List of people from Mississippi

People who were born or lived in the U.S. state of Mississippi.

Activists and advocates

• Knol Aust, LGBT civil rights activist, founding member and chairman of Unity Mississippi (statewide LGBT rights organization) and Outoberfest (annual state LGBT pride celebration), (Jackson)
• James Bevel (1936-2008), leader in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, (Itta Bena)
• Ruby Bridges (born 1954), first African-American child to attend an all-white school in the South, (Tylertown)
• Curtis Conway "C.C." Bryant (1917–2007), African-American civil rights leader, (Tylertown)
• Will D. Campbell (born 1924), Baptist minister and activist, (Amite County)
• James Chaney (1943–1964), African-American civil rights worker, (Meridian)
• Vernon Dahmer (1908–1966), African-American civil rights leader, (Hattiesburg)
• Charles Evers (born 1922), African-American civil rights leader, (Decatur)
• Medgar Evers (1925–1963), African-American civil rights leader, (Decatur)
• Myrlie Evers-Williams (born 1933), African-American civil rights leader, (Vicksburg)
• Dianna Freelon-Foster, African-American civil rights activist, Member of the Mississippi Civil Rights Education Commission, first female and first African-American mayor of her hometown (Grenada)
• C. L. Franklin (1915–1984), Baptist minister and father of Aretha Franklin, (Shelby)
• Duncan M. Gray, Jr. (born 1926), Episcopal clergyman, civil rights activist, (Canton)
• Percy Greene (1897–1977), journalist, activist, (Jackson)
• Lawrence Guyot (born 1939), civil rights activist, (Pass Christian)
• Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977), American voting rights activist, Civil rights leader, (Ruleville)
• Winson Hudson (1916–2004), civil rights activist, (Harmony)
• Clyde Kennard (1927–1963), civil rights activist, (Hattiesburg)
• Ed King, civil rights activist, Tougaloo chaplain, (Jackson)
• James Meredith (born 1933), first African-American student at the University of Mississippi, (Kosciusko)
• Anne Moody (born 1940), civil rights activist, (Centreville)
• Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862–1931), civil rights activist, Women's rights activist, (Holly Springs)
• Donald Wildmon (born 1938), founder and chairman of the American Family Association, (Dumas)

Actors/Actresses

• Joey Lauren Adams (born 1968), (Oxford)
• Joshua Alba (born 1982), (Biloxi)
• Mary Alice (born 1941), (Indianola)
• Dana Andrews (1909–1992), (Covington County)
• Roscoe Ates (1895–1962), (Grange)
• Katherine Bailess (born 1980), film and television actress (Vicksburg)
• Laura Bailey (born 1981), voice actress
• Earl W. Bascom (1906-1995), film and television (Columbia)
• Willie Best (1916–1962), (Sunflower)
• Jimmy Boyd (1939–2009), (McComb)
• Don Briscoe (1940–2004), soap opera actor, (Yalobusha County)
• Geneva Carr (born 1971), television and stage actress, (Jackson)
• Finn Carter (born 1960), (Greenville)
• Wally Cassell (born 1915), film and television actor
• Lacey Chabert (born 1982), (Purvis)
• Wyatt Emory Cooper (1927–1978), Broadway actor, (Quitman)
• Cassi Davis (born 1964), (Holly Springs)
• Michelle DeFraites (born 1993), actress/singer, (Pass Christian)
• Jason Dottley (born 1980), actor in Sordid Lives stage production and Logo television series, (Florence)
• John Dye (born 1963), (Amory)
• Mary Elizabeth Ellis, television and film actress, (Laurel)
• Ruth Ford (born 1915), stage and film actress, (Hazlehurst)
• Morgan Freeman (born 1937), (Greenwood)
• M. C. Gainey (born 1948), film and television actor, (Jackson)
• Cynthia Geary (born 1965), (Jackson)
• Allie Grant (born 1994), (Tupelo)
• Gary Grubbs (born 1949), (Amory)
• Lynn Hamilton (born 1930), (Yazoo City)
• Temeceka Harris (born 1975), one-time actress, (Mound Bayou)
• Beth Henley (born 1952), dramatist and actress, (Jackson)
• Jim Henson (1936–1990), creator of The Muppets, (Leland)
• Anthony Herrera (born 1944), (Wiggins)
• Wilbur Higby (1867–1934), silent film actor, (Meridian)
• Eddie Hodges (born 1947), former child actor, (Hattiesburg)
• Thelma Houston (born 1943), actress, (Leland)
• Don Jeffcoat (born 1975), (Gulfport)
• James Earl Jones (born 1931), (Arkabutla)
• Robert Earl Jones (1910–2006), (Senatobia)
• Simbi Khali (born 1971), (Jackson)
• Diane Ladd (born 1935), (Meridian)
• Daniel Curtis Lee (born 1991), (Clinton)
• Tom Lester (born 1938), (Jackson)
• Martha Mattox (1879–1933), silent film actor, (Natchez)
• Shane McRae (born 1977), (Starkville)
• Gerald McRaney (born 1947), (Collins)
• Mary Ann Mobley (born 1939), (Brandon)
• Parker Posey (born 1968), (Laurel)
• Evelyn Preer (1896–1932), (Vicksburg)
• Thalmus Rasulala (1939–1991), (Arkabutla)
• Beah Richards (1920–2000), stage/screen/tv actress, (Vicksburg)
• Eric Roberts (born 1956), (Biloxi)
• Toni Seawright (born 1964), international actress, (Pascagoula)
• Larry Semon (1889–1928), silent film actor/director/producer, (West Point)
• Jamie Lynn Spears (born 1991), acress and singer, (McComb)
• Stella Stevens (born 1938), (Yazoo City)
• Tonea Stewart (born 1947), (Greenwood)
• Ashley Thompson (born 1980), actress, (Booneville)
• James Michael Tyler (born 1962), (Winona)
• Brenda Venus (born 1957), actress, (Biloxi)
• Ray Walston (1914–2001), (Laurel)
• Sela Ward (born 1956), (Meridian)
• James Wheaton (1924–2002), (Meridian)
• Kit Williamson (born 1985), actor, (Jackson)
• Oprah Winfrey (born 1954), (Kosciusko)
• Hattie Winston (born 1945), (Greenville)

Artists

• Jere Allen, painter, (Oxford)
• James McConnell Anderson (1907–1998), potter and painter, (Ocean Springs)
• Peter Anderson (1901–1984), potter, (Ocean Springs)
• Rick Anderson, painter and children's book illustrator, (Clinton)
• Walter Inglis Anderson (1903–1965), painter, (Ocean Springs)
• Earl W. Bascom (1906-1995), painter, bronze sculptor, "King of the Cowboy Artists," (Columbia)
• Bill Beckwith, sculptor (Taylor)
• Howard Bingham (born 1939), photographer, (Jackson)
• Bruce Brady, nationally acclaimed sculptor, Sculpted Conerly Trophy, (Brookhaven)
• Andrew Bucci (born 1922), painter, (Vicksburg)
• Jane Rule Burdine, photographer, (Taylor)
• William Dunlap, painter, (Webster County)
• Sam Gilliam (born 1933), color field painter, (Tupelo)
• Theora Hamblett (1895–1977), painter, (Oxford)
• Ted Jackson (born 1955), photographer, (McComb)
• Chris LeDoux (1948–2005), bronze sculptor, (Biloxi)
• Ed McGowin, sculptor/painter, (Hattiesburg)
• Fred Mitchell (born 1923), abstract expressionist painter, (Meridian)
• Ethel Wright Mohamed (1906–1992), stitchery artist, (Belzoni)
• George E. Ohr (1857–1918), potter, (Biloxi)
• J. Kim Sessums, bronze sculptor and painter, (Brookhaven)
• Floyd Shaman (died 2005), sculptor, (Cleveland)
• Jack Spencer (born 1951), photographer, (Kosciusko)
• Glennray Tutor (born 1950), painter, (Oxford)
• James W. Washington, Jr. (1908–2000), painter and sculptor, (Gloster)
• Dick Waterman (born 1935), photographer and blues promoter, (Oxford)

