Idaho, a state known for its stunning natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and outdoor recreation, has also produced a number of talented musicians over the years. From country and folk to rock and pop, these artists have made their mark on the music industry, showcasing the diverse musical talent that emerges from the Gem State. In this article, we’ll shine a spotlight on the top 10 most popular singers from Idaho, exploring their unique styles, their notable achievements, and the impact they’ve had on the music world.
1. Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter, born in Moscow, Idaho, is a singer, songwriter, and author known for his poetic lyrics, evocative storytelling, and captivating live performances. With a career spanning over two decades, Ritter has released numerous critically acclaimed albums that showcase his thoughtful, introspective songwriting and his ability to blend elements of folk, rock, and Americana. His most famous works, such as “Me & Jiggs,” “Girl in the War,” and “Change of Time,” are celebrated for their vivid imagery, emotional depth, and Ritter’s warm, expressive vocals. Throughout his career, Ritter has toured extensively, building a dedicated fanbase and earning praise for his engaging stage presence and heartfelt performances. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Joan Baez and Bob Weir to author Stephen King, who has cited Ritter as one of his favorite songwriters. In addition to his music, Ritter has published several books, including a novel and a collection of short stories, further showcasing his talent as a storyteller and his love for the written word. With his undeniable talent, his poetic sensibility, and his commitment to his craft, Josh Ritter has become one of the most respected and beloved singer-songwriters to emerge from Idaho, and a true gem of the American music scene.
2. Eilen Jewell
Eilen Jewell, born in Boise, Idaho, is a singer and songwriter known for her vintage-inspired sound, her sultry vocals, and her eclectic mix of musical influences. With a style that encompasses elements of country, blues, folk, and rockabilly, Jewell has released several acclaimed albums that showcase her retro-cool aesthetic and her knack for crafting songs that feel both classic and contemporary. Her most famous works, such as “Sea of Tears,” “Rain Roll In,” and “Dusty Boxcar Wall,” are celebrated for their moody atmospherics, Jewell’s smoky, expressive vocals, and her band’s tight, dynamic performances. Throughout her career, Jewell has earned a reputation as a captivating live performer, delivering intimate, soulful shows that highlight her storytelling skills and her ability to connect with audiences. She has toured extensively, both in the United States and abroad, and has shared the stage with a wide range of artists, from Lucinda Williams and Mavis Staples to Shakey Graves and Reverend Horton Heat. With her timeless sound, her magnetic stage presence, and her dedication to her craft, Eilen Jewell has become one of the most distinctive and compelling voices to emerge from Idaho’s music scene, and a true gem of the Americana world.
3. Carole King
Carole King, born Carol Joan Klein in New York City but raised in Idaho, is a legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist who has left an indelible mark on the world of popular music. With a career spanning over six decades, King has written or co-written over 400 songs that have been recorded by more than 1,000 artists, making her one of the most successful and influential songwriters of all time. Her most famous works, such as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Natural Woman,” and “It’s Too Late,” have become timeless classics, celebrated for their emotional depth, soaring melodies, and King’s soulful, heartfelt vocals. As a solo artist, King released her landmark album “Tapestry” in 1971, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time and earned her four Grammy Awards. Throughout her career, King has been a trailblazer for women in the music industry, paving the way for generations of female singer-songwriters and producers. She has also been a vocal advocate for various social and political causes, using her platform to raise awareness and support for issues such as environmental conservation, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice. With her unparalleled talent, her enduring legacy, and her commitment to making the world a better place through her music, Carole King has cemented her status as one of the most beloved and respected artists of all time, and a true icon of American popular music.
