Vermont is a small state in the northeastern United States with a rich musical history. Despite its relatively small population, Vermont has produced many talented singers and musicians who have made significant contributions to the world of music. In this article, we will explore the top 10 famous singers from Vermont, from folk legends to contemporary pop stars.
The list includes a diverse range of artists, from Anaïs Mitchell, the folk singer and Broadway composer known for her poetic lyrics and haunting melodies, to JoJo, the R&B and pop star with a powerful voice and a string of hit songs. We will also delve into the careers of rockers Grace Potter and Aaron Lewis, as well as country artists Jamie Lee Thurston and Caitlin Canty. These artists represent the breadth and depth of Vermont’s music scene, and serve as a testament to the state’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering these talented musicians for the first time, this article is sure to offer insights and inspiration into the world of Vermont music.
1. Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Vermont who is known for his unique blend of rock, jazz, and classical music. He rose to fame as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Phish, which formed in 1983, and has since become a highly respected solo artist. Anastasio’s music is characterized by his virtuosic guitar playing, intricate songwriting, and eclectic influences. He has released numerous solo albums and collaborated with a variety of other musicians and artists, including Dave Matthews, Carlos Santana, and the New York Philharmonic. Anastasio is also known for his philanthropy work, particularly through his organization, the Divided Sky Foundation, which supports various causes such as music education and addiction recovery. Overall, Trey Anastasio is a talented musician with a distinct sound and a passion for giving back to his community.
2. Jamie Lee Thurston
Jamie Lee Thurston is a country singer and songwriter from Vermont with a deep, resonant voice that belies his youth. Thurston has been performing since his early teens and has released several albums throughout his career, including his debut album “It Can All Be Yours” in 1999. He has gained a loyal following among country music fans for his heartfelt lyrics and engaging performances, and has shared the stage with many top country acts, including Miranda Lambert and the Zac Brown Band. Thurston is also known for his charitable work, particularly in support of veterans’ organizations and animal shelters. With his rich vocals and relatable songwriting, Jamie Lee Thurston is a rising star in the world of country music, and a proud ambassador for his home state of Vermont.
3.Caitlin Canty
Caitlin Canty is a singer-songwriter hailing from Vermont, known for her poetic lyrics and captivating voice. Her music blends elements of folk, Americana, and indie rock, with influences ranging from Joni Mitchell to Bruce Springsteen. Canty’s debut album, “Green,” was released in 2012 and received critical acclaim for its introspective songwriting and stripped-down instrumentation. She has since released several more albums and collaborated with a variety of other artists, including Darlingside and Noam Pikelny. Canty’s music has been featured in numerous film and television productions, including the hit series “Nashville.” In addition to her music career, Canty is also an advocate for environmental and social justice causes, and frequently uses her platform to raise awareness and support for these issues. With her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Caitlin Canty is a talented artist with a unique voice in the contemporary folk scene.
4. Julie Frost
Julie Frost is a singer and songwriter from Vermont with a powerful voice and a diverse range of musical influences. Her music is a unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic styles, with lyrics that range from introspective to empowering. Frost’s career began in the early 2000s, and she has since released several albums and collaborated with a variety of other musicians, including Toby Gad and Demi Lovato. She is also a prolific songwriter and has written hits for numerous other artists, including Madonna and Beyoncé. Frost’s music has been featured in several television shows and films, and she has won multiple awards for her songwriting, including a Grammy for “All of the Lights” by Kanye West. With her dynamic voice and versatile songwriting, Julie Frost is a talented musician with a unique perspective on the contemporary music scene.
5.Anaïs Mitchell
Anaïs Mitchell is a singer-songwriter from Vermont who is known for her unique blend of folk, indie rock, and Americana music. She rose to prominence with her concept album “Hadestown,” which was later adapted into a successful Broadway musical. Mitchell’s music is characterized by her poetic lyrics and haunting melodies, which often explore themes of love, loss, and social justice. She has released several albums throughout her career, including “Young Man in America” and “The Brightness.” Mitchell has also collaborated with a variety of other musicians and artists, including Bon Iver and Greg Brown. In addition to her music career, Mitchell is an advocate for environmental and social causes and frequently uses her platform to raise awareness and support for these issues. With her emotive voice and powerful songwriting, Anaïs Mitchell is a talented musician with a unique voice in the contemporary folk scene.
6.Moira Smiley
Moira Smiley is a singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist from Vermont who is known for her captivating voice and innovative approach to folk music. Smiley’s music draws on a wide range of influences, from traditional Appalachian ballads to Balkan polyphony, and often incorporates intricate vocal harmonies and percussive rhythms. She has released several albums throughout her career, including “Unzip the Horizon” and “Small Worlds.” Smiley has also collaborated with a variety of other musicians and artists, including Jayme Stone and Tune-Yards. In addition to her music career, Smiley is an advocate for environmental and social justice causes and frequently uses her platform to raise awareness and support for these issues. With her dynamic voice and boundary-pushing approach to folk music, Moira Smiley is a talented artist with a unique perspective on the contemporary music scene.
7. Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis is a singer-songwriter from Vermont who gained fame as the lead vocalist of the hard rock band Staind. His music draws on a wide range of influences, including country, rock, and blues, and is characterized by his powerful voice and introspective lyrics. Lewis has released several solo albums throughout his career, including “The Road” and “State I’m In,” which showcase his versatility as a songwriter and musician. In addition to his music career, Lewis is an advocate for veterans’ causes and frequently uses his platform to raise awareness and support for these issues. With his soulful voice and honest songwriting, Aaron Lewis is a talented artist with a unique perspective on the contemporary music scene, and a proud representative of his home state of Vermont.
8.Grace Potter
Grace Potter is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Vermont who is known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances. Her music draws on a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and soul, and is characterized by her emotive vocals and catchy melodies. Potter rose to fame with her band, the Nocturnals, and has since released several solo albums, including “Midnight” and “Daylight.” She has also collaborated with a variety of other musicians and artists, including Kenny Chesney and the Flaming Lips. Potter’s music has been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Twilight Saga” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” With her fierce energy and versatile songwriting, Grace Potter is a talented musician with a unique voice in the contemporary music scene, and a proud representative of her home state of Vermont.
9. JoJo
JoJo, born Joanna Levesque, is a singer and songwriter from Vermont who gained fame in the early 2000s with her soulful voice and R&B-influenced pop music. Her debut album, “JoJo,” was released in 2004 and included hit singles such as “Leave (Get Out)” and “Baby It’s You.” She has since released several more albums, including “Mad Love” and “Good to Know.” JoJo’s music is characterized by her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, which often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment. In addition to her music career, JoJo is also an actress and has appeared in several films and television shows, including “Aquamarine” and “The Bernie Mac Show.” With her soulful voice and engaging performances, JoJo is a talented artist with a unique perspective on the contemporary music scene.
10.Rudy Vallee
Rudy Vallee was a singer, songwriter, and bandleader from Vermont who gained fame in the early 20th century with his crooning style of singing and charming persona. His music drew on a variety of influences, including jazz, pop, and swing, and was characterized by his distinctive voice and theatrical stage presence. Vallee became a household name in the 1920s and 1930s with hit songs such as “As Time Goes By” and “Stein Song.” He also appeared in several films, including “The Palm Beach Story” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” With his smooth vocals and magnetic personality, Rudy Vallee was a pioneer of the American popular music scene and a beloved icon of his generation.
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.