Athletes and sports-related people

Baseball

• Frank Baker (born 1946), shortstop, (Meridian)
• Howard Battle (born 1972), third baseman, (Biloxi)
• Cool Papa Bell (1903–1991), center fielder, (Starkville)
• Martin Beno (born 1986), pitcher, (Horn Lake)
• Don Blasingame (1932–2005), second baseman, (Corinth)
• Milt Bolling (born 1930), shortstop, (Mississippi City)
• Josh Booty (born 1975), third baseman, (Starkville)
• Julio Borbon (born 1986), minor league outfielder, (Starkville)
• Dennis Ray "Oil Can" Boyd (born 1959), pitcher, (Meridian)
• Jeff Branson (born 1967), infielder, (Waynesboro)
• Jeff Brantley (born 1963), pitcher and ESPN analyst, (Starkville)
• Ellis Burks (born 1964), outfielder and designated hitter, (Vicksburg)
• Adrian Brown (born 1974), center fielder, (McComb)
• Jamie Brown (born 1977), pitcher, (Meridian)
• Guy Bush (1901–1985), pitcher, (Aberdeen)
• Dewon Day (born 1980), relief pitcher, (Jackson)
• Dizzy Dean (1910–1974), Hall of Fame pitcher, (Bond)
• Tommy Dean (born 1945), shortstop, (Iuka)
• Bob Didier (born 1949), catcher, (Hattiesburg)
• David "Boo" Ferriss (born 1921), pitcher, (Shaw)
• Curt Ford (born 1960), outfielder, (Jackson)
• Joey Gathright (born 1981), minor league outfielder, (Hattiesburg)
• Jake Gibbs (born 1938), catcher, (Grenada)
• Rod Gilbreath (born 1954), second baseman, (Laurel)
• Luther Hackman (born 1974), pitcher, (Columbus)
• Bill Hall (born 1979), third baseman, (Nettleton)
• Mickey Harrington (born 1934), pinch-runner, (Hattiesburg)
• Charlie Hayes (born 1965), third baseman, (Hattiesburg)
• Larry Herndon (born 1953), outfielder, (Sunflower)
• Jarrett Hoffpauir (born 1983), second baseman, (Natchez)
• Cleo James (born 1940), outfielder, (Clarksdale)
• Matt Lawton (born 1971), right fielder, (Gulfport)
• Brent Leach (born 1982), relief pitcher, (Flowood)
• Ronnie Lester (born 1959), player and Assistant General Manager, (Canton)
• John Lindsey (born 1977), minor league first baseman, (Hattiesburg)
• Nook Logan (born 1979), center fielder, (Natchez)
• Paul Maholm (born 1982), starting pitcher, (Greenwood)
• Chris Maloney (born 1961), minor league first baseman/outfielder/manager, (Jackson)
• Brian Maxcy (born 1971), pitcher, (Amory)
• Allen McDill (born 1971), left-handed specialist pitcher, (Greenville)
• Bill Melton (born 1945), third baseman, (Gulfport)
• Dustan Mohr (born 1976), outfielder, (Hattiesburg)
• Ryan Nye (born 1973), pitcher, (Biloxi)
• Roy Oswalt (born 1977), starting pitcher, (Weir)
• Dave Parker (born 1951), right fielder and designated hitter, (Calhoun)
• Claude Passeau (1909–2003), pitcher, (Lucedale)
• Van Pope (born 1984), minor league third baseman, (Jackson)
• Gary Rath (born 1973), starting pitcher, (Gulfport)
• Kevin Rogers (born 1968), pitcher, (Cleveland)
• Nate Rolison (born 1977), first baseman, (Petal)
• George Scott (born 1944), first baseman, (Greenville)
• Tony Sipp (born 1983), relief pitcher, (Pascagoula)
• Matt Skrmetta (born 1972), pitcher, (Biloxi)
• Jason Smith (born 1977), infielder, (Meridian)
• Seth Smith (born 1982), outfielder, (Jackson)
• Blake Stein (born 1973), pitcher, (McComb)
• Marcus Thames (born 1977), outfielder and first baseman, (Louisville)
• John Thomson (born 1973), starting pitcher, (Vicksburg)
• Matt Tolbert (born 1982), infielder, (born in McComb, raised in Woodville)
• Eddie "Scooter" Tucker (born 1966), catcher, (Greenville)
• Jermaine Van Buren (born 1980), relief pitcher, (Laurel)
• Chico Walker (born 1957), second base, (Jackson)
• Harry Walker (1916–1999), outfielder and manager, (Pascagoula)
• Skeeter Webb (1909–1986), infielder, (Meridian)
• Barry Wesson (born 1977), outfielder, (Tupelo)
• Frank White (born 1950), second baseman and coach, (Greenville)
• Dmitri Young (born 1973), first baseman, (Vicksburg)
• Terrell Young (born 1985), minor league pitcher, (Grenada)
• Tim Young (born 1973), relief pitcher, (Gulfport)
• Walter Young (born 1980), first baseman, (Hattiesburg)

Basketball

• Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (born 1969), point guard, (Gulfport)
• Coolidge Ball, forward, (Indianola)
• Earl Barron (born 1981), center, (Clarksdale)
• Billy Ray Bates (born 1956), shooting guard, (Kosciusko)
• Jonathan Bender (born 1981), power forward, (Picayune)
• Travarus Bennett (born 1979), minor leagues, (Rosedale)
• Ruthie Bolton (born 1967), shooting guard, head coach (Lucedale)
• Melvin Booker (born 1972), point guard, (Pascagoula)
• Tom Bowens (born 1940), forward-center, (Okolona)
• Alonzo Bradley (born 1953), forward, (Utica)
• Rickey Brown (born 1958), forward-center, (Madison County)
• Cleveland Buckner (born 1938), forward-center, (Yazoo City)
• Jackie Butler (born 1985), center, (McComb)
• Maurice Carter (born 1976), guard, (Jackson)
• Cornelius Cash (born 1952), forward, (Macon)
• Harvey Catchings (born 1951), center, (Jackson)
• Terry Catledge (born 1963), forward, (Houston)
• Van Chancellor (born 1943), women's coach, (Louisville)
• E.C. Coleman (born 1950), forward, (Flora)
• Joe Courtney (born 1969), power forward, (Jackson)
• Erick Dampier (born 1975), center, (New Hebron)
• Ollie Darden (born 1944), forward-center, (Aberdeen)
• Archie Dees (born 1936), forward-center, (Ethel)
• Ronald Dupree (born 1981), small forward, (Biloxi)
• Keith Edmonson (born 1960), guard, (Gulfport)
• Monta Ellis (born 1985), point guard and shooting guard, (Jackson)
• Tim Floyd (born 1954), men's head coach, (Hattiesburg)
• Nell Fortner (born 1959), women's head coach, (Jackson)
• Jennifer Gillom (born 1964), WMBA player/Olympic gold medalist and coach, (Abbeville)
• Gerald Glass (born 1967), guard-forward, (Greenwood)
• Lancaster Gordon (born 1962), guard-forward, (Jackson)
• Litterial Green (born 1970), point guard, (Pascagoula)
• Kevin Griffin (born 1975), shooting guard/small forward
• Tang Hamilton (born 1978), forward, (Jackson)
• Ira Harge (born 1941), center, (Anguilla)
• Othella Harrington (born 1974), power forward, (Jackson)
• Lusia Harris (born 1955), first female player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, (Minter City)
• Antonio Harvey (born 1970), radio broadcaster/retired player, (Pascagoula)
• Spencer Haywood (born 1949), power forward/center, (Silver City)
• Jeanne Ruark Hoff, Stanford University player
• Eddie Hughes (born 1960), point guard, (Greenville)
• Lindsey Hunter (born 1970), point guard, (Utica)
• Leroy Hurd (born 1980), forward, (Pascagoula)
• Al Jefferson (born 1985), center/power forward, (Monticello)
• Clay Johnson (born 1956), guard, (Yazoo City)
• John Johnson (born 1947), small forward, (Carthage)
• Trey Johnson (born 1984), shooting guard, (Jackson)
• Carolyn Jones-Young (born 1969), guard and Olympic bronze medalist, (Bay Springs)
• Randolph Keys (born 1966), guard-forward, (Collins)
• Danny Manning (born 1966), forward, (Hattiesburg)
• Ed Manning (born 1944), forward, (Summit)
• Antonio McDyess (born 1974), power forward, (Quitman)
• Derrick McKey (born 1966), small forward and power forward, (Meridian)
• Leland Mitchell (born 1941), guard, (Kiln)
• Matthew Mitchell (born 1970), women's head coach, (Louisville)
• Steve Newsome, Chicago Bulls draft (1973), (Columbia)
• Dyron Nix (born 1967), forward, (Meridian)
• Audie Norris (born 1960), center, (Jackson)
• Willie Norwood (born 1947), forward, (Carrollton)
• Travis Outlaw (born 1984), small forward amd power forward, (Starkville)
• Murriel Page (born 1975), WNBA player, (Louin)
• Marckell Patterson (born 1979), shooting guard, (Eupora)
• Kenny Payne (born 1966), small forward, (Laurel)
• Armintie Price (born 1985), shooting guard, (Myrtle)
• Dolph Pulliam, center, sports broadcaster, (West Point)
• Bob Quick (born 1946), guard-forward, (Thornton)
• Justin Reed (born 1982), forward, (Jackson)
• James Robinson (born 1970), shooting guard, (Jackson)
• Eugene Short (born 1953), small forward, (Hattiesburg)
• Purvis Short (born 1957), small forward and shooting guard, (Hattiesburg)
• Larry Smith (born 1958), center-forward, (Rolling Fork)
• Sedric Toney (born 1962), guard, (Columbus)
• Jarvis Varnado (born 1988), forward-center
• Margaret Wade (1912–1995), former player and coach, (Cleveland)
• Cornell Warner (born 1948), forward-center, (Jackson)
• Eric Washington (born 1974), guard-forward, (Pearl)
• Clarence Weatherspoon (born 1970), power forward, (Crawford)
• Dwayne Whitfield (born 1972), power forward, (Aberdeen)
• Tamika Whitmore (born 1977), forward, (Tupelo)
• Maurice "Mo" Williams (born 1982), point guard, (Jackson)
• George Wilson (born 1942), center, (Meridian)

