Montana may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about famous singers, but the Treasure State has produced its fair share of musical talent. From country to rock to pop, Montana has been the birthplace and/or home to many successful singers and musicians. In this article, we will be exploring the lives and careers of 20 of the most famous singers from Montana.
Montana’s musical legacy is rich and varied. It is a state that is known for its wide-open spaces, rugged landscapes, and abundant wildlife, and these natural wonders have served as inspiration for many of its musicians. The state’s musical traditions are deeply rooted in country and western music, but Montana has also produced successful artists in other genres. Some of the most notable singers from Montana include Martha Scanlan, a folk singer and songwriter known for her introspective lyrics and haunting melodies; and Rob Quist, a country singer and politician who ran for Congress in 2017.
In addition to these artists, we will also be looking at other famous singers from Montana who have made significant contributions to the world of music, including popular artists like Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, and John Mayer. We hope this article will give readers a greater appreciation for Montana’s musical legacy and inspire them to discover more of the state’s incredible talent.
1. Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam)
Jeff Ament is a musician and songwriter best known as the bassist for the American rock band Pearl Jam. Born in Havre, Montana, Ament was raised in a musical family and began playing bass guitar in his early teens. After moving to Seattle, he co-founded Pearl Jam with vocalist Eddie Vedder and guitarist Stone Gossard in 1990. Ament has played on every Pearl Jam album, contributing his signature melodic basslines and occasionally writing songs for the band. Outside of Pearl Jam, he has also played with several other bands and has released several solo albums. Ament is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected bassists in modern rock music.
2. Nicolette Larson
Jeff Ament is a musician and songwriter best known as the bassist for the American rock band Pearl Jam. Born in Havre, Montana, Ament was raised in a musical family and began playing bass guitar in his early teens. After moving to Seattle, he co-founded Pearl Jam with vocalist Eddie Vedder and guitarist Stone Gossard in 1990. Ament has played on every Pearl Jam album, contributing his signature melodic basslines and occasionally writing songs for the band. Outside of Pearl Jam, he has also played with several other bands and has released several solo albums. Ament is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected bassists in modern rock music.
3. David Lynch
David Lynch is a filmmaker, musician, and visual artist from Missoula, Montana. He is best known for his surreal and often disturbing films, including “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive”. In addition to his work in film, Lynch has also released several albums of experimental music and has collaborated with musicians such as Angelo Badalamenti and Julee Cruise. His music often incorporates elements of ambient, industrial, and jazz. Lynch has been recognized for his contributions to both the film and music industries and has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.
4. Colin Meloy (The Decemberists)
Colin Meloy is a singer-songwriter and guitarist hailing from Helena, Montana, best known as the lead vocalist and frontman of the indie rock band The Decemberists. Meloy’s distinctive voice and storytelling lyrics have been a hallmark of the band’s sound, which often incorporates elements of folk, pop, and classic rock. His solo work includes the album “Colin Meloy Sings Live!”, a collection of live recordings of his performances. Meloy’s work has earned critical acclaim, with The Decemberists’ albums consistently appearing on “best of” lists.
5. Aimee Allen (The Interrupters)
Aimee Allen is a punk rock singer and songwriter from Missoula, Montana. She is a member of the band The Interrupters, known for their high-energy, politically charged music. Allen’s distinctive voice and lyrics have been praised for their raw honesty and emotional depth. She has also released several solo albums, including “A Little Happiness” and “I’d Start a Revolution if I Could Get Up in the Morning.” Allen has collaborated with other artists such as Pink, Cypress Hill, and Unwritten Law. Her work often addresses social and political issues, making her a prominent voice in the punk rock scene.
6. Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse)
Isaac Brock is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist originally from Helena, Montana. He is best known as the frontman of the indie rock band Modest Mouse, which formed in Issaquah, Washington. Brock’s distinctive, offbeat vocal style and lyrics have been a defining feature of the band’s sound, which blends elements of punk, indie rock, and experimental music. Modest Mouse has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “The Moon & Antarctica” and “Good News for People Who Love Bad News”. Brock’s solo work includes the album “Ugly Casanova,” released under a pseudonym, which features a darker, more experimental sound.
7. Martha Raye
Martha Raye was an American actress, singer, and comedian from Butte, Montana. She began her career as a performer in vaudeville before transitioning to film and television. Raye was known for her comedic timing and powerful singing voice, which earned her the nickname “The Big Mouth.” She appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout her career, including “The Martha Raye Show,” which showcased her comedic talents. Raye also dedicated her time and talents to entertaining American troops during World War II, earning her the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
8. Stephanie Quayle
Stephanie Quayle is a country singer-songwriter hailing from Montana. Her music is known for its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies that blend elements of traditional and contemporary country. Quayle has released several albums, including “Love The Way You See Me” and “If I Was a Cowboy,” and has performed alongside notable country artists like Willie Nelson and Brett Eldredge. In addition to her music, Quayle is also an advocate for empowering women in the music industry and has been recognized for her philanthropic efforts. Her hit songs like “Winnebago” and “Whatcha Drinkin ‘Bout” have gained popularity among country music fans.
9. Autumn Hurlbert
Autumn Hurlbert is a singer, actress, and dancer from Montana. She gained national recognition as a contestant on the reality competition show “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2006. Hurlbert has also appeared in various Broadway productions, including “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and “Something Rotten!” In addition to her stage career, Hurlbert has released original music and covers on her YouTube channel, showcasing her vocal range and versatility. Her performances have been praised for their emotional depth and authenticity. Hurlbert’s notable performances include “My Heart Will Go On” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade.”
