Every city is proud of its successful residents, and Detroit is home to an especially talented group of people who are artistic, athletic, smart, and much more. Here’s a list of celebs who not only lived here for a time, but also graduated from one of our high schools.

Aaliyah Singer, actress, model Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts The young star sold millions of records in the 1990s and early 2000s, and starred in the films Romeo Must Die and Queen of the Damned before a plane crash in the Bahamas ended her life at age 22. Photo via Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock
Aretha Franklin Singer, songwriter, pianist, civil rights activist Northern High School R-E-S-P-E-C-T is all we have for the Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin has 112 charted singles, along with dozens of awards. She was also a civil rights activist and philanthropist. In August 2018, she died of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, and was given a heartfelt public funeral in Detroit. Photo via JStone / Shutterstock
Black Milk Rapper, songwriter, record producer Cooley High School Curtis Cross, also known as Black Milk, has been rapping for almost two decades. He has collaborated with artists such as Danny Brown, J Dilla, and RZA. Photo via Screengrab / YouTube
Alice Coltrane Jazz musician/composer, harpist, swamini Cass Technical High School In the early ’70s, Alice Coltrane was a bandleader for “Impulse!” She was also known for playing the harp and creating music with her husband, John Coltrane. Later in her life, she became a swami. In 2007, she died of respiratory failure at the age of 69. Photo via Screengrab / YouTube
Anita Baker Singer and songwriter Central High School With many gold and platinum records as well as Grammy Awards, Anita Baker has won dozens of accolades for her contemporary R&B music. Photo via DFree / Shutterstock Credit: Shutterstock
David Alan Grier Actor and comedian Cass Technical High School Detroit native David Alan Grier is known for his sketch comedy show, In Living Color. He also played Jackie Robinson in the Broadway musical, The First. Photo via Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock
Jack White Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer Cass Technical High School After hitting it big with his band the White Stripes in the early 2000s, Jack White has become one of the most celebrated figures in rock. Photo via MPH PHOTOS / Shutterstock
Dej Loaf Rapper, singer, songwriter Southeastern High School Deja Trimble, also known as Dej Loaf, is known for her hit singles, “Try Me” and “Back Up” with Big Sean. She has released four mixtapes in the last eight years. Photo via Screengrab / YouTube
Diana Ross Singer, actress, record producer Cass Technical High School Diana Ross is a Motown legacy. She was the lead singer of the Supremes, and released 12 No. 1 singles. After going solo, she has remained one of the most popular singers. Photo via Tinseltown / Shutterstock
John Conyers Politician, longest Black member serving in U.S. Congress, civil rights activist Northwestern High School Born and raised in Detroit, John Conyers served as a Michigan Representative for almost 40 years, co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus, and was a civil rights activist. He died of natural causes in October 2019. Photo via Screengrab / YouTube
Kash Doll Rapper Detroit City High School Arkeisha Knight, also known as Kash Doll, is a rapper who came out of Detroit. She used to perform locally, but then blew up after posting Instagram videos of her rapping. Her popular singles include “Ice Me Out” and “For Everybody.” Photo via Screengrab / YouTube
Jerry Bruckheimer Film and television producer Mumford High School Jerry Bruckheimer’s best films include Flashdance, Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, Black Hawk Down, and more. Photo via Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock Credit: Shutterstock
Kenya Moore Actress, model, producer, author, television personality, entrepreneur Cass Technical High School Kenya Moore was Miss America in 1993 and in the top six for Miss Universe. She also co-starred in “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” wrote a book, and appeared in Waiting to Exhale and Deliver Us from Eva. Photo via Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock
Monica Conyers Politician Henry Ford High School Monica Conyers was elected to Detroit City Council in 2005. She also helped troubled teens and was a vice administrator for Detroit Public Schools. In 2009, Conyers went to prison for bribery, and was released in 2013. Photo via Screengrab / YouTube Credit: Screengrab, YouTube
Smokey Robinson Singer, songwriter, record producer, record executive Northern High School William Robinson, also known as Smokey Robinson, was in the Miracles, a Motown group, and also became the Motown vice president until 1990. Today, he has music in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with many more awards. Photo via Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock
Tee Grizzley Rapper, singer, songwriter Frank Cody High School After being released from prison in 2016, Tee Grizzley released his most popular song, the viral hit “First Day Out.” Photo via Kahn Santori Davison
Ben Carson Politician, public servant, author, retired neurosurgeon, and United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Southwestern High School As a neurosurgeon, Carson performed many pioneering procedures. After running for president of the United States, Carson later joined the administration of his one-time rival Donald Trump, serving as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Photo via Shutterstock
James Lipton Writer, lyricist, actor Central High School As host of Inside the Actors’ Studio, Lipton interviewed more than 300 actors. He died in 2020 at age 93. Photo via Shutterstock
Tim Meadows Actor, comedian, Saturday Night Live cast member Pershing High School Tim Meadows has been on Saturday Night Live for 10 seasons, making him the longest member. He also has roles in Mean Girls, Coneheads, Grown-ups, and more. Photo via Shutterstock

Have something to share?

SEND US A NEWS TIP

Since 1980, Metro Times has been Detroit’s premier alternative source for news, arts, culture, music, film, food, fashion and more from a liberal point of view.