The Most Famous Mississippian, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Mississippian you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 1, 2024 07:10

Mississippi has been home to many influential figures whose impacts resonate far beyond its borders. Recognizing and ranking these individuals not only celebrates their contributions but also educates others about their significant roles. This dynamic listing allows voters like you to have a say in who stands out as the most noteworthy Mississippian. By participating in this voting process, users contribute to a collective acknowledgment of greatness from the state of Mississippi. Each vote adjusts the rank, reflecting public opinion and perhaps introducing lesser-known figures who deserve recognition. Join in and cast your vote to highlight those who've shaped Mississippi's historical, cultural, and social landscapes.

Who Is the Most Famous Mississippian?

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62
votes
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. Reproduction Number: LC-USZ6-2067 Location: NYWTS -- BIOG · Public domain

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley

The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi and became one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Elvis Presley was an American singer, musician, and actor, regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Often referred to as the 'King of Rock and Roll,' he brought rock and roll to mainstream audiences and had a profound impact on popular music.

Date of Birth: January 8, 1935

Place of Birth: Tupelo, Mississippi, United States

Date of Death: August 16, 1977

Genres: Rock and Roll, Pop, Country, Gospel

Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Elvis Presley in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person in Las Vegas
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Capricorn celebrity
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous religious singer
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous baritone singer
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Capricorn
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous grave-digger
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21
votes
US Embassy South Africa · Public domain

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey

Talk show host, actress, and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi and has become one of the most influential women in the world.
Oprah Winfrey is a highly successful American media executive, talk show host, television producer, actress, and philanthropist. She is considered one of the most influential women in the world of entertainment.

Birth Date: January 29, 1954

Birth Place: Kosciusko, Mississippi, U.S.

Career Start: The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986-2011)

Net Worth: Approximately $2.6 billion (as of 2020)

Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Oprah Winfrey in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous female talk-show host
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous African-American female artist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous ladies
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous African American
- Position 4 of 10 in Most successful celebrities of all time
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous businessperson
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28
votes
Carl Van Vechten · Public domain

William Faulkner

One of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, William Faulkner was born in New Albany, Mississippi and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949.
William Faulkner in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous American author
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous William
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous moonshiner
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous William
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21
votes

AnonymousUnknown author · Public domain

Eudora Welty

Another famous Mississippi writer, Eudora Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1973.
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11
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John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

B.B. King

Blues legend B.B. King was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi and is known for hits like "The Thrill is Gone" and "Every Day I Have the Blues."
B.B. King in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous blues artist
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous electric guitar player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous elderly singer
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12
votes
DoD News Features · Public domain

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman

Actor Morgan Freeman was born in Memphis, Tennessee but grew up in Greenwood, Mississippi and has appeared in many famous films, including "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Dark Knight."
The 'Morgan Freeman' voice is a distinctive and resonant voice known for its deep and rich tones, often described as velvety smooth. It has a calming and authoritative quality that captivates listeners.

Tone: Deep and rich

Texture: Velvety smooth

Calming: Yes

Authoritative: Yes

Captivating: Yes
Morgan Freeman in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular voice
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous audiobook narrator
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous African American actor
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous elderly actor
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Tennessee
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous actor in America
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15
votes

Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer · Public domain

Jim Henson

Creator of the Muppets, Jim Henson was born in Greenville, Mississippi and became one of the most influential figures in children's entertainment.
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9
votes
Jack Mitchell · CC BY-SA 4.0

Leontyne Price

Opera singer Leontyne Price was born in Laurel, Mississippi and became one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century.
Leontyne Price in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous classical singer
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1
votes
Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0

Archie Manning

Football player Archie Manning was born in Drew, Mississippi and played for the New Orleans Saints and the Houston Oilers. He is also the father of famous football players Peyton and Eli Manning.
Archie Manning in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Manning
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6
votes
Chief Mass Communication Specialist Eric Durie, USN · Public domain

Brett Favre

Football player Brett Favre was born in Gulfport, Mississippi and played for the Green Bay Packers, among other teams. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Brett Favre in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous quarterback in the NFL
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular on Cameo
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Manning

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Ranking factors for famous Mississippian

Entertainment industry

Success in the entertainment industry, such as being a musician, actor or actress, director, or producer, would be factors to consider. Examples include Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, Jim Henson, and Faith Hill.
Sports

Achievements in the world of sports, such as being a professional athlete, coach, or owner, would be factors to consider. Examples include Brett Favre, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, and Archie Manning.
Politics

Impact on politics on a national or international level, such as being a governor, senator, or president, would be factors to consider. Examples include William Faulkner, Trent Lott, John C. Stennis, and Haley Barbour.
Business

Success and impact in the business world, such as being an entrepreneur, CEO, or philanthropist, would be factors to consider. Examples include Jim Barksdale, Morgan Freeman, and Dr. James Anderson.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Mississippian. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Mississippian is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2402 views
187 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Mississippian once every 24 hours. The rank of each Mississippian is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous mississippian

Mississippi is a state with a rich history and culture, known for its blues music, southern hospitality, and delicious cuisine. It has also produced many famous individuals who have left their mark on the world. From authors and musicians to politicians and athletes, Mississippians have made significant contributions to various fields. When it comes to the most famous Mississippian, the answer depends on who you ask. Some might argue that it's Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Others might point to Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul and philanthropist, who grew up in Kosciusko. And then there's William Faulkner, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who hailed from Oxford. Regardless of who you consider to be the most famous Mississippian, there's no denying that the state has produced a wealth of talent and achievement. Explore our StrawPolls to see what others think and share your own opinion on this fascinating topic!