Colorado has been home to many talented singers over the years, spanning genres from country to folk to indie rock. These artists have brought their unique voices and styles to the world of music, and have helped to establish Colorado as a hub for creativity and innovation.
One of the most famous singers from Colorado is John Denver, who was born in Roswell, New Mexico but moved to Aspen and became one of the most beloved folk singers of the 1970s. Denver’s distinctive voice and songs of love, nature, and the outdoors have earned him numerous awards and a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Another notable singer from Colorado is Nathaniel Rateliff, who was born in Hermann, Missouri but moved to Denver and has become one of the most exciting voices in indie rock today. Rateliff’s soulful vocals and dynamic performances have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
Other singers from Colorado include Judy Collins, who was born in Seattle but spent much of her childhood in Denver and became one of the most influential folk singers of the 1960s, and Amzy, an indie rock band from Denver that has gained a following for their energetic performances and catchy hooks.
In summary, Colorado has produced many talented singers who have left an indelible mark on the world of music. Their contributions to folk, indie rock, and other genres have helped to shape the sound of American music, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
1. The Lumineers
This Colorado-born folk rock band, known as one of the most successful acts to emerge from the Mile High City, is recognized as an influential force in modern music. With hits like "Ho Hey" and "Ophelia", The Lumineers have captured hearts both nationally and internationally. Their unique blend of Americana-inspired melodies and poetic lyrics has caught the attention of critics and fans alike.
The trio's self-titled debut album was certified Platinum in the US and UK, while their follow-up album Cleopatra reached #1 on both the US Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart. The Lumineers have won multiple awards, including two Billboard Music Awards for Top Rock Song and Album, respectively.
Beyond their chart-topping success, however, The Lumineers are also known for their philanthropic efforts. In 2019, they founded III Arts Fest to raise money for addiction treatment programs in Denver. They have also supported organizations that promote social justice and political activism.
With their powerful storytelling and infectious choruses, The Lumineers continue to leave a mark on the music industry worldwide. Their impact on Colorado's music scene is undeniable, making them one of the most famous singers from the state.
Ross Lynch may be from Colorado, but with abs like that, he could be from any planet in the galaxy.
2. Ross Lynch
With his roots in Littleton, Colorado, this multi-talented young artist has emerged as one of the brightest stars of Hollywood's music and film industry. Ross Lynch is a name synonymous with charm, passion, and an impeccable ear for music.
The 25-year-old actor-singer made waves with his breakout role in Disney's hit series "Austin & Ally." His infectious energy and natural screen presence soon catapulted him to fame and landed him prominent roles in films like "My Friend Dahmer," "Teen Beach Movie," and "Status Update" among others.
But it is his music that has won hearts across the globe. Ross fronts the pop band R5 along with his siblings Rocky, Riker, Rydel Lynch, and drummer Ellington Ratliff. The group released its debut album "Louder" in 2013, which garnered rave reviews from fans who couldn't get enough of their upbeat tunes and killer performances.
From Disney-driven stardom to his chart-topping success with R5, Ross Lynch continues to be one of the most recognizable names in entertainment today. Don't miss out on following this incredible artist's journey as he takes over the industry by storm.
Philip Bailey's voice is so smooth, it could charm the feathers off a bald eagle.
3. Philip Bailey
An accomplished musician and singer-songwriter, Philip Bailey hails from the beautiful state of Colorado. He is one of the most influential singers of our time, with a career spanning over five decades. Bailey first gained immense popularity as the lead vocalist of Earth, Wind & Fire, a group he co-founded in 1969.
In addition to being a successful performer, Bailey is also an accomplished composer and producer, having written several hits for Earth, Wind & Fire and other popular artists. One of his most notable contributions to music was his collaboration with Phil Collins on the hit single "Easy Lover," which topped charts worldwide in 1984.
Bailey's unique vocal range and style have earned him multiple Grammy Awards and nominations throughout his illustrious career. He is considered one of the greatest falsetto singers in music history.
Despite all his accomplishments, Bailey remains down-to-earth and committed to giving back to his community through his charity work. He continues to inspire future generations with his incredible talent and passion for music.
From creating foul-mouthed cartoon characters to singing about 'America, F*** Yeah!', Trey Parker proves that Colorado breeds top-notch entertainers.
4. Trey Parker
This Colorado state also houses the renowned Trey Parker – American singer, songwriter and filmmaker. Known for co-creating South Park, Parker's versatile talent has earned him multiple Emmy Awards. With a career spanning over three decades, he has contributed to the entertainment industry through not only being a composer but also an actor, voice artist and television producer. His musical genius goes beyond pop songs as his works extend into various genres.
Nathaniel Rateliff may sound like a Harry Potter character, but his soulful tunes have got me under his spell.
5. Nathaniel Rateliff
Nathaniel Rateliff, a Colorado-born singer-songwriter, gained nationwide attention with his band "Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats". His music style is a mixture of rock, folk and soul, with a distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics. He brings raw emotion to each of his performances, leaving his audiences entranced.
With an impressive discography including album releases like "In Memory Of Loss" and "Tearing At The Seams", he has collaborated with many notable artists. Moreover, Nathaniel Rateliff has performed on various late-night television shows and even at the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.
If you're looking for exceptional live music performances, catch Nathaniel Rateliff on tour or check out some of his online concerts. Don't miss the chance to experience his unique blend of genres and heartwarming melodies.
Pro Tip: For fans who enjoy Nathaniel Rateliff's musical style, check out other Colorado-based artists like The Lumineers and OneRepublic for similar vibes.
"He sings the keys to our hearts and the accordion to our nightmares" – Jesse Carmichael, Colorado's musical enigma.