American football

• Brian Alford (born 1975), wide receiver, (Crawford)
• Jake Allen (born 1985), wide receiver, (Laurel)
• Lance Alworth (born 1940), wide receiver, (Brookhaven)
• Jesse Anderson (born 1966), tight end, (West Point)
• Rashard Anderson (born 1977), cornerback, (Forest)
• Houston Antwine (born 1939), defensive tackle, (Louise)
• Jason Armstead (born 1979), wide receiver (Canadian Football League), (Moss Point)
• Hank Autry (born 1947), center, (Hattiesburg)
• Chris Avery (born 1975), fullback and linebacker (arena football), (Grenada)
• Jerome Barkum (born 1950), wide receiver/tight end, (Gulfport)
• Fred Barnett (born 1966), wide receiver, (Gunnison)
• Lem Barney (born 1945), cornerback, (Gulfport)
• Steve Baylark (born 1983), running back, (Aberdeen)
• Tony Bennett (born 1967), linebacker, (Alligator)
• Kenneth Bernich (born 1951), guard, (Biloxi)
• Damarius Bilbo (born 1982), football, (Moss Point)
• Harold Bishop, Jr. (born 1970), tight end, (Booneville)
• Earl Blair (1934–2004), halfback, (Pascagoula)
• George Blair (born 1938), AFL halfback, (Pascagoula)
• Josh Booty (born 1975), quarterback, (Starkville)
• Tim Bowens (born 1973), defensive tackle, (Okolona)
• Johnny Brewer (born 1937), tight end/linebacker, (Vicksburg)
• Allen Brown (born 1943), tight end, (Natchez)
• C. C. Brown (born 1983), safety, (Greenwood)
• Nathan Brown (born 1986), quarterback, (Hattiesburg)
• Willie Brown (born 1940), cornerback, (Yazoo City)
• Terrell Buckley (born 1971), cornerback, (Pascagoula)
• Derrick Burgess (born 1978), defensive end/linebacker, (Oxford)
• Chris Burkett (born 1962), wide receiver, (Laurel)
• Jason Campbell (born 1981), quarterback, (Laurel)
• Steve Campbell (born 1966), head coach
• Cooper Carlisle (born 1977), offensive guard, (Greenville)
• Alex Carrington (born 1987), defensive lineman, (Tupelo)
• Perry Carter (born 1971), defensive back, (McComb)
• Kory Chapman (born 1980), running back, (Batesville)
• Don Churchwell (born 1936), offensive tackle, (Leakesville)
• Billy Clay (born 1944), cornerback, (Oxford)
• Roderick (Rod) Coleman (born 1976), defensive tackle, (Vicksburg)
• Reggie Collier (born 1961), quarterback and wide receiver, (D'Iberville)
• Charlie Conerly (1921–1996), (Clarksdale)
• Darion Conner (born 1967), NFL linebacker and Arena Football League player, (Macon)
• Fred Cook (born 1952), defensive end, (Pascagoula)
• Johnie Cooks (born 1958), linebacker, (Leland)
• Russell Copeland (born 1971), wide receiver, (Tupelo)
• Bobby Crespino (born 1938), tight end, (Duncan)
• Quinton Culberson (born 1985), linebacker, (Jackson)
• Doug Cunningham (born 1945), running back, (Louisville)
• Roland Dale (born 1927), end, (Magee)
• Willie Daniel (born 1937), defensive back, (New Albany)
• Rod Davis (born 1981), linebacker, (Gulfport)
• Mike Dennis (born 1944), running back, (Philadelphia)
• Anthony Dixon (born 1987), running back, (Jackson)
• Kevin Dockery (born 1984), cornerback, (Hernando)
• Larry Dorsey (born 1953), wide receiver and high school coach, (Corinth)
• Jim Dunaway (born 1941), defensive tackle, (Columbia)
• Marcus Dupree (born 1964), running back, (Philadelphia)
• Antuan Edwards (born 1977), safety, (Starkville)
• Mario Edwards (born 1975), cornerback, (Gautier)
• Carlos Emmons (born 1973), linebacker, (Greenwood)
• Mike Espy (born 1982), wide receiver, (Jackson)
• Don "Red" Estes (born 1938), offensive lineman, (Brookhaven)
• Major Everett (born 1960), running back, (New Hebron)
• Brett Favre (born 1969), quarterback, (Kiln)
• Jason Ferguson (born 1974), defensive tackle, (Nettleton)
• Damion Fletcher (born 1987), running back, (Biloxi)
• Leslie Frazier (born 1959), cornerback and safety/Defensive Coordinator, (Columbus)
• Steve Freeman (born 1953), defensive back, game official, (Oxford)
• C. J. Gaddis (born 1985), safety, (Hattiesburg)
• William Gaines (born 1971), defensive lineman, (Jackson)
• Charles E. Gavin (born 1933), defensive end for the Denver Broncos, (Lake)
• Jimmie Giles (born 1954), tight end, (Natchez)
• Robert Gillespie (born 1979), running back, (Hattiesburg)
• Tom Goode (born 1938), offensive lineman, (West Point)
• Larry Grantham (born 1938), linebacker, (Crystal Springs)
• Hugh Green (born 1959), linebacker, (Natchez)
• Louis Green (born 1979), linebacker, (Vicksburg)
• L. C. Greenwood (born 1946), defensive end, (Canton)
• Jack Gregory (born 1944), defensive end, (Okolona)
• Cedric Griffin (born 1982), cornerback, (Natchez)
• Glynn Griffing (born 1940), quarterback, (Bentonia)
• Justin Griffith (born 1980), fullback, (Magee)
• Quentin Groves (born 1984), defensive end, (Greenville)
• Michael Haddix (born 1961), running back, (Tippah County)
• Bobby Hamilton (born 1971), defensive end, (Columbia)
• Parys Haralson (born 1984), linebacker, (Flora)
• Larry Hardy (born 1956), tight end, (Mendenhall)
• Clarence Harmon (born 1955), running back, (Kosciusko)
• Anthony Harris (born 1981), defensive tackle
• James Harvey (born 1965), guard, (Columbia)
• Kevin Henry (born 1968), defensive lineman, (Mound Bayou)
• Mack Herron (born 1948), running back, (Biloxi)
• Roy Hilton (born 1943), defensive end, (Hazlehurst)
• Stephen Hobbs (born 1965), wide receiver, (Mendenhall)
• Corey Holmes (born 1976), running back (Canadian football), (Greenville)
• Jaret Holmes (born 1976), placekicker, (Clinton)
• Lester Holmes (born 1969), offensive lineman, (Tylertown)
• Walter Holman (born 1959), running back, (Vaiden)
• Estus Hood (born 1955), cornerback, (Hattiesburg)
• Houston Hoover (born 1965), offensive lineman, (Yazoo City)
• Joe Horn (born 1972), wide receiver, (Tupelo)
• Derrick Hoskins (born 1970), cornerback, (Meridian)
• Gary Huff (born 1951), quarterback, (Natchez)
• Kent Hull (born 1960), offensive lineman, (Pontotoc)
• Don Hultz (born 1940), defensive lineman, (Moss Point)
• Terry Irvin (born 1954), defensive back (Canadian Football League), (Columbia)
• Brandon Jackson (born 1985), running back, (Horn Lake)
• Harold Jackson (born 1946), wide receiver, (Hattiesburg)
• Jarious Jackson (born 1977), quarterback/free safety (American and Canadian Football Leagues), (Tupelo)
• Kirby Jackson (born 1965), defensive back, (Sturgis)
• Tristan Jackson (born 1986), defensive back (Canadian football), (Beaumont)
• Sean James (born 1969), running back, (Meridian)
• Melvin Jenkins (born 1962), cornerback, (Jackson)
• Antonio Johnson (born 1984), defensive tackle, (Greenville)
• Dennis Johnson (born 1956), fullback, (Weir)
• Rory Johnson (born 1986), linebacker (American and Canadian Football Leagues), (Vicksburg)
• Spencer Johnson (born 1981), defensive tackle, (Waynesboro)
• Chris Jones (born 1982), wide receiver, (Macon)
• Ronald Jones (born 1981), defensive lineman (Canadian Football League), (Gulfport)
• Reggie Kelly (born 1977), tight end, (Aberdeen)
• Tommy Kelly (born 1980), defensive tackle, (Jackson)
• Tyrone Keys (born 1960), defensive lineman, (Jackson)
• Ed Khayat (born 1935), defensive end, (Moss Point)
• Curt Knight (born 1943), placekicker, (Gulfport)
• Roland Lakes (born 1939), defensive lineman/defensive tackle, (Vicksburg)
• Donald Lee (born 1980), tight end, (Maben)
• Brad Leggett (born 1966), center, (Vicksburg)
• Alex Lincoln (born 1977), linebacker, (Meridian)
• Ken Lucas (born 1979), cornerback, (Cleveland)
• Milton Mack (born 1963), cornerback, (Jackson)
• Earsell Mackbee (born 1941), cornerback, (Brookhaven)
• John Mangum (born 1967), cornerback, (Magee)
• Kris Mangum (born 1973), tight end, (Magee)
• Archie Manning (born 1949), quarterback, (Drew)
• Eli Manning (born 1981), quarterback, (Oxford)
• Mike Markuson (born 1961), offensive line coach and running game coordinator
• Aubrey Matthews (born 1962), wide receiver, (Pascagoula)
• Shane Matthews (born 1970), quarterback, (Pascagoula)
• Fred McAfee (born 1968), running back, (Philadelphia)
• Deuce McAllister (born 1978), running back, (Morton)
• Trumaine McBride (born 1985), cornerback, (Clarksdale)
• Dee McCann (born 1983), cornerback (American and Canadian Football Leagues), (Lucedale)
• Dexter McCleon (born 1973), safety, (Meridian)
• Sam McCullum (born 1952), wide receiver, (McComb)
• Ben McGee (born 1939), defensive end, (Starkville)
• Buford McGee (born 1960), running back, (Durant)
• Herb McMath (born 1954), defensive tackle and defensive end, (Coahoma)
• Greg McMurtry (born 1967), wide receiver, (Jackson)
• Fred McNair (born 1968), quarterback, (Mount Olive)
• Steve McNair (1973–2009), quarterback, (Mount Olive)
• Freeman McNeil (born 1959), running back, (Jackson)
• Quinton Meaders (born 1983), defensive back (Canadian Football League), (Tupelo)
• Jim Miller (born 1957), punter, (Ripley)
• Romaro Miller (born 1978), quarterback, (Shannon)
• Freddie Milons (born 1980), wide receiver, (Starkville)
• Frank Molden (born 1942), defensive tackle, (Moss Point)
• Cleo Montgomery (born 1956), wide receiver, (Greenville)
• Wilbert Montgomery (born 1954), running back, (Greenville)
• Stevon Moore (born 1967), safety, (Wiggins)
• Melvin Morgan (born 1953), defensive back, (Gulfport)
• Eric Moulds (born 1973), wide receiver, (Lucedale)
• Michael Myers (born 1976), defensive tackle, (Vicksburg)
• John Nix (born 1976), defensive lineman (arena football), (Lucedale)
• Jerious Norwood (born 1983), running back, (Jackson)
• Freddie Joe Nunn (born 1962), defensive end/linebacker, (Noxubee County)
• Michael Oher (born 1986), offensive tackle, (Oxford)
• Will Overstreet (born 1979), linebacker, (Jackson)
• Joe Owens (born 1946), defensive end, (Columbia)
• Eddie Payton (born 1951), running back, (Columbia)
• Walter Payton (1954–1999), half back, (Columbia)
• Derek Pegues (born 1986), safety, (Batesville)
• Marlo Perry (born 1972), linebacker, (Forest)
• Vernon Perry (born 1953), cornerback, (Jackson)
• Stephen Peterman (born 1982), offensive guard, (Gulfport)
• Danny Pierce (born 1948), running back, (Laurel)
• Lawrence Pillers (born 1952), defensive end, (Hazelhurst)
• Todd Pinkston (born 1977), wide receiver, (Forest)
• Clinton Portis (born 1981), running back, (Laurel)
• Jeff Posey (born 1975), linebacker, (Bassfield)
• Glover Quin (born 1986), safety, (McComb)
• Eddie Ray (born 1947), running back, (Vicksburg)
• Oscar Reed (born 1944), running back, (Jonestown)
• Johnny Rembert (born 1961), linebacker, (Hollandale)
• Will Renfro (born 1932), offensive tackle, (Batesville)
• Jerry Rice (born 1962), wide receiver, (Starkville)
• Bobby Richards (born 1938), defensive linemen, (Columbus)
• Gloster Richardson (born 1942), wide receiver, (Greenville)
• Willie Richardson (born 1939), wide receiver, (Clarksdale)
• Dwayne Rudd (born 1976), linebacker, (Batesville)
• Tyrone Rush (born 1971), running back, (Meridian)
• Jamarca Sanford (born 1985), safety, (Batesville)
• John Sawyer (born 1953), tight end, (Brookhaven)
• Cedric Scott (born 1977), defensive tackle (Canadian Football League), (Gulfport)
• Billy Shaw (born 1938), offensive guard, (Natchez)
• Harold Shaw (born 1974), fullback and occasional linebacker, (Magee)
• Billy Shields (born 1953), tackle, (Vicksburg)
• Kendall Simmons (born 1979), guard, (Ripley)
• Terrance Simmons (born 1976), defensive tackle, (Moss Point)
• Jackie Slater (born 1954), offensive tackle, (Jackson)
• Jackie Smith (born 1940), tight end, (Columbia)
• Jimmy Smith (born 1969), wide receiver, (Jackson)
• Noland Smith (born 1943), wide receiver/return specialist, (Jackson)
• Armegis Spearman (born 1978), linebacker, (Oxford)
• Chris Spencer (born 1982), center, (Madison)
• Irving Spikes (born 1970), running back, (Ocean Springs)
• Billy Stacy (born 1936), safety, (Drew)
• Thomas Strauthers (born 1961), defensive lineman, (Wesson)
• Diron Talbert (born 1944), defensive tackle, (Pascagoula)
• Don Talbert (born 1939), offensive tackle, (Louisville)
• Malcolm Taylor (born 1960), defensive end, (Crystal Springs)
• Daryl Terrell (born 1975), offensive lineman, (Vossburg)
• Fred Thomas (born 1973), cornerback, (Bruce)
• Norris Thomas (born 1954), cornerback, (Inverness)
• Eric Tillman (born c.1957), general manager of the Canadian Football League, (Jackson)
• Lewis Tillman (born 1966), running back, (Hazlehurst)
• Billy Tohill (born c.1939), head coach, (Batesville)
• Willie Totten (born 1962), head coach, (Leflore County)
• Bill Triplett (born 1940), running back, (Shaw)
• Billy Truax (born 1943), tight end, (Gulfport)
• Jim Urbanek (born 1945), defensive tackle, (Oxford)
• Gerald Vaughn (born 1970), defensive back (Canadian Football League), (Abbeville)
• Jim Walden (born c.1938), head coach, (Aberdeen)
• Kenyatta Walker (born 1979), offensive tackle, (Meridian)
• Gavin Walls (born 1980), defensive end (Canadian Football League), (Ripley)
• Wesley Walls (born 1966), tight end, (Batesville)
• Tom Walters (born 1942), safety, (Petal)
• Swayze Waters (born 1987), kicker, (Jackson)
• Kendell Watkins (born 1973), tight end, (Jackson)
• Willie West (born 1938), defensive back, (Lexington)
• Larry Whigham (born 1972), cornerback, (Hattiesburg)
• Ben Williams (born 1954), defensive lineman, (Yazoo City)
• Grant Williams (born 1974), offensive tackle, (Hattiesburg)
• Greg Williams (born 1959), safety, (Greenville)
• John Williams (born 1947), offensive lineman, (Jackson)
• Sammy Williams (born 1974), offensive tackle, (Magnolia)
• Odell Willis (born 1984), defensive lineman (American and Canadian Football Leagues), (Meridian)
• Sammy Winder (born 1959), running back, (Madison)
• Mike Withycombe (born 1964), guard, (Meridian)
• Otis Wonsley (born 1957), running back, (Pascagoula)
• Lee Woodruff (1909–unknown), running back, (Batesville)
• Keith Woodside (born 1964), running back, (Natchez)
• Abe Woodson (born 1934), cornerback/kick returner, (Jackson)
• Marv Woodson (born 1941), defensive back, (Hattiesburg)
• Floyd Womack (born 1978), offensive tackle, (Cleveland)
• Cornelius Wortham (born 1982), linebacker, (Calhoun City)

