Montana may be known for its sweeping landscapes, rugged mountains, and wide-open skies—but it’s also home to a surprising lineup of musical talent that’s as bold and diverse as the state itself. From gritty rock legends to soulful country voices and groundbreaking genre-benders, the Treasure State has produced artists who’ve made waves far beyond its borders. These musicians carry the spirit of Montana in every note—its independence, its storytelling tradition, and its untamed energy. Whether they were raised in small towns or found creative refuge in the state’s wild beauty, each artist on this list has carved out a unique place in the world of music. Some have topped charts, others have inspired generations, and all of them have helped put Montana on the musical map. So, whether you’re a fan of rock, folk, country, or experimental soundscapes, you’ll find something to love here. Join us as we dive into the top 10 most popular and influential singers from Montana—artists who prove that even from the quietest corners of the country, powerful voices can rise and resonate around the world. Get ready to be surprised, inspired, and maybe even find your new favorite artist from Big Sky Country!
1. Jeff Ament
Jeff Ament is a cornerstone of modern rock history, best known as the bassist and co-founder of the legendary band Pearl Jam. Born in the small town of Big Sandy, Montana, Ament’s journey from rural roots to global fame is both inspiring and grounded in authenticity. His signature bass lines helped define the grunge movement of the early ‘90s, with Pearl Jam’s explosive debut Ten forever altering the landscape of alternative music. Beyond the stage, Ament is a passionate advocate for youth and arts in Montana—funding skateparks, supporting local musicians, and staying deeply connected to his hometown. His side projects, like Three Fish and RNDM, showcase his creative versatility, blending punk, folk, and experimental rock. Ament’s story is a testament to how a small-town Montana kid can shape the sound of a generation while never forgetting where it all began.
2. Reggie Watts
Reggie Watts is a one-man revolution of sound, comedy, and mind-bending improvisation. Born in Germany but raised in Great Falls, Montana, Watts has crafted a genre-defying career that blurs the lines between music, stand-up, and performance art. Armed with a looping station and magnetic stage presence, he creates spontaneous compositions that are as hilarious as they are musically brilliant. From his time as the bandleader on The Late Late Show with James Corden to his acclaimed solo performances, Watts continually reinvents what it means to be an entertainer. His Montana upbringing adds a unique twist to his eclectic worldview—rooted in the open skies and unfiltered thought. Whether he’s beatboxing Bach or riffing on quantum physics, Reggie Watts is a true original, turning absurdity into art and proving that Montana can be a launchpad for the wildly unexpected.
3. Chan Romero
Chan Romero made a lasting impact on early rock and roll with a single song that still echoes through jukeboxes and retro playlists: “Hippy Hippy Shake.” Born and raised in Billings, Montana, Romero was a Latino trailblazer in a genre not yet known for its diversity. Signed to Specialty Records—the same label that launched Little Richard—Romero’s energetic sound and charismatic style caught the attention of The Beatles, who famously covered “Hippy Hippy Shake” in their early days. His career, though brief in the spotlight, opened doors for future artists of color in rock. Romero remains celebrated not just for his music, but for his role in shaping the early days of youth-driven rock ‘n’ roll. His Montana roots gave him a humble edge, while his rhythm and spirit placed him alongside pioneers of a cultural revolution.
4. Rob Quist
Rob Quist is more than a musician—he’s a Montana icon whose songs echo the soul of the American West. Hailing from Cut Bank, Quist first rose to prominence with the beloved Mission Mountain Wood Band, a group that blended country, bluegrass, and rock into a sound as wide open as the prairies they called home. Rob’s solo work continues that tradition, painting vivid pictures of Montana life through heartfelt lyrics and rich melodies. Beyond the stage, he’s a poet, a political voice, and a champion for rural America. His music often speaks to working-class struggles, environmental stewardship, and the enduring beauty of the land. Whether performing at state fairs or national festivals, Quist brings raw authenticity to every note. In Montana, he’s not just a musician—he’s part of the cultural fabric.
