The Sound of St. Louis: Honoring Icons for 314 Day
From Chuck Berry to Sexyy Red: St. Louis Icons Through the Years
Each year on March 14th, I join fellow St. Louisans in honoring our city’s vibrant history. This date, 314 Day, coincides with the city's area code. This year, I am especially reminded of music's significant role in shaping our community across generations.
My love for music was deeply nurtured throughout my childhood and adolescence, influenced by the city where I grew up. Some of my fondest memories revolve around music—whether it was attending concerts at The Muny Theatre with my mom, catching free jazz performances at the Art Museum on weeknights, or strolling through the Delmar Loop, reading the names on the St. Louis Walk of Fame and eagerly looking them up afterward.
The first concert I was ever allowed to attend was a Destiny’s Child concert, with Nelly & the St. Lunatics as the opening act. Witnessing Nelly and his crew perform Country Grammar on the same night Destiny’s Child took the stage with Say My Name and Bills, Bills, Bills was easily the highlight of my adolescent life—an experience that undoubtedly shaped me into the avid concertgoer I am today.
St. Louis is often recognized for Anheuser-Busch or the World Series-winning Cardinals, but its rich musical heritage doesn’t get nearly enough credit. The city played an integral role in the blues scene and was home to many legendary artists who left an undeniable mark on music history. It’s a legacy worth celebrating.
Legendary St. Louis Artists & Their Contributions
St. Louis has been the cradle for numerous musical legends whose influence resonates across genres.
Chuck Berry – The Father of Rock & Roll, Berry pioneered the genre with hits like Johnny B. Goode and Roll Over Beethoven, influencing countless musicians worldwide. His music put St. Louis on the rock & roll map.
Tina Turner – Born in Tennessee but raised musically in St. Louis, Turner started her career in local clubs before becoming the Queen of Rock & Roll with classics like Proud Mary and What’s Love Got to Do with It.
Miles Davis – One of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, Davis revolutionized the genre with albums like Kind of Blue, shaping modern jazz and inspiring generations.
Albert King – A blues legend, King’s soulful guitar playing and hits like Born Under a Bad Sign made him a key influence on rock and blues musicians, including Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Ike Turner – A key figure in early rock & roll and R&B, Turner’s work with the Kings of Rhythm and later with Tina Turner helped define a sound that bridged blues and rock.
Fontella Bass – Best known for her 1965 hit Rescue Me, Bass helped shape the early soul music scene and brought national attention to St. Louis R&B.
Josephine Baker – Though she found fame in France, Baker was born in St. Louis and became a global icon for jazz, dance, and civil rights activism.
New-Age St. Louis Artists & Their Impact
The modern music scene in St. Louis is equally vibrant, showcasing diverse artists who continue to push boundaries.
Nelly & The St. Lunatics – Nelly put St. Louis hip-hop on the map with his debut album Country Grammar, bringing a unique Midwest sound to mainstream rap. His success paved the way for many local artists.
Chingy – Known for early 2000s hits like Right Thurr and Holidae In, Chingy contributed to the rise of St. Louis hip-hop on a national level.
J-Kwon – His hit Tipsy became a party anthem in the mid-2000s, further cementing St. Louis as a powerhouse in hip-hop.
Murphy Lee – A key member of the St. Lunatics, Murphy Lee gained solo success with Shake Ya Tailfeather alongside Nelly, showcasing St. Louis' vibrant rap scene.
Metro Boomin – One of today’s biggest music producers, Metro Boomin has shaped modern hip-hop with his signature sound, working with artists like Future, Drake, and The Weeknd. His success keeps St. Louis relevant in the music industry.
Smino – A new-age artist blending hip-hop, R&B, and funk, Smino has introduced a fresh, soulful St. Louis sound with albums like blkswn and Luv 4 Rent.
Sexyy Red – One of the hottest new voices in hip-hop, Sexyy Red has taken the industry by storm with her bold lyrics and unapologetic style. Hailing from St. Louis, she’s bringing national attention to the city’s rap scene with hits like Pound Town and SkeeYee, proving that St. Louis continues to produce trendsetters in music.
Celebrating 314 Day allows us to acknowledge the vast cultural contributions of St. Louis, recognizing the legends of yesterday and the rising stars of today.
These artists—both past and present—have been instrumental in shaping St. Louis' musical identity, keeping the city’s rich culture alive across multiple genres. Their influence extends far beyond the city limits, proving that St. Louis is more than just a Baseball town—it’s a powerhouse of musical innovation.
The legacy continues as today’s artists amplify the profound impact that their predecessors have made. If you haven't tuned in yet, now is the perfect moment to embrace the sounds of St. Louis that echo well beyond our city limits.
Easy Listening, The Urban Music Enthusiast.