North Dakota, a state in the northern United States, is not known for its large number of famous singers. However, a few notable performers have emerged from the state over the years.
One of the most famous singers from North Dakota is Peggy Lee, a jazz and pop singer who was born in Jamestown. Lee’s sultry voice and talent for songwriting made her one of the most successful and influential singers of the 20th century.
Another notable singer from North Dakota is Lawrence Welk, a bandleader and television personality who was born in Strasburg. Welk’s “champagne music” style became a popular fixture on television in the 1950s and 60s.
Other famous singers from North Dakota include Bobby Vee, a pop singer who had several hits in the 1960s, and Kat Perkins, a rock and pop singer who finished in the top five on the sixth season of the television show The Voice.
Despite its small population, North Dakota has produced a few notable singers who have made their mark on the music industry. Their contributions have helped put North Dakota on the map as a state with musical talent and continue to inspire a new generation of musicians.
1. Lawrence Welk
Lawrence Welk, the celebrated music conductor and television personality, was born in Strasburg, North Dakota, in 1903. He began playing with various orchestras, eventually forming his own band in 1938. Welk gained national attention through his television show "The Lawrence Welk Show", which aired from 1955 to 1982. His legacy as a talented musician lives on today, and he is still remembered as one of the most famous singers to hail from North Dakota.
Throughout his career, Welk maintained a strong connection to his roots in North Dakota. He often featured local musicians on his television show and highlighted the rich musical traditions of the state. Despite his success on a national level, he remained grounded and humble throughout his life. Lawrence Welk's impact on North Dakota's music scene will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Interestingly enough, Lawrence Welk became known for popularizing the "champagne music" genre – a style characterized by light, easy-listening arrangements that were perfect for dancing along with your sweetheart. Thanks to his adoring fans across the country (and beyond!), Welk helped bring this unique sound into the mainstream spotlight during its peak popularity in the mid-20th century.
Overall, Lawrence Welk's life and career serve as an inspiration not just to aspiring musicians from North Dakota but all over the world. His dedication to his craft, unwavering commitment to quality artistry, and passion for sharing music with others are values that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Even though Wiz Khalifa was born in North Dakota, he's known more for his love of weed than his love of the prairie.
2. Wiz Khalifa
One of the most famous singers to hail from North Dakota is a rapper by the name of Wiz Khalifa. Born in 1987 in Minot, North Dakota, Wiz Khalifa’s real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz. He rose to prominence with hit singles like "Black and Yellow" and "See You Again". Wiz Khalifa has won multiple awards over the years, including BET Awards for Best New Artist and Best Collaboration. He continues to be a prominent figure in the world of hip hop music.
Wiz Khalifa’s music often explores themes related to drugs, partying, and relationships. His style is characterized by his unique flow and smooth delivery. In addition to his music career, Wiz Khalifa has also made several appearances on television shows and movies.
Although he was born in North Dakota, Wiz Khalifa grew up primarily in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Despite living outside North Dakota for much of his life, he still identifies with his roots and regularly visits the state.
If you're a fan of rap or hip hop music, it's likely that you've already heard of Wiz Khalifa. However, if you haven't taken the time to listen to any of his tracks yet, you might be missing out on some great music! Check out some of his hits today and experience the unique talents that this North Dakota native has to offer.
Bobby Vee may be from North Dakota, but with hits like ‘Take Good Care of My Baby’, he proved that even a small town singer can make it big.
3. Bobby Vee
Bobby Vee was a prominent North Dakota native known for his successful music career. He gained fame in the 1960s with hits such as "Take Good Care of My Baby" and "Devil or Angel." Vee's career spanned over 5 decades, and he was a pioneer in rock and roll music, inspiring many aspiring musicians. One of his notable achievements was participating in Buddy Holly's final tour alongside other famous musicians. Despite his passing in 2016, Vee's legacy lives on through his contributions to music. A true fact about Bobby Vee is that his original stage name was 'Bob Dylan', but he later changed it to avoid confusion with the iconic Bob Dylan.
Peggy Lee proves that North Dakota isn't just producing wheat, but also smooth jazz singers with pipes as golden as the wheat fields.
4. Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was an American jazz singer from North Dakota who rose to fame in the 1940s. Her sultry voice and captivating performance style earned her numerous accolades throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She collaborated with renowned musicians such as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman and is best known for hits like "Fever" and "Is That All There Is?" Peggy Lee's influence on jazz music continues to be felt today.
In addition to her successful career as a singer, Peggy Lee also had a talent for songwriting. She co-wrote many of her own songs and contributed lyrics to other popular tunes. Her compositions showed a depth of emotion and vulnerability that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Despite facing various challenges throughout her life, Peggy Lee remained dedicated to her craft until the very end. Her passion for music inspired generations of artists who followed in her footsteps.
Overall, Peggy Lee's impact on the world of music cannot be overstated. Through her incredible talent and determination, she paved the way for countless other singers and helped to shape the course of jazz history.
He may have left North Dakota, but Jonny Lang's soulful voice will always be a hometown favorite.
5. Jonny Lang
Jonny Lang, a renowned singer from North Dakota, has established himself as a phenomenal artist with his delightful blues and rock music. His music is deeply rooted in his soulful vocals and virtuosic guitar playing, which have won him numerous accolades and fans worldwide. As a young prodigy in the industry, Jonny Lang's meteoric rise to fame began when he was just 16 years old, and he stole everyone's hearts with his captivating performances.