10. Jonny Fritz
Jonny Fritz, also known as Jonny Corndawg, is a singer-songwriter from Montana who blends traditional country with elements of punk and rock. His music is characterized by his unique vocals and witty lyrics that often touch on themes of heartbreak and small-town life. Fritz has released several albums, including “Sweet Creep” and “Down on the Bikini Line,” and has collaborated with artists like Dawes and Taylor Goldsmith. His live performances are known for their energy and humor, making him a favorite among fans of alt-country and Americana music.
11. Rob Quist
Rob Quist is a singer-songwriter and musician from Montana, known for his soulful vocals and guitar skills. He is a former member of the Mission Mountain Wood Band, a popular Montana-based country rock group from the 1970s. Quist has released several albums, including “Montana,” which features original songs inspired by his home state. He has also been involved in political activism, running for Congress in 2017 as a Democrat. Quist’s music is characterized by its authenticity and heartfelt storytelling, with influences ranging from folk to blues. His performances are known for their emotional depth and connection with audiences.
12. David Gates
David Gates is a talented singer, songwriter, and producer from Montana, who gained fame as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the soft rock band Bread. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gates grew up in Montana and began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age. He eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music and formed Bread in the late 1960s. The band went on to release several hit songs throughout the 1970s, including “If,” “Guitar Man,” and “Diary.” Gates also released several solo albums throughout his career, showcasing his smooth vocals and emotional songwriting. Today, he is considered a legend in the soft rock genre and continues to inspire musicians around the world.
13. Shane Clouse
Shane Clouse is a country singer-songwriter based in Bozeman, Montana. He started his musical career at a young age, playing in local bands and performing at various venues in Montana. Clouse’s music is a blend of traditional and modern country, with heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. He has released several albums, including his debut album “Montana” in 2014, which features the popular tracks “Come Home” and “Montana Dreamin’.” Clouse’s music has garnered a loyal following in the country music scene, and he continues to tour and perform across Montana and beyond.
14. Martha Scanlan
Martha Scanlan is an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals and intimate, poignant lyrics. Born and raised in Montana, she draws inspiration from the natural beauty and rugged landscapes of her home state. Scanlan’s music blends elements of folk, country, and Americana, with a touch of gospel and blues. Her storytelling style paints vivid portraits of the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. Scanlan has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “The River and the Light” and “Tongue River Stories,” and has collaborated with a variety of artists in the roots music scene. Her music is heartfelt, authentic, and deeply moving.
15. Becca Mancari
Becca Mancari is an American singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk, rock, and country music. Born in Staten Island, New York, and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, she draws inspiration from her diverse cultural experiences. Mancari’s music is characterized by her haunting vocals, poetic lyrics, and raw, honest emotion. Her songs explore themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery, and often reflect her personal journey as a queer woman. Mancari has released several acclaimed albums, including “Good Woman” and “The Greatest Part,” and has collaborated with a variety of artists in the indie music scene. Her music is powerful, intimate, and deeply moving.
16. Robyn Cage
Robyn Cage is an American singer-songwriter known for her captivating vocals, electrifying stage presence, and cinematic soundscapes. Born and raised in Utah, she has a background in classical piano and theatre, which have influenced her music style. Cage’s music blends elements of pop, rock, and electronic music, with a touch of gothic and theatrical flair. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and the human condition, and her music videos feature visually stunning and conceptually rich narratives. Cage has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Slow the Devil,” and “Born in the Desert,” and has been praised for her unique and powerful voice.
17. David Wilkie
David Wilkie is a Montana-based singer-songwriter known for his rootsy, Americana-inspired sound. Originally from Canada, Wilkie has called Montana home for over three decades and has been an active member of the local music scene. His music draws from a wide range of influences, including folk, blues, and country, and often features lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and the rugged beauty of the western landscape. Wilkie has released several albums over the years, including “Cowboy Celtic,” which blends traditional Celtic music with Western themes. His music is heartfelt, authentic, and deeply rooted in the Montana experience.
18. Mark Baker
Mark Baker is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Montana, known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Originally from Virginia, Baker has been performing music for over two decades and has become a staple of the Montana music scene. His music blends elements of folk, rock, and country, and often features introspective, personal lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and the human experience. Baker has released several albums over the years, including “The Story of You and Me,” which received critical acclaim for its emotive songwriting and dynamic instrumentation. His music is intimate, authentic, and deeply rooted in the Montana landscape.
19. Kostas
Kostas is a Montana-born singer-songwriter known for his distinctive voice and his contributions to the country music genre. He has written hit songs for several country music legends, including Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, and Travis Tritt. Kostas’ music blends traditional country with rock and blues influences, and often features raw, emotional lyrics that reflect his personal experiences. His own recordings have been critically acclaimed, including his album “X,” which was named one of the top ten albums of the year by Rolling Stone magazine. Kostas’ music is authentic, heartfelt, and reflects his deep connection to the Montana landscape.
20. Kate Wolf
Kate Wolf was a singer-songwriter born in California, but who spent much of her life living in Montana. Her music is characterized by her gentle voice, poetic lyrics, and soulful melodies. Wolf’s songs often explore themes of love, nature, and social justice, and she was known for her compassionate spirit and her ability to connect with her audiences. She released several critically acclaimed albums during her career, including “Give Yourself to Love” and “An Evening in Austin.” Despite her untimely death from leukemia in 1986, Wolf’s music continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.
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.
