Vermont, a small state in the northeastern region of the United States, may not be known for producing many famous musicians, but it has contributed its fair share to the world of music. From folk to rock, and everything in between, Vermont has produced some talented singers who have made a significant impact on the music industry. In this article, we will highlight ten famous singers from Vermont who have made a name for themselves in the music world.
One of the most iconic singers from Vermont is Grace Potter, who has been active in the music industry since the early 2000s. She is best known for her powerful vocals and ability to blend rock, pop, and blues music into her unique sound. Another notable singer from Vermont is Anaïs Mitchell, who gained critical acclaim for her folk-opera album “Hadestown” and later won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Original Score for the musical adaptation of the same name.
Other notable singers on this list include John Hiatt, who has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Joshua Panda, who has performed with various famous musicians such as Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney. With a mix of established and up-and-coming talent, this list showcases the range and diversity of music that has come out of Vermont.
1. JoJo
JoJo is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the early 2000s with her hit single “Leave (Get Out)”. Born Joanna Levesque in Vermont in 1990, she started singing at a young age and was discovered by record producer Vincent Herbert when she was just 13 years old. Her self-titled debut album was released in 2004 and became a huge success, earning her three top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. JoJo’s powerful vocals and relatable lyrics have won her a loyal fan base, and she continues to release new music and tour to this day.
2. Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the band Staind. Born in Vermont in 1972, he began playing guitar at a young age and started performing in local bands in his teens. Staind released their debut album, “Tormented,” in 1996 and went on to become one of the most successful rock bands of the 2000s, with hits like “It’s Been Awhile” and “Outside.” In addition to his work with Staind, Lewis has also released several solo albums and has collaborated with other musicians such as Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit. He is known for his powerful and emotive vocals, as well as his introspective and often politically charged lyrics.
3. Grace Potter
Grace Potter is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is known for her soulful vocals and eclectic sound. Born in Vermont in 1983, she began playing piano and guitar at a young age and started performing in local bands as a teenager. In 2005, she formed her own band, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and released their debut album, “Nothing But the Water,” which garnered critical acclaim. Potter’s music is a blend of rock, soul, and blues, and she is known for her dynamic live performances. In addition to her work with the Nocturnals, she has also released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists, including Kenny Chesney and the Rolling Stones.
4. Rudy Vallee
Rudy Vallee was an American singer, actor, and bandleader who was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Vermont in 1901, he began playing the saxophone and singing in local bands while attending Yale University. After graduating, he moved to New York City and formed his own band, Rudy Vallee and His Connecticut Yankees, which became known for its romantic ballads and Vallee’s distinctive crooning style. Vallee’s popularity skyrocketed with the advent of radio, and he became one of the first true pop stars, with hit songs such as “As Time Goes By” and “The Stein Song.” He also appeared in several films and was a regular performer on television in the 1950s and 1960s. Vallee’s influence on popular music and culture can still be felt today, and he is regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern pop music industry.
5. Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Phish. Born in Vermont in 1964, Anastasio started playing guitar as a teenager and formed Phish in 1983 while attending the University of Vermont. The band gained a following with their improvisational live performances and eclectic sound, which drew from a wide range of musical genres including rock, jazz, and funk. Anastasio’s guitar playing is known for its technical proficiency and emotional depth, and he is regarded as one of the most innovative guitarists of his generation. In addition to his work with Phish, Anastasio has also released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians, including the Grateful Dead and the Broadway musical “Hands on a Hardbody.”
6. Caitlin Canty
Caitlin Canty is an American singer-songwriter who is known for her soulful voice and poetic lyrics. Born in Vermont in 1981, Canty began her music career in New York City, where she honed her craft and performed at various clubs and venues. Her music is a blend of folk, country, and blues, and she has been compared to artists such as Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch. Canty’s songwriting often explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and she is known for her ability to connect with audiences through her heartfelt performances. In addition to her solo work, Canty has collaborated with a number of musicians, including Jeffrey Foucault and Darlingside. She continues to tour and record, and her music has earned critical acclaim from both fans and critics alike.
7. Julie Frost
Julie Frost is an American singer-songwriter who has written hit songs for a number of popular musicians. Born in Vermont, Frost began her music career in the early 2000s, performing in local clubs and venues. She gained national attention in 2010 when she co-wrote the song “Satellite” for Lena Meyer-Landrut, which won the Eurovision Song Contest. Frost has since written songs for a number of well-known artists, including Madonna, Selena Gomez, and Beyoncé. Her music is characterized by catchy hooks, clever lyrics, and a blend of pop and electronic influences. In addition to her work as a songwriter, Frost has also released several solo albums and has collaborated with other musicians in various projects. She continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, and her songs have earned critical and commercial success around the world.
8. Anaïs Mitchell
Anaïs Mitchell is an American singer-songwriter who is known for her unique blend of folk, rock, and musical theater influences. Born in Vermont in 1981, Mitchell began her music career in the early 2000s, releasing several independent albums before gaining critical acclaim for her 2010 album “Hadestown,” which was later adapted into a successful Broadway musical. Mitchell’s music is characterized by her poetic lyrics and haunting vocals, and she is known for her ability to tell complex, emotional stories through her songs. In addition to her work as a musician, Mitchell has also collaborated with other artists in various projects and has been involved in social and environmental activism. She continues to tour and record, and her music has earned her a devoted following around the world.
9. Moira Smiley
Moira Smiley is an American singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who is known for her innovative approach to traditional folk music. Born in Vermont in 1976, Smiley began her music career in the early 2000s, performing with various ensembles and touring extensively. Her music is characterized by her stunning vocals, intricate harmonies, and a wide range of instrumentation, including accordion, banjo, and percussion. Smiley has collaborated with a number of prominent musicians, including tUnE-yArDs and the Solas String Quartet, and has contributed to numerous film and television soundtracks. In addition to her work as a performer, Smiley is also a sought-after music educator and has led workshops and masterclasses around the world. She continues to push the boundaries of folk music and is regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the genre today.
10. Jamie Lee Thurston
Jamie Lee Thurston is an American country music singer and songwriter who hails from Vermont. Born in 1973, Thurston began his music career in the late 1990s and quickly gained a following in the Northeast region of the United States. His music is characterized by his rich baritone voice, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics. Thurston has released several albums over the years, including “It Can All Be Gone,” which was produced by Nashville legend Buddy Cannon. He has also shared the stage with a number of well-known country musicians, including Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, and Trace Adkins. In addition to his work as a performer, Thurston is also a devoted father and community activist, and he has been involved in a number of charitable causes over the years. He continues to tour and record, and his music has earned him a loyal following among country music fans.
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.
