When you think of music hotspots, South Dakota might not be the first state that comes to mind—but don’t let that fool you. The Mount Rushmore State has quietly given rise to some truly remarkable musical talent across a wide range of genres. From Grammy-winning folk legends to blues rock powerhouses and country-comedy hybrids, South Dakota’s singers and musicians have made waves both regionally and on the national stage. Rooted in the heart of the Midwest, these artists bring a sense of authenticity, resilience, and soul that reflects the spirit of their home state. Whether they’re packing out local venues, touring across the country, or lighting up the Grand Ole Opry, these South Dakotan stars have proven that great music knows no geographic boundaries. In this list of the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from South Dakota, we celebrate the voices that have risen from prairie towns and Black Hills stages to capture the hearts of fans far and wide. Get ready to discover—or rediscover—some of the most inspiring and influential artists ever to come out of South Dakota. From folk and rock to jazz and swing, this list is a melodic journey through the state’s rich and underrated musical legacy.
1. Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin’s voice has the rare ability to feel like it’s speaking directly to your soul—clear, intimate, and deeply human. Born in Vermillion, South Dakota, Colvin rose to national prominence in the 1990s, when her poignant hit “Sunny Came Home” earned her two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. But Colvin’s story runs much deeper than a single hit. She’s spent decades crafting songs that are rich in emotional honesty, steeped in folk traditions, and delivered with a poetic sensibility that makes each line feel lived-in. Her music often explores the complexities of heartbreak, personal struggle, and quiet resilience—always with grace and vulnerability. A gifted guitarist and storyteller, Colvin has long been revered by fellow musicians and fans alike for her authenticity and lyrical insight. Whether performing solo in an intimate theater or alongside a full band, she draws listeners in with a sense of warmth and wisdom that only deepens over time. Through changing musical eras, Colvin has remained a steady and resonant presence—a true folk troubadour who continues to influence new generations of singer-songwriters with her introspective sound and unwavering honesty.
2. Jewel (Kilcher)
Jewel’s path to stardom began in some of the most unlikely corners of America—including a formative stint in South Dakota, where she spent part of her youth honing her craft. Though she’s closely associated with Alaska, Jewel’s connection to the rural heartland helped shape her perspective as an artist rooted in grit, grace, and emotional truth. She burst into the spotlight in the mid-1990s with her multi-platinum debut, Pieces of You, a raw, acoustic-driven album filled with tender melodies and poetic reflections. Songs like “You Were Meant for Me” and “Who Will Save Your Soul” became instant staples, celebrated for their vulnerability and lyrical depth. Beyond her early success, Jewel has continued to explore new creative ground, from publishing poetry and memoirs to dabbling in acting and even yodeling—an art form she learned from her Swiss-American father. Throughout her career, Jewel has stayed true to her roots, using her music to express resilience, self-discovery, and compassion. Her story is one of perseverance and artistic evolution, and while her time in South Dakota may have been brief, it left a lasting imprint on an artist whose voice continues to resonate with authenticity and strength.
3. Floyd Red Crow Westerman
Floyd Red Crow Westerman wasn’t just a musician—he was a force of cultural reckoning. Born on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Westerman used every part of his platform—music, acting, and public speaking—to elevate Native American stories and struggles. His music, especially the powerful 1969 album Custer Died for Your Sins, combined folk and country traditions with unapologetic social critique, making his songs as much protest anthems as they were works of art. Westerman sang of land loss, broken treaties, and identity with an honesty that pierced through political silence. Beyond his musical impact, he was also a respected actor, appearing in Dances with Wolves, Walker, Texas Ranger, and The X-Files, among many others—often portraying Native characters with dignity and depth. He toured internationally, performed with artists like Willie Nelson and Buffy Sainte-Marie, and never lost sight of his mission to amplify Indigenous voices. Westerman’s legacy is profound: a reminder that music can serve as both healing and resistance. Through his art and advocacy, he continues to inspire a generation of musicians and activists committed to justice, tradition, and truth.
4. Gary Mule Deer
Gary Mule Deer is the kind of entertainer who defies easy categorization—and that’s exactly why audiences love him. Hailing from Deadwood, South Dakota, Mule Deer has spent over five decades seamlessly blending classic country music with sharp-witted comedy. His unique mix of stand-up and song has made him a staple of the American entertainment landscape, earning over 100 television appearances on shows like The Tonight Show and Hee Haw. Mule Deer’s charisma lies in his ability to make you laugh one minute and touch your heart the next with a heartfelt country ballad. He’s shared stages with icons like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, holding his own with a guitar in hand and a joke on his lips. While his comedy is timeless, his musical chops are just as impressive—delivering everything from toe-tapping honky-tonk to soulful Americana. With his old-school charm and offbeat humor, Mule Deer stands as a beloved figure in both the comedy and country worlds. A true original, he’s not just a South Dakota treasure—he’s a national one, proving that laughter and song are two sides of the same coin.