6. Jesse Carmichael
Jesse Carmichael, a well-known musical celebrity from Colorado, has gained fame for his impressive songwriting skills and melodious voice. Along with being a talented singer, he is also an expert pianist and guitarist.
Jesse is recognized as one of the members of Maroon 5, a world-renowned pop rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1994.
For more than two decades, Jesse Carmichael has been contributing to Maroon 5's super hit songs that have topped various music charts around the world. He co-wrote some of their most prominent songs like "She Will Be Loved," "Wake Up Call," and numerous others.
Moreover, Jesse has received multiple accolades for his contribution to the American music industry. By earning three Grammy Awards and several nominations, he has cemented his position as one of the successful musicians in history.
Jesse Carmichael was born in Boulder, Colorado, but spent most of his childhood in Los Angeles. He started playing piano at a young age and developed an interest in music during his early school years.
Move over, Rocky Mountain High, OneRepublic is taking Colorado by storm with their infectious pop hits and undeniable talent.
7. OneRepublic
This talented group of musicians, known as OneRepublic, have made a significant impact on the music scene in Colorado and beyond. Founded in 2002 by lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, they have gained worldwide recognition for their unique blend of pop, rock, and alternative genres. Their hit songs like "Counting Stars" and "Apologize" have topped the Billboard charts, while their collaborations with other artists like Timbaland and Logic showcase their versatility. OneRepublic has also been featured in various TV shows and movies.
Apart from their commercial success, OneRepublic is also recognized for their philanthropic work. They have actively supported multiple non-profit organizations like LoveLoud Foundation and Global Citizen through benefit concerts and donations. In addition to that, they have also raised awareness about mental health issues through their music videos and interviews.
It’s safe to say that OneRepublic has managed to carve out a unique space in the music industry by staying true to themselves and creating meaningful content that resonates with fans worldwide.
3OH!3 prove that Colorado isn't just known for its mountains, but also for producing music that makes you want to climb them.
8. 3OH!3
This Colorado seems to have a diverse range of musicians. One such famous singer from the region is a music duo known as 3OH!3. They are an electronic musical group consisting of two members, Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. They started their career in 2004 and released their debut album in 2007 titled 'Want,' featuring their hit single "Don't Trust Me." The name of the group, 3OH!3, is derived from their area code 303, which covers parts of Colorado.
The duo has been successful with a loyal fan following for over a decade now. Their music falls under the electronic dance-pop genre and is known for its catchy beats and unique lyrics. They have released many hit songs and worked with many popular artists like Kesha, Katy Perry, Neon Hitch, etc.
In addition to their music career, they have also been active in philanthropy work. The duo supports various causes such as Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts and mental health awareness campaigns through their music.
If you're interested in checking out some great music from these talented singers from Colorado, then make sure to listen to some of their most popular tracks such as "Starstrukk," "My First Kiss," and "House Party." You won't be disappointed as these songs never fail to uplift someone's mood or keep the party going!
If you want to experience more of Colorado's musical talent, check out other famous singers such as Judy Collins or John Denver. Their contributions to folk and country music remain timeless classics that continue to inspire generations after generations.
The Fray: Making you feel emotionally fragile since 2002.
9. The Fray
This internationally-renowned rock band, originated from Denver, Colorado, stunned the music industry with their debut single 'Over My Head (Cable Car)'. The Fray's breakthrough hit was followed by other mega-hits like 'How to Save a Life' and 'You Found Me'. With soulful lyrics and captivating melodies, this band has won several accolades and nominations.
The Fray's music has often been described as a mix of alternative rock, pop rock and piano rock genres.
Interestingly, the band's name is inspired by an actual fight between lead singer Isaac Slade and drummer Ben Wysocki. During their initial jamming sessions at a church in Denver, the two fought over a bible phrase that read "be transformed by the renewing of your minds." Eventually they compromised on the phrase "fray" which means "to wear at the edges," symbolizing their relentless pursuit of their musical dreams.
With their exceptional sound production and soul-stirring performances, The Fray continues to be one of Colorado's most famous musical exports.
Don't miss out on listening to some of The Fray's best songs!
If Colorado's air could sing, it would sound like Laura Veirs' ethereal voice floating in the mountains.
10. Laura Veirs
Laura Veirs is a prominent singer-songwriter in the music industry. Her captivating voice and excellent musical skills have earned her fame and recognition. With over ten studio albums released, Laura is known for blending various music genres such as folk, country, rock, and pop effortlessly. She was born and raised in Colorado, where she began her music career. Laura's unique style resonates with music enthusiasts worldwide, making her one of the most sought-after artists today.
Continuing with Laura's success story, Her solo album Carbon Glacier was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. The album's rustic yet warm touch combined with Veirs' poetic lyrics proved to be a winning combination that cemented her place as a top songstress. Another notable collaboration was with Neko Case and k.d Lang in their collaborative album 'case/lang/veirs.' Apart from creating soulful music, Veirs is a dedicated environmental activist who uses her artistry to spread awareness about climate change.
It should be noted that while Colorado isn't typically considered a hotbed for singers and musicians, it has produced several successful artists like John Denver and The Lumineers. The state's diverse culture has greatly influenced its music scene. Colorado's scenic beauty inspires many artists to create new sounds like Veirs' distinct mixture of folk-country-rock styles.
If you're an aspiring musician or singer-songwriter looking to follow in Laura Veirs' footsteps or any other Colorado artist under the spotlight look no further than local open mic nights at bars around town! These provide excellent opportunities not just for performing but also for networking within the industry. Another way to grow your following is through online websites such as Bandcamp or SoundCloud; these platforms allow independent artists to showcase their music regardless of location or genre while connecting them directly with fans who may not have otherwise discovered their work.
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.
