These 10 Celebrities Hail From Some Of North Carolina's Most Charming Small Towns
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Carolyn Harmon
Author
While many actors, musicians, politicians, athletes, and artists have lived in and loved this rugged mountain land, here are some notable celebrities from North Carolina who were born in or grew up in small towns. And by that, we mean they were born here. See if you know some great names on this list.
1. Mike Evans, Salisbury
Salisbury, NC, USA
Evans, center, played the beloved son Lionel Jefferson, on The Jeffersons (1975-1985), and guest-starred on "All in the Family." This 1974 publicity photo includes actors Isabel Sanford (Louise Jefferson), and Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson). If you ever find yourself in Salisbury, make sure you visit Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve.
2. Jaime Pressly, Kinston
Kinston, NC, USA
This funny Emmy-winning actor, fashion designer, and model is most famous for her role as Joy Turner on NBC's sitcom "My Name Is Earl," and also starred in "Mom," “Welcome to Flatch,” and in various movies. Visit her hometown of Kinston and you can learn a bit of Civil War history at the Kinston Battlefield Park.
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3. George Clinton, Kannapolis
Kannapolis, NC, USA
This multi-award-winning musician, bandleader, singer, and record producer is known for his Parliament-Funkadelic collective. The iconic influencer further developed funk-rock music and psychedelic fashion in the most exciting shows that hit the stage.
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4. Chris Daughtry, Roanoke Rapids
Lasker, NC, USA
Known for "American Idol" fame, placing fourth on the fifth season, Daughtry is the lead guitarist and lead vocalist for the rock band Daughtry. While he was born in Roanoke Rapids, he was raised in Lasker, NC.
5. Tori Amos, Newton
Newton, NC, USA
No stranger to the stage, Amos, a classically trained musician, has been playing live since she was 13 years old. While she was born in Newton, NC, she grew up in Maryland.
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6. James Taylor, Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
What can we say about James Taylor that you don't already know? This singer-songwriter is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Take a day trip to James Taylor's hometown of Chapel Hill and enjoy all of the shopping and dining options it has to offer!
7. Nina Simone, Tryon
Tryon, NC 28782, USA
This songwriter, singer, pianist, and civil rights activist performed and sang at civil rights meetings. In remembrance, a sculpture of Simone sits in Nina Simone Plaza on South Trade Street in Tryon.
8. Dale Earnhardt Sr., Kannapolis
Kannapolis, NC, USA
Remembered as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, Earnhardt was a professional stock car driver and team owner. He raced from 1975 until his tragic death in 2001 in the former NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Make sure to visit the Dale Earnhardt Tribute statue when visiting Kannapolis.
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9. Kellie Pickler, Albemarle
Albemarle, NC, USA
Pickler is a country music singer, songwriter, and actress, who became known during her time as a contestant in the fifth season of "American Idol," finishing in sixth place. If you ever visit her hometown of Albemarle, make sure to spend some time at Morrow Mountain State Park.
10. Randy Travis, Marshville
Marshville, NC, USA
The renowned, award-winning country musician and gospel singer also made his way onto TV shows and films. He hails from Marshville which was established in 1877.
For more exciting celebrities from North Carolina, here is a list of 10 famous people from Charlotte. If you plan on visiting any of the small towns mentioned above, check out the list of available vacation rentals on Vrbo.
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Featured Addresses
North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame, 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA