When people think of musical hotspots, states like California, New York, or Tennessee often steal the spotlight. But tucked away in the heartland of America, South Dakota has quietly nurtured a surprising number of influential and unforgettable musical talents. From Grammy-winning folk icons to trailblazing jazz innovators and soulful blues rockers, the Mount Rushmore State has given rise to artists whose voices have echoed far beyond the prairie. Whether born on the windswept plains or deeply connected through culture and heritage, these singers have carved their own unique paths in the music world, each carrying a piece of South Dakota’s spirit with them.
In this list of the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from South Dakota, we celebrate the legends, the pioneers, and the hidden gems who’ve made their mark across genres and generations. Some are household names with platinum records; others are cult favorites whose influence runs deep among musicians and fans alike. One thing they all share? A story rooted in the landscapes, people, and traditions of South Dakota. Get ready to be inspired, surprised, and maybe even discover a new favorite artist as we dive into the voices that prove greatness often comes from the most unexpected places.
1. Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin stands as one of South Dakota’s most acclaimed musical exports. Born in Vermillion, she carved her niche in the folk-pop world with a voice that’s both intimate and powerful. Her breakout moment came in the late ’90s with the Grammy-winning single “Sunny Came Home,” a haunting, poetic track that captured hearts across the globe. But Colvin’s artistry goes far beyond that one hit—she has a knack for storytelling through song, weaving themes of heartbreak, resilience, and introspection into her albums. Her music resonates with listeners who crave depth and honesty. Colvin’s career has spanned decades, and she’s collaborated with heavyweights like Emmylou Harris and James Taylor, but she has always remained grounded in her singer-songwriter roots. With a blend of acoustic warmth and lyrical sharpness, Colvin continues to inspire a new generation of artists, all while proudly representing her South Dakota beginnings.
2. Jewel (Kilcher) (Honorary Mention)
Though Jewel was born in Utah and raised in Alaska, her early ties to South Dakota through family and performance roots earn her a place on this list. Jewel emerged in the mid-1990s as a force in the folk-pop revival, her debut album Pieces of You becoming a multi-platinum success. Her voice, rich with emotion and clarity, paired with her poetic lyrics, made songs like “You Were Meant for Me” and “Foolish Games” instant classics. Jewel’s journey from a young troubadour living in a van to an internationally recognized artist is the stuff of modern folk legend. Her versatility—dabbling in pop, country, and children’s music—has kept her career dynamic. She’s also an outspoken advocate for mental health and mindfulness, themes that subtly thread through her music. While Alaska may claim her upbringing, South Dakota helped shape her early performance journey, and her influence remains far-reaching.
3. Boyd Raeburn
A pioneer in the world of progressive jazz, Boyd Raeburn brought innovation and bold experimentation to big band music. Born in Faith, South Dakota, Raeburn’s contributions in the 1940s were ahead of their time, incorporating complex harmonies and avant-garde arrangements into a genre rooted in swing. His orchestra featured future jazz legends and was known for its daring departures from convention. Though he never achieved the same commercial fame as bandleaders like Glenn Miller or Benny Goodman, Raeburn was a true artist’s artist—respected by fellow musicians for pushing boundaries. His work influenced the evolution of jazz into the bebop and cool jazz eras. Despite his relatively short time in the spotlight, Raeburn’s legacy lives on among jazz aficionados who recognize his fearless creativity. South Dakota may seem like an unlikely birthplace for one of jazz’s most experimental minds, but Boyd Raeburn’s trajectory proves that genius can emerge from anywhere.
4. Gary Mule Deer
Gary Mule Deer is a one-of-a-kind entertainer whose blend of country music and comedy has delighted audiences for decades. Hailing from Deadwood, South Dakota, Mule Deer started his career in music before seamlessly weaving humor into his performances—a move that made him a staple on television shows like The Tonight Show and Hee Haw. With his signature cowboy hat and dry wit, he’s appeared on the Grand Ole Opry stage over 160 times, earning respect both as a comedian and a musician. His guitar playing is solid, his timing impeccable, and his stories unforgettable. Mule Deer represents a rare breed of entertainer who can bring down the house with a joke and then move the crowd with a heartfelt country tune. He’s not just a performer—he’s a storyteller, a throwback to an era when variety acts ruled the stage, and South Dakota is proud to call him one of its own.
