Wisconsin, a state known for its natural beauty and vibrant arts scene, has also been the birthplace of several famous singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. From rock legends to country stars, Wisconsin has nurtured a diverse range of talented performers.
One of the most iconic singers from Wisconsin is the legendary rock musician, Steve Miller. With his distinctive vocals and timeless hits like “The Joker” and “Fly Like an Eagle,” Miller has become a staple of classic rock radio and a celebrated figure in the music world.
Wisconsin has also given us the incomparable Bon Iver, an indie folk band fronted by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. Known for their ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics, Bon Iver’s music, including songs like “Skinny Love” and “Holocene,” has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
In the country music genre, Wisconsin has produced talented singers like Josh Thompson, who has made a name for himself with his powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling. Hits like “Beer on the Table” and “Way Out Here” have showcased Thompson’s distinct country sound and earned him recognition within the industry.
Additionally, the state has given us musical talents like Butch Vig, a renowned record producer and member of the alternative rock band Garbage. Vig’s production work has helped shape the sound of iconic albums, including Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” further solidifying his impact on the music scene.
These are just a few examples of the exceptional singers who hail from Wisconsin. Their talent, artistry, and contributions have not only brought pride to the state but have also enriched the musical landscape with their unique voices and remarkable achievements.
1. Bon Iver
This article features ten renowned singers from Wisconsin, including the Grammy award-winning artist known as Bon Iver. His delicate falsetto voice and intricate instrumentation have established him as a prominent figure in indie folk music. Aside from his solo work, Justin Vernon, the man behind Bon Iver, has collaborated with numerous artists across different genres. With his unique sound and artistic approach, he has earned a devoted following of fans around the globe.
Bon Iver's debut album "For Emma, Forever Ago" was born out of isolation and heartbreak. After breaking up with his girlfriend and bandmate, Vernon secluded himself in a cabin in Northwestern Wisconsin to recuperate. He spent three months recording and producing the album entirely by himself, which eventually became a critical success that put him on the map. Since then, he has released four more albums that showcase his evolution as an artist.
Despite being one of the most famous singers to emerge from Wisconsin, Bon Iver maintains a low profile off-stage. He rarely gives interviews or appears in public events. Instead, he prefers to let his music speak for itself and maintain an air of mystery around him. Nevertheless, he is well-respected by fellow musicians and continues to inspire many aspiring artists with his work.
Les Paul, the famous guitarist and inventor, may have been born in Wisconsin, but he definitely left his mark on the world of music.
2. Les Paul
A legendary electric guitar pioneer and musician, Les Paul was born on June 9, 1915. He was a professional guitarist who revolutionized the music industry by developing multitrack recording techniques and designing solid body electric guitars. Les Paul's contributions to the music industry earned him various accolades, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, National Inventors Hall of Fame, and Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Hall of Fame.
He created a distinctive sound by adding layers of sound while playing multiple recordings over each other. Known as the "Wizard of Waukesha," his design for a solid body electric guitar changed the way musicians played and sounded. His innovative ideas continue to influence musicians today.
Interestingly, besides being an exceptional musician and inventor, Les Paul was also an accomplished jazz singer. He performed at various notable events worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall.
Les Paul contributed significantly to set standards in the history of American music. He passed away on August 12, 2009, at the age of 94 but will forever remain an inspiration for future generations of musicians.
"From dairy farming to swing music, Woody Herman proves that Wisconsin talent knows no bounds."
3. Woody Herman
The third entrant in the list of famous singers from Wisconsin is the renowned jazz musician, Woody Herman.
| Full Name | Woody Herman |
| Birth Date | May 16, 1913 |
| Birth Place | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Main Genre | Jazz |
Woody Herman was not just a singer but also a songwriter and bandleader who became known as one of the most influential artists of the swing era. He led "The Herd," a band composed of talented musicians that marked Jazz music during the mid-20th century.
Interestingly, Woody Herman was able to identify musical talent among younger bands before they made it big. One example was when his band backed up Frank Sinatra on some recordings for Columbia Records in the early '40s.
A true fact: In addition to his music career, Woody Herman had a small role as himself in the comedy film "New Faces" in 1954. (Source: IMDb)
Steve Miller may have been born a joker, but he sure wasn't a smoker – he left that to his audience.
4. Steve Miller
Steve Miller, a renowned singer, songwriter and guitarist, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His music career started in the mid-1960s when he formed the Steve Miller Band. Throughout his career, he has been honored with several awards for his contribution to the music industry.
Miller's music genre ranges from blues to rock. In his early days, he performed at local venues before becoming a major figure in popular music during the 1970s. Some of his famous hits include "The Joker," "Fly Like an Eagle," and "Rock'n Me."
Aside from making great music, Steve Miller has also contributed immensely towards preserving American musical heritage. He is part of an organization called Music Rising that aims to help musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Fun fact: In 2016, Steve Miller was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his impressive music career spanning over five decades.
Tank may be from Wisconsin, but he's definitely not the only thing that's big and loud in the state.
5. Tank
Text: Tank is a renowned artist from Wisconsin who has successfully established himself as a singer and songwriter in the industry.
| Album Name | Release Year | No. of Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| The Force Of Nature | 2001 | 14 |
| One Man | 2002 | 16 |
| Savior | 2012 | 12 |
| Elevation | 2019 | 13 |
| Total | – | 55 |
Tank's success can be attributed to his unique blend of R&B, soul, and pop genres, which sets him apart from other artists in the industry. He also takes inspiration from his personal experiences and emotions when creating his music.
It is worth noting that Tank's real name is Durrell Babbs, and he started his career as a backup singer for several prominent musicians before launching his solo career.
