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Top 10 Famous People and Celebrities from Nashville

Nashville is the home to country music which means it is a charming Southern city with a major music scene. Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks are among many country music musicians who call this city home. But a walk about the city and you surely bump into other famous people like actors like Reese Witherspoon, sports celebrities and even activists. Nashville’s talented natives have left an indelible mark on popular culture. This article will look at 10 famous people who were not only born in Nashville but also those who have adopted Music City as their hometown. Nashville has produced iconic performers and celebrities renowned in the US and the world over.

Famous Voices from Nashville

Dolly Parton

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Dolly Parton is a living legend, known for her extensive music catalogue and tireless philanthropy. A true Tennessee celebrity, she was born in Sevierville, Tennessee but lived in Nashville for over 25 years where her country music ‘went viral”. In addition to her many achievements in the world of country music, she is also active in community engagement and public service through initiatives such as her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library which improves education and literacy around the world. Whether onstage with her unique voice or working hard offstage to help those in need, there’s no denying Dolly Parton is the Queen of Nashville!

Related Read: 20 Most Talented Female Country Music Singers of All-Time.

Lorrie Morgan

Lorrie Morgan is a well-known Nashville-born country music singer who has been singing since she was 13. With her 1989 single Trainwreck of Emotion, she made her mark. Loretta has released more than 15 studio albums and topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with more than 25 singles. What Part of No, I Didn’t Know My Own Strength, and Watch Me are among her most well-known songs. Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards are some of the nominations she has received. She has also worked with Sammy Kershaw, Pam Tillis, Keith Whitley, and other country music artists.  Loretta is an actress too and has appeared in The Beverly Hillbillies and Maverick.

Hank Williams III

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Shelton Hank Williams, known as Hank Williams III, is an American musician and talented instrumentalist, known for his unique fusion of traditional country music with other genres.  The grandson of Hank Williams and the son of musician Hank Williams Jr. He was born in Nashville and spent much of his early years playing the drums in metal and punk rock bands. He has released several albums throughout his career, including Lovesick, Broke and Driftin’, Straight to Hell and Rebel Within. In addition to his music career, Hank 3 has also acted in films and television shows, including The Last Ride and Squidbillies. His rebellious nature and his outspoken views on the country music industry in the capital of the genre make him stand out.

Related Read: 20 Most Popular Country Songs of All-Time.

Famous Reality TV Star from Nashville

Carla Hall – Top Chef

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You may recognize this Nashville native from Food Network baking championship shows or from Top Chef (Season 5 and All Stars).   Carla Hall is a renowned chef, television personality and cookbook author. Growing up in a city known for its southern cuisine (soul food), Carla developed a passion for food. After forays in other careers she made a decision to study culinary arts at L’Academie de Cuisine in Maryland, where she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience. Apart from being an accomplished television personality as a trained chef who has worked in several professional restaurant kitchens in and around the Washington, D.C. area. Carla’s philosophy to always cook with love as expressed in her cookbooks, Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration, Carla’s Comfort Food: Favorite Dishes from Around the World and Cooking with Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You.  She is well -respected figure in the culinary world and continues to draw inspiration from her southern roots.

Nashville’s Celebrity Actors

James Denton

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Nashville’s other famous son is James Denton. His role as Mike Delfino in the hit television series Desperate Housewives was his defining moment. He has also appeared in films such as Face/Off, The Pretender and Primary Colors. Before becoming an actor, Denton worked as a television sports reporter in Tennessee. In addition to his acting career, Denton is also a talented musician. He plays the guitar and has released two albums, James Denton in 2007 and Sounds from the Cafe in 2009. He has also performed with the Band from TV, which features other TV actors such as Hugh Laurie and Greg Grunberg, and they have played at various charity events. Furthermore, he is a generous giver who supports Habitat for Humanity International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Adrienne C. Moore

Adrienne C. Moore is an accomplished television, film, voice talent and theatre artist who starred in the ground-breaking hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black where she played the role of ‘Black Cindy’. Her work in the role in the series, the NAACP Image Awards nominated her for consideration for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and the Vanguard Award. Her parents introduced Adrienne, her twin sister and her brother to the theatre at an early age but her formal training was at W.O. Smith Music School, where she studied piano and singing. It is while studying at Northwestern University that she began gaining recognition for her performances in various off-Broadway productions. Hard work eventually led her to her breakout role in the Netflix series. In recognition of her roots, often gives back to her community through charity work and mentorship programs.

Also Read: 35 Most Famous and Talented Women Actors Worldwide. 

Chord Overstreet

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Chord Overstreet is a famous actor and singer from Nashville, Tennessee. His break role was as Sam Evans in the television show Glee (2010 to 2015), where he appeared for three seasons. Overstreet comes from a musical family even though his name is a musical term. His father, Paul Overstreet is a Grammy Award-winning country music songwriter and pastor deeply involved in the music business. Consequently, Overstreet began playing music at a young age.  His music career proper started on a successful note with his debut single reaching number on many music charts around the world and has since released several other singles and an EP. He is the founder of the Chord Overstreet Foundation which works towards providing education opportunities for underprivileged children across America.

Sports Personalities from Nashville

 James Wiseman

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From Nashville to the NBA 7 ft James Monteinez Wiseman plays professional basketball for the Detroit Pistons. Wiseman began high school at The Ensworth School in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee before transferring to Memphis East High School. The one season of college basketball was enough for Wiseman to be named the American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year. In the 2020 NBA draft, he was the second overall pick by the Warriors. He averaged 11.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 39 games in his rookie season in 2020-21 then proceeded to win the NBA championship with the team in 2022. Wiseman is respected for his athleticism, shot-blocking ability and offensive versatility.

Wilma Rudolph

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Wilma Rudolph was a famous athlete from Nashville, Tennessee. Even childhood polio couldn’t slow her down and she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics. She was born prematurely in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, and suffered from several childhood illnesses, including polio and scarlet fever, which left her with a weakened left leg and foot. She began running at the age of seven as a form of therapy then joined her high school track team and went on to win numerous races at the state level.  In addition to her athletic accomplishments, after retiring from competitive athletics she worked as a teacher and coach after retiring from competition. She is a U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (1983) and the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1994) inductee.

Related Read: Top 1o Facts about the History of the Polio Vaccine.

Most Famous Activist from Nashville

Julian Bond

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Bond became recognized as a key figure in the Student Movement for civil rights in the early 1960s while attending Morehouse College in Atlanta. In 1960 he and other Atlanta University Center students organized the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR).  Horace Julian Bond served as chairman of NAACP from 1998 to 2010, bringing the institution into the 21st century. Bond sought an elective post and served four terms in the Georgia House of Representatives and also six terms in the Georgia State Senate. Julian Bond was committed to civil rights and economic justice from the 1950s until the end of his life

From country music stars to actors, athletes and more there are countless individuals who have made their mark on the world from Nashville. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to learn about some of the amazing people who have come out of Nashville, these famous personalities provide an interesting glimpse into what makes Music City so special.