North Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of famous singers, but this unassuming Midwestern state has actually produced a number of talented artists who have made their mark in the music industry. From country crooners to pop stars, North Dakota has been home to a diverse array of musical talent over the years. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 famous singers who hail from the Peace Garden State.
One of the most well-known singers from North Dakota is Peggy Lee, a jazz vocalist who had a string of hits in the 1940s and 1950s. Other notable names on our list include Bobby Vee, a pop singer who had several top 10 hits in the early 1960s, and Lawrence Welk, a bandleader who hosted a popular TV show from the 1950s to the 1980s.
We’ll also be highlighting some more recent North Dakota-born singers who have gained fame in recent years. For example, Josh Duhamel, a Hollywood actor and North Dakota native, has also dabbled in music and has even released a few country singles. And then there’s Kat Perkins, a rock singer who gained national attention as a finalist on “The Voice” in 2014.
Overall, this list of famous North Dakota singers is a testament to the state’s rich musical heritage and the diverse talents of its residents. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, country, pop, or rock, there’s a North Dakota singer on this list that’s sure to catch your ear.
1. Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was a legendary American jazz singer and songwriter. Born in North Dakota in 1920, Lee began her music career as a vocalist for Benny Goodman’s band in the 1940s, and went on to have a successful solo career. She was known for her smooth, sultry voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. Some of her most popular songs include “Fever,” “Why Don’t You Do Right,” and “Is That All There Is?” Lee also acted in several films and was a prolific songwriter, co-writing many of her own hits. She passed away in 2002, but her music continues to be celebrated by jazz fans around the world.
2. Bobby Vee
Bobby Vee was an American pop singer who rose to fame in the early 1960s. Born in North Dakota in 1943, Vee began his music career as a teenager, forming a band with his friends and playing local gigs. He was discovered by a record label executive and quickly rose to fame with hits like “Take Good Care of My Baby” and “Devil or Angel.” Vee’s clean-cut image and catchy pop tunes made him a favorite of teenage audiences, and he continued to record and perform throughout his career. Vee passed away in 2016, but his music remains a beloved part of the early rock and roll era.
3. Lawrence Welk
Lawrence Welk was an American musician, accordionist, bandleader, and television host. Born in North Dakota in 1903, Welk began his music career playing in bands in the 1920s and 1930s. He later formed his own orchestra and went on to achieve national success with his weekly TV show, “The Lawrence Welk Show,” which aired from 1955 to 1982. The show featured Welk and his band playing a mix of popular music, polkas, and waltzes, and also featured a cast of singers and dancers. Welk’s wholesome, family-friendly image and upbeat music made him a beloved figure in American entertainment, and his show remains a cultural touchstone for many. Welk passed away in 1992, but his legacy as a bandleader and television icon lives on.
4. Jonny Lang
Jonny Lang is an American blues, gospel, and rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Born in Fargo, North Dakota in 1981, Lang began playing guitar at a young age and was discovered by a record label at just 13 years old. He released his first album, “Smokin'” in 1995, which showcased his impressive guitar skills and soulful voice. Lang has since released several more albums, including the Grammy Award-winning “Turn Around” in 2006. He is known for his powerful vocals and virtuosic guitar playing, and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians across genres. Lang continues to tour and record, and is considered one of the most talented blues musicians of his generation.
5. Chuck Suchy
Chuck Suchy was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist from North Dakota. He was born in Mandan, North Dakota in 1953 and began playing guitar at a young age. Suchy’s music was heavily influenced by his upbringing on a farm, and he often wrote about rural life and the struggles of farmers. He released several albums over the course of his career, including “Dakota Breezes” and “Different Line of Time,” and was known for his warm, folksy voice and his ability to tell stories through his songs. Suchy passed away in 2020, but his music continues to be celebrated by fans of folk and Americana.
6. Gwen Sebastian
Gwen Sebastian is an American country singer-songwriter from Hebron, North Dakota. She rose to fame as a contestant on the second season of “The Voice” in 2012, where she was a member of Blake Shelton’s team. Since then, Sebastian has released several albums and singles, including “Suitcase,” “Cadillac,” and “Once Upon a Time in the West: Act I.” She is known for her powerful vocals and her ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern pop influences. Sebastian continues to tour and record, and is considered one of the most promising young country artists of her generation.
7. Lynn Anderson
Lynn Anderson was an American country singer from Grand Forks, North Dakota. She was born in 1947 and grew up in California, where she began her music career as a teenager. Anderson rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Rose Garden,” “You’re My Man,” and “How Can I Unlove You.” She was known for her smooth, distinctive voice and her ability to interpret country songs with emotion and nuance. Anderson passed away in 2015, but her music continues to be celebrated by country music fans around the world.
8. T. Mychael Rambo
T. Mychael Rambo is an American actor, singer, and writer from Fargo, North Dakota. He has appeared in numerous plays, musicals, and television shows, including “The Umbrella Academy” and “The Wire.” Rambo is also an accomplished singer, and has released several albums and performed with various orchestras and jazz ensembles. He is known for his powerful, soulful voice and his ability to bring emotional depth to his performances. Rambo continues to be a prominent figure in the Twin Cities arts community, and is considered one of the most versatile and talented performers in the region.
9. Greg Hager
Greg Hager is an American country singer and songwriter from New Salem, North Dakota. He has released several albums over the course of his career, including “A Different View” and “Hager Live.” Hager is known for his smooth, melodic voice and his ability to write catchy, heartfelt songs. He has performed across the United States and has shared the stage with notable country artists such as Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, and Toby Keith.
10. Joel Porter
Joel Porter is an American indie folk singer-songwriter from Bismarck, North Dakota. He has released several albums and singles, including “The Wayside” and “Tent Songs.” Porter’s music is characterized by his soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and intricate guitar playing. He has been praised for his ability to craft intimate, emotionally resonant songs that draw from personal experiences and universal themes. Porter continues to tour and record, and is considered one of the most promising young artists in the indie folk scene.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