5. Clarence Loomis
Clarence Loomis may not be widely known today, but his contributions to American classical music mark him as a true pioneer. Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Loomis broke new ground in a genre that, at the time, had little room for homegrown American narratives. A composer and pianist with a rich, romantic sensibility, he brought a distinctly Midwestern voice to the concert hall. His opera The Flapper and the Quarterback stood out as one of the first American operas to engage with contemporary life, blending classical traditions with modern, relatable themes. Loomis’s music reflected the optimism and complexity of early 20th-century America, and he worked tirelessly to bring classical composition into everyday cultural conversation. As a teacher and mentor, he also inspired a generation of young musicians to find their own voice. Loomis’s work challenged the dominance of European styles and helped plant the seeds for a uniquely American classical tradition. Though his name may have faded from common memory, his legacy lives on in the bold, narrative-driven compositions of today’s composers—and in South Dakota’s proud musical heritage.
6. Boyd Huppert
Boyd Huppert may not carry a tune, but his voice has moved millions. Born in Mitchell, South Dakota, Huppert built a legacy not through song but through the kind of storytelling that sings to the heart. As the creator of KARE 11’s “Land of 10,000 Stories,” he has turned everyday moments into miniature epics, capturing the quiet heroism and tender humanity of life in the Midwest. His work defies genre—it’s not quite journalism, not quite poetry, but somewhere beautifully in between. Each story carries the lyrical rhythm of a folk ballad, filled with warmth, reflection, and emotional depth. Through his narration, Huppert transforms ordinary people into unforgettable characters, all without melodrama or flash. In doing so, he’s earned countless awards and a devoted following, proving that you don’t need a melody to make music—you just need a story worth telling. His inclusion here speaks to a broader idea of what it means to be a musical voice: not limited to pitch and harmony, but expanded to anyone who touches hearts through the power of words, truth, and compassion.
7. The Kickback
The Kickback is living proof that big dreams can emerge from small towns. Founded in Vermillion, South Dakota, the indie rock band packed up and moved to Chicago to chase something bigger—and brought a whole lot of South Dakota soul with them. Led by the magnetic Billy Yost, the band carved out a distinct sound that’s equal parts cerebral and cathartic. Their debut album, Sorry All Over the Place, feels like a livewire—brimming with restless energy, emotional volatility, and lyrical sharpness. Yost’s vocals move from tender to explosive, often within the same song, giving their music an edge that’s hard to forget. The Kickback earned praise from national outlets like NPR and Rolling Stone, thanks to their ability to channel chaos into tight, compelling songwriting. While they’ve embraced the hustle of the big city, their music still echoes with the urgency and wide-eyed wonder of their rural roots. The Kickback doesn’t just make noise—they make statements. And in an oversaturated indie world, they’ve managed to carve out a sound that’s authentic, urgent, and entirely their own.
8. Indigenous (Band)
Indigenous is more than just a band—it’s a soulful reclamation of blues rock through a Native lens. Hailing from the Yankton Sioux Reservation in Marty, South Dakota, the group, fronted by Mato Nanji, stormed onto the national scene in the late ’90s with blistering guitar work and deeply felt songwriting. Their debut album Things We Do earned critical acclaim, spotlighting a sound steeped in classic blues influences like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, yet shaped by a powerful cultural identity. Mato’s searing guitar solos are matched by lyrics that explore love, struggle, and Native pride with equal passion. Indigenous doesn’t just play music—they channel heritage, resilience, and personal truth into every note. Over the years, the band has shared stages with legends, performed at major festivals, and maintained a loyal following among blues enthusiasts and Native communities alike. Their music is proof that tradition and innovation can co-exist, creating something timeless and vital. Indigenous continues to be a beacon for Native representation in rock music, reminding us that the blues isn’t just about heartbreak—it’s about survival, storytelling, and soul.
9. Judd Hoos
Judd Hoos is the sound of South Dakota’s rock heart beating loud and proud. Formed in the rugged town of Sturgis—better known for its world-famous motorcycle rally than its music scene—the band forged its identity through relentless touring and a no-frills approach to rock and roll. With punchy guitar riffs, anthemic choruses, and a blue-collar spirit, Judd Hoos delivers music that hits hard and stays with you. Songs like “Breathe In” and “Billboard” showcase their knack for catchy hooks and emotional resonance, connecting with fans through authenticity rather than gimmicks. They’ve played coast-to-coast, earned national attention through the American Song Contest, and built a grassroots fanbase the old-fashioned way—one gig at a time. What sets them apart isn’t just talent; it’s work ethic and heart. In a music world that often favors the fast and flashy, Judd Hoos is a reminder that great rock still comes from the ground up. They’re not chasing trends—they’re building a legacy rooted in perseverance, passion, and pure love for the stage.
10. Chris Gage
Chris Gage is one of those rare musicians who can do it all—and make it look easy. Born in Deadwood, South Dakota, Gage has built a long, rich career as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and all-around roots music authority. Whether he’s playing guitar, piano, mandolin, or any number of instruments, Gage delivers with both technical brilliance and emotional nuance. He’s backed legends like Roy Clark, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, but he’s never been content to stay in the shadows. As a solo artist and one half of the beloved duo Albert and Gage, he’s brought warmth, wit, and down-home charm to every stage he graces. His music spans country, Americana, folk, and rock—often within a single performance—and always with a storytelling flair that feels genuine and grounded. As a producer, he’s helped shape countless records, lending his signature blend of polish and soul. Chris Gage isn’t just a sideman or a solo act—he’s a musical cornerstone, a testament to the power of versatility and authenticity in American music.
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.
