South Dakota, a state located in the Midwest region of the United States, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. However, what many people may not know is that South Dakota is also home to a number of talented musicians and singers who have made a name for themselves on the national and international stage. From country and rock to pop and jazz, South Dakota has produced a diverse range of musical talents who have captivated audiences with their incredible voices and unique styles.
In this article, we will explore 20 of the most famous singers from South Dakota who have achieved success in the music industry. Some of these artists were born and raised in South Dakota, while others spent a portion of their lives in the state before moving on to pursue their careers elsewhere. From Grammy award-winning performers to rising stars, these singers have left their mark on the world of music and continue to inspire new generations of musicians from their home state. So, whether you are a music lover or just curious about the talent that South Dakota has to offer, join us as we take a closer look at the lives and careers of 20 famous singers from this beautiful state.
1. Dorothy Provine
Dorothy Provine was a singer, dancer, and actress born in Deadwood, South Dakota, in 1935. She began her career as a dancer in nightclubs before making her way to Hollywood to pursue acting. Her first major film role was in the 1958 movie “The Bonnie Parker Story,” in which she played the titular character. She went on to appear in a number of films and television shows throughout the 1960s, including the hit series “The Roaring Twenties,” which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
In addition to her acting career, Provine was also an accomplished singer, with a distinctive voice that was described as both sultry and playful. She released several albums throughout her career, including “Oh You Kid!” and “The Roaring 20’s,” which featured her signature style of jazz and swing music. Provine’s talent as a singer and performer made her a favorite of audiences, and she continued to perform throughout her life, even after retiring from acting.
Overall, Dorothy Provine was a multi-talented artist who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her unique voice and style helped to define the music and culture of the 1960s, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of performers today.
2. Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin is a singer-songwriter born in Vermillion, South Dakota, in 1956. She is known for her folk-infused sound and poignant lyrics, which have won her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Colvin began her career in the 1980s, performing in small clubs and coffeehouses in New York City. Her breakthrough came in 1989, when she released her debut album, “Steady On,” which won a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.
Colvin’s music often touches on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, and she is known for her ability to write songs that resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level. Her later albums, such as “A Few Small Repairs” and “Whole New You,” showcased a more mature and introspective side of her songwriting, while still retaining the melodic beauty and poetic lyricism that has made her a favorite of fans and critics alike.
In addition to her solo work, Colvin has also collaborated with a number of other artists over the years, including Emmylou Harris, James Taylor, and Alison Krauss. She continues to tour and record music to this day, and her impact on the folk music scene is undeniable. Shawn Colvin’s talent, sincerity, and authenticity have made her a true icon of American music, and her contributions to the art form will be felt for generations to come.
3. Floyd ‘Red Crow’ Westerman
Floyd ‘Red Crow’ Westerman was a singer-songwriter, actor, and activist born on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1936. He was a member of the Dakota Sioux tribe and spent much of his life working to preserve and promote Native American culture and traditions. As a musician, Westerman drew on his experiences as a Native American to create powerful songs that spoke to the struggles and triumphs of his people.
Westerman’s music was a blend of traditional Native American styles, folk, and country, and he often sang in both English and Lakota. He released several albums throughout his career, including “Custer Died for Your Sins,” which was inspired by the book of the same name by Vine Deloria Jr. In addition to his music, Westerman was also an accomplished actor, appearing in films such as “Dances with Wolves” and “The Doors.”
Throughout his life, Westerman remained committed to social and environmental activism, and he worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the issues facing Native American communities. He was a respected leader and voice for his people, and his legacy as a musician and activist continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists today.
4. Ron Holgate
Ron Holgate is a singer and actor born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1937. He is best known for his work in musical theater, having appeared in numerous Broadway productions over the course of his career. Holgate got his start in theater in the 1960s, performing in regional productions before making his way to New York City. His Broadway debut came in 1968, when he appeared in the musical “The Grand Tour.”
Holgate went on to star in a number of other Broadway productions, including “1776,” for which he won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He also appeared in several television shows and films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including the movie adaptation of “1776.”
Throughout his career, Holgate has been praised for his powerful voice and his ability to bring depth and emotion to his performances. His work in musical theater has earned him a place among the greats of the genre, and his contributions to the art form continue to inspire new generations of performers today. Ron Holgate is a true talent and a proud son of South Dakota.
5. Johanna Meier
Johanna Meier is an operatic soprano born in Spearfish, South Dakota in 1938. She began her musical studies as a child, studying piano and voice with local teachers in her hometown. She went on to study at several prestigious music schools, including the Juilliard School in New York City and the Salzburg Mozarteum in Austria.