His signature sound is a fusion of modern rock and blues, which has been influential in shaping the contemporary music scene. Lang's music exudes raw emotion and energy that creates an immersive experience for his listeners. He has released several chart-topping albums throughout his career and collaborated with many celebrated musicians, including B.B. King, Carlos Santana, and Eric Clapton.
Interestingly, Jonny Lang's real name is Jon Gordon Langseth Jr., but he changed it to avoid confusion with another musician named Johnny Lang. Despite achieving remarkable success in his profession, Jonny Lang remains grounded and humble about his roots from North Dakota.
In fact, Jonny Lang attributes much of his success to growing up in Fargo, where he learned how to play instruments like guitar and piano at a young age. His upbringing played an instrumental role in shaping his personality as an artist today.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, "Jonny Lang may be best known as one of the greatest blues guitarists alive." This statement says it all about the immense impact that Jonny Lang had on the music industry throughout the years.
Lynn Anderson may have been a country girl, but she sure knew how to hit those high notes like a city slicker.
6. Lynn Anderson
This notable singer from North Dakota stands out for her captivating music that continues to touch hearts worldwide. Lynn Anderson's soulful voice and unique style have gained her a special place in the music industry, making her one of the most iconic singers of all time. She was not only a talented performer but also a prolific songwriter credited with creating some of the industry's most enduring tracks. Her legacy continues to live on today, inspiring countless future generations of musicians to pursue their dreams and carve out their own paths in the world of music.
Move over Fargo, Reina del Cid is the real gem of North Dakota's music scene.
7. Reina del Cid
This singer from North Dakota, known as the Queen of the Cid in popular culture, has gained considerable popularity thanks to her unique sound and lyrics. Her style includes a fusion of acoustic-folk and rock genres, which she delivers with an emotive and soulful tone. She is also known for infusing her music with personal experiences that make her performances authentic and relatable.
Reina del Cid has released several albums over the years, including 'The Cooling' and 'Let Me Sing You A Song,' which have earned critical acclaim from music critics and fans alike. Her collaboration with the Minneapolis-based band, The Stay Lows, resulted in their album release called 'The Pisces Collection.'
Her journey in music started during her college years when she formed a band named Honey Noble that performed cover songs at events. The group disbanded shortly after college ended, but Reina continued with her passion for music, performing as a solo artist before forming a new band – "Reina del Cid & Company."
With an impressive social media presence on platforms like YouTube, Spotify and Instagram – where she shares behind-the-scenes moments from her music journey- Reina continues to inspire young musicians through her work.
Don't miss out on experiencing this rising musician's soulful melodies that capture some of life's most complex human emotions.
Gwen Sebastian may be from North Dakota, but her voice could bring a little sunshine to even the gloomiest Fargo winter.
8. Gwen Sebastian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KT75sSOeTo&pp=ygUOR3dlbiBTZWJhc3RpYW4%3D
This North Dakota native started her music career at a young age, performing for various audiences around her hometown. After gaining recognition as a finalist on The Voice, Gwen Sebastian became a household name in the country music scene. Known for her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, she has released several successful albums and toured with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Sebastian's musical abilities extend beyond singing as she has also written songs that have been recorded by other artists. Her passion for music truly shines through in her live performances, where she engages with her audience and delivers powerful, emotional performances. With a unique sound and authentic voice, Gwen Sebastian continues to make waves in the country music industry.
Her song 'Suitcase' reached number 57 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart in 2013, demonstrating her talent and appeal within the genre.
Ann Sothern may be from North Dakota, but her singing career never really took off – let's just say she's better known for her acting chops than her vocal cords.
9. Ann Sothern
Ann Sothern, an American film and television actress, was born in Valley City, North Dakota. She began her career in Hollywood during the 1920s and continued acting for decades. Known for her comic timing, she won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Sothern starred in numerous films, including Maisie (1939), Lady Be Good (1941), and The Whales of August (1987). Her television credits included roles in Private Secretary, The Ann Sothern Show, and My Mother the Car.
Interestingly, Sothern changed her name from Harriette Lake to Ann Sothern after signing with Columbia Pictures. She was also known for her philanthropy work supporting cancer research.
Don't miss out on the contributions made by famous singers from North Dakota – keep reading to discover more!
Mary Osborne may have been from North Dakota, but her voice was pure gold – unlike the oil they're famous for.
10. Mary Osborne
A well-known musician from North Dakota, Mary Osborne's contribution to the jazz world is exemplary. She became a notable guitarist and vocalist in the 1940s and performed with renowned artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, and Coleman Hawkins. Her style was unique, blending traditional jazz with bebop and swing elements.
Osborne was born in Minot, ND, in 1921, and began playing guitar at a young age. She moved to New York City at the age of 19 and quickly made her mark on the music industry with her exceptional talent. Her work has influenced generations of musicians and is still revered today.
In addition to her groundbreaking music career, Osborne also became an educator later in life. She taught music theory and composition at several institutions, including the University of Southern California.
Mary Osborne's presence in North Dakota may have been brief as she pursued opportunities elsewhere. Nevertheless, her achievements continue inspiring music lovers worldwide. Listening to her recordings can be an excellent educational experience for aspiring jazz musicians or fans aiming to broaden their musical horizons.
For those looking to immerse themselves more deeply into Mary Osborne's artistry or enhance their guitar skills, we suggest attending local jazz clubs or seeking out masterclasses from established musicians like herself. Emulating her style could bring about creative growth that could prove fruitful for one's musical journey.
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.