Other sports

• Fletcher Abram (born 1950), Olympic handball player, (Cary)
• Trey Alexander (born 1983), professional soccer midfielder, (Meridian)
• Earl W. Bascom (1906-1995), rodeo, Hall of Fame, "Father of Mississippi Rodeo," (Columbia)
• Ralph Boston (born 1939), Olympic long jumper, (Laurel)
• Devin Britton (born 1991), tennis player, (Jackson)
• Lee Calhoun (1933–1989), Olympic track athlete and college track coach, (Laurel)
• Shelby Cannon (born 1966), professional tennis player, (Hattiesburg)
• Floyd Cummings (born 1949), heavyweight boxer
• Tony Dees (born 1963), Olympic hurdler, (Pascagoula)
• Craig Demmin (born 1971), soccer defender
• Ted DiBiase (born 1954), professional wrestler, (Clinton)
• Ted DiBiase Jr (born 1982), professional wrestler, (Clinton)
• Barbara Ferrell (born 1947), Olympic track athlete, (Hattiesburg)
• Jim Gallagher, Jr. (born 1961), professional golfer, (Greenwood)
• Bobby Hamilton (1957–2007), NASCAR driver, (Columbia)
• Otis Harris (born 1982), Olympic track and field athlete, (Edwards)
• Jimmy Hart (born 1944), professional wrestling manager, (Jackson)
• Josh Hayes (born 1975), professional motorcycle roadracer, (Gulfport)
• Floyd Heard (born 1966), track and field sprinter, (West Point)
• Leroy Jones (born 1950), professional boxer, (Meridian)
• Justin Mapp (born 1984), professional soccer player, (Brandon)
• Kennedy McKinney (born 1966), professional boxer, (Hernando)
• Coby Miller (born 1976), track and field athlete, (Ackerman)
• Mary Mills (born 1940), professional golfer, (Laurel)
• Larry Myricks (born 1956), Olympic long jumper, (Clinton)
• Terri O'Connell, motorsports racer, (Corinth)
• Reed Pierce (born 1963), professional pool player, (Jackson)
• Brittney Reese (born 1986), Olympic long jumper, (Gulfport)
• Kevin Robertson (born 1959), Olympic water polo player, (Biloxi)
• Chris Shivers (born 1978), professional bull rider, (Natchez)
• Calvin Smith (born 1961), Olympic sprinter, (Bolton)
• Lake Speed (born 1948), NASCAR driver, (Jackson)
• Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. (born 1987), stock car driver, (Olive Branch)
• Dallas Stewart (born 1959), thoroughbred horse trainer, (McComb)
• Ernie Terrell (born 1939), former WBA heavyweight boxing champion, (Belzoni)
• Charles Walker (born 1934), checkers champion and minister, (Petal)
• Herb Washington (born 1951), sprinter/pinch runner, (Belzoni)

Broadcast media personalities

• Red Barber (1908–1992), sportscaster, (Columbus)
• Alex Bonner (1926–2003), broadcast media executive, (Marks)
• Campbell Brown (born 1968), CNN anchor, (Natchez)
• Ron Franklin (born 1942), ESPN sportscaster, (Jackson)
• Chris McDaniel (born 1971), talk radio host, (Laurel)
• Angela McGlowan, Fox News political commentator, (Oxford)
• Robin Roberts (born 1960), newscaster, (Pass Christian)
• Norman Robinson (born 1951), news anchor, (Toomsuba)
• Doug Russell (born 1972), sportscaster, (Jackson)
• Tavis Smiley (born 1964), talk show host, (Gulfport)
• Shepard Smith (born 1964), Fox News anchor, (Holly Springs)
• Oprah Winfrey (born 1954), talk show host, (Kosciusko)

Comedians

• Jerry Clower (1926–1998), (Liberty)
• David L. Cook (born 1968), (Pascagoula)
• Mack Dryden (born 1949), (Moss Point)
• Tig Notaro, stand-up comedy, (Jackson)

Educators

• James Madison Carpenter (1888–1983), folklorist, (Prentiss County)
• Jesse Dukeminier (1925–2003), professor of law, (West Point)
• William R. Ferris (born 1942), folklorist, chairman of National Endowment for the Humanities, (Vicksburg)
• George W. Grace (born 1921), linguist, (Corinth)
• Robert Khayat (born 1938), chancellor of the University of Mississippi, (Moss Point)
• Mamie Locke (born 1954), political scientist, dean at Hampton University, (Brandon)
• John A. Lomax (1867-1948), folklorist, (Goodman)
• Frances Lucas (born 1957), president of Millsaps College, (Jackson)
• Walter E. Massey (born 1938), physicist, University of Chicago, (Hattiesburg)
• William H. Miller (born 1941), theoretical chemist, (Kosciusko)
• William Muse, chancellor at East Carolina University
• Rod Paige (born 1933), U.S. secretary of education, (Monticello)
• Louis Westerfield (born 1949), law professor, first African-American Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Law, (De Kalb)
• Fannie C. Williams (1882–1980), normal school educator (Biloxi)

