Oregon is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, known for its natural beauty and thriving music scene. From folk to indie rock, jazz, and blues, Oregon has produced many talented musicians who have gone on to achieve great success and influence in the music industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at ten of the most famous singers from Oregon, who have made a significant impact on the music world.
One of the most notable names on our list is Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Esperanza Spalding. Born in Portland, Oregon, Spalding is known for her unique blend of jazz, R&B, and soul music. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Esperanza,” “Radio Music Society,” and “12 Little Spells.” Another influential artist from Oregon is indie rock icon Elliott Smith. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska but spent most of his career in Portland, Oregon. He gained critical acclaim for his introspective songwriting and distinctive voice, and his music has influenced many other musicians in the indie rock scene.
Other famous singers from Oregon on our list include rock legend Courtney Love, folk icon Peter Yarrow, and many more. Through their music, these artists have not only entertained but also inspired and influenced people from all over the world. They have contributed to the evolution of music and have made a significant impact on the music industry.
1. Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby was an American singer, actor, and entertainer who was born in Tacoma, Washington, but spent a significant portion of his childhood in Spokane, Oregon. Known for his smooth, baritone voice, Crosby became one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records sold worldwide. He had a successful career in both music and film, starring in over 70 films and winning an Academy Award for his role in “Going My Way.” Crosby is also credited with popularizing the concept of the “singing cowboy” in Hollywood films, and his influence on popular music continues to be felt today.
2. Esperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding is an American jazz bassist, singer, and composer from Portland, Oregon. She began playing music at a young age and went on to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Spalding’s unique approach to jazz incorporates elements of soul, funk, and classical music, and she is known for her virtuosic bass playing and distinctive vocal style. In 2011, she made history by becoming the first jazz musician to win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Spalding has since released several critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists across different genres, cementing her place as one of the most innovative and exciting musicians of her generation.
3. Storm Large
Storm Large is an American singer, songwriter, and actress from Southborough, Massachusetts, who currently resides in Portland, Oregon. She first gained national attention as a contestant on the CBS reality show Rock Star: Supernova in 2006. Large has since established herself as a powerful and dynamic performer, known for her commanding stage presence and emotionally charged interpretations of rock, pop, and jazz standards. She has released several albums, including her solo debut “Crazy Enough” in 2009, which was met with critical acclaim. In addition to her music career, Large has also acted in films and on stage, and was a guest vocalist with the band Pink Martini from 2011 to 2014.
4. Jenny Conlee
Jenny Conlee is an American musician and composer from Eugene, Oregon, best known as the keyboardist and accordionist for the indie rock band The Decemberists. Conlee is a multi-instrumentalist, playing a wide range of keyboards, including piano, organ, and synthesizer, as well as accordion and melodica. She has been an integral part of The Decemberists’ sound since their formation in 2000, contributing to their unique blend of indie rock, folk, and Americana. In addition to her work with The Decemberists, Conlee has also collaborated with a variety of other artists and bands, including Laura Veirs and the Portland Cello Project.
5. Courtney Love
Courtney Love is an American singer, songwriter, and actress from San Francisco, California, who spent part of her childhood in Eugene, Oregon. She rose to fame as the frontwoman of the alternative rock band Hole in the 1990s, and was a prominent figure in the grunge and riot grrrl movements. Known for her raw, emotive vocals and provocative lyrics, Love has been both celebrated and criticized for her uncompromising approach to music and her personal life. She has released several albums with Hole, as well as a solo album, “America’s Sweetheart,” in 2004. In addition to her music career, Love has also acted in films and on television.
6. Robert Cray
Robert Cray is an American blues guitarist and singer from Columbus, Georgia, who grew up in Tacoma, Washington, and currently resides in Eugene, Oregon. He began playing guitar at a young age and developed a distinctive style that blends elements of blues, soul, and R&B. Cray’s music has been widely acclaimed for its sophisticated songwriting and impeccable musicianship, and he has won five Grammy Awards over the course of his career. He has released over 20 albums, both as a solo artist and with his band, The Robert Cray Band, and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
7. Portugal. The Man
Portugal. The Man is an American indie rock band originally from Wasilla, Alaska, and currently based in Portland, Oregon. The band was formed in 2004 by John Gourley, Zach Carothers, Kyle O’Quin, and Jason Sechrist, and has since gained widespread acclaim for their eclectic sound, which incorporates elements of psychedelic rock, pop, and electronic music. Their breakout hit, “Feel It Still,” won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2018 and has been certified platinum multiple times. The band has released several critically acclaimed albums and has been praised for their socially conscious lyrics and politically engaged activism.
8. John Fahey
John Fahey was an American fingerstyle guitarist and composer from Takoma Park, Maryland, who spent a significant portion of his life in Salem, Oregon. He is considered one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century, and his pioneering work in American primitive guitar has had a profound impact on folk, blues, and experimental music. Fahey’s music was characterized by its intricate fingerpicking patterns, unusual tunings, and incorporation of elements of Indian classical music, avant-garde composition, and field recordings. He released over 40 albums over the course of his career, and his work continues to inspire and influence musicians across different genres to this day.
9. Greg Sage
Greg Sage is an American musician, songwriter, and producer from Portland, Oregon, best known as the frontman and guitarist for the influential punk rock band The Wipers. Sage’s guitar playing was characterized by its raw, aggressive sound and its emphasis on melody and dynamics, and his songwriting was known for its politically charged lyrics and DIY ethos. The Wipers’ music has had a significant impact on the development of punk and alternative rock, and has been cited as an influence by bands like Nirvana and Mudhoney.
10. Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Cantrell is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Tacoma, Washington, who spent part of his childhood in Spanaway, Oregon. He rose to fame as the lead guitarist and co-vocalist of the iconic rock band Alice in Chains, known for their dark, heavy sound and introspective lyrics. Cantrell’s guitar playing was characterized by its powerful riffs and melodic sensibility, and his songwriting was praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. In addition to his work with Alice in Chains, Cantrell has also released several solo albums and collaborated with a variety of other artists, cementing his place as one of the most respected and influential guitarists of his generation.
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.
