Tucked away in the rolling hills and maple-drenched valleys of New England, Vermont may be known for its postcard-perfect landscapes, but it also boasts a surprisingly rich musical heartbeat. From indie-folk storytellers to powerhouse rock vocalists and genre-defying jam bands, the Green Mountain State has birthed or inspired an eclectic mix of artists who’ve left their mark far beyond its borders. Whether they’re packing out arenas, earning Grammy nods, or quietly changing the soundscape from a studio in the woods, these Vermont-connected singers represent the state’s unique blend of authenticity, artistry, and grit. In this list of the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from Vermont, we celebrate the voices that have risen from its small towns and city stages to the global spotlight. You’ll find names that span generations and genres—artists who’ve headlined Broadway, dominated pop charts, reimagined folk traditions, and redefined live performance. Each one carries a piece of Vermont with them, whether in their lyrics, their values, or their creative spirit. So grab your headphones and get ready to explore the musical soul of this unassuming state—you might just discover your next favorite artist.
1. Grace Potter
Grace Potter is a dynamic force in the world of music—a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose fierce stage presence and genre-defying sound have earned her national acclaim. Hailing from Waitsfield, Vermont, Potter first found fame as the lead vocalist of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, a band known for its bold fusion of rock, soul, and blues. With her powerful, gritty voice and magnetic charisma, she quickly became a standout in the contemporary rock landscape. The band’s hit “Paris (Ooh La La)” put them on the map, but Potter’s solo career has revealed even deeper layers of artistry. Her solo albums like Midnight and Daylight delve into personal themes with cinematic flair, blending raw emotion with lush production. Beyond music, Potter is an advocate for environmental sustainability and gender equality in the arts. She’s shared the stage with icons like Kenny Chesney and The Flaming Lips, showcasing her incredible range and adaptability. Whether she’s belting out rock anthems or crooning soulful ballads, Potter captivates with every note. From the green hills of Vermont to sold-out festival crowds, Grace Potter’s journey is a testament to fearless creativity and the enduring power of a singular voice.
2. JoJo (Joanna Levesque)
JoJo, born Joanna Levesque in Brattleboro, Vermont, may have spent most of her upbringing in Massachusetts, but her Green Mountain State beginnings remain a proud part of her story. She shot to fame in 2004 at just 13 years old with her breakout hit “Leave (Get Out),” making history as the youngest solo artist to top the Billboard Pop chart. Her voice—soulful, agile, and far more mature than her years—immediately set her apart from her pop contemporaries. JoJo’s early success was meteoric, but her journey wasn’t without challenges. Label disputes sidelined her career for nearly a decade, leaving her unable to release new music. Instead of giving up, JoJo fought back—re-recording her early work, releasing new material independently, and eventually reclaiming her place in the spotlight with albums like Mad Love and Good to Know. Her songwriting today is deeply personal, tackling themes like mental health, self-worth, and resilience. JoJo’s journey is a powerful story of perseverance and reinvention. She’s not just a pop singer—she’s a fighter with a voice that has only grown stronger and more expressive over time, earning her lasting respect in the industry and beyond.
3. Phish
Phish is more than just a band—they’re a musical movement that started in Vermont and resonated across the country. Formed in Burlington in 1983, Phish developed a style all their own, combining elements of rock, jazz, funk, bluegrass, and even classical into sprawling, improvisational performances. Fronted by Trey Anastasio, with bandmates Mike Gordon, Jon Fishman, and Page McConnell, Phish built a devoted following not through radio play or flashy marketing, but through electrifying live shows and a fiercely loyal fanbase. Their concerts are legendary: multi-hour marathons filled with unexpected covers, extended jams, and musical detours that change from night to night. Phish has sold out iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks, but they’ve never lost their Vermont soul. They’ve often returned to the Green Mountains for special performances and continue to embrace community, environmental advocacy, and artistic freedom. Their DIY ethos, quirky humor, and boundary-pushing music have made them beloved by fans who see Phish not just as a band, but as a lifestyle. In an industry obsessed with trends, Phish has created a timeless, ever-evolving sound that has made them one of the most enduring and original acts in American music.
4. Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan has emerged as one of Vermont’s brightest musical exports, crafting emotionally resonant folk-pop that feels both intimate and expansive. Raised in the small town of Strafford, Kahan’s music is steeped in the quiet, contemplative spirit of New England. He first caught attention with his 2017 breakout single “Hurt Somebody,” which showcased his gift for vulnerable storytelling and memorable melodies. But it was his 2022 album Stick Season that truly elevated him to a new level. With tracks like “Northern Attitude” and “Dial Drunk,” Kahan paints vivid portraits of isolation, longing, and personal growth, striking a chord with listeners who see their own stories in his lyrics. His slightly weathered voice carries the weight of his introspection, giving every song a sense of lived-in truth. On social media, his authenticity and dry wit have endeared him to a wide audience, many of whom turn to his music for comfort and connection. Though still early in his career, Kahan has proven himself a compelling voice in modern folk-pop. Rooted in Vermont but resonating far beyond, he’s carving out a space all his own—one song, one story, and one soul-stirring performance at a time.
5. Anaïs Mitchell
Anaïs Mitchell is one of Vermont’s most celebrated musical storytellers, seamlessly blending folk music with theatrical grandeur. Born in Montpelier and raised in a small Vermont town, Mitchell developed her craft early, inspired by traditional folk, literature, and a deep love for narrative. Her breakthrough came not on the radio but on the stage—with Hadestown, the folk-opera-turned-Broadway-phenomenon that reimagines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice through a Depression-era lens. The show became a cultural milestone, earning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score. But even before Broadway, Mitchell had released several solo albums filled with poetic, introspective lyrics and minimalist acoustic arrangements. Her voice—airy, gentle, yet emotionally powerful—draws listeners in with a storyteller’s grace. Whether she’s performing solo or with Bonny Light Horseman, a modern folk supergroup, Mitchell brings timeless themes to life through modern perspectives. Grounded by her Vermont upbringing, her music often reflects a deep connection to nature and humanity. She’s not just a singer or songwriter—she’s a cultural bridge-builder, breathing new life into ancient tales while amplifying modern issues. Anaïs Mitchell stands as a testament to the artistic richness that can emerge from Vermont’s quiet hills and creative spirit.
