missreputeddj

On the note of my last blog, Which performers from Indiana do you find the most inspirational?  Everyone knows that Michael Jackson is from Gary (well all the Jacksons really), and I know that some members of Guns and Roses are from Lafayette… But what other performers have called the great state of Indiana home?  I decided to do some research, and here is what I found.

The following people are either from Indiana or have lived here:

• Kyle Cook (Matchbox Twenty guitarist), Frankfort
• Shannon Hoon (Blind Melon singer), Lafayette
• Axl Rose (Guns N Roses singer), Lafayette
• John Mellencamp (singer, songwriter, musician), Seymour
• David Lee Roth (singer & member of Van Halen), Bloomington
• Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, singer & producer, Indianapolis

Most of these people I had known about, but just forgotten about. Haha You see, my family is from Indiana and I grew up hearing about some of them. Secondly, It sortof makes sense why Indiana residents are predominantly into rock music (as a rule) with the state turning out predominantly famous rockers.

My entire family (on both sides!) actually hails from good ol’ Frankfort, Indiana. I have always thought of it as a small town, but my grandfather has been quick to inform me that it is the county seat of Clinton county! In any case, it is about 45 minutes north of Indy on SR 31, right in the middle of the state. So I have of course known that a member of Matchbox 20 is from Frankfort. That is kindof like a claim to fame for them.

I have spent a fair portion of my life here in Lafayette, so I am well aware of the fact that Axl Rose lived here. He even spent some time attending Jefferson high school.

This classic photo of Axl Rose in the 1980s was taken from his facebook page.

Well, I hope you’ve had fun being schooled on Indiana’s musical history! I leave you with a YouTube video of the greatest Michael Jackson performance ever!