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Justin Timberlake. Photo by Gage Skidmore.

Top 10 Famous People from Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, is an incredible city which has earned the name home of blues. It has become one of the places to produce and host some of the world’s most popular people who have made the place earn several names, including a home of rock ‘n’ roll. Many of the world’s renowned and famous people, have found a place to call home within the walls of Memphis. Over the past century, it has produced some of famous people from various fields from film actors, directors, singers to globally recognized writers. Entertainment is at the heart of the city and be sure to find famous King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and other iconic figures in the entertainment industry. Several movie stars, military men, top politicians have also been part of the city in the past and present.

To prove this, here is a list of the few who made it to this list even though the list is endless:

1. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake. Photo by Gage Skidmore.

Justin Timberlake is a Memphis-born and raised talented singer and songwriter whose career in the industry has brought him fame and fortune. Despite this long duration, Justin Timberlake has continued to be relevant to our screens nationally and on the global stage for his music and acting career roles. Justin Timberlake started rising to fame at only 14 when he was named the youngest member of the N’SYNC. He was on the global map in 2002 when he launched his music career, releasing single songs alongside his first album, Justified. Since then, Justin Timberlake has earned many awards, recognitions, and honors, including four Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Justin Timberlake was one of the most established songwriters and singers.

Check out: Top 10 Best Things to do in Memphis, Tennessee

2. Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman. Photo by Georges Biard.

Morgan Freeman is among the most famous man from Memphis. Morgan Freeman’s acting career has made him star in various movies and television programs. He has been “lucky” to participate in various bestselling films that have enabled the world to understand and appreciate his roles as an international actor. Freeman has appeared in several categories of movies, including science fiction, with the marvel production among other outstanding categories. His career has made him recognized in significant events because not long ago, he was given the role to be part of the 2022 world cup opening ceremony speaker because of his command and vigor from his voice. The success Morgan Freeman has garnered cannot be compared to anyone else in the entertainment industry. In most cases, such a legend will never be replaceable.

3. Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley. Photo by Ollie Atkins.

Elvis Presley is one most recognized legendary songwriters, actors, and singers. You commonly hear him referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll.” From his teen years, Elvis Presley had already begun to be among the most influential people. His popularity at a young age made him attractive to women, who made a huge part of his fans. One of his major characteristics, self-confidence, and humility, made him one of the most respected singers of his time, as he was able to inspire thousands of other singers. Many have walked in his footsteps, and it’s why he’s still recognized even though he died in 1977, almost five decades ago. Elvis Presley was a man who risked everything, including ridicule, just to become successful.

4. Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty. Photo by GabboT.

Shannen Doherty is an author, actress, director, and producer of many films. Shannen Doherty has played critical roles throughout her career, enabling her to become an established name in Memphis and globally. Taking part in successful films and television programs such as Charmed, Father Murphy, and Beverly Hills earned her much recognition and respect in her industry. Shannen Doherty got nominated for the Youths award more times than any other person in her career because of her talent. Her roles in the various television programs she has taken place in have only made her star shine globally. Shannen Doherty continues to become a household name every day. 

5. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin. Photo by Cecilio Ricardo.

Aretha Franklin is a songwriter and soul singer who has received recognition as one the greatest singers of all time. Only a few can fit into this list. She became the first woman in history to be inducted into the rock and roll Hall of Fame. Aretha Franklin started her singing career at her father’s church and became the Queen of Soul. She joined Columbia records when she was 18, where she changed her music genre from singing in church to singing secular music. Her major achievement was in 1967 when she signed with Atlantic Records, and ever since, the Michigan government labeled her voice as a “natural resource.”

6. Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates. Photo by Gage Skidmore.

The multi-award-winning and multi-talented actress, Kathy Bates, born and raised in Memphis, inspires many. Kathy Bates struggled through various odds to become one of the historic names in Memphis, having taken many career roles. Starting her career in high school, Kathy Bates has been a part of many films, including Taking Off (1971) and Straight time (1978) which she did not play huge roles. It was until taking part in the Broadway parts that Kathy Bates started to get noticed. She continued to take roles in the movie industry, which she has done exemplary, earning her several Emmy awards. She has changed the industry with her talent and hard work.

7. Daniel Schneider

Daniel Schneider. Photo by Gage Skidmore.

Daniel Schneider is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer who has been part of various supporting roles since the 1980s. Daniel Schneider contributed immensely to the behind-the-scenes roles during film production. This has made him even more successful as he has produced and been a part of different movie plans. He co-founded Schneider’s Bakery and has also appeared on and helped create several other television shows. These include Nickelodeon鈥檚 Henry Danger, Game Shakers, and The Adventures of Kid Danger. His roles in the entertainment industry have put him on the global map through his focus on children鈥檚 shows and animations. He has positively impacted families.  

8. Jerry Lawler

Jerry Lawler. Photo by Super Festivals.

Jerry Lawler is one of the most established professional wrestlers and commentators who is mostly remembered for the roles he has played in WWE. Jerry Lawler achieved global recognition for being charming, especially when they were placed with comedian Andy Kaufman. Andy Kaufman played a critical role in helping Jerry Lawler establish himself in the 1970s through their feud. He has been at the top of his career and was even added to the WWE Universe hall of fame. Though retired, Jerry Lawler has immensely impacted the professional wrestling universe and made his name a household name. He is Memphis’ most outstanding wrestler.

Top 10 Famous People from Tennessee

9. Memphis Minnie

Memphis Minnie. Photo by Mastro Elia 1989.

The 鈥淨ueen of the Blues,鈥� they called her. Memphis Minnie, born in Memphis, was a songwriter, singer, and guitarist who loved what she did. This enabled her to be a household name in Memphis, the United States, and globally. Having struggled to overcome the male domination in the industry at the time, Memphis Minnie is surely a household name. Being the eldest in a family of 13, Memphis Minnie struggled to become successful. Her success came in the late 1920s; Memphis Minnie and her husband were signed to the Columbia label, where they recorded the first and best-known “Bumble Bee.” Her songs covered different topics, including sexuality and other social issues, which she articulated through singing.  

10. Hattie Caraway

Hattie Caraway. Portrait by John Oliver Buckley.

Hattie Caraway became the first woman to get elected to the Senate. The death of her husband, Thaddeus Caraway, opened the way for the famous Caraway to become nominated in the 1930s. Hattie Caraway was elected to serve the remainder of her husband’s term in 1932, a seat she easily won. Though many believed she would be a long shot for the position, she surprised many when she was declared the winner and won by a landslide. The win enabled her to break many gender barriers, such as becoming the first woman to chair a senate committee in 1933 and the first woman to preside over the Senate Senate in 1943 officially. Hattie Caraway inspired many women who would later vie for the positions.

To sum up, Memphis, Tennessee, has produced some of the most influential and talented people in the history and culture of the United States of America. Thanks to this beautiful city, the world can celebrate musical legends, top politicians, and actors who put the city on the global map. The above ten famous people in the city have printed their names in its history and will be remembered forever.