Entrepreneurs/Business leaders

• Jim Barksdale (born 1943), president and CEO of Netscape, (Jackson)
• James Breckenridge Speed (1844–1912), industrial pioneer
• Fred Carl, Jr., founder of Viking Range Corporation, (Greenwood)
• Bernard "Bernie" Ebbers (born 1941), founder and CEO of WorldCom, convicted of fraud and conspiracy, (Brookhaven)
• Dale Graham (born 1964), GEO of ClearStreaming, Inc., (Hattiesburg)
• Joshua Green (1869–1975), shipping magnate, banker, (Jackson)
• Toxey Haas, founder Mossy Oak Brand camouflage, (West Point)
• Sam Haskell (born 1955), former worldwide head of television for the William Morris Agency, (Amory)
• Robert L. Johnson (born 1946), founder of Black Entertainment Television, (Hickory)
• Ken Lewis (born 1947), Chairman, CEO, and President of Bank of America Corporation, (Meridian)
• Walter E. Massey (born 1938), corporate executive and board member of several oganizations, (Hattiesburg)
• Glenn McCullough (born 1954), chairman and CEO of GLM Associates, LLC, (Tupelo)
• Hu Meena, founder of Cellular South, (Clarksdale)
• Charles Moorman (born 1953), CEO of Norfolk Southern, (Hattiesburg)
• Clarence Otis, Jr. (born 1956), CEO of Darden Restaurants, (Vicksburg)
• Hartley Peavey (born 1941), founder of Peavey Electronics, (Starkville)
• Pig Foot Mary (1870–1929), culinary entrepreneur, (Mississippi Delta)
• Robert "Bob" Pittman, founder MTV, former CEO and COO AOL, (Jackson)
• J. H. Rush (1868–1931), founder of Rush's Infirmary, the first private hospital in Meridian, Mississippi, (De Kalb)
• Fred Smith (born 1944), founder of FedEx, (Marks)
• Antonio Maceo Walker (1909–1994), president of the Universal Life Insurance Company of Memphis, Tennessee, (Indianola)

Filmmakers

• Charles Burnett (born 1944), (Vicksburg)
• Jamaa Fanaka (born 1942), (Jackson)
• John Fortenberry, film and television director, (Jackson)
• Lawrence Gordon (born 1936), producer of Die Hard and other films, (Yazoo City)
• Patrik-Ian Polk (born 1973), (Hattiesburg)
• Larry A. Thompson (born 1944), television and film producer, (Clarksdale)

Inventors

• Earl W. Bascom (1906-1995), inventor of rodeo equipment, (Columbia)
• Harry A. Cole, inventor of Pine-Sol, (Jackson)
• Joseph Newman, inventor of the Newman motor, (Lucedale)
• Henry Sampson (born 1934), inventor, (Jackson)

Jurists and lawyers

• Rhesa H. Barksdale (born 1944), federal judge (Jackson)
• Neal Brooks Biggers Jr. (born 1935), federal judge (Corinth)
• William Joel Blass (born 1917), attorney, (Wiggins/Gulfport)
• Gerald Chatham (1906–1956), lawyer, lead prosecutor in the Emmett Till case, (Hernando)
• Bobby DeLaughter (born 1954), prosecutor, judge (Jackson)
• Jess H. Dickinson (born 1947), associate justice, Supreme Court of Mississippi, (Charleston)
• Boyce Holleman (1924-2003), attorney, (Wiggins/Gulfport)
• Frank Hunger (born 1936), assistant U.S. attorney general, (Greenville)
• E. Grady Jolly (born 1937), judge of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, (Louisville)
• Charles W. Pickering (born 1937), federal judge, (Jones County)
• Thomas Rodney (1744–1811), federal judge, (Natchez)
• Richard "Dickie" Scruggs (born 1946), attorney, (Pascagoula)
• Michael B. Thornton (born 1954), judge, U.S. Tax Court
• Michael Wallace (born 1951), lawyer, (Biloxi)
• James R. Williams (born 1936), lawyer and jurist, (Columbus)

Military figures

• William Wirt Adams (1819–1888), brigadier general, CSA (Jackson)
• Van T. Barfoot (born 1919), World War II colonel and Medal of Honor recipient, (Edinburg)
• William Barksdale (1821–1863), brigadier general, CSA, died at Gettysburg, (Jackson)
• William Billingsley (1887–1913), ensign, first Navy aviator killed in an airplane crash, (Winona)
• Alvin C. Cockrell (1918–1942), second lieutenant, USMC, killed in WW2 (Hazelhurst)
• Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821–1877), general, CSA, (Hernando)
• Walter "Smokey" Gordon (1920-1997), World War II veteran, portrayed in the HBO mini-series Band Of Brothers
• Jeffery Hammond (born 1978), major general, (Hattiesburg)
• Randolph M. Holder (1918–1942), USN lieutenant (junior grade), (Jackson)
• Felix Huston (1800–1857), general, Texas army, (Natchez)
• Samuel Reeves Keesler (1896–1918), airman, WWI, (Greenwood)
• Newton Knight (1837–1922), Unionist guerrilla leader, (Jones County)
• Roy Joseph Marchand (1920–1942), World War II fireman first class, (Crandall)
• Henry Pinckney McCain (1861–1941), adjutant general, US Army, (Carroll County)
• John S. McCain, Sr. (1884–1945), USN admiral, (Teoc)
• Donald H. Peterson (born 1933), USAF colonel and NASA astronaut, (Winona)
• Charles Read (1840–1890), naval officer, (Meridian)
• Viola B. Sanders (born 1921), USN captain, director of women, U.S. Navy, (Sidon)
• Daniel Isom Sultan (1885–1947), inspector general, U.S. Army, (Oxford)
• James Monroe Trotter (1842–1892), first man of color to achieve rank of 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army, music historian (Gulfport)
• Richard H. Truly (born 1937), retired United States Navy, former astronaut, and NASA administrator (Fayette)

Models

• Jennifer Adcock (born 1980), Miss Mississippi 2002 and Miss Mississippi USA 2005, (Hattiesburg)
• Kristi Addis (born 1971), Miss Teen USA 1987, (Holcomb)
• Susan Akin (born 1965), Miss Mississippi 1985 and Miss America 1986, (Meridian)
• Jenna Edwards (born 1981), former Miss Florida and Miss Florida USA, (Brandon)
• Ruth Ford (born 1915), model, (Hazlehurst)
• Taryn Foshee, Miss Mississippi 2006, (Clinton)
• June Juanico (born 1938), beauty queen known for dating Elvis Presley in 1955 and 1956, (Biloxi)
• Nan Kelley, Miss Mississippi 1985 and GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown hostess, (Hattiesburg)
• Kendra King, Miss Mississippi USA 2006, (Monticello)
• Christine Kozlowski, Miss Mississippi 2008, (D'Iberville)
• Leah Laviano (born 1988), Miss Mississippi USA 2008, and 1st runner up in Miss USA 2008, (Ellisville)
• Monica Louwerens (born 1973), Miss Mississippi 1995, (Greenville)
• Lypsinka (born 1955), drag performer and model, (Hazlehurst)
• Lynda Lee Mead (born c.1939), Miss America 1960, (Natchez)
• Mary Ann Mobley (born 1939), Miss America 1959, (Brandon)
• Kimberly Morgan (born 1983), Miss Mississippi 2007, (Taylor)
• Cheryl Prewitt (born 1957), Miss America 1980, (Ackerman)
• Toni Seawright (born 1964), Miss Mississippi 1987 (first African-American winner), (Pascagoula)
• Naomi Sims (1948–2009), fashion model and author (Oxford)
• Ellen Stratton (born 1939), model and Playboy Playmate, (Marietta)
• Amy Wesson (born 1977), fashion model, (Tupelo)
• Cindy Williams (born 1964), journalist and Miss Mississippi USA 1986
• Jalin Wood (born 1981), Miss Mississippi 2004 and Miss Mississippi USA 2007, (Waynesboro)

