Montana, known for its stunning natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, has also produced a number of talented singers who have made their mark on the music industry. From country and folk to rock and pop, these artists have showcased the Treasure State’s musical diversity and have captivated audiences with their unique voices and heartfelt performances. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 famous singers from Montana and delve into their remarkable careers and the impact they have had on the music scene.
1. Huey Lewis
Huey Lewis, born Hugh Anthony Cregg III in New York City but raised in Marin County, California, is best known as the lead vocalist, harmonica player, and founding member of the rock band Huey Lewis and the News. With his distinctive voice and the band’s blend of rock, pop, and R&B influences, Lewis and his bandmates achieved significant success in the 1980s, releasing a string of hit albums and singles, including “Sports,” “Fore!,” and “Small World.” Some of their most iconic songs, such as “The Power of Love,” “Hip to Be Square,” and “I Want a New Drug,” have become staples of classic rock radio and have been featured in numerous films and television shows. Throughout his career, Lewis has also collaborated with various other artists and has pursued acting roles, appearing in films such as “Back to the Future” and “Duets.” While not a Montana native, Huey Lewis has strong ties to the state, as he owns a ranch near Stevensville and has been actively involved in conservation efforts and support for local communities.
2. Colin Meloy
Colin Meloy, born in Helena, Montana, is the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the indie folk band The Decemberists. Known for his distinctive vocals, poetic lyrics, and eclectic musical style, Meloy has been a driving force behind the band’s success since its formation in 2000. The Decemberists’ music often draws inspiration from historical events, literary works, and folk traditions, creating a unique and captivating sound that has earned them a devoted following. Some of their most acclaimed albums include “The Crane Wife,” “The Hazards of Love,” and “The King Is Dead,” which showcase Meloy’s talent for crafting intricate, storytelling lyrics and the band’s ability to blend various musical genres. In addition to his work with The Decemberists, Meloy has also released solo material, including the EP “Colin Meloy Sings Live!” and the book “Colin Meloy Sings The Kinks.” As a native Montanan, Colin Meloy’s success and contributions to indie folk music have made him one of the state’s most prominent and respected musical figures.
3. Stephanie Quayle
Stephanie Quayle, born in Bozeman, Montana, is a country singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals, engaging stage presence, and heartfelt, relatable lyrics. With a passion for music that began at a young age, Quayle honed her skills performing at local events and festivals before making the move to Nashville to pursue her dreams. Her debut album, “Love the Way You See Me,” released in 2017, showcased her talent for blending traditional country influences with modern pop sensibilities, earning her critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. Quayle’s music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of life on the road, delivered with a mix of vulnerability and strength that resonates with audiences. Some of her most popular songs include “Drinking with Dolly,” “Selfish,” and “Whatcha Drinkin ‘Bout,” which have garnered significant airplay on country radio. Beyond her music, Quayle is also known for her commitment to charitable causes, particularly those supporting women and children in need. As a proud native of Montana, Stephanie Quayle’s success and contributions to country music have made her one of the state’s most promising and inspiring musical exports.
4. Philip Aaberg
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Philip Aaberg, born in Havre, Montana, is a pianist, composer, and recording artist known for his introspective, evocative compositions that draw inspiration from the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the American West. With a career spanning over four decades, Aaberg has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, showcasing his virtuosic piano skills and his ability to blend classical, jazz, and folk influences into a unique, cinematic sound. His music often pays tribute to the landscapes, history, and people of Montana, capturing the essence of the state’s rugged beauty and pioneering spirit. Some of his most notable works include “Live from Montana,” “High Plains,” and “Out of the Frame,” which have earned him a devoted following and widespread recognition in the world of contemporary instrumental music. In addition to his solo work, Aaberg has also collaborated with various artists, including Peter Gabriel and Elvin Bishop, and has composed music for films and television. As a native Montanan and a musical ambassador for the state, Philip Aaberg’s contributions to the world of instrumental music and his dedication to celebrating the culture and beauty of the American West have made him one of Montana’s most respected and influential artists.
5. Andrea Harsell
Andrea Harsell, born in Missoula, Montana, is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her soulful, expressive vocals and her eclectic blend of folk, rock, and Americana influences. With a passion for storytelling and a deep connection to her roots, Harsell’s music often explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a complex world, delivered with a raw, unvarnished honesty that resonates with audiences. Her debut album, “Gritterpunk,” released in 2015, showcased her talent for crafting emotionally charged, lyrically driven songs and her ability to seamlessly blend various musical genres. Throughout her career, Harsell has been a fixture on the Montana music scene, performing at local venues and festivals and collaborating with various artists. She has also garnered national attention, earning critical acclaim for her powerful live performances and her ability to connect with audiences on a deep, personal level. Beyond her music, Harsell is also known for her commitment to social and environmental causes, using her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting her community and the world at large. As a native Montanan and a rising star in the world of Americana music, Andrea Harsell’s talent, authenticity, and dedication to her craft have made her one of the state’s most promising and inspiring musical voices.