4. Paul Revere
Paul Revere, born Paul Revere Dick in Harvard, Nebraska, but closely associated with the music scene in Idaho, was the keyboardist and leader of the rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders. With their revolutionary war-era costumes, high-energy performances, and catchy, garage rock-inspired songs, the Raiders became one of the most popular and influential bands of the 1960s and early 1970s. Their most famous works, such as “Kicks,” “Hungry,” and “Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian),” are celebrated for their raw, rebellious spirit, Revere’s driving keyboard work, and the band’s tight, explosive sound. As a showman and bandleader, Revere was known for his larger-than-life personality, his humor, and his ability to engage and excite audiences. He was also a savvy businessman, owning several restaurants and establishing a successful recording studio in Idaho. Despite facing personal and professional challenges throughout his life, including a battle with cancer, Revere remained a beloved figure in the music world until his passing in 2014. With his infectious energy, his pioneering spirit, and his enduring contributions to the world of rock and roll, Paul Revere will forever be remembered as a true icon of the Idaho music scene and a legendary figure in the history of American popular music.
5. Nikki Sixx
Nikki Sixx, born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. in San Jose, California, but raised in Jerome, Idaho, is a bassist, songwriter, and radio host best known as a founding member of the legendary rock band Mötley Crüe. With his aggressive playing style, his flamboyant stage presence, and his contributions to the band’s songwriting, Sixx played a key role in defining the sound and image of Mötley Crüe, one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s. The band’s most famous works, such as “Kickstart My Heart,” “Dr. Feelgood,” and “Girls, Girls, Girls,” are celebrated for their hard-hitting riffs, rebellious lyrics, and the members’ notorious lifestyle and antics. Beyond his work with Mötley Crüe, Sixx has also been involved in various other musical projects, including the bands 58 and Sixx:A.M., and has released several solo albums. He has also been a successful radio host, author, and photographer, showcasing his versatility and creativity as an artist. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges throughout his life, including a well-publicized struggle with addiction, Sixx has remained a respected and influential figure in the world of rock music, known for his raw honesty, his resilience, and his unwavering dedication to his craft. With his undeniable talent, his larger-than-life persona, and his enduring contributions to the world of music, Nikki Sixx has cemented his status as one of the most iconic and influential musicians to emerge from Idaho, and a true legend of the rock and roll world.
6. Rosalie Sorrels
Rosalie Sorrels, born in Boise, Idaho, was a folk singer, songwriter, and storyteller known for her powerful vocals, her socially conscious lyrics, and her tireless advocacy for various causes. With a career spanning over five decades, Sorrels released numerous albums that showcased her unique blend of traditional folk, country, and blues influences, as well as her original compositions that addressed issues such as civil rights, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation. Her most famous works, such as “If I Could Be the Rain,” “The Baby Rocking Medley,” and “Travelin’ Lady,” are celebrated for their raw emotional power, Sorrels’ haunting vocals, and her ability to connect with audiences on a deep, personal level. Throughout her career, Sorrels toured extensively, performing at festivals, coffeehouses, and concerts across the United States and abroad. She was also a mentor and inspiration to many younger musicians, generously sharing her knowledge, experience, and passion for folk music. In addition to her music, Sorrels was a published author, a mother of five, and a fierce advocate for social justice, often using her platform to raise awareness and support for various causes. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her life, including a battle with breast cancer, Sorrels remained a beloved and respected figure in the folk music community until her passing in 2017. With her unwavering commitment to her art, her deep sense of empathy and compassion, and her enduring legacy as a pioneering female artist, Rosalie Sorrels will forever be remembered as a true icon of the Idaho music scene and a shining example of the power of music to inspire, heal, and unite.
7. Doug Martsch
Doug Martsch, born in Twin Falls, Idaho, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the frontman of the indie rock band Built to Spill. With his distinctive vocals, his intricate guitar work, and his poetic, often surreal lyrics, Martsch has been a driving force behind Built to Spill’s unique sound and enduring popularity. The band’s most famous works, such as “Carry the Zero,” “Car,” and “Strange,” are celebrated for their lush, layered arrangements, Martsch’s emotive performances, and the songs’ introspective, philosophical themes. Throughout his career, Martsch has been praised for his innovative approach to songwriting and his ability to blend elements of classic rock, punk, and avant-garde experimentation into a cohesive, compelling whole. He has also been involved in various other musical projects, including the bands Treepeople and the Halo Benders, showcasing his versatility and collaborative spirit as an artist. In addition to his music, Martsch is known for his humble, down-to-earth personality and his commitment to maintaining artistic integrity and independence in the face of commercial pressures. With his undeniable talent, his singular vision, and his enduring influence on the indie rock scene, Doug Martsch has become one of the most respected and admired musicians to emerge from Idaho, and a true icon of the alternative music world.