Meier quickly established herself as a rising star in the world of opera, making her debut with the New York City Opera in 1965. She went on to perform with some of the most prestigious opera companies in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London.
Throughout her career, Meier was known for her powerful voice, her impeccable technique, and her ability to bring depth and emotion to her performances. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of Wagnerian roles, such as Brünnhilde in “The Ring Cycle,” which she performed to critical acclaim on stages around the world.
In addition to her work as a performer, Meier was also a respected voice teacher, working with students at institutions such as the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. Her contributions to the world of opera have earned her numerous accolades and awards, and she remains a beloved figure in the opera world to this day.
6. Erika M. Anderson
Erika M. Anderson, known by her stage name EMA, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in South Dakota in 1982. She began her musical career as a member of the noise-folk band Gowns, before launching a successful solo career in the early 2010s.
EMA’s music is characterized by its raw, confessional style and its incorporation of elements from a wide range of genres, including punk, folk, and electronic music. Her debut album, “Past Life Martyred Saints,” was released in 2011 to critical acclaim, with many praising her unique voice and her fearless approach to songwriting.
Since then, EMA has released several more albums, including “The Future’s Void” and “Exile in the Outer Ring.” She has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including the band The Blow and the musician William Basinski.
Throughout her career, EMA has been celebrated for her uncompromising vision and her willingness to tackle difficult and complex subjects in her music. She is a true original and a proud representative of the South Dakota music scene.
7. Jess Thomas
Jess Thomas was a renowned operatic tenor born in Hot Springs, South Dakota in 1927. He began his musical studies as a child, learning to play the piano and the violin, before discovering his true passion for singing. He went on to study at the University of South Dakota and the Juilliard School in New York City.
Thomas quickly established himself as a rising star in the world of opera, making his debut with the San Francisco Opera in 1957. He went on to perform with some of the most prestigious opera companies in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Vienna State Opera.
Throughout his career, Thomas was known for his powerful voice and his ability to bring a wide range of characters to life on the stage. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of roles in operas by Wagner, Verdi, and Puccini.
In addition to his work as a performer, Thomas was also a respected voice teacher, sharing his knowledge and expertise with students at institutions such as the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of California, Berkeley. His contributions to the world of opera have earned him numerous accolades and awards, and he remains a beloved figure in the opera world to this day.
8. Sam Outlaw
Sam Outlaw is a singer-songwriter and guitarist originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota. He moved to Los Angeles in his early twenties to pursue a career in music, and has since become a celebrated figure in the Americana and country music scenes.
Outlaw’s music is characterized by its rich storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and melodic guitar work. He has released several albums to critical acclaim, including “Angeleno” and “Tenderheart.” His music has been compared to that of classic country artists like Hank Williams and George Jones, as well as more contemporary musicians like Ryan Adams and Jason Isbell.
In addition to his solo work, Outlaw has collaborated with a number of other artists, including Nikki Lane and Lydia Loveless. He has also been involved in various musical projects, such as the California Country Show and the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats” exhibit.
Outlaw’s contributions to the world of Americana and country music have earned him a loyal following of fans and critical acclaim. He is a proud representative of South Dakota’s musical heritage, and his music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
9. Louis Otey
Louis Otey was a bass-baritone opera singer born in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1944. He began his musical studies at the University of South Dakota, where he studied voice and performed in a variety of productions. He later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City.
Otey made his professional debut with the New York City Opera in 1970, and went on to perform with many of the world’s leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. He was particularly renowned for his performances in operas by Verdi, Mozart, and Puccini.
In addition to his work as a performer, Otey was also a respected voice teacher and mentor, sharing his knowledge and expertise with students at institutions such as the New England Conservatory and the Boston University School of Music.
Otey’s contributions to the world of opera were widely recognized and celebrated, and he was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He remains an inspiration to aspiring opera singers around the world, and a beloved figure in the South Dakota musical community.
10. Buddy Red Bow
Buddy Red Bow was a Lakota Sioux musician and singer-songwriter born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1944. He grew up immersed in the traditional music of his people, learning to play the guitar and singing at powwows and other community events.
Red Bow’s music blended elements of traditional Native American music with contemporary folk and country styles. He often sang in both Lakota and English, and his lyrics touched on themes of Native American identity, social justice, and spirituality.