One true fact about Tank is that he collaborated with singers Chris Brown, Feather Rahsaan Patterson, and Colby O'Donis on the song "Take My Time," which was released in 2010.
Skylar Grey: the Wisconsin-born singer who proved you don't need cheese to be a musical icon.
6. Skylar Grey
Skylar Grey, a renowned singer from the state of Wisconsin, is one of the top talents to hail from the region. Her riveting performances and soulful voice have made her an inspiration for many aspiring singers. Skylar's exceptional hit-making abilities and passionate lyrics have earned her international acclaim amongst music lovers across the globe.
Over the past decade, Skylar has produced hits in a variety of genres with collaborations that include mainstream artists such as Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Dr. Dre and others. Her undying passion for music has gained her numerous accolades and awards including a Grammy nomination.
Skylar Grey's unique songwriting skills have brought a fresh perspective to the music industry. She possesses a remarkable ability to blend pop music with other genres like hip-hop, alternative rock and electronic dance music. Through her signature style and exceptional vocals, she has sought to redefine what it means to be a modern-day musician.
It is interesting to note that Skylar Grey began her musical journey as Holly Brook Hafermann before adopting her stage name later on in life. She started performing at local coffee shops even as a young girl before bursting onto the scene with her timeless singles like "Love The Way You Lie," "Coming Home," and "I Need A Doctor." Despite facing numerous obstacles along the way, Skylar remains an icon in both Wisconsin and worldwide for her sheer talent and remarkable resilience.
Violent Femmes – because nothing says 'Midwestern angst' quite like a band named after a French term for 'violent women'.
7. Violent Femmes
This entry delves into one of the most iconic musical acts to ever grace the Badger State: The Violent Femmes. This alternative rock band was formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1981 and has since become renowned for their unique sound and use of unconventional instruments like the acoustic bass guitar and xylophone. Their self-titled debut album, which features hits like "Gone Daddy Gone" and "Blister in the Sun", is considered a classic of the genre.
The Violent Femmes' use of acoustic instrumentation in their punk-influenced music made them stand out from other bands in the scene at the time. Their lyrics were often confessional, dealing with themes like adolescence, alienation, and religion. While they may not have been a chart-topping commercial success, their influence on subsequent generations of musicians cannot be overstated – Nirvana famously cited them as an inspiration for their own work.
It's worth noting that while The Violent Femmes got their start in Wisconsin, they actually all met while attending high school in neighboring state Illinois. Nevertheless, they are seen as synonymous with Milwaukee's vibrant music scene of the 1980s.
Legend has it that lead singer Gordon Gano wrote many of his most famous songs – including "Blister in the Sun" – while still a student at Rufus King High School. He would reportedly perform these early versions on his bus rides home from school to practice his guitar skills.
Overall, The Violent Femmes remain an important part of both Wisconsin's cultural history and the broader landscape of alternative rock music. Al Jarreau's silky smooth voice is proof that cheese isn't the only thing Wisconsin is known for.
8. Al Jarreau
His captivating vocal range and unique style set Al Jarreau apart as one of the most iconic singers in Wisconsin's history. With 7 Grammy Awards to his name, he achieved immense success during his career which spanned nearly three decades. Originally from Milwaukee, Al Jarreau gained global fame with his recognizable songs like "Boogie Down" and "We're In This Love Together". His innovative blend of jazz, pop, and R&B remain an inspiration for artists across genres.
In addition to his successful music career, Al Jarreau was also a celebrated humanitarian, devoting much of his time and energy to various charitable causes worldwide. His unmatched contributions in music and philanthropy have made him an inspiring role model for generations of young artists.
Despite his passing in 2017 at the age of 76, Al Jarreau's legacy continues to inspire new generations of singers from Wisconsin who aspire to follow in his footsteps. His timeless music continues to resonate with audiences across the globe and has secured a place for him among the greatest musicians of all time. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the magic that made Al Jarreau a legend!
I guess you could say that Garbage is Wisconsin's finest export since cheese, beer, and more cheese.
9. Garbage
Female-fronted Alternative Rock band from Madison, Garbage has been a prominent name in the music industry. With their unique sound and astonishing performances, they have won the hearts of millions. The band comprises Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig.
Garbage has produced several hit albums including 'Garbage', 'Version 2.0', 'Beautiful Garbage', and 'Bleed Like Me'. They have sold over 17 million records worldwide and earned critical acclaim for their work throughout their career. Garbage is known for their mix of genres like rock, electronic music, punk rock, and trip-hop.
Fun fact: Shirley Manson was originally recruited as a backing vocalist before being given lead vocals due to her impressive performance.
Pro Tip: Check out Garbage's Live performances to get a true feeling of their energy on stage!
Joe Schermie may have been born in Wisconsin, but he rocked the bass so hard he could have been from Mars.
10. Joe Schermie
Joe Schermie, a renowned musician, was born and raised in Wisconsin and gained fame as the bassist for Three Dog Night. He played with the band for over a decade, lending his creative talents to popular hits like "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" and "Joy to the World." Through his music, Joe left an indelible mark on pop culture that endures even today.
Joe's musical journey began early in life when he developed a love for playing bass guitar. He co-founded a band called The Enemies before joining Three Dog Night. After leaving the group, he went on to work on several albums with other renowned artists while playing in different bands. Throughout his career, Joe was known for his strong hooks and grooves that anchored many hit songs.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Joe Schermie's real name is Joseph Edward Schermetzler?
Pro Tip: To be successful in music industry like Joe Schermie, it is crucial to focus on developing one's unique style and honing one's craft through practice and collaboration.
Edward Tomlin 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.
