in the pop/funk realm.
Prince truly proved his genius with the 1984 release of "Purple Rain" — and its accompanying soundtrack — which launched him and his band into superstardom. The "Purple Rain" album sold over 13 million copies, spent 24 weeks at the top of the charts, and produced hits "When Doves Cry," "Purple Rain," and "Take Me with U."
Prince won seven Grammys and was nominated for 38, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 before his death in 2016.
Across his career, he was closely tied to Minnesota, calling the state home for most of his life. His house, Paisley Park in Chanhassen, is open for Prince fans to tour. In fact, when the Super Bowl was played in Minneapolis in 2018, halftime headliner Justin Timberlake paid tribute to the "Let's Go Crazy" singer.
MISSISSIPPI: Elvis Presley
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Elvis Presley, better known as the "The King of Rock and Roll," was a transformative figure who played an undeniable role in the trajectory of popular music in the US.
His sex appeal, matched with an electrified catalog of original materials and covers, propelled him to the top of the charts while laying the foundation for the electric blues and rock of the '60s and '70s. He was inducted posthumously into the inaugural class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 (he died in 1977 at age 42).
Elvis was born and raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, before moving to Memphis, Tennessee, as a teenager.
MISSOURI: Chuck Berry
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Similar to Elvis, Chuck Berry, nicknamed "The Father of Rock and Roll," played an integral part in the proliferation of the electric blues and rock 'n' roll.
His playing and, more importantly, his solos on songs like "Roll Over Beethoven," "Maybellene," and especially "Johnny B. Goode" turned thousands of listeners and guitar players onto this new genre of music, directly setting the course for the future of rock music.
Berry, who was born in St. Louis, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its 1986 inaugural class and has topped many lists of the greatest musicians and guitarists. He died in 2017 at age 90.
MONTANA: Jeff Ament
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Pearl Jam bassist and cofounder Jeff Ament, 63, was born in Havre, Montana, but moved to Seattle in the 1980s, where he then met the rest of the guys from Pearl Jam, with whom he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Ament is recognized for his skill on the upright and fretless bass, in addition to the electric bass. He also played in the band Temple of the Dog and has released three solo albums.
NEBRASKA: Conor Oberst
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Bright Eyes front man Conor Oberst, 46, takes the top spot for the state of Nebraska.
The Omaha-born rocker and his band have had notable chart success: In 2005, their album "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, and their 2007 album "Cassadaga" peaked at No. 4.
After a nine-year hiatus, the band released a new album, "Down In the Weeds, Where the World Once Was," in 2020. Another album, "Five Dices, All Threes," came out in 2024.
NEVADA: Brandon Flowers
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Brandon Flowers, 45, lead singer of the Las Vegas band The Killers, has contributed some of the most popular alt-rock tunes of the past 20 years.
Flowers and Co. have had three albums reach No. 1 on Billboard's rock charts — but their legacy, at this point, will be the enduring millennial classic, "Mr. Brightside."
He also has his own solo career, with his latest album "Thrasher" getting released in August 2026.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 16: Noah Kahan performs onstage during the Noah Kahan: Out of Body SXSW Premiere on March 16, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Netflix)
Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Netflix
Noah Kahan, 29, is probably equally associated with Vermont and New Hampshire (and, to some extent, Maine), but we're putting him with the Granite State because he went to high school in Hanover.
Kahan's been nominated for two Grammys, has one of the best-selling albums of 2026 with "The Great Divide," and his signature song, "Stick Season," has been streamed nearly 2 billion times on Spotify.
NEW JERSEY: Frank Sinatra
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There are many great musicians from New Jersey, including Frankie Valli, Bruce Springsteen, and Bon Jovi, but Frank Sinatra stands preeminent above all others.
Born in Hoboken, Sinatra went on to sell over 150 million records and win 9 Grammys from 31 nominations.
Hits like "(Theme From) New York, New York," "Fly Me To The Moon," and "You Make Me Feel so Young" were favorites for many generations of Americans and established Sinatra as one of the most prolific singers, performers, and actors of the 20th century before his death in 1998.
NEW MEXICO: Demi Lovato
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Demi Lovato, the Disney star turned pop sensation from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has dominated the charts for more than a decade.
She's had multiple albums and singles hit the top of the Billboard charts, including "Give Your Heart a Break" and "Sorry Not Sorry," earning serious airplay. Lovato, 34, has been nominated for two Grammys and, in 2015, launched Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health, an organization that promotes mental health awareness.