Musicians and performers

• 3 Doors Down, band, (Escatawpa)
• John Luther Adams (born 1953), composer of music inspired by nature, (Meridian)
• Afroman (born 1974), comedy rapper, (Hattiesburg)
• Tommy Aldridge (born 1950), drummer for Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake. (Pearl)
• Mose Allison (born 1927), jazz musician, (Tallahatchie County)
• Robert Anderson (1919–1995), gospel singer-composer and pianist, (Anguilla)
• Steve Azar (born 1964), country singer, (Greenville)
• Glen Ballard (born 1953), songwriter and record producer, (Natchez)
• David Banner (born 1973), rapper/producer, (Jackson)
• Matt Barlow (born 1970), lead singer of the metal band Iced Earth, (Biloxi)
• Prentiss Barnes (1925–2006), rhythm and blues singer, (Magnolia)
• Lance Bass (born 1979), member of pop group 'N Sync, (Laurel)
• Jeff Bates (born 1963), country music singer-songwriter, (Bunker Hill)
• Beanland, jam band, (Oxford)
• Robert Belfour (born 1940), blues musician, (Holly Springs)
• Carey Bell (1936–2007), Chicago blues harmonica player, (Macon)
• Big Time Sarah (born 1953), blues singer, (Coldwater)
• The Blackwood Brothers, gospel singers, (Choctaw County)
• James Blackwood (1919–2002), one of The Blackwood Brothers, (Choctaw County)
• Blind Melon, Alternative rock and jam band, (Starkville)
• Blind Mississippi Morris (born 1955), blues artist, (Clarksdale)
• Blue Mountain, alternative country band, (Oxford)
• Lucille Bogan (1897–1948), blues singer, (Amory)
• Charley Booker (1925–1989), blues singer and guitarist, (Moorhead)
• Eddie Boyd (1914–1994), blues musician, (Clarksdale)
• Bobby Bradford (born 1934), jazz musician and composer, (Cleveland)
• Jan Bradley (born 1943), soul singer, (Byhalia)
• Cory Branan (born 1975), singer-songwriter, (Southhaven)
• Jackie Brenston (1930–1979), American R&B singer and saxophonist, (Clarksdale)
• Big Bill Broonzy (1898–1958), blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, (Scott County)
• Eddie "Bongo" Brown (1932–1984), percussionist, (Clarksdale)
• Jimmy Buffett (born 1946), multi-genre singer-songwriter, (Pascagoula)
• R. L. Burnside (1926–2005), blues singer-songwriter, (Harmontown)
• Jerry Butler (born 1939), soul singer-songwriter, (Sunflower)
• Cadillac Don & J-Money, rap duo, (Crawford)
• G. C. Cameron (born 1945), soul and R&B singer, (Jackson)
• Ace Cannon (born 1934), tenor and alto saxophonist, (Grenada)
• Gus Cannon (1883–1979), jug band musician, (Red Banks)
• Bo Carter (1893–1964), blues singer, (Bolton)
• Johnny Carver (born 1940), country singer, (Jackson)
• The Chambers Brothers, soul music group, (Lee County)
• Sam Chatmon (1897–1983), blues singer, brother of Bo Carter, (Bolton)
• Otis Clay (born 1942), R&B and soul musician, (Waxhaw)
• Chalmers Clifton (1889–1966), conductor and composer, (Jackson)
• Odia Coates (1942–1991), singer, (Vicksburg)
• Hank Cochran (born 1935), country music singer-songwriter, (Isola)
• Bill Coday (1942–2008), singer, (Coldwater)
• Phil Cohran (born 1927), jazz musician, (Oxford)
• Colour Revolt, indie rock band, (Oxford)
• Mike Compton (born 1956), bluegrass mandolin player, (Meridian)
• David L. Cook (born 1968), Christian country music singer-songwriter, (Pascagoula)
• Sam Cooke (1931–1964), (Clarksdale)
• The Cook Family Singers, Christian country music group, (Pascagoula)
• The Cooters, punk metal band, (Oxford)
• James Cotton (born 1935), blues harmonica player and singer-songwriter, (Tunica)
• Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup (1905–1974), Delta blues singer and guitarist, (Forest)
• George Cummings (born 1938), guitarist and songwriter, (Meridian)
• Olu Dara (born 1941), jazz musician, (Natchez)
• Lester Davenport (1932–2009), American blues harmonica player and singer, (Tchula)
• Paul Davis (1948–2008), singer-songwriter, (Meridian)
• Jimmy Dawkins (born 1936), blues guitarist and singer, (Tchula)
• Al Denson (born 1960), contemporary Christian artist, (Starkville)
• Bo Diddley (1928–2008), rock & roll/R&B singer-songwriter, (McComb)
• Willie Dixon (1915–1992), blues bassist/singer-ongwriter/record producer, (Vicksburg)
• Nate Dogg (born 1969), West Coast Hip Hop and R&B artist, (Clarksdale)
• Kevin Dukes (born 1956), guitarist, (Brookhaven)
• Omar Kent Dykes (born 1950), blues guitarist and singer, (McComb)
• Judy Dunaway (born 1964), avant-garde composer/free improvisor/conceptual sound artist
• Meredith Edwards (born 1984), country singer, (Clinton)
• Lehman Engel (1910–1982), composer and conductor, (Jackson)
• Shelly Fairchild (born 1977), country music artist, (Clinton)
• Charlie Feathers (1932–1998), (Holly Springs)
• Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, gospel singers, (Piney Woods)
• Steve Forbert (born 1955), pop music singer-songwriter, (Meridian)
• Barbara Siggers Franklin (1917–1952), gospel singer and mother of Aretha Franklin, (Shelby)
• Lee Garrett, R&B singer-songwriter
• Eric "Red Mouth" Gebhardt, multi-genre singer-songwriter, (Biloxi)
• Bobbie Gentry (born 1944), singer-songwriter, (Greenwood)
• Mickey Gilley (born 1936), country singer and musician, (Natchez)
• Mark Gray (born 1952), country music singer and keyboardist, (Vicksburg
• Garland Green (born 1942), soul singer and pianist, (Dunleith)
• Lloyd Green (born 1937), country music steel guitarist, (Leaf)
• Ted Hawkins (born 1936), singer and songwriter, (Biloxi)
• Kenneth Haxton (1919–2002), composer, (Greenville)
• Jessie Mae Hemphill (1923–2006), blues musician, (Como)
• Caroline Herring, bluegrass musician, (Canton)
• Michael Henderson (born 1951), bass guitarist, R&B singer (Yazoo City)
• Faith Hill (born 1967), country/pop singer, (Jackson)
• Kim Hill (born 1963), Christian singer-songwriter, (Starkville)
• Ernie Hines (born 1938), soul musician
• Milt Hinton (1910–2000), jazz double bassist, (Vicksburg)
• John Lee Hooker (1917–2001), singer-songwriter and blues guitarist, (Clarksdale)
• Big Walter Horton (1917–1981), blues harmonica player, (Horn Lake)
• Son House (1902–1988), blues singer and guitarist, (Riverton)
• Randy Houser (born 1975), country music artist, (Lake)
• Thelma Houston (born 1943), R&B singer-songwriter, (Leland)
• Guy Hovis (born 1941), big band singer, (Tupelo)
• Cary Hudson, lead singer and guitarist for alternative country band Blue Mountain, (Sumrall)
• Mississippi John Hurt (c.1893–1966), country blues singer and guitarist, (Teoc)
• Clifton Hyde (born 1976), multi-instrumentalist and producer, (Hattiesburg)
• Carl Jackson (born 1953), country and bluegrass musician, (Louisville)
• Elmore James (1918–1963), blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, (Richland)
• Skip James (1902–1969), Delta blues guitarist/pianist/singer-songwriter, (Bentonia)
• Roosevelt Jamison (born 1936), songwriter/publicist, (Olive Branch)
• Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson (born 1944), drummer in The Allman Brothers Band, (Ocean Springs)
• Big Jack Johnson (born 1940), blues musician, (Clarksdale)
• Jimmy Johnson (born 1928), blues guitarist and singer, (Holly Springs)
• Robert Johnson (1911–1938), blues and Delta blues musician, (Hazlehurst)
• Syl Johnson (born 1936), blues and soul singer, (Holly Springs)
• Margie Joseph (born 1950), R&B and soul singer, (Pascagoula)
• Junior Kimbrough (1930–1998), blues artist, (Hudsonville)
• Albert King (1923–1992), blues guitarist and singer, (Indianola)
• B. B. King (born 1925), blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, (Itta Bena)
• Fern Kinney, rhythm & blues and disco music entertainer, (Jackson)
• Kudzu Kings, band, (Oxford)
• Fred Knoblock (born 1953), country singer-songwriter, (Jackson)
• Sonny Landreth (born 1951), blues musician and slide guitar player, (Canton)
• Denise LaSalle (born 1939), urban contemporary and contemporary R&B singer-songwriter/record producer, (Belzoni)
• Rick Lawson (born 1973), soul and R&B singer, (Raymond)
• Chris LeDoux (1948–2005), country music singer-songwriter, (Biloxi)
• Mylon LeFevre (born 1944), gospel and Christian rock singer, (Gulfport)
• J. B. Lenoir (1929–1967), guitarist and singer-songwriter, (Monticello)
• Robert "Squirrel" Lester (born 1942), second tenor of The Chi-Lites, (McComb)
• Bobby Lounge (born 1950), singer-songwriter, (McComb)
• Tommy McClennan (1908–c.1962), Delta blues singer and guitarist, (Yazoo City)
• George McConnell, guitarist, (Vicksburg)
• Kansas Joe McCoy (1905–1950), blues musician and songwriter, (Raymond)
• Papa Charlie McCoy (1909–1950), Delta blues musician and songwriter, (Jackson)
• Fred McDowell (1904–1972), blues singer and guitarist, (Como)
• Mulgrew Miller (born 1955), jazz pianist, (Greenwood)
• Little Milton (1934–2005), blues and soul vocalist and guitarist, (Inverness)
• Hoyt Ming, old-time fiddler, (Choctaw County)
• Mississippi Mass Choir, gospel choir, (Jackson)
• Mississippi Slim (born 1923), country singer and guitarist, (Smithville)
• Monkey Joe, blues musician, (Jackson)
• Dorothy Moore (born 1947), pop/R&B/gospel singer, (Jackson)
• Charlie Musselwhite (born 1944), blues-harp player and bandleader, (Kosciusko)
• Bill Myrick (born 1926), country singer/musician/writer/producer/disc jockey, (Simpson County)
• North Mississippi Allstars, blues-rock/jam band, (Hernando)
• Brandy Norwood (born 1979), R&B singer-songwriter/record producer, (McComb)
• Willie Norwood (born 1955), gospel singer, (McComb)
• Ray J (born 1981), contemporary R&B and hip hop singer/record producer, (McComb)
• Alexander O'Neal (born 1953), soul singer, (Natchez)
• Paul Overstreet (born 1955), country music singer-songwriter, (Newton)
• Ginny Owens, blind contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter, (Jackson)
• Junior Parker (1932–1971), Memphis blues singer and musician, (Clarksdale)
• Michael Passons (born 1965), founding member of the Christian band Avalon, (Yazoo City)
• Charley Patton (1891–1934), Delta-/Country-/Gospel blues musician, (Edwards)
• Dion Payton (born 1950), blues guitarist and singer, (Greenwood)
• Elvis Presley (1935–1977), multi-genre musician, (Tupelo)
• Leontyne Price (born 1927), opera singer, (Laurel)
• Charley Pride (born 1938), country music singer, (Sledge)
• John Primer (born 1945), blues singer and guitarist, (Camden)
• Stephen Purdy (born 1970), conductor/pianist and vocal coach for broadway musicals and broadway actors, (Hattiesburg)
• Jimmy Reed (1925–1976), blues singer and musician, (Dunleith)
• Del Rendon (1965–2005), country musician, (Starkville)
• Mack Rice (born 1933), songwriter, (Clarksdale)
• LeAnn Rimes (born 1982), country and pop singer, (Pearl)
• Fenton Robinson (born 1935), blues musician, (Greenwood)
• Jimmie Rodgers (1897–1933), country singer, (Meridian)
• Jimmy Rogers (1924–1997), blues signer and guitarist, (Ruleville)
• David Ruffin (1941–1991), former lead singer of The Temptations, (Whynot)
• Jimmy Ruffin (born 1939), soul and R&B singer, (Collinsville)
• Bobby Rush (born 1940), blues and R&B musician/composer/singer, (Jackson)
• Otis Rush (born 1935), blues musician, (Philadelphia)
• Oliver Sain (1932–2003), saxophonist/drummer/songwriter/record producer, (Dundee)
• Magic Sam (1937–1969), Chicago blues and soul blues musician, (Grenada)
• Jeff Savage, Grammy/Dove winning pop producer and songwriter/film composer, (Clinton)
• Scott Savage, drummer for Christian rock band Jars of Clay, (Clinton)
• Saving Abel, rock band, (Corinth)
• Johnny Sea (born 1940), country singer, (Gulfport)
• Toni Seawright (born 1964), singer-songwriter, (Pascagoula)
• Jumpin' Gene Simmons (1933–2006), rockabilly singer, (Tupelo)
• Byther Smith (born 1933), blues musician, (Monticello)
• Soulja Boy (born 1990), rapper/record producer, (Batesville, Mississippi)
• Otis Spann (1930–1970), blues musician, (Jackson)
• Britney Spears (born 1981), pop singer, (McComb)
• Judson Spence (born 1965), songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, (Pascagoula)
• Roebuck "Pop" Staples (1914–2000), founder of The Staple Singers, (Winona)
• Rogers Stevens (born 1970), guitarist for the band Blind Melon, (West Point)
• Lisa Stewart (born 1968), country musician, (Louisville)
• William Grant Still (1895–1978), classical composer, (Woodville)
• Barrett Strong (born 1941), singer and songwriter, (West Point)
• Marty Stuart (born 1958), country music singer, (Philadelphia)
• Hubert Sumlin (born 1931), blues musician, (Greenwood)
• Deanna Summers, songwriter
• Ty Tabor (born 1961), guitarist/songwriter/vocalist for rock band King's X, (Pearl)
• Eddie Taylor (1923–1985), blues guitarist and singer, (Benoit)
• Hound Dog Taylor (1915–1975), blues guitarist and singer, (Natchez)
• Melvin Taylor (born 1959), blues musician, (Jackson, Mississippi)
• Ernie Terrell (born 1939), singer and record producer, (Belzoni)
• Jean Terrell (born 1944), R&B and jazz singer, (Belzoni)
• James "Son" Thomas (1926–1993), blues musician, (Leland)
• Rufus Thomas (1917–2001), R&B/funk/soul singer, (Cayce)
• Ashley Thompson (born 1980), singer, (Booneville)
• Ike Turner (1931–2007), multi-genre musician/record producer, (Clarksdale)
• Conway Twitty (1933–1993), country singer-songwriter, (Friars Point)
• Freddie Waits (1943–1989), hard bop and post-bop drummer, (Jackson)
• Travis Wammack (born 1944), rock and roll guitarist, (Walnut)
• Walter Ward (born 1940), R&B singer and lead vocalist of The Olympics, (Jackson)
• Muddy Waters (1913–1983), Electric blues and Chicago blues musician, (Rolling Fork)
• Jim Weatherly (born 1943), country and pop singer-songwriter, (Pontotoc)
• Carl Weathersby (born 1953), blues vocalist/guitarist/songwriter, (Jackson)
• Bukka White (1909–1977), Delta blues guitarist and singer, (Houston)
• Carson Whitsett (1945–2007), keyboardist and songwriter, (Jackson)
• Tim Whitsett (born 1943), band leader/songwriter/producer, (Jackson)
• Webb Wilder (born 1954), country/surf music/rock & roll musician, (Hattiesburg)
• Big Joe Williams (1903–1982), Delta blues musician and songwriter, (Crawford)
• Hayley Williams (born 1988), pop punk and alternative rock singer-songwriter, (Meridian)
• Sonny Boy Williamson II (died 1965), blues harmonica player and singer-songwriter, (Glendora)
• Eddie Willis (born 1936), electric guitarist, (Grenada)
• Al Wilson (1939–2008), singer and drummer, (Meridian)
• Cassandra Wilson (born 1955), jazz singer-songwriter, (Jackson)
• Mary Wilson (born 1944), singer and founding member of The Supremes, (Greenville)
• Elder Roma Wilson (born 1910), harmonica player, (Blue Springs)
• Howlin' Wolf (1910–1976), blues singer/guitarist/harmonica player, (West Point)
• Tammy Wynette (1942–1998), country music singer-songwriter, (Tremont)
• Lester Young (1909–1959), jazz tenor saxophonist and clarinetist, (Woodville)
• Zora Young (born 1948), blues singer, (West Point)

