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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians From Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Broken Arrow, a vibrant suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has produced some incredibly talented musicians who have made their mark on the national and international music scene. While Tulsa may be more renowned for its musical history, Broken Arrow has also contributed its fair share of modern-day artists across a variety of genres, including rock, blues, country, and more. Below is a look at some of the top modern-day musicians from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, who continue to shape the region's musical landscape.
1. JD McPherson
JD McPherson is undoubtedly one of the most well-known musicians to come out of Broken Arrow in recent years. Known for his blend of rockabilly, rhythm and blues, and 1950s-style rock ‘n’ roll, McPherson has become a significant figure in the modern rock and blues scenes. His retro sound, infused with modern energy, has captivated audiences across the globe.
His debut album Signs and Signifiers (2010) garnered widespread acclaim for its authentic yet contemporary take on classic rock ‘n’ roll. Hits like "North Side Gal" and "Fire Bug" showcase his vintage sound and tight musical arrangements. McPherson’s follow-up albums, Let the Good Times Roll (2015) and Undivided Heart & Soul (2017), solidified his reputation as a modern revivalist of American roots music. His ability to bring old-school rock and blues to new audiences while staying true to his Broken Arrow roots makes him a standout figure in today’s music scene.
2. Kristin Chenoweth
Although Kristin Chenoweth is primarily known for her work in theater, television, and film, she is also a celebrated singer and recording artist. Born and raised in Broken Arrow, Chenoweth has enjoyed a successful career on Broadway and in Hollywood, with her powerhouse voice being a key component of her success.
Chenoweth’s music career spans several genres, including show tunes, classical crossover, country, and contemporary pop. She has released several albums, such as Let Yourself Go (2001), Some Lessons Learned (2011), and For the Girls (2019), where she covers classic songs by female artists. Although her music career is intertwined with her acting, her vocal talent and versatility make her one of Broken Arrow's most successful and recognizable figures in the entertainment industry.
3. Corey Kent
Corey Kent is an up-and-coming country artist from Broken Arrow who has been making waves in the modern country music scene. Known for his blend of traditional country with rock influences, Kent has garnered attention with his authentic voice and compelling songwriting. His music resonates with fans of modern country, offering a fresh take on the genre while still maintaining its core elements.
Kent’s EPs and singles, including tracks like "Gold" and "Highways," have helped him gain a following, especially among younger audiences looking for a mix of classic country sound with a contemporary twist. His raw vocals and relatable lyrics have positioned him as one of the rising stars from Broken Arrow's modern music scene.
4. Zac Maloy
Zac Maloy, a Broken Arrow native, first gained fame as the frontman and lead vocalist of the rock band The Nixons, which rose to prominence in the 1990s with hits like "Sister" and "Passion." While the band is often associated with the 1990s alternative rock wave, Maloy has remained an active figure in the music industry, transitioning into a successful career as a songwriter and producer.
Maloy has written for a wide range of artists across different genres, including country, pop, and rock. His songwriting credits include collaborations with top acts like Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, and Tim McGraw. With his Broken Arrow roots, Maloy has proven to be a versatile talent who continues to influence the modern music industry, both through his work as a performer and as a behind-the-scenes songwriter.
5. Jacob Tovar
Though Jacob Tovar was born and raised in nearby Tulsa, he has strong ties to the Broken Arrow music community and has established himself as a fixture in the Oklahoma music scene. Known for his country and western sound, Tovar’s music harks back to the golden era of honky-tonk while adding a modern flair that appeals to contemporary audiences.
Tovar’s albums, including Jacob Tovar & The Saddle Tramps (2015), showcase his smooth vocals and retro sound. His songs often reflect a deep connection to traditional country music, with a focus on heartfelt lyrics and simple, acoustic-driven melodies. Tovar's timeless sound and dedication to honoring the roots of country make him a standout figure in the Oklahoma music landscape, including Broken Arrow.
6. Hanson (Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson)
While Hanson as a band is technically based out of Tulsa, the three brothers—Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson—are worth mentioning in the context of Broken Arrow due to their regional influence and the fact that they grew up in close proximity to the town. The pop-rock trio became a worldwide sensation in the 1990s with their hit single "MMMBop" and their debut album Middle of Nowhere (1997).
Since their early success, Hanson has continued to release albums, build a loyal fanbase, and evolve their sound. Their music now incorporates elements of rock, soul, and pop, and their entrepreneurial approach to the music industry, including launching their own record label, makes them a significant presence in Oklahoma's modern music scene.
7. Shawna Russell
Shawna Russell is a country singer-songwriter with strong ties to Broken Arrow. Her music blends traditional country with Southern rock, creating a distinct sound that has earned her recognition in the modern country music industry. Russell’s powerful voice and authentic songwriting have helped her carve out a space in a competitive genre.
Her debut album, Goddess (2008), and her self-titled follow-up (2011) feature standout tracks like "Fire in the Desert" and "Waitin’ on Sunrise," which showcase her vocal range and storytelling ability. Russell continues to tour and perform, and her contributions to Oklahoma’s country music scene keep her in the spotlight as one of the region’s notable modern country artists.
8. Teel
Teel is a Broken Arrow-based electronic music producer and DJ who has gained attention for his experimental approach to electronic and synthwave music. His work combines electronic beats with retro-futuristic synth sounds, creating music that appeals to fans of electronic music, video game soundtracks, and modern pop.
Teel’s albums, including The Midnight Tapes and Dreaming in Color, have garnered him a dedicated following in the online music community. His ability to fuse nostalgic 1980s-inspired synth sounds with contemporary electronic production has made him a unique figure in the Broken Arrow music scene.
9. The Normandys
The Normandys are a punk rock band from Broken Arrow known for their high-energy performances and gritty, raw sound. The band’s music is influenced by classic punk rock bands like The Ramones and The Clash, but they add their own modern twist to the genre, making their music relevant to today’s punk scene.
Their albums, such as Home (2016), feature fast-paced, anthemic tracks that resonate with fans of punk and alternative rock. The Normandys’ DIY ethos and dedication to staying true to their punk roots have earned them a loyal fanbase in the Oklahoma music scene, particularly in Broken Arrow.
10. Charlie Wilson (Honorary Mention)
While Charlie Wilson, the legendary R&B and funk singer, is originally from Tulsa, his significant influence on the music scene in the greater Tulsa area, including Broken Arrow, cannot be overlooked. Wilson, best known as the lead singer of The Gap Band, has had an illustrious solo career with hits like "There Goes My Baby" and "You Are." His contributions to music, especially in the R&B genre, make him a musical icon with deep Oklahoma roots.
Conclusion
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, may be overshadowed by nearby Tulsa in terms of musical notoriety, but the town has produced an impressive array of modern-day musicians across various genres. From JD McPherson's rockabilly revival and Corey Kent’s rising country career to Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway success and Teel’s electronic soundscapes, Broken Arrow’s music scene is as diverse as it is vibrant. The city's musicians continue to contribute to the broader Oklahoma music landscape, making Broken Arrow a key player in the state's cultural fabric.
