Map by Reddit user famicon3
Ever wondered which musical artists have generated the most revenue from your home state? This fascinating map reveals the highest-grossing singers, bands, and musical acts from each of the 50 states, and the results might surprise you.
From country legends to pop superstars, rock icons to hip-hop moguls, America’s musical landscape is as diverse as its geography.
Southern Comfort and Musical Gold
The South dominates when it comes to producing financially successful artists. Texas claims George Strait, the “King of Country,” whose traditional sound has translated into massive commercial success.
Meanwhile, Mississippi boasts the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. On the other hand, Louisiana brings us Lil Wayne, proving that regional hip-hop can achieve nationwide commercial triumph.
Pop Powerhouses and Coastal Classics
Arizona’s contribution comes from Linda Ronstadt, whose versatility across genres from rock to country to Latin music created a lasting commercial empire. The Apache State’s diverse musical output reflects in Ronstadt’s cross-genre success.
Meanwhile, the Northeast offers interesting contrasts, with New Hampshire giving us Aerosmith’s arena rock dominance and Pennsylvania producing Taylor Swift, who has redefined what commercial success looks like in the streaming era.
Unexpected Regional Champions
Some entries challenge our assumptions about musical geography.
South Dakota’s Shawn Colvin and Wyoming’s Spencer Bohren represent how talent can emerge from anywhere and find commercial success. These artists prove that hit-making potential isn’t limited to traditional music industry hubs like Nashville, Los Angeles, or New York.
Genre Diversity Across America
The map showcases America’s incredible musical diversity.
Country music claims significant territory with artists like Garth Brooks (Oklahoma) and Johnny Cash (Arkansas) representing various states. Hip-hop makes its mark with Kanye West (Georgia), Eminem (Missouri), and Wiz Khalifa (North Dakota). Rock and alternative acts such as The Killers (Nevada) and Portugal. The Man (Alaska) round out the picture.
The Streaming Era Impact
What’s particularly interesting is how this map captures different eras of music industry success. Some artists achieved their peak earnings during the CD boom, others through digital downloads, and newer acts through streaming platforms. This creates a fascinating snapshot of American musical commerce across generations.
The data reminds us that commercial success in music comes in many forms, from touring revenue to record sales to streaming royalties. Each artist on this map found their unique path to financial success while representing their home state’s contribution to America’s rich musical heritage.
Help us out by sharing this map: