When you think of music powerhouses, states like California, New York, or Tennessee probably come to mind first—but don’t overlook the Gem State. Idaho may be known for its stunning landscapes and iconic potatoes, but it’s also produced a surprising lineup of talented and influential artists who’ve made serious waves in the music world. From rock legends and jazz crooners to indie darlings and folk storytellers, these Idaho-born (or raised) singers have carved out unique paths and built loyal fanbases far beyond their home state’s borders.
Whether they’ve sold out stadiums, topped Billboard charts, or quietly redefined entire genres, these ten artists prove that you don’t need to come from a major city to make a massive impact. Their journeys are as diverse as their sounds, but they all share one thing in common: Idaho roots that helped shape their artistry and drive. So crank up the volume and get ready to discover—or rediscover—some of the most popular and fascinating musical talents ever to emerge from Idaho. From Boise to Sandpoint, here are the top 10 famous singers who’ve turned Idaho into an unlikely breeding ground for greatness in song.
1. Paul Revere (Paul Revere & the Raiders)
Paul Revere, a proud native of Boise, Idaho, wasn’t your typical rock keyboardist—he was a full-blown showman with a penchant for theatrical flair and infectious energy. As the driving force behind Paul Revere & the Raiders, he helped shape the look and sound of American garage rock in the 1960s. Decked out in Revolutionary War costumes and brimming with onstage antics, Revere turned every performance into a spectacle. But behind the quirky visuals was a band cranking out gritty, memorable hits like “Kicks” and “Hungry”—songs that tackled social issues while still rocking hard. Revere had an instinct for what thrilled audiences, both musically and visually, and he made sure his band delivered both. His charisma made them a perfect fit for television, landing them regular appearances on shows like Where the Action Is, which brought their rebellious spirit into living rooms nationwide. More than just a bandleader, Revere was a pioneer in blending music and performance long before MTV. He helped usher in a new era of rock that didn’t just sound cool—it looked cool too. Today, Paul Revere is remembered as an artist who turned garage rock into a showbiz event, leaving a legacy that still inspires performers to push boundaries.
2. Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe)
While Nikki Sixx might be best known as the face-paint-wearing, bass-thumping wildman from Mötley Crüe, few know he spent part of his youth in the quiet town of Jerome, Idaho. That small-town backdrop couldn’t be further from the neon-lit excesses of Sunset Strip, but maybe that’s what makes his story so compelling. As the bassist and chief songwriter for one of the most notorious glam metal bands of the 1980s, Sixx helped define an era with anthems like “Kickstart My Heart” and “Home Sweet Home.” But his contributions went deeper than pounding basslines and outrageous outfits—Sixx poured his pain, addictions, and survival into his art. His brutally honest memoir The Heroin Diaries pulled back the curtain on fame and addiction in a way few artists had dared. Sixx turned his personal chaos into cathartic music, influencing generations of hard rockers. The contrast between his Idaho roots and L.A. lifestyle adds a layer of mystique to his story. He’s a living paradox—small-town boy turned rock icon—whose journey from rural Idaho to global stardom is proof that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to legendary heights.
3. Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter, born and raised in the small town of Moscow, Idaho, has earned a devoted following for his poetic, soul-stirring songwriting that bridges the gap between folk tradition and literary craft. Drawing on influences like Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, and novelists from Steinbeck to Salinger, Ritter composes songs that read like richly detailed short stories set to music. With albums such as The Animal Years, So Runs the World Away, and Sermon on the Rocks, he’s built a body of work that dives deep into love, faith, war, and the human condition. His warm, clear vocals and acoustic arrangements lend an intimacy to even his most complex ideas, inviting listeners to lean in and listen closely. Ritter’s lyrics are often layered with symbolism and wit, yet always grounded in genuine emotion. He doesn’t just write songs—he builds worlds with them. Though Idaho might seem an unlikely birthplace for one of America’s most literary songwriters, Ritter’s small-town upbringing clearly nurtured a quiet introspection that has become his artistic signature. With every new release, Josh Ritter proves that you don’t need to shout to make yourself heard—you just need the right words.
4. Rosalie Sorrels
Rosalie Sorrels was the kind of artist who didn’t just perform songs—she lived them. Born in Boise, Idaho, she became a fiercely independent folk singer and storyteller whose work chronicled the rugged, complicated, and beautiful lives of real people. With a gravelly voice rich in experience and a fearless spirit, Sorrels sang about love, loss, injustice, motherhood, and everything in between. She wasn’t afraid to tackle tough topics, nor did she shy away from humor or vulnerability. Her music was equal parts poetry and protest, always laced with compassion and fierce intelligence. Over the years, she shared stages with folk greats like Pete Seeger and Utah Phillips, but her voice—both literal and figurative—was distinctly her own. Whether delivering a heartfelt ballad or a biting social commentary, Sorrels made you feel like you were sitting across from her at a kitchen table, sharing stories over coffee. Her Idaho roots gave her music a grounded, earthy authenticity that resonated far beyond the state’s borders. Today, she’s remembered not just as a singer, but as a cultural icon who gave voice to the voiceless and helped preserve the folk tradition with heart and grit.
5. Julian Moon
Julian Moon is one of those rare artists who can make you laugh, think, and feel—all within the span of a three-minute pop song. Though born in Utah, she was raised in Boise, Idaho, where her quirky sense of humor and love for storytelling first began to take shape. Moon’s music feels refreshingly candid, blending clever wordplay with catchy hooks and emotionally honest themes. Her debut EP, released under Warner Bros. Records, introduced listeners to a style that’s often compared to Regina Spektor or Sara Bareilles—introspective, whimsical, and unapologetically personal. Songs like “Good Girl” show her talent for tackling complex topics like identity, femininity, and self-worth with wit and sincerity. Moon doesn’t hide behind personas; she invites you into her world with open arms and a wink. Boise may not be the first place you’d look for a rising indie pop star, but Moon proves that big talent can come from quiet places. As she continues to evolve artistically, she remains a shining example of what happens when you embrace your weirdness, speak your truth, and write from the heart.
6. Curtis Stigers
Curtis Stigers, a native of Boise, Idaho, is the kind of artist who refuses to be boxed into a single genre. With a smooth, soulful voice and a saxophone never far from reach, Stigers made his initial splash in the early ’90s pop scene with hits like “I Wonder Why” and “You’re All That Matters to Me.” But instead of staying in the mainstream pop lane, he took a bold detour—venturing deep into jazz and carving out a respected career as a versatile vocalist and musician. Over the years, he’s shared the stage with legends, performed with world-class orchestras, and released a string of critically acclaimed jazz albums that highlight his stylistic finesse and emotional depth. Whether crooning a ballad or delivering a sax solo, Stigers brings sincerity and technical brilliance to every note. He channels the timeless elegance of artists like Sinatra while adding his own modern twist. Boise may be better known for its landscapes than its music scene, but Stigers put the city on the jazz map in a big way. His ability to seamlessly shift between genres while maintaining his unique sound makes him not just a singer, but a true musical craftsman.
7. Eilen Jewell
Eilen Jewell, born and raised in Boise, Idaho, has been called the “queen of the minor key”—a fitting title for a singer-songwriter who thrives in the shadows where blues, country, and rockabilly meet. Her music is smoky and spellbinding, marked by haunting melodies and a vocal style that’s understated yet captivating. Albums like Sea of Tears and Sundown Over Ghost Town feel like old photographs—worn, emotional, and deeply evocative. Jewell doesn’t rely on flashy production or gimmicks. Instead, she crafts songs that simmer with mood and meaning, each one unfolding like a dusty road tale or a late-night confession. Her lyrical themes often explore solitude, longing, and the ache of memory, but there’s also a quiet strength that runs through her work. Drawing comparisons to Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch, Jewell stands out for her cinematic storytelling and timeless sound. Whether performing solo or with her band, she brings a sense of authenticity and grace that resonates deeply with fans of roots music. Boise may not be a hub for honky-tonk soul, but Eilen Jewell has proven that it can produce artists with truly unforgettable voices.
8. Ryan Stevenson
Ryan Stevenson’s journey from small-town Idaho to Christian music stardom is as inspiring as the songs he writes. Raised in Boise after being born in Oregon, Stevenson’s music is rooted in faith, compassion, and the real-life trials that shape us. Before launching his music career, he spent years working as a paramedic—an experience that gave him a firsthand view of both suffering and resilience. That perspective shines through in tracks like “Eye of the Storm,” his breakout hit that topped Christian music charts and touched millions with its message of strength amid chaos. Stevenson’s sound blends pop sensibilities with heartfelt worship, resulting in music that feels both accessible and deeply spiritual. He doesn’t just sing about faith—he sings from it, using his platform to share stories of hope, healing, and redemption. His lyrics reflect a lived understanding of pain and grace, making his songs resonate on a profoundly human level. In a genre sometimes criticized for glossing over life’s struggles, Stevenson offers something refreshingly real. From his Idaho roots, he’s built a musical ministry that reminds listeners they’re never alone in the storm.
9. Brooklyn Haley
Brooklyn Haley may be one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets, but she’s quickly emerging as a rising force in the world of pop music. Born with a voice full of strength and emotion, Haley blends R&B grooves, pop melodies, and electronic flourishes into a sound that’s fresh, empowering, and entirely her own. Though still in the early stages of her mainstream career, she’s already making waves thanks to her powerhouse vocals, relatable songwriting, and fearless energy onstage. But Haley is more than just a musician—she’s also an actress and an outspoken advocate for mental health and self-love, using her growing platform to uplift and inspire others. Her songs often explore themes of confidence, resilience, and the journey to self-acceptance, resonating especially with younger audiences navigating an uncertain world. Hailing from Idaho, she represents a new generation of artists who are not only musically gifted but also socially conscious. Haley brings a big-city sound with a grounded, small-town heart—a combination that sets her apart in today’s crowded pop landscape. As her career continues to blossom, Brooklyn Haley stands poised to become not just a star from Idaho, but a star in her own right.
10. Shook Twins (Katelyn and Laurie Shook)
The Shook Twins—identical sisters Katelyn and Laurie—are living proof that magic can emerge from unexpected places. Hailing from the scenic town of Sandpoint, Idaho, the duo has crafted a sound that’s both whimsical and profound, blending folk roots with experimental flair. Their music is a tapestry of tight vocal harmonies, inventive instrumentation, and layered looping, often incorporating beatboxing, banjo, and quirky spoken-word samples. Albums like What We Do and Some Good Lives showcase their ability to shift seamlessly between the playful and the poignant, inviting listeners into a world where storytelling and sound design collide. Onstage, the Shook Twins are mesmerizing—charismatic and completely in sync, drawing audiences in with their natural charm and innovative performances. They’re not afraid to get weird, and that’s part of their appeal. The sisters have built a loyal fanbase across the country, proving that indie folk can be both thoughtful and fun. While Idaho might not be known for producing avant-garde folk acts, the Shook Twins are redefining that perception. Their music radiates creativity and heart, making them not just ambassadors for their home state, but pioneers of a sound uniquely their own.
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.