NEW YORK: Tony Bennett
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Like Sinatra, Bennett became one of the greatest singers and showmen of the 20th century.
Bennett continued to perform well into his nineties before his death in 2023, while hit songs like "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," "The Way You Look Tonight," and "Rags to Riches" have been covered by numerous musicians.
Bennett, who was born in Astoria, Queens, won 19 Grammys out of 41 nominations, received the Kennedy Center Honors, and won a host of other impressive awards.
NORTH CAROLINA: John Coltrane
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John Coltrane is one of the most influential saxophonists and composers in jazz music history. Coltrane's experimentation with free and avant-garde jazz, and with modes and cyclical chord progressions, helped propel the genre into new boundaries.
During his career, Coltrane, who was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, collaborated with many of the genre's best, including Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. In 2016, the jazz icon was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize. He died at age 40 in 1967.
NORTH DAKOTA: Wiz Khalifa
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Wiz Khalifa released his debut album in 2006, but didn't truly break into the mainstream until his debut single for Atlantic Records, "Black and Yellow," hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Since then, the 39-year-old rapper (who was born in Minot, North Dakota, before eventually settling in Pittsburgh) has remained one of the most popular, earning 10 Grammy nominations and appearing on some of the hottest songs of the past two decades.
OHIO: Dean Martin
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The singer, actor, and comedian Dean Martin was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and got his start singing in nightclubs near his hometown.
Martin quickly outgrew his humble upbringing and went on to become one of America's greatest entertainers, pleasing viewers with his suave croonings for over five decades. He enjoyed a bountiful solo career singing jazz and contemporary standards before becoming the host of his eponymous, iconic variety show. Martin died in 1995 at 78.
OKLAHOMA: Garth Brooks
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Garth Brooks is one of the best-selling solo artists of all time with over 162 million album sales. Additionally, he's the only artist to appear on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in five consecutive decades: the '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s, and '20s.
Brooks, 64, has had multiple albums top the Billboard charts, and he has won two Grammys out of 14 nominations. Brooks is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a graduate of Oklahoma State University.
OREGON: Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith.
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Elliott Smith, to quote another iconic musician, is your favorite artist's favorite artist. The indie legend, who grew up in Portland, Oregon, has been covered by everyone from Frank Ocean to Billie Eilish to Madonna.
His signature song, "Needle in the Hay," has been immortalized on film in Wes Anderson's classic "The Royal Tenenbaums." Pitchfork also named it one of the best songs of the '90s.
Smith was nominated for an Academy Award for the song "Miss Misery," which was used in "Good Will Hunting."
Sadly, he died in 2003. He was just 34.
PENNSYLVANIA: Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift.
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What is there to say about Taylor Swift? She's the only artist to ever win album of the year four times at the Grammys — and has won 14 from 58 nominations — and has countless other records to her name. The Eras Tour was a cultural phenomenon and the first tour to gross $1 billion; it eventually surpassed $2 billion.
Swift may have gotten her start in country music and has an association with Nashville, but her roots are in Pennsylvania. She was born in West Reading and lived in PA until she was a teenager.
RHODE ISLAND: araabMUZIK
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Abraham Orellana, 37, better known by his stage name araabMUZIK, is a producer and DJ from Providence, Rhode Island, who has worked with rap and hip-hop giants including Cam'ron, ASAP Rocky, and Joe Budden.
He contributed to Jay Electronica's Grammy-nominated 2020 album and has played major festivals, including Coachella and Pitchfork.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Darius Rucker
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Darius Rucker, 60, rose to fame as the singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Hootie and the Blowfish, which produced multiple Top 10 singles and the hit album "Cracked Rear View," which sold over 16 million copies in the US.
Following his stint with Hootie, the Charleston, South Carolina, native has enjoyed a successful solo career, yielding eight studio albums and hit songs like the Grammy Award-winning "Wagon Wheel" (a cover of Old Crow Medicine Show's song) and "Come Back Song."
SOUTH DAKOTA: Shawn Colvin
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Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin's claim to fame came during the late '80s and '90s when her 1989 album, "Steady On," won a Grammy for best contemporary folk album.
Her fourth studio album, 1996's "A Few Small Repairs," won her another pair of Grammys and produced the chart-topping single "Sunny Came Home." Colvin, 70, was born in Vermillion, South Dakota.
TENNESSEE: Dolly Parton
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Dolly Parton performs on the Pyramid Stage during Day 3 of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm on June 29, 2014 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Ian Gavan/Getty Images
As we wrote in our timeline of the singer's impressive career: Parton was "equal parts country megastar, actor, and philanthropist."