Red Bow released several albums throughout his career, including “Moccasin Game,” “Sing a Northern Song,” and “Lakota Warrior Society.” His music was widely celebrated by both Native American and non-Native American audiences, and he was recognized as a trailblazer for Indigenous musicians in the United States.
In addition to his work as a musician, Red Bow was also a respected activist and advocate for Native American rights. He used his music as a platform to raise awareness of issues facing Indigenous communities, and worked tirelessly to promote cultural preservation and self-determination.
Red Bow’s legacy continues to inspire and influence Native American musicians and activists today, and he remains a beloved figure in the South Dakota musical community.
11. Vicki Yohe
Vicki Yohe is a contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter who was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. She grew up singing in church and began writing her own music at a young age. After attending college in Texas, Yohe began pursuing a career in music, and released her debut album “More Than Just a Kiss” in 1995.
Yohe quickly became known for her powerful vocals and her ability to connect with audiences through her music. She has released several successful albums over the years, including “I Just Want You” and “Reveal Your Glory.” Her music has been celebrated for its uplifting and inspirational messages, and Yohe has been recognized as one of the leading voices in contemporary Christian music.
In addition to her work as a musician, Yohe is also a respected speaker and worship leader. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world, sharing her music and her message with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Yohe’s music continues to inspire and uplift listeners today, and she remains a beloved figure in the South Dakota musical community and beyond.
12. Blacklite District
Blacklite District is a rock band hailing from Spearfish, South Dakota. The band was formed in 2012 by vocalist and guitarist Kyle Pfeiffer and drummer Roman James. Their music is characterized by a blend of hard rock, rap, and electronic elements, and their lyrics often touch on themes of personal struggle, perseverance, and self-empowerment.
Blacklite District has released several albums and singles over the years, including “Worldwide Controversy,” “To Whom It May Concern,” and “Through the Ages.” Their music has been well-received by fans and critics alike, and they have gained a loyal following through their high-energy live shows and their strong social media presence.
In addition to their work as musicians, the members of Blacklite District are also known for their advocacy work. They have been vocal supporters of mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and have used their music as a platform to raise awareness of these important issues.
Blacklite District continues to be a major force in the South Dakota music scene, and their unique blend of rock and rap continues to captivate audiences around the world.
13. Adam Agee
Adam Agee is a contemporary Christian music artist and worship leader from Mobridge, South Dakota. He began his musical career as a member of the popular Christian rock band Stellar Kart, which released several successful albums and toured extensively throughout the United States and around the world.
After leaving Stellar Kart, Agee launched a successful solo career, releasing his debut album “Paper Planes” in 2016. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, and showcased Agee’s unique blend of catchy pop hooks and heartfelt lyrics.
In addition to his work as a musician, Agee is also a respected worship leader and speaker. He has led worship at churches and conferences around the country, and is known for his dynamic stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Agee continues to be a major figure in the contemporary Christian music scene, and his music continues to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages and backgrounds. With his powerful vocals and his heartfelt lyrics, Agee is a true talent and a beloved figure in the South Dakota musical community and beyond.
14. Michael Spears
Michael Spears is a singer, songwriter, and actor from Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He is best known for his acting work in films like “Dances with Wolves” and “The Legend of Hell’s Gate,” but he is also a talented musician who has released several albums and performed at venues around the country.
Spears’ music is deeply rooted in his Native American heritage, and his lyrics often explore themes of spirituality, nature, and the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous peoples. He sings in both English and his native Lakota language, and his music has been praised for its powerful messages and haunting melodies.
In addition to his work as a musician and actor, Spears is also an advocate for Native American rights and culture. He has spoken out about issues like the need for better healthcare and education for Indigenous communities, and has worked to promote greater understanding and respect for Native American traditions and ways of life.
With his powerful voice and his commitment to his community and culture, Michael Spears is a beloved figure in the South Dakota music scene and a true inspiration to people around the world.
15. Caleb Grimm
Caleb Grimm is a singer, songwriter, and YouTube personality from Rapid City, South Dakota. He is best known as the founder and lead vocalist of the popular Christian music group Anthem Lights, which has amassed a large following and released several successful albums.
Grimm’s music is known for its catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics, and powerful vocal performances. He is also a skilled guitarist and pianist, and his live performances are often a combination of high-energy pop songs and heartfelt worship music.
In addition to his work as a musician, Grimm is also a popular YouTuber, known for his covers of popular songs and his original music videos. He has amassed a large following on the platform, with millions of views on his videos and thousands of subscribers.
