Wisconsin, a state known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, has also been home to several talented singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. From rock and country to pop and soul, Wisconsin has produced a diverse range of renowned vocalists.
One of the most notable singers associated with Wisconsin is Steve Miller. Born in Milwaukee, Miller’s distinctive voice and catchy melodies have made him a legendary figure in rock music. With hits like “The Joker” and “Fly Like an Eagle,” Miller’s music has resonated with audiences around the world and solidified his status as a rock icon.
Another renowned singer from Wisconsin is Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Hailing from Eau Claire, Vernon’s ethereal falsetto and introspective songwriting have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following. With his Grammy Award-winning album “For Emma, Forever Ago” and subsequent releases, he has pushed the boundaries of folk and indie music.
Additionally, Wisconsin is the home of Al Jarreau, a celebrated jazz and R&B vocalist. Born in Milwaukee, Jarreau’s smooth and versatile voice, coupled with his improvisational skills, made him a standout artist in the music industry. With hits like “We’re in This Love Together” and “Mornin’,” he achieved commercial success and earned multiple Grammy Awards.
These famous singers from Wisconsin, along with others like Butch Vig, Les Paul, and Skylar Grey, have showcased the state’s ability to produce exceptional vocal talent. Their artistic contributions, unique voices, and lasting legacies continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
1. Woody Herman
Woody Herman, a renowned jazz musician, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He played with well-known musicians such as Gene Krupa and Benny Goodman and later formed his own band, the Woody Herman Orchestra. Over his career, he released several hit records, including "Woodchopper's Ball" and "Blues in the Night." His music continued to inspire and influence other musicians long after his death in 1987.
Herman's prolific career spanned over six decades and included multiple awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986 and posthumously received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 1988. Additionally, his work influenced new generations of jazz musicians, including David Sanborn and Chick Corea.
It is interesting to note that Woody Herman's father was also a musician who encouraged his son's interest in music from an early age. As a result of this support, Herman became one of the most successful bandleaders and Jazz artists of his time.
Don't miss out on listening to the musical finesse of Woody Herman's compositions that continue to captivate audiences today across continents at Jazz festivals worldwide!
Steve Miller may have been born in Milwaukee, but it was his fly like an eagle attitude that helped him soar to musical greatness.
2. Steve Miller
One of Wisconsin's renowned singers is the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, known for guitar-driven hits like "Fly Like an Eagle" and "The Joker." Steve Miller is a Wisconsin artist that has been making music since the '60s with his band named after him. The Milwaukee native's classic-rock-style has won him numerous fans internationally, garnering impressive sales figures.
Miller is a chart-topping musician, selling more than 60 million records all over the world in addition to collecting several platinum albums. His unique catchy melodies, coupled with his pop-rock sensibilities and blues-inspired guitar playing, continues to captivate audiences. In addition to being acclaimed as one of rock music's most talented instrumentalists, he was invited into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
Interestingly enough, Miller formed an early jazz group while still studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; He also kicked off his solo career after a stint working behind-the-scenes with local blues ensemble groups based in Chicago.
Pro Tip: It was recently announced Miller will be releasing a new covers album featuring interpretations of songs by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix among others – set to release later this year.
Why settle for a fish tank when you can have a Sherman tank? Check out these 10 famous military vehicles from Wisconsin.
3. Tank
Moving on to the third artist from Wisconsin, we have an accomplished singer known as Tank. With a soulful voice and impressive range, Tank has made a name for himself in the R&B and hip hop genres. Let's take a closer look at his achievements.
Full Name | Durrell Artaze Babbs |
Born | January 1, 1976 (age 45) |
Hometown | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
Genres | R&B, hip hop, soul |
Awards and Nominations | – Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2008 – BET Award nomination for Best Male R&B Artist in 2013 – Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best New Artist in 2007 |
Aside from his musical career, Tank has also made appearances on both big and small screens. He played the role of Michael in the film "Preacher's Kid" and had guest appearances on shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon".
Interestingly, Tank started as a background vocalist for artists like Aaliyah and Ginuwine before pursuing a solo career.
Fun fact: Tank's stage name was inspired by his resemblance to a tank as a baby, according to an interview with The Fader.
Al Jarreau's voice was so smooth, it could make butter jealous.
4. Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a renowned jazz singer. His accolades included multiple Grammy Awards and being the only vocalist to have won in three different categories. Al's musical career spanned over five decades, during which he displayed his versatility by transitioning from jazz to pop and R&B music, making him one of the most respected artists of his generation.
His contributions to the musical industry were not limited to singing but also as an educator at the University of Southern California. He received numerous honorary doctorate degrees for his contribution to music and music education. Al's distinctive vocal style made him one of the most distinctive and recognizable voices in contemporary music.
Interestingly, Al initially pursued a career in psychology before venturing into music. Nonetheless, he remained connected with psychology throughout his life and even incorporated it into his performances. (Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/famous-singers-from-wisconsin-3246856)
"Bon Iver proves you don't need a band to make beautiful music, just a cabin in the woods and some crippling emotional turmoil."
5. Bon Iver
One of the famous singers who proudly hails from Wisconsin is the indie folk sensation, Bon Iver. This Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist's unique musical style blends elements of folk, rock and electronica, captivating audiences worldwide with emotive lyrics and raw vocals. Bon Iver has collaborated with several notable artists, including Kanye West and James Blake, paving the way for his success in the music industry.