Physicians

• Blair E. Batson, chairman of pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and namesake of the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, (Jackson)
• Henry Cloud (born 1956), clinical psychologist, (Vicksburg)
• Arthur Guyton (1919–2003), wrote the Textbook of Medical Physiology, (Oxford)
• John Hall, continues to work on Textbook of Medical Physiology
• James Hardy (1918–2003), surgeon who performed the first successful cadaveric lung transplant, (Jackson)
• T. R. M. Howard (1908–1976), surgeon and activist, (Mound Bayou)
• Thomas Naum James (born 1925), cardiologist, (Amory)

Politicians

• Thomas Abernethy (1903–1998), U.S. representative, (Eupora)
• Robert H. Adams (1792–1830), U.S. senator, (Natchez)
• James L. Alcorn (1816–1894), governor and U.S. senator, (Friars Point)
• William Allain (born 1928), governor, (Washington)
• John Mills Allen (1846–1917), U.S. representative, (Tishomingo County)
• Apuckshunubbee (c.1740–1824), Choctaw chief
• Haley Barbour (born 1947), governor, (Yazoo City)
• Ethelbert Barksdale (1824–1893), U.S. representative and member of the Confederate States Congress, (Jackson)
• William Barksdale (1821–1863), U.S. congressman, (Jackson)
• Ross Barnett (1898–1987), governor, (Standing Pine)
• Cheri Barry (born c.1955), mayor, (Meridian)
• Marion Barry (born 1936), Washington, D.C. mayor, (Itta Bena)
• Theodore G. Bilbo (1877–1947), governor and U.S. senator, (Poplarville)
• Marsha Blackburn (born 1952), U.S. representative from Tennessee, (Laurel)
• Hale Boggs (1914–1972), U.S. representative from Louisiana, House majority leader, (Long Beach)
• David R. Bowen (born 1932), U.S. representative, (Houston)
• Walker Brooke (1813–1869), U.S. senator, (Vicksburg)
• Blanche Bruce (1841–1898), U.S. senator
• Ezekiel S. Candler, Jr. (1862–1944), U.S. representative, (Corinth)
• Joseph W. Chalmers (1806–1853), U.S. senator, (Holly Springs)
• Travis Childers (born 1958), U.S. representative, (Booneville)
• John Claiborne (1809–1884), U.S. representative, (Natchez)
• Robert G. Clark, Jr. (born 1928), first African American state representative since Reconstruction
• Thad Cochran (born 1937), U.S. senator, (Pontotoc)
• James P. Coleman (1914–1991), governor, (Ackerman)
• Jacqueline Y. Collins (born 1949), Illinois state senator, (McComb)
• Ross A. Collins (1880–1968), U.S. representative, (Collinsville)
• William M. Colmer (1890–1980), U.S. representative, (Moss Point)
• Greg Davis (born 1966), mayor, (Southaven)
• Jefferson Davis (1808–1889), U.S. senator and president of the Confederate States of America, (Warren County)
• Wayne Dowdy (born 1943), chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party, (Magnolia)
• Brad Dye (born 1933), lieutenant governor, (Charleston)
• James Eastland (1904–1986), U.S. senator, (Sunflower)
• Mike Espy (born 1953), U.S. secretary of agriculture, (Yazoo City)
• Robert C. Farrell (born 1936), Los Angeles city councilman, (Natchez)
• Erik R. Fleming (born 1965), state representative, (Clinton)
• Kirk Fordice (1934–2004), governor, (Vicksburg)
• Webb Franklin (born 1941), U.S. representative, (Greenwood)
• Evelyn Gandy (1920–2007), lieutenant governor, (Hattiesburg)
• James Z. George (1826–1897), U.S. senator, (Carrollton)
• Charles H. Griffin (1926–1989), U.S. representative, (Utica)
• Gregg Harper (born 1956), U.S. representative, (Jackson)
• Pat Harrison (1881–1941), U.S. representative, (Crystal Springs)
• Patrick Henry (1843–1930), U.S. representative, (Brandon)
• Thomas C. Hindman (1828–1868), U.S. representative from Arkansas, (Ripley)
• Jon Hinson (1942–1995), U.S. representative, (Tylertown)
• David Holmes (1769–1832), first Governor of Mississippi
• Jim Hood, Attorney General of Mississippi, (New Houlka)
• Delbert Hosemann (born 1947), Mississippi secretary of state, (Vicksburg)
• Benjamin G. Humphreys (1808–1882), governor, (Claiborne County)
• Benjamin G. Humphreys II (1865–1923), U.S. representative, (Claiborne County)
• William Y. Humphreys (1890–1933), U.S. representative, (Greenville)
• Paul B. Johnson, Sr. (1880–1943), judge/governor, (Hattiesburg)
• Paul B. Johnson, Jr. (1916–1985), governor, (Hattiesburg)
• Pete Johnson (born 1948), state auditor, co-chair of Delta Regional Authority, (Clarksdale)
• Daryl Jones (born 1955), (Jackson)
• Penne Percy Korth (born 1942), diplomat, (Hattiesburg)
• L.Q.C. Lamar (1825–1893), U.S. senator and supreme court justice, (Oxford)
• Greenwood LeFlore (1800–1865), Choctaw chief, state senator
• Clinton LeSueur (born 1969), (Holly Springs)
• Elmer Litchfield (1927–2008), sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana, (Meridian)
• Mamie Locke (born 1954), Virginia state senator, (Brandon)
• Trent Lott (born 1941), U.S. senator, (Grenada)
• John R. Lynch (1847–1939), first African-American speaker of the Mississippi House, U.S. representative, (Natchez)
• Ray Mabus (born 1948), governor and Secretary of the Navy, (Starkville)
• Harlan Majure (born 1929), mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi, (Meridian)
• Glenn McCullough (born 1954), mayor of Tupelo, (Tupelo)
• Chris McDaniel (born 1971), state senator, (Laurel)
• Hernando Money (1839–1912), U.S. senator, (Carrollton)
• "Sonny" Montgomery (1920–2006), U.S. representative, (Meridian)
• Mike Moore (born 1952), Mississippi attorney general, (Pascagoula)
• Ronnie Musgrove (born 1956), governor, (Tocowa)
• Spencer Myrick (1918–1991), Louisiana legislator, (Simpson County)
• Alan Nunnelee (born 1958), state senator, (Tupelo)
• Chip Pickering (born 1963), U.S. representative, (Laurel)
• John E. Rankin (1882–1960), U.S. representative, (Itawamba County)
• Red Shoes (died 1747), assassinated Choctaw leader
• Bill Renick (born 1954), mayor, governor's chief of staff (Ashland)
• Hiram Rhodes Revels (1827–1901), first African-American U.S. senator, (Claiborne County)
• Carol Schwartz (born 1944), District of Columbia politician, (Greenville)
• Abram M. Scott (1785–1833), governor, (Wilkinson County)
• Ronnie Shows (born 1947), U.S. representative, (Moselle)
• Jim Singleton (born 1931), New Orleans councilman (Hazlehurst)
• Larkin I. Smith (1944–1989), U.S. representative, (Poplarville)
• Larry Speakes (born 1939), presidential spokesman, (Cleveland)
• John C. Stennis (1901–1995), U.S. senator, (De Kalb)
• Bill Stone (born 1965), state senator, (Ashland)
• William V. Sullivan (1857–1918), U.S. representative and senator, (Winona)
• Gene Taylor (born 1953), U.S. representative, (Bay St. Louis)
• Bennie Thompson (born 1948), U.S. representative, (Bolton)
• Jacob Thompson (1810–1885), U.S. representative, secretary of the interior, (Oxford)
• Amy Tuck (born 1963), lieutenant governor, (Maben)
• James K. Vardaman (1861–1930), governor, U.S. Senator, (Yalobusha County)
• Jamie L. Whitten (1910–1995), U.S. representative, (Cascilla)
• Roger Wicker (born 1951), U.S. senator, (Pontotoc)
• Thomas Hickman Williams (1801–1851), U.S. senator, (Pontotoc County)
• William Arthur Winstead (1904–1995), U.S. representative, (Philadelphia)
• William Winter (born 1923), governor, (Grenada)
• Fielding L. Wright (1895–1956), governor, (Rolling Fork)