Parton released a whopping 49 studio albums, won 10 Grammys out of 55 nominations, and generated millions in revenue for her hometown near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, thanks to her theme park, Dollywood.
Her death in 2026 at age 80 caused such an outpouring of grief around the world that the president ordered the flags to be lowered.
TEXAS: Willie Nelson
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Willie Nelson is an absolute legend in the folk and country worlds. He was born in Abbott, Texas, in 1933, and moved back to Austin in 1972. He's lived there ever since.
He's responsible for writing and performing some of the genre's most iconic songs and helping develop the outlaw country subgenre.
Nelson, 93, scored 20 No. 1 and 40 Top 10 hits during his six-decade career. He also won 12 Grammys out of 59 nominations.
UTAH: Dan Reynolds
Dan Reynolds.
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Dan Reynolds, 39, is the front man of Imagine Dragons, a band with close ties to Salt Lake City. While Reynolds was born and raised in Nevada, he moved to Salt Lake City for college, where he formed the band. They went on to win a Battle of the Bands contest, laying the groundwork for their current success.
Imagine Dragons was the first rock act to have four songs surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify ("Radioactive," "Demons," "Believer," and "Thunder"). They've also won one Grammy from four nominations and are among the best-selling rock acts of the 21st century.
VERMONT: Trey Anastasio
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In addition to his work as guitarist and lead vocalist for the Grammy-nominated jam band Phish — which was formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 — Trey Anastasio, 62, has released a score of solo albums and is a member of the band Oysterhead with Primus bassist Les Claypool and The Police drummer Stewart Copeland.
He has also collaborated with the Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews, and Herbie Hancock, and has performed original compositions with orchestras around the country.
VIRGINIA: Ella Fitzgerald
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Ella Fitzgerald, known as "The First Lady of Song," was the most popular jazz singer for more than half a century, according to her website, and sold more than 40 million records before her death in 1996.
Known for her scat singing and dynamic range, Fitzgerald, who was born in Newport News, Virginia, worked with many of the great performers of the 20th century, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Frank Sinatra.
Among other accolades, Fitzgerald won 13 Grammys out of 20 nominations, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and won the National Medal of Arts.
WASHINGTON: Jimi Hendrix
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Jimi Hendrix's guitar playing is among the most influential of all time, his albums are consistently ranked among the best in rock history, and his mark on the rock landscape is unforgettable.
For many, Hendrix, who died in 1970 at 27, is the best to ever pick up the guitar, thanks in no small part to the innovations he brought to the instrument, including fuzz distortion and the wah-wah effect. Simply put, there's no denying that Hendrix, who was born in Seattle, is deserving of the most famous spot from Washington state.
WASHINGTON, DC: Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye circa 1974.
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Dubbed the "Prince of Motown," Marvin Gaye, who died in 1984, originally burst onto the scene with hits like "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" to become one of the label's brightest stars.
Gaye dropped his biggest album, "What's Going On," in 1971 to critical acclaim. Subsequent albums such as 1973's "Let's Get It On" and 1982's "Midnight Love" yielded chart-topping hits and directly influenced the future of funk and R&B.
Gaye, who was born and raised in DC, won two Grammys out of 12 nominations and posthumously received the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He was also posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
WEST VIRGINIA: Brad Paisley
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Since his debut album "Who Needs Pictures" dropped in 1999, Brad Paisley, 53, has found nothing but success, winning three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards.
The Glen Dale, West Virginia, native has had 33 songs reach the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot Country chart, 18 of which were No. 1 hits.
WISCONSIN: Justin Vernon (Bon Iver)
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Hailing from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Justin Vernon, 45, is known for his high-reaching falsetto and mix of traditional and boundary-pushing folk/indie rock songwriting.
Vernon has found commercial and critical success as the singer and front man of the indie rock band Bon Iver, which has won two Grammys out of 11 nominations, including best new artist and best alternative music album for the group's self-titled album "Bon Iver, Bon Iver."
WYOMING: Scott Avett
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Although his brother Seth was born in North Carolina, the state from which the band The Avett Brothers originates, Scott Avett, 50, was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The Grammy-nominated band Scott helped form is a delightful mix of bluegrass, folk, and indie rock known for its intimate sound and lyrics. The Avett Brothers have released 16 studio albums and EPs, the most recent of which, "The Avett Brothers," dropped in May 2024.