6. Tim Montana
Tim Montana, born in Butte, Montana, is a country rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his high-energy performances, his gritty, rebellious sound, and his celebration of the American heartland. With a style that blends elements of country, rock, and punk, Montana’s music often pays tribute to the blue-collar spirit, the great outdoors, and the rugged individualism that defines life in the American West. His debut album, “American Thread,” released in 2019, showcased his talent for crafting anthemic, fist-pumping songs that capture the essence of rural America, earning him a devoted following and critical acclaim. Some of his most popular tracks include “Asphalt Throwdown,” “Hillbilly Rich,” and “Stronger Than You,” which have become staples of his live shows and have earned him comparisons to artists like Kid Rock and Brantley Gilbert. Beyond his music, Montana is also known for his collaborations with various country and rock artists, as well as his appearances on television shows like “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “NBC’s The Voice.” As a proud native of Montana and a musical ambassador for the American heartland, Tim Montana’s raw, uncompromising sound and his dedication to celebrating the spirit of the American West have made him one of the state’s most exciting and influential musical exports.
7. Kostas Lazarides
Kostas Lazarides, known professionally as Kostas, is a singer, songwriter, and musician born in Greece and raised in Billings, Montana. Best known for his work as a songwriter, Kostas has penned numerous hits for some of the biggest names in country music, including Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, and Travis Tritt. His songs, which often blend elements of country, folk, and rock, are known for their poetic, introspective lyrics and their ability to capture the joys, sorrows, and struggles of everyday life. Some of his most famous compositions include “Blame It on Your Heart” (recorded by Patty Loveless), “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” (recorded by Dwight Yoakam), and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” (recorded by Keith Whitley). In addition to his songwriting, Kostas has also released several albums as a solo artist, showcasing his warm, expressive vocals and his talent for crafting deeply personal, emotionally resonant songs. Throughout his career, Kostas has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple BMI Country Awards and a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song. As an adopted Montanan and a behind-the-scenes force in the world of country music, Kostas Lazarides’ contributions to the genre and his role in shaping the sound of modern country have made him one of the state’s most influential and respected musical figures.
8. Martha Scanlan
Martha Scanlan is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist born and raised in the Shields Valley of south central Montana. Known for her evocative, poetic lyrics and her blend of traditional and contemporary folk influences, Scanlan’s music is deeply rooted in the landscapes, history, and culture of the American West. Her albums, which include “The West Was Burning” and “The Shape Of Things Gone Missing, The Shape Of Things To Come,” showcase her talent for crafting introspective, lyrically-driven songs that explore themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Scanlan’s music has been praised for its authenticity, its emotional depth, and its ability to transport listeners to the rugged beauty of the western landscape. In addition to her solo work, Scanlan has also collaborated with various artists and has been a member of several notable bands, including the old-time string band Reeltime Travelers and the folk duo The Pines. Throughout her career, she has been a fixture on the Montana music scene and has performed at festivals and venues across the United States and Europe. As a native Montanan and a leading voice in the world of contemporary folk music, Martha Scanlan’s talent, creativity, and dedication to her craft have made her one of the state’s most respected and influential musical artists.
9. Ben Bullington
Ben Bullington was a singer, songwriter, and physician born and raised in Livingston, Montana. Known for his deeply personal, introspective lyrics and his blend of country, folk, and Americana influences, Bullington’s music was a reflection of his life experiences, his love of the natural world, and his commitment to healing and helping others. In addition to his work as a musician, Bullington was also a practicing physician, serving the rural communities of Montana and using his music as a way to connect with his patients and to explore the complex relationships between health, mortality, and the human experience. His albums, which include “White Sulphur Springs” and “Until the End,” showcase his talent for crafting emotionally charged, lyrically driven songs that speak to the joys, sorrows, and challenges of life in the rural West. Throughout his career, Bullington was a beloved figure on the Montana music scene, known for his warmth, his generosity, and his commitment to using his music as a force for good in the world. Although he passed away in 2013 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his legacy as a musician, a physician, and a compassionate, caring human being continues to inspire and influence those who knew him and those who have been touched by his music. As a native Montanan and a shining example of the state’s creative and humanitarian spirit, Ben Bullington’s contributions to the world of music and medicine have made him one of Montana’s most cherished and influential figures.
10. Baylie Saunders
Baylie Saunders is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Bozeman, Montana. Known for her powerful, soulful vocals and her eclectic blend of pop, rock, and R&B influences, Saunders’ music is a reflection of her diverse musical background, her passion for storytelling, and her commitment to using her art as a force for positive change in the world. Her debut EP, “Bones,” released in 2019, showcased her talent for crafting emotionally charged, lyrically driven songs that explore themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating the modern world. Saunders’ music has been praised for its authenticity, its emotional depth, and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep, personal level. In addition to her work as a solo artist, Saunders has also collaborated with various musicians and producers, and has been a prominent figure in the Bozeman music scene, performing at local venues and events and using her platform to support various charitable causes and community initiatives. As a native Montanan and a rising star in the world of contemporary pop and R&B, Baylie Saunders’ talent, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact through her music have made her one of the state’s most promising and inspiring young artists.
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.