Supercentenarians

• Susie Gibson (1890–2006), lived 115 years & 108 days, (Corinth)
• Moses Hardy (1893/1894–2006), lived 112 to 113 years, (Aberdeen)
• Bettie Wilson (1890–2006), lived 115 years & 153 days

Writers

• Howard Bahr (born 1946), (Jackson)
• Frederick Barthelme (born 1943), novelist and professor, (Hattiesburg)
• Earl W. Bascom (1906–1995), (Columbia)
• Lerone Bennett, Jr. (born 1928), editor of Ebony magazine, (Clarksdale)
• Douglas A. Blackmon (born 1964), journalist and historian, (Leland)
• Maxwell Bodenheim (1892–1954), poet and novelist, (Hermanville)
• Bruce Brady (1934?–2000), writer, editor of Outdoor Life, (Brookhaven)
• Charlie Braxton, poet and author, (McComb)
• Larry Brown (1951–2004), (Oxford)
• Jill Conner Browne, author Sweet Potato Queen, (Tupelo)
• Jack Butler (born 1944), (Alligator)
• Mary Cain (1904–1984), journalist, (Pike County)
• Hodding Carter II (1907–1972), journalist, (Greenville)
• Hodding Carter III (born 1935), journalist, (Greenville)
• Craig Claiborne (1920–2000), food writer, (Sunflower)
• Anthony Colom (born 1968), writer, editor of The New Power Magazine, (Ripley)
• Mart Crowley (born 1935), playwright, (Vicksburg)
• Borden Deal (1922–1985), novelist and short story writer, (Pontotoc)
• Ben Domenech (born 1981), conservative writer and blogger, (Jackson)
• David Herbert Donald (1920–2009), historian, (Goodman)
• Ellen Douglas (Josephine Haxton) (born 1921), novelist, (Greenville)
• John T. Edge, food writer, (Oxford)
• John Faulkner (1901–1963), plain-style writer, (Ripley)
• William Faulkner (1897–1962), Nobel laureate, (New Albany)
• Bill Fitzhugh (born 1957), (Jackson)
• Vic Fleming (born 1951), (Jackson)
• Shelby Foote (1916–2005), historian and novelist, (Greenville)
• Charles Henri Ford (1913–2002), poet, novelist, editor (Brookhaven)
• Richard Ford (born 1944), Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and short story writer, (Jackson)
• Lynn Franklin (born 1922), author, police detective
• Ellen Gilchrist (born 1935), novelist/poet/short story writer, (Vicksburg)
• John Grisham (born 1955), legal thrillers novelist, (Southaven)
• Barry Hannah (born 1942), novelist and short story writer, (Clinton)
• Charlaine Harris (born 1951), mystery author, (Tunica)
• Thomas Harris (born 1940), author who created the character Hannibal Lecter, (Rich)
• Beth Henley (born 1952), playwright and screenwriter, (Jackson)
• M. Carl Holman (1919–1988), author/poet/playwright, (Minter City)
• Greg Iles (born 1960), novelist, (Natchez)
• Greg Keyes (born 1963), science fiction and fantasy writer, (Meridian)
• Donna Ladd (born 1961), investigative journalist, (Philadelphia)
• Muna Lee (1895–1965), author and poet, (Raymond)
• Sam Chu Lin (1939–2006), journalist, (Greenville)
• C. Liegh McInnis (born 1969), poet/short story writer/editor of Black Magnolias (Clarksdale)
• Anne Moody (born 1940), author, activist, (Centreville)
• Willie Morris (1934–1999), author, editor (Jackson)
• Jess Mowry (born 1960), writer of books and stories for children and young adults, (Starkville)
• Thomas Naylor (born 1936), author and economist, (Jackson)
• Lewis Nordan (born 1939), (Forest)
• Steven Ozment (born 1939), historian, (McComb)
• Walker Percy (1916–1990), (Greenville)
• William Alexander Percy (1885–1942), (Greenville)
• William Raspberry (born 1935), public affairs columnist, (Okolona)
• Kevin Sessums (born 1956), magazine editor, (Forest)
• Patrick D. Smith (born 1927), Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize nominee, (Mendenhall)
• Lynne Spears (born 1955), author and mother of Britney Spears and Jamie Lynn Spears, (McComb)
• Elizabeth Spencer (born 1921), novelist, (Carrollton)
• Kathryn Stockett, novelist, (Jackson)
• William N. Still, Jr. (born 1932), maritime historian, (Columbus)
• Donna Tartt (born 1963), novelist, (Greenwood)
• Clifton Taulbert (born 1945), author and speaker, (Glen Allan)
• Mildred Taylor (born 1943), author, (Jackson)
• Wright Thompson (born 1977), journalist, ESPN.com
• Natasha Trethewey (born 1966), 2007 Pulitzer Prize poet, (Gulfport)
• Jamie Langston Turner (born 1949), Christian novelist
• Brenda Venus (born 1947), author, (Biloxi)
• Howard Waldrop (born 1946), science fiction author, (Houston)
• Robert W. Walker, novelist, (Corinth)
• Peggy Webb (born 1942), romance novel author, (Mooreville)
• Eudora Welty (1909–2001), (Jackson)
• Tennessee Williams (1911–1983), (Columbus)
• Richard Nathaniel Wright (1908–1960), (Roxie)
• Al Young (born 1939), poet/novelist/essayist/screenwriter, (Ocean Springs)
• Stark Young (1881–1963), playwright/novelist/literary critic/essayist, (Como)

Other people

• Arthur Blessitt (born 1940), preacher, most famous for carrying a cross through every nation of the world, (Greenville)
• Miriam Chamani (born 1943), Mambo Priestess and co-founder of the New Orleans Voodoo Spiritual Temple, (Jackson)
• James Copeland (1823–1857), outlaw and co-leader of the Wages and Copeland Clan, (Jackson County)
• Cat Cora (born 1967), only female Iron Chef America in franchise history, (Jackson)
• James A. Ford (1911–1968), archaeologist, (Water Valley)
• Fred Haise (born 1933), former NASA astronaut, (Biloxi)
• Elizabeth Lee Hazen (1885–1975), microbiologist who contribution in the developement of nystatin, (Rich)
• Larry Hoover (born 1950), leader of the Gangster Disciple Nation gang, (Jackson)
• Leslie Hubricht (1908–2005), biologist and malacologist, (Meridian)
• Mary Comfort Leonard (1856–1940), founder of the Delta Gamma Fraternity, (Kosciusko)
• L.H. Musgrove (died 1868), outlaw hanged by a vigilante committee in Denver, Colorado, (Panola County)
• Haller Nutt (1816–1864), planter, builder of Longwood, (Jefferson County)
• Lenny Skutnik (born 1953), celebrity rescuer of 1982 disaster victim
• Roy A. Tucker (born 1951), astronomer, (Jackson)