5. Colter Wall (Honorary Mention)
Though technically from Saskatchewan, Colter Wall’s connection to Montana runs deep in sound and spirit. With a voice like gravel and whiskey, and lyrics steeped in cowboy lore, Wall channels the rugged soul of the West better than most born into it. His music—sparse, haunting, and unapologetically traditional—resonates deeply with Montana audiences who find his tales of ranch life, outlaws, and long roads eerily familiar. Wall’s live performances in Montana often feel more like homecomings than concerts, and he’s openly embraced the state’s cowboy heritage in both his songwriting and collaborations. Tracks like “Sleeping on the Blacktop” and “Plain to See Plainsman” are anthems for anyone who’s ever looked out on a wide stretch of land and felt something ancient stir. While he may carry a Canadian passport, Colter Wall’s music belongs to the wide, wild West—Montana included.
6. Tim Montana
With a name that sounds like destiny, Tim Montana is a true outlaw of modern country rock. Born in Butte, Montana, he embodies the gritty, rebellious spirit of his hometown—once a mining boomtown, now a hub of blue-collar pride. Tim blends hard-hitting Southern rock with classic country themes, drawing fans from bikers to cowboys to rockers. His breakout hit “This Beard Came Here to Party” became a sports anthem, even adopted by the Boston Red Sox. Collaborating with legends like Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Tim Montana has earned street cred in both Nashville and the rock world. Offstage, he’s a passionate supporter of veterans and first responders, often using his platform to give back. With his wild energy, rugged voice, and true Montana grit, Tim Montana is a rising star who’s bringing the spirit of the Treasure State to the world stage.
7. Stephanie Quayle
Stephanie Quayle is country music’s shining ambassador from Big Sky Country. Raised near Bozeman, Montana, Quayle combines a classic country sound with modern pop sensibilities, crafting songs that are both heartfelt and radio-ready. Her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence have taken her from Montana rodeos to the stages of the Grand Ole Opry. Hits like “Selfish” and “Whatcha Drinkin ’Bout” showcase her knack for storytelling with a relatable charm that resonates across the country. Quayle’s Montana heritage shines through in her lyrics, often celebrating strength, independence, and wide-open freedom. She’s also a tireless advocate for rural entrepreneurship and women in the music industry, making her not just a performer but a role model. Whether riding horses or rocking festivals, Stephanie Quayle is proudly putting Montana’s voice on the national stage.
8. David Crosby (Montana Connection)
While David Crosby wasn’t born in Montana, his deep ties to the state reflect in his later-life love for its solitude and wildness. A founding member of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Crosby’s harmonies and songwriting helped define an era of introspective rock. His Montana home served as a retreat—a contrast to the chaos of fame and the California scene. Though best known for his work in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Crosby remained active until his passing in 2023, mentoring young musicians and recording new material with astonishing vitality. His time in Montana was one of reflection and rebirth, where he found peace among the mountains and often spoke of the inspiration he drew from the land. For fans of his music, Montana was more than a backdrop—it was a muse.
9. Martha Scanlan
Martha Scanlan brings the poetry of the land to life through her intimate, evocative songs. With roots in the Appalachian tradition and a deep love for Montana’s landscapes, her music bridges geography and emotion. A former member of the Reeltime Travelers, Scanlan’s solo work feels like a quiet walk through pine forests or a slow ride across open plains. Her voice—gentle, earthy, and full of grace—carries stories of place, memory, and resilience. Albums like The Shape of Things Gone Missing, The Shape of Things to Come reflect her rare ability to make the natural world feel personal and profound. Living in Montana has clearly shaped her sound, inspiring a musical style that’s as rugged and beautiful as the state itself. Martha Scanlan doesn’t just sing about the West—she sings from within it.
10. Jack Gladstone
Jack Gladstone is a master storyteller whose songs weave together history, heritage, and heart. A member of the Blackfeet Nation and based in East Glacier, Montana, Gladstone has dedicated his career to preserving Native American stories through music. With a warm baritone and a scholar’s depth of knowledge, his performances blend folk, country, and oral tradition into something uniquely powerful. He’s performed everywhere from schools to the Kennedy Center, sharing tales of indigenous leaders, environmental justice, and cultural identity. Gladstone’s music is educational, yes—but never dry. He brings history to life with melody and meaning, helping audiences understand the richness of Native American experience. In Montana, he’s a cultural treasure, and across the country, he’s a bridge between worlds, using music to heal, teach, and connect.
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.
