Most Greyson Chance fans know by now that he grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma; but did you know that he’s part of a proud tradition of Oklahoma musicians whose fame skyrocketed before they could even drive?  Yay, history lesson time!

Greyson Chance was just twelve-years-old when he was discovered on YouTube by TV talk show host and former American Idol judge, Ellen DeGeneres.  After performing on The Ellen Show, Greyson went from a small town Edmond kid to a world-wide known singing sensation.  With his new found fame, Greyson joined a very special group of kid stars who’ve contributed to Oklahoma’s rock tradition.

What many people outside of Oklahoma may not know is that Greyson hales from a state which has produced kid-stars such as the Collins Kids, Hanson and Crooked X.  

The Collins Kids duo (Tahlequah, OK) featuring siblings Lawrencine “Lorrie” Collins and his brother Lawrence “Larry” Collins started their young careers in the 1950’s, producing hits such as “Beetle Bug Bop” and “Hop, Skip and Jump”.  Larry, the younger of the two was just 10 years old when he was considered a “guitar whiz” by respected members of the rock community.

Then there is Hanson (Tulsa, OK); the three brothers who are best known for their 1997 hit song, MMMBop.  Isaac, 16, Taylor, 13 and Zac, 11 in 1997 were even bigger than the current day Disney trio, the Jonas Brother.

Last we have Crooked X (Coweta, OK), the Tulsa based rockers were just 14 when they opened for greats like Kiss, Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper.  After winning a CBS talent competition in 2007 they landed a major-label debut album in which they wrote every song on the record.

Now Oklahoma can cheer on Greyson Chance as he carries on the rock tradition.  If you recall, during a recent interview with Twist Magazine, Greyson commented on his first album which he is currently recording in Los Angeles.  Greyson said the album will have, “some upbeat songs, some ballads and then I have some rock songs”. 

Oklahoma is proud of you Greyson! Rock on!