The Dallas - Fort Worth area is not only a great place to live and work, it is home to some renowned singers and entertainers! You may not know that these eight superstars are from the Metroplex, but you'll love them even more after learning they hail from right here in our hometown:
Born in 1982, this pride-and-joy of Burleson rose to fame in 2002 after winning the inaugural season of American Idol. She is often referenced as one of the top vocalists in the industry. Clarkson has sold over 25 million albums and has over 100 songs hit the number one spot on the Billboard charts.
Michael Lee Aday, best known by his stage name Meat Loaf, was born in Dallas in 1947. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, then attended Lubbock Christian College before transferring to the University of North Texas in Denton. His Bat Out of Hell album trilogy has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. Almost 40 years after its release, it still sells an estimated 200,000 copies yearly!
LeAnn Rimes' family moved to Garland when she was 6 years old. Born in 1982, she started performing in local talent shows and Dallas-area productions. After appearing on Star Search, she chose to go the country and western music route. She was a regular performer at Johnnie High's Country Music Revue in Arlington and sang at Dallas Cowboys football games. Her initial claim to fame was her version of the song Blue, which stirred mentions to her as "the next Patsy Cline."
Selena Gomez was born in Grand Prairie in 1992 and named after famous Tejano singer Selena, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1995. She got her start with a recurring role in Barney & Friends in 1992 and rose to fame with Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. In 2008, she founded her own production company and formed a band. She released three singles in 2017!
Demi also got her start on Barney & Friends, where she and Selena Gomez met. While not born in Dallas, she was raised here and we consider her a true Texan - her older sister is even named Dallas! She later played the lead role in Disney's Camp Rock and performed four songs on its soundtrack. She also starred in Sonny with a Chance. She is actively performing and releasing songs and albums.
Robert Van Winkle was born in South Dallas in 1967. He grew up moving between Dallas and Miami, and also lived in Carrollton for a time. While he learned hip-hop, he primarily focused on motocross sports until an injury ended his riding days. Vanilla Ice not only raps, but has had numerous other entertainment ventures as well.
Simpson was born in Abilene in 1980 and raised in the Dallas area. Her father was a Baptist youth minister, so naturally she got her start singing in the church choir. At age 11, she auditioned for a spot on The Mickey Mouse Show, but ultimately did not land the roll; however, she was picked up by a Christian music label before signing a contract with Columbia Records when she was 16. She married Nick Lachey in 2002, but they divorced in 2006. She is now remarried with two children and is working on an eighth studio album, due to release later this year.
Usher was born in Dallas in 1978, however, he lived much of his childhood in Tennessee and Georgia. Usher has sold 23.8 million albums and 38.2 million digital songs in the United States alone! Throughout his career, he has sold 43 million albums and 75 million records worldwide, making him a top best-selling music artist.
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Have you spotted any of these celebrities out and about Dallas - Fort Worth? Have you seen any of them in concert, either here or in another city? This list is by no means exhaustive, so are there other star musicians you think should be added to this list of home-grown talent? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
It should come as no surprise that Dallas – Fort Worth is credited with many “firsts.” We’re ambitious and competitive Texans, after all! It takes some mighty fine talent to invent things that have made our lives more convenient, our taste buds happier, and our entertainment options expanded! Here are 13 fun facts about Dallas as well as some things we did first that some people don’t know about. And of course, we are claiming our bragging rights for these Texas inventions. Pat on the back for us Texans!
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1. Jack Kilby, an engineer at Dallas-based Texas Instruments, invented the first microchip in 1958.
This first integrated circuit reduced the amount of space taken up by electronic components and advanced circuits. These microchips could then be manufactured using an automated process and allowed for electronic devices that were more powerful and sophisticated than ever before.
2. Kilby also led a group in 1967 to invent the first handheld calculator.
Mrs. George Clay, a Dallas homemaker, submitted her recipe for "German's Chocolate Cake" to the Dallas Morning News in 1957. After it won "recipe of the day," it was widely distributed and became quite popular for utilizing the Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate created in 1852.
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4. Dallas' Woodrow Wilson High School has some serious alumni athlete and musician bragging rights.
It is the only public high school in America to be the alma mater of two Heisman Trophy winners: quarterback Davey O’Brien, who won in 1938, and wide receiver Tim Brown, who won in 1987. Guitarist Steve Miller, leader of the Steve Miller Band, and ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill are also from here.
5. A Dallas resident is responsible for coining the phrase, "Super Bowl."
Sports mogul and longtime Dallas resident Lamar Hunt originated the term in a 1966 letter to commissioner Pete Rozelle, in which Hunt wrote, "I have kiddingly called it the 'Super Bowl,' which obviously can be improved upon." Obviously, he got it right!
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6. The world’s first frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas in 1971.
When Mike Martinez opened a small restaurant in Big D in 1916, he began infusing his food to integrate Mexican flare into it. In 1918, he changed the name to El Fenix.
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9. The Texas Star Ferris Wheel was the tallest in America... until Las Vegas' High Roller opened in 2016.
It was the first system in this country and, perhaps, the world. He also was the first to make such control "selective," meaning allowances could be made for emergency vehicles.
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11. The concept of a convenience store got its start here in Dallas.
In 1927, a Southland Ice Company employee began selling milk, eggs, and bread for convenience to customers. His business would later become known as 7-Eleven, which currently has more than 50,000 locations, making it the largest chain in the world.
12. The first landing of a supersonic Concorde in the United States was at the DFW Airport.
The tasty, carbonated soda remains a favorite choice of Texans today.
Do any of these Metroplex-based marvels come as a surprise to you? Are there other fun facts about Dallas or Texas that should be added to our bragging rights? If so, add your comments below!
Did you know that there are over 300 breweries in Texas? Check out this YouTube video by Top Places to Visit with some more interesting facts about Texas.
