Monroe, Louisiana is a city that has produced some of the most influential musicians in the music industry. From jazz saxophonists to soul singers, the city has been home to a number of talented artists who have made their mark on the music world. Fred Anderson is a renowned jazz saxophonist and club owner who has been performing for decades. His unique style and improvisational skills have been praised by critics.
Hamid Drake is another jazz musician from Monroe, Louisiana. He is a drummer and percussionist who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz. Doug Duffey is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and bandleader who has been entertaining audiences in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1998. His music combines blues, country, folk-rock, and classical elements. Jon Griffin is a singer and guitarist who has been performing in the area since 1998. He is the leader of his own trio and plays an eclectic mix of genres. Fats Domino was one of the most popular figures of early rock and roll.
His music attracted audiences from all backgrounds and helped shape the genre as it took hold. Dave Bartholomew was an important figure behind Fats Domino's success. As a composer, producer, and trumpet player, he helped create more than 60 hits for the pianist. Irma Thomas is known as the Queen of Soul in New Orleans. Her powerful voice has been used for decades to entertain audiences across the state.
Terence Blanchard is a modern jazz trumpeter and composer who uses his music to make statements about inequality and Hurricane Katrina's impact on the Gulf Coast. Glenn Dale Fontenot has been performing as a solo artist for nearly 25 years. He also leads The Renegades Band, which he founded in 1995. He performs with his duo Glenn And Kitty, America's Musical Duo. For a list of people who have studied at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, see the University of Louisiana at Monroe Alumni List.