6. Neko Case
Though born in Virginia, Neko Case has long called Vermont home—and the Green Mountain State suits her well. With her unmistakable voice, full of power and raw emotion, Case has become a cornerstone of alternative country and indie rock. She rose to prominence both as a solo artist and as a member of Canadian supergroup The New Pornographers, crafting music that blurs genre lines while delivering poetic storytelling and arresting melodies. Albums like Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and Hell-On showcase her ability to fuse personal narratives with mythic undertones and natural imagery. Living on a rural Vermont farm, Case finds inspiration in the surrounding wilderness, which frequently seeps into her lyrics like a second language. Her independence and refusal to compromise her artistic integrity have earned her critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal following. Whether she’s singing about heartbreak, survival, or wild creatures, Case does so with a thunderous voice and an uncompromising vision. In a music world often driven by commercial trends, Neko Case remains a true original—her work shaped not only by talent but by a deep-rooted sense of self and place. Vermont may be her adopted home, but it’s clearly where her creative soul thrives.
7. Michael Arnowitt
Michael Arnowitt is more than a pianist—he’s a visionary artist whose work defies categorization. Based in Montpelier, Vermont, Arnowitt has spent decades merging classical music with contemporary sensibilities, improvisation, and social consciousness. Trained in the classics, he performs everything from Bach to 20th-century avant-garde, often blending genres in unexpected and thought-provoking ways. His performances are immersive experiences, combining technical brilliance with intellectual depth and emotional resonance. A rare trait of Arnowitt’s artistry is his synesthesia, which allows him to associate colors with musical notes, enriching his interpretation and deepening the audience’s engagement. Offstage, he’s a tireless advocate for peace, social justice, and education, using music as a tool for connection and conversation. Arnowitt has toured internationally but remains closely tied to Vermont’s cultural fabric, regularly performing in local venues and supporting arts initiatives across the state. Whether composing politically charged works or reimagining classical repertoire through a modern lens, Arnowitt brings a rare sensitivity to everything he touches. In a world where music often leans toward the commercial, Michael Arnowitt offers something much deeper—a reflective, boundary-pushing journey that challenges and uplifts.
8. Patrick Leahy
Though not a musician himself, former U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy deserves a spotlight for his significant support of Vermont’s music and arts culture. A native of Montpelier, Leahy is not just a seasoned politician but a lifelong music lover with an impressive vinyl collection and a deep appreciation for artistic expression. Throughout his decades in the Senate, he championed legislation to protect artists’ rights, expand arts funding, and support music education. He’s made cameo appearances in major films—including The Dark Knight series—and has been known to attend live shows and music festivals around Vermont. Leahy’s friendships with members of Phish and other Vermont musicians highlight his genuine connection to the local music community. More than just a fan, he’s used his political influence to advocate for the importance of the arts as a cornerstone of American culture and democracy. While he never performed onstage, his behind-the-scenes contributions have helped countless artists thrive. Patrick Leahy’s name may be more associated with lawmaking than with song lyrics, but in Vermont’s creative circles, his legacy resonates like a steady, supportive beat—one that helped keep the arts alive and well.
9. Chad Hollister
Chad Hollister is the embodiment of Vermont’s independent music spirit—down-to-earth, heartfelt, and passionately committed to his craft. Based in the small town of Worcester, Hollister has spent decades building a grassroots career through hard work, perseverance, and connection with his fans. His music—a vibrant mix of rock, folk, and Americana—carries a message of hope, unity, and positivity. Whether he’s performing solo with an acoustic guitar or leading a full band, Hollister’s energy is infectious, his lyrics uplifting, and his stage presence magnetic. He’s opened for legends like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, yet remains humble and grounded, often performing at local festivals, fundraisers, and community gatherings throughout New England. Beyond music, Hollister is a dedicated advocate for wellness and healing, using his songs as tools for emotional and spiritual connection. His commitment to making the world a better place, one concert at a time, has earned him a loyal fanbase and deep respect across Vermont’s music community. In a world full of noise, Chad Hollister’s music offers clarity—a sincere voice reminding listeners of the power of love, resilience, and human connection.
10. Francesca Blanchard
Francesca Blanchard is a rising star in Vermont’s vibrant music scene, known for her hauntingly beautiful vocals and bilingual songwriting. Born in France and raised in Charlotte, Vermont, Blanchard grew up surrounded by multiple cultures, and that multicultural influence is evident in her artistry. Her early acoustic work was soft and introspective, featuring French ballads and folk-tinged melodies that highlighted her delicate voice and emotional depth. As her sound evolved, she began incorporating electronic textures and indie-pop influences, culminating in her critically acclaimed 2020 album Make It Better. The album marked a bold artistic shift, blending ambient production with themes of heartbreak, identity, and emotional growth. Blanchard’s ability to switch seamlessly between French and English adds a unique and intimate dimension to her music. Her songs have been featured on TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, and her live performances—whether on NPR’s Tiny Desk or in small Vermont venues—feel personal and profound. Francesca Blanchard is an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability through sound, making her one of Vermont’s most compelling musical voices. With each release, she continues to carve out a space that is both deeply personal and widely resonant.
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.