8. Kortney Grinwis
Kortney Grinwis, born in Boise, Idaho, is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her soulful vocals, her heartfelt lyrics, and her genre-bending style that incorporates elements of folk, pop, and electronic music. With her self-produced albums and her captivating live performances, Grinwis has earned a dedicated following in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, captivating audiences with her raw emotional honesty and her ability to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes. Her most famous works, such as “Avalanche,” “Echo,” and “Comatose,” are celebrated for their introspective lyrics, Grinwis’ haunting vocals, and the songs’ cinematic, often dreamlike quality. Throughout her career, Grinwis has been praised for her DIY ethic and her commitment to maintaining creative control over her music and image. She has self-released several albums and EPs, often collaborating with fellow Idaho musicians and artists to create immersive, multimedia experiences that blur the lines between music, visual art, and performance. In addition to her music, Grinwis is also a visual artist and a advocate for mental health awareness, often using her platform to share her own struggles and to encourage others to seek help and support. With her undeniable talent, her fearless vulnerability, and her innovative approach to making music, Kortney Grinwis has become one of the most exciting and original voices to emerge from the Idaho music scene in recent years.
9. Micky and the Motorcars
Micky and the Motorcars, formed in Stanley, Idaho, by brothers Micky and Gary Braun, are a country rock band known for their high-energy performances, their catchy, guitar-driven songs, and their authentic, heartfelt lyrics. With their blend of classic honky-tonk, outlaw country, and rock and roll influences, the band has released several acclaimed albums and built a loyal fanbase across the United States and beyond. Their most famous works, such as “Long Enough to Leave,” “Ain’t In It for the Money,” and “Bloodshot,” are celebrated for their gritty, road-worn sound, the Braun brothers’ close harmonies, and the songs’ themes of love, loss, and life on the road. Throughout their career, Micky and the Motorcars have toured extensively, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in country and rock music, and earning a reputation as one of the hardest-working and most dynamic live bands in the business. They have also been praised for their songwriting, which often draws on their experiences growing up in rural Idaho and their observations of the human condition. In addition to their music, the band members are also active in various charitable causes, often using their platform to support organizations that promote music education, veterans’ rights, and environmental conservation. With their undeniable talent, their authentic sound, and their commitment to their craft and their fans, Micky and the Motorcars have become one of the most beloved and respected bands to emerge from the Idaho music scene, and a true embodiment of the independent, rebellious spirit of American roots music.
10. Todd Snider
Todd Snider, born in Portland, Oregon, but closely associated with the music scene in Idaho, is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller known for his witty, often satirical lyrics, his laid-back vocal style, and his ability to blend elements of folk, country, and rock into a unique, compelling sound. With a career spanning over three decades, Snider has released numerous acclaimed albums that showcase his sharp observations of American life, his irreverent sense of humor, and his deep empathy for the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. His most famous works, such as “Talkin’ Seattle Grunge Rock Blues,” “Beer Run,” and “The Ballad of the Kingsmen,” are celebrated for their clever wordplay, Snider’s wry, understated delivery, and the songs’ often unexpected insights and emotional depth. Throughout his career, Snider has been praised for his live performances, which often feature his rambling, hilarious stories and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. He has toured extensively, both as a solo artist and with various bands, and has earned a dedicated fanbase drawn to his authentic, unfiltered approach to making music. In addition to his music, Snider is also a published author and a social activist, often using his platform to raise awareness about issues such as homelessness, drug addiction, and political corruption. With his undeniable talent, his razor-sharp wit, and his commitment to speaking truth to power through his art, Todd Snider has become one of the most respected and beloved singer-songwriters to emerge from the Northwest music scene, and a true icon of American roots music.
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.