Bon Iver's debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, was recorded in a remote cabin in northern Wisconsin and earned critical acclaim for its hauntingly beautiful melodies. The album's success led to appearances on major late-night shows and performances at some of the biggest festivals around the world, cementing Bon Iver's place among modern music greats.
It is worth mentioning that Bon Iver is known for his philanthropic endeavors as well. He founded the 2 A Billion charity organization to support women survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Through his music and actions, he continues to make an impactful difference in the lives of people around him.
Sources confirm that Bon Iver derived his stage name from a combination of French words which translate to 'good winter'.
Garbage from Wisconsin? No, we're not talking about the state's recycling program, we're talking about the band that put Madison on the map.
6. Garbage
This section features the famous music group, Garbage. The band was formed in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1993, and consists of members Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, Duke Erikson, and Butch Vig. Garbage has released seven studio albums to date and has received numerous accolades for their unique style of alternative rock. They are recognized for hits such as "Stupid Girl," "Only Happy When It Rains," and "Queer." The band still actively performs and continues to influence the music industry with their iconic sound.
One interesting fact about Garbage is that the band's name was inspired by a friend of the member's recording sessions who claimed that their music sounded like garbage. Despite this initial criticism, Garbage has gone on to become one of the most successful alternative rock bands from the state of Wisconsin.
Why settle for just playing guitar when you can invent it? Les Paul, the man who rocked Wisconsin and the world.
7. Les Paul
Les Paul, a Wisconsin native, was a renowned musician and inventor who made significant contributions to the music industry. He is famously known for his invention of the solid-body electric guitar that revolutionized the way musicians played their instruments.
For Les Paul, we have created a table of his accomplishments. In the first column, we have mentioned some of his popular albums such as "The New Sound," "Bouquet Of Roses," and "Chester & Lester." In the second column, we have listed some of his notable awards like Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Lastly, in the third column, we have mentioned some interesting facts about him such as being one of the first musicians to experiment with overdubbing.
Accomplishments | Awards | Interesting Facts |
---|---|---|
The New Sound | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | One of the first musicians to experiment with overdubbing |
Bouquet Of Roses | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction | Had a weekly television show in 1950s |
Chester & Lester | Songwriters Hall of Fame induction | Inducted into Inventors' Hall Of Fame |
Les Paul had a great influence on modern music worldwide through his various musical inventions throughout his career spanning over seven decades.
Pro Tip: To gain inspiration from Les Paul's techniques, try using overdubbing when recording your own music to create layered and innovative soundscapes.
Joe Schermie may have been a famous bassist from Wisconsin, but let's be real, the only real bassist we care about is the one in the fish fry.
8. Joe Schermie
Joe Schermie, a legendary bass guitarist, hailed from Wisconsin. With his masterful bass skills, he became an integral part of the American music industry in the late '60s and early '70s. Joe played for numerous bands but was most notably associated with Three Dog Night.
Throughout his career, Joe Schermie has played with many renowned musicians such as Joe Cocker and Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys. He was also inducted into the Wisconsin Area Music Industry's Hall of Fame in 2007.
Interestingly, along with his musical talent, Joe Schermie was known for his warm personality and dedication towards promoting music education for children. His contribution to the world of music continues even after his passing in March 2002.
Pro Tip: Did you know that Joe Schermie was famous not only for his grooving basslines but also his ability to sing harmonies exceptionally well?
Skylar Grey may have been born in Wisconsin, but with a name like that, she could easily be mistaken for a superhero alter-ego.
9. Skylar Grey
Skylar Grey is one of the famous singers from Wisconsin. Her real name is Holly Brook Hafermann, and she was born on February 23, 1986. She started her career as a songwriter and has written songs for many popular artists like Eminem, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj. She released her debut album 'Like Blood Like Honey' in 2006 under the name Holly Brook. In 2010, she changed her stage name to Skylar Grey and released another album 'Don't Look Down' in 2013.
In addition to writing songs for other artists, Skylar Grey has also gained fame with her solo music career. Her distinct voice and unique blend of genres make her stand out among other singers. Moreover, she has won several awards for her work in the music industry, including two Grammy nominations.
Pro Tip: If you are interested in pursuing a career in music like Skylar Grey, start by honing your songwriting skills and networking with people in the industry to get exposure.
The Violent Femmes may sound aggressive, but don't worry, they won't hurt you…unless you count getting their catchy tunes stuck in your head as a form of mild torture.
10. Violent Femmes
This group from Wisconsin, widely known as one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 80s and 90s, has contributed tremendously to the music scene. With their unique blend of folk and punk sounds, Violent Femmes made it big with songs like "Blister in the Sun" and "Add It Up". The trio's originality allowed them to maintain a cult-like following over the years.
Through their multi-decade career, Violent Femmes have harnessed authenticity and simplicity in their lyrics and instrumentals – features that went on to influence other artists. Their self-titled debut album was met with critical acclaim and commercial success soon after its release. Fans worldwide continue to appreciate their distinct sound and straightforward messages regarding relatable human experiences and issues.
The band's iconic style has influenced artists ranging from Ben Folds Five to The Bloodhound Gang.
Sources: grammy.com