Through his music and his online presence, Caleb Grimm has become a beloved figure in the Christian music community and beyond. His passion for music and his commitment to spreading a positive message have inspired countless fans around the world, and he continues to be a major force in the South Dakota music scene and beyond.
16. Greg Long
Greg Long is a Christian singer and songwriter who was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He began his career in music in the early 1990s, and quickly gained a following with his powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics.
Long has released several successful albums throughout his career, including “Cross My Heart” and “In The Waiting.” His music is known for its uplifting and inspirational message, and has touched the lives of countless fans around the world.
In addition to his work as a musician, Long is also a devoted family man and an active member of his local community. He has been involved in various charitable causes and has used his platform to raise awareness about important issues such as homelessness and poverty.
With his talent, dedication, and passion for music, Greg Long has become one of the most beloved Christian singers of his generation. His music continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world, and he remains a proud ambassador for his home state of South Dakota.
17. Cheryl Ladd
Cheryl Ladd is an American actress and singer who was born in Huron, South Dakota. She is best known for her role as Kris Munroe in the hit television series “Charlie’s Angels” in the late 1970s. However, Ladd has also had a successful career as a singer.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Ladd released several albums, including “Cheryl Ladd” and “Dance Forever.” Her music was a mix of pop and country, and she had several hit songs including “Think It Over” and “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.”
Ladd’s acting career continued to flourish in the 1980s and beyond, but she never gave up her passion for music. In 2005, she released “The Best of Cheryl Ladd,” a compilation album featuring her most popular songs.
Throughout her career, Ladd has received numerous accolades for her work in both music and acting, and she continues to be an inspiration to fans around the world. Her success as a singer from South Dakota has helped put the state on the map as a hub for talented artists.
18. Chad Kroeger
Chad Kroeger is a singer, songwriter, and musician born in Hanna, Alberta, Canada, but spent part of his childhood in the small town of Brookings, South Dakota. He is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the Canadian rock band Nickelback.
Kroeger has written and produced numerous hit songs, including “How You Remind Me,” “Photograph,” and “Rockstar,” which have earned him and his band international recognition and a legion of fans. In addition to his work with Nickelback, Kroeger has collaborated with other artists, including Santana, Timbaland, and Avril Lavigne.
Despite criticism from some music critics, Kroeger’s music has resonated with millions of fans worldwide, and he has received several awards for his work, including Billboard Music Awards, Juno Awards, and American Music Awards.
Kroeger’s success in the music industry has helped put South Dakota on the map as a state that produces talented musicians. He is an inspiration to many aspiring musicians, and his work continues to influence the rock genre.
19. June Carter Cash
June Carter Cash was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and author. She was born on June 23, 1929, in Maces Spring, Virginia, but spent much of her childhood in South Dakota. She grew up in a family of musicians and became a part of the famous Carter Family, a country music group that consisted of her mother and two other family members.
June Carter Cash was a multi-talented performer who had a successful career in both music and acting. She wrote many of her own songs and was known for her strong, distinctive voice. She had several hit songs throughout her career, including “Ring of Fire,” which she co-wrote with her husband, Johnny Cash.
In addition to her music career, June Carter Cash also acted in several movies and television shows, including The Johnny Cash Show, which she co-hosted with her husband. She was also an accomplished author, writing two autobiographies and a cookbook.
June Carter Cash was a beloved figure in the world of country music and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979. She passed away on May 15, 2003, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as a talented musician, actress, and writer.
20. Haley Bonar
Haley Bonar is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Rapid City, South Dakota. She began her career in the early 2000s, releasing her debut album “The Size of Planets” in 2003 to critical acclaim. Her music blends elements of folk, indie rock, and pop, with introspective lyrics and a unique vocal style that has been compared to artists like Liz Phair and Joni Mitchell.
Over the years, Bonar has released several albums and EPs, showcasing her versatility as a musician and songwriter. Her 2011 album “Golder” received widespread critical acclaim, with NPR Music calling it “a perfect record” and naming it one of the best albums of the year. She has also collaborated with a variety of artists and bands, including Andrew Bird, Dave King, and Gramma’s Boyfriend.
In addition to her music career, Bonar has also worked as a composer and sound designer for film and television, contributing music to projects like “The Oath” and “Tiny Furniture.” With her unique voice and introspective lyrics, Haley Bonar has become a respected and influential figure in the indie music scene, and her contributions to South Dakota’s music legacy are significant.
Darren Jamison 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.
