Greensboro is home to many notable and famous people, both past and present. From athletes to musicians and political figures, entrepreneurs, and more – let’s take a look at some of the most famous. 

Famous Musicians

The list of musical industry notables from Greensboro, NC, is long. Here’s a look at some of the most famous:

Tony Brown

American record producer most well-known for his work in country music. He’s produced music for Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Vince Gill. 

Inez and Charlie Foxx

A brother and sister rhythm and blues duo. Inez sang vocals, while her brother Charlie played guitar and sang backup. 

Millard Powers

He was a bass guitarist for the band Counting Crows. Millard is a songwriter, musician, record producer, and Grammy-nominated recording engineer. 

Chris Daughtry

Daughtry is an American actor, songwriter, and singer. Most people know him as a contestant on season 5 of American Idol. Though he didn’t win the show, he did receive a recording contract from RCA following his appearance. He also came close to winning the latest hit singing competition, The Masked Singer.

Garry Peterson

Garry is a drummer who’s been a longstanding member of the rock band The Guess Who. Though he was born in Canada, he lives in Greensboro.

Famous Athletes

When it comes to notable citizens, Greensboro has more famous athletes than most other towns. 

Keenen Allen

Wide receiver for Los Angeles Chargers

Hal “Skinny” Brown

Major League Baseball player from 1951 to 1964

Jeff Davis

Linebacker for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Vince Evans

Quarterback who played for many NFL teams from 1977 to 1995

Wes Ferrell

Major League Baseball player from 1927 through 1941

John Henson

NBA player for the Detroit Pistons

Lou Hudson

NBA player for 13 seasons

John Isner

Professional tennis player

Ricky Proehl

Famous NFL wide receiver who played 17 seasons for various teams

Other Famous Locals

Here’s a look at some other local notables. 

Levi Coffin

American Quaker abolitionist who was well-known in the Underground Railroad. Some call him the unofficial “President of the Underground Railroad”, as it’s said he helped over 3,000 slaves. 

O. Henry

American author well known for his short stories with surprise endings. 

Frank Jobe

Orthopedic surgeon known for pioneering reconstructive elbow and shoulder surgeries for baseball players. He invented the Tommy John surgery.

Debra L. Lee

American businesswoman who served as CEO of BET from 2005 until 2018.

Loretta Lynch

83rd United States Attorney General serving from 2015 until 2017.

Dolley Madison

Wife of American President James Madison.

Michimasa Fujino

Japanese aeronautical engineer and entrepreneur. He’s known for founding and serving as CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. 

Stanley Tanger

American businessman and pioneer retailer. He’s responsible for the creation of the outlet shopping industry, having created the Tanger Outlets.