5. Floyd Red Crow Westerman
Floyd Red Crow Westerman was far more than a singer—he was a cultural icon, activist, and voice for Indigenous peoples. Born on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Westerman used his platform to champion Native American rights, both through his music and his acting roles. His songs, steeped in folk and country influences, often addressed historical injustices and spiritual resilience. Albums like Custer Died for Your Sins weren’t just artistic statements—they were calls for awareness and change. Westerman’s gravelly voice carried the weight of generations, and his performances were imbued with authenticity and purpose. In addition to his music, he became a familiar face on television and film, appearing in The X-Files, Dances with Wolves, and Walker, Texas Ranger. But it was his unwavering commitment to truth and heritage that truly defined him. As a proud South Dakotan, Westerman’s legacy continues to inspire artists and activists alike.
6. Clarence Loomis
Clarence Loomis may not be a household name, but within classical circles, his compositions and musical intellect are deeply respected. Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Loomis became a prolific composer and educator in the early to mid-20th century. He composed operas, symphonies, and chamber pieces, blending European classical traditions with distinctly American themes. His opera Yolanda of Cyprus was performed by the Chicago Civic Opera, marking a high point in his career. A dedicated teacher as well, Loomis helped shape the next generation of composers and musicians, leaving a lasting mark on American classical music. His South Dakota roots grounded him in the values of discipline and creativity, which he carried into concert halls and classrooms. While he didn’t seek fame, Loomis’s work remains a testament to the quiet power of regional talent shaping national culture.
7. Bob Stewart
Bob Stewart is a trailblazing jazz tuba player who helped redefine the role of the instrument in modern music. Though not always directly associated with South Dakota in the public eye, Stewart has connections to the region through performance and education. His work with jazz greats like Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, and Carla Bley showcased his ability to bring soul, rhythm, and unexpected agility to an often-overlooked instrument. Stewart’s playing is expressive and bold, turning the tuba from a background rhythm section staple into a lead voice with personality and flair. His contributions have helped expand the possibilities of jazz instrumentation, earning him accolades and a respected place in music history. As both a performer and educator, Stewart has inspired countless musicians to think differently about their craft, and his ties to South Dakota serve as a reminder of the state’s quiet influence on the wider world of jazz.
8. Judith Hill (Honorary Mention)
Though Judith Hill wasn’t born in South Dakota, her familial and cultural ties to the region add depth to her remarkable story. A powerhouse vocalist with a dynamic range and commanding stage presence, Hill first gained national attention as a featured singer on Michael Jackson’s This Is It tour and later as a contestant on The Voice. Her style fuses soul, funk, and R&B with rock and gospel influences, creating a sound that’s both retro and refreshingly modern. Hill has collaborated with legends like Prince—who produced her debut album—and her voice carries the emotional weight of a seasoned storyteller. Her multi-instrumental talents and intricate songwriting set her apart in a crowded music scene. While her career has taken her across the globe, her roots and values reflect the grounded, hardworking spirit often associated with South Dakota’s heartland.
9. Tom Brokaw (Non-Singer, Honorary Mention)
While Tom Brokaw is best known as a legendary journalist and former anchor of NBC Nightly News, his inclusion here is more symbolic than musical. Born in Webster, South Dakota, Brokaw has become an icon of American media, and his influence has extended into cultural and artistic realms. Numerous musical tributes and spoken word pieces have sampled his voice or referenced his legacy—especially his books like The Greatest Generation. Brokaw represents the voice of middle America, and for many, his cadence is as familiar and comforting as a favorite song. While he doesn’t sing, his storytelling ability and powerful narratives have inspired musicians, poets, and filmmakers—a testament to the broad cultural impact someone from a small South Dakota town can have.
10. Indigenous (Band)
Indigenous is a blues-rock band that brings fiery guitar solos and soulful energy straight from the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Fronted by the immensely talented Mato Nanji, the group gained national attention in the late ’90s with their debut album Things We Do. Their sound is steeped in the traditions of blues masters like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, but with a voice and perspective rooted in Native American experience. Nanji’s guitar work is electrifying—fluid, emotional, and technically masterful. What truly sets Indigenous apart is their ability to balance raw blues power with deeply personal storytelling. They’ve performed at major festivals and shared stages with legends, all while using their platform to advocate for Native youth and cultural pride. Indigenous isn’t just a band—they’re a bridge between heritage and modern music, and a shining example of South Dakota’s rich, often underrepresented, musical legacy.
Samuel Moore 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.