If you're looking to get away from it all and revel in the natural beauty of the world for a few days, then you could do much worse than heading to the Outer Hebrides
Over the past two years, Lau Wen Loong has competed in 21 Hyrox races in 11 cities.
Provided by Lau Wen Loong
After a friend told Lau Wen Loong about Hyrox, he signed up for a race and trained for six weeks.
It's now been two years since he got started, and he's already competed in 21 races in 11 cities.
These three host cities have been his favorites.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lau Wen Loong, 37, who, over the past two years, has competed in 21 Hyrox races in 11 cities around the world. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I hadn't exercised regularly in two years when a friend said to me, "I think you'll be interested in this." He was taking part in Hyrox, an endurance race that combines running with fitness stations. You can race individually, as doubles, or in a relay, and there are both amateur and professional racers. He asked if I wanted to race with him.
My friend ended up doing the race with his wife, so I decided to do it on my own. "Don't be crazy," he told me. But I signed up six weeks before the event and completed my first race in Singapore in August 2024. My final timing was just under 73 minutes. I was a cross-country runner in high school, but for the first time in my life, I understood why some people hate running.
After finishing one race, I started asking myself what I wanted to do next. I'd put so much time into training for that first race, and I didn't want to lose that momentum.
The competitions come with demands
It's been two years since I got started in Hyrox, and I've completed 21 races in 11 cities, including Chengdu, Bangkok, and Mumbai. I have seven more lined up for this year. I'm in between jobs at the moment and working on an AI startup with my brother.
Each race costs about $150, while flights and other expenses can add up to $1,500. In terms of race prep, I recently bought a yearlong membership at a gym in Seoul, where I'm currently based, for about $55 a month. I've become an ambassador for several Hyrox-related brands, and they help cover some of my costs.
Hyrox is a good mix of running and weights. I think I may be the fittest I've ever been. I never imagined I could be faster than my younger self.
So far, these have been my three favorite host cities:
1. Osaka, Japan: January 2026
Every Hyrox venue is different. Similar to F1 tracks, the setup is tweaked, and the runs between stations are never the same for each race. It was my first winter Hyrox, and I hit a personal best of 61:51.
The winter part was interesting, because the race was held between two halls in a small venue. You ran in one hall, crossed to the other side to do the workout, and crossed back to run again, getting a blast of fresh air in the process.
I spent seven days in Osaka, most of it around the race area, but I managed to do a bit of shopping in the Dotonbori district. I had dinner at a famous crab restaurant with my father, who sometimes comes to support me at my races, depending on his schedule and whether he likes the city.
Lau, at the race in Incheon, has made a lot of friends at the competitions.
Provided by Lau Wen Loong
2. Incheon, South Korea: May 2026
It was my friend's first Hyrox. He raced before me, and I got to see it. Not only that, but I also came in first in my age group and did a personal best
Like many Hyrox races, the Incheon edition was held in a major convention center. The layout provided for a very smooth race, unlike at other races, which can sometimes disrupt your rhythm
I'm based in Seoul, so I went there daily. It was one hour each way. On the first day of the race, when I hitched a ride back with a friend, I got to try out the hyugaeso, or rest stops along the highway. They are like mini shopping malls, and the one I went to had three floors and lots of small stalls.
In the course of my races, I have made a lot of friends, like my doubles partner Ian, and Yvonne, a Singaporean working mom who has done 55 races. A couple on the plane from Seoul to Singapore also noticed my Hyrox bag, and we started chatting and became friends.
In Jakarta, Lau completed two doubles races.
Provided by Lau Wen Loong
3. Jakarta, Indonesia: June 2026
The race venue was in a beautiful part of Indonesia I'd never been to — I hope to return.
It was the very first Hyrox race in Indonesia, so it was new for everyone. It was held in a convention center in one of Jakarta's green spaces, which is very scenic.
It was my first time doing two doubles races, and I didn't even know the guy I was racing with until I met him on the day. We were introduced through a mutual friend, and we only trained together once.
The drive to finish and win
I was competing in separate races at the September 2026 Hyrox event in Beijing, where Joanna Wietrzyk soiled herself. I saw her from afar, but didn't see what happened firsthand.
I've tried to put myself in her shoes and wondered if I would continue. I don't think I would or could. I do hope that she'll bounce back from it.
I've seen a lot of people crying at Hyrox. Whether it be tears of joy or tears of frustration, it still surprises me. Hyrox is a bit like therapy, as you are processing through your body. I intend to continue racing for at least another year.
I think the biggest benefit is that it enables you to be more self-aware.
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