When you think of music meccas, South Dakota might not be the first place that comes to mind — but don’t let its quiet plains and rugged landscapes fool you. This heartland state has produced a surprising lineup of incredible musical talent, from Grammy-winning singer-songwriters and genre-breaking jazz pioneers to fierce Native American rock acts and opera stars gracing the world’s biggest stages. Whether born in small towns or raised on reservations, these artists carry the spirit of South Dakota in every note they sing and every chord they play. Their sounds are as diverse as the state’s landscapes — folk, blues, country, classical, rock, and beyond — yet they all share a common thread: authenticity, grit, and a fearless drive to create. In this list of the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from South Dakota, we celebrate the voices that have risen from the Midwest to make their mark on the national and global stage. Some are household names, others are hidden gems — but all are worth knowing. So crank up the volume and get ready to discover the musical soul of South Dakota, one artist at a time.
1. Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter whose music feels like an intimate conversation set to melody. Born in Vermillion, South Dakota, Colvin was drawn to music at an early age, finding her voice in the folk revival of the 1960s and 1970s. Over the years, she blended that foundation with elements of pop, rock, and Americana to develop a sound uniquely her own. Her breakthrough came in 1997 with the hauntingly beautiful “Sunny Came Home,” a song that not only topped the charts but also earned Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year. But Colvin’s artistry runs far deeper than a single hit. Her songs are emotionally raw, built on delicate melodies and lyrics that explore love, heartbreak, and personal growth with rare vulnerability. Known for her poetic storytelling, she often performs solo with an acoustic guitar, creating intimate shows that feel personal and sincere. Colvin has collaborated with musical legends like James Taylor and Emmylou Harris, and her influence continues to shape contemporary songwriting. Though she moved away from South Dakota early in life, her grounded, introspective style speaks to her Midwestern roots. With each song, Shawn Colvin proves that authenticity never goes out of style.
2. Judd Hoos
Judd Hoos is a gritty, hard-working rock band straight out of the Black Hills of South Dakota — a place that mirrors their no-nonsense, full-throttle approach to music. Formed in the mid-2000s, this five-piece group has carved out a solid place in the heart of the Midwest music scene with relentless touring, electrifying live shows, and a sound that fuses classic rock roots with modern edge. Their music is packed with high-energy guitar riffs, anthemic choruses, and lyrics that hit close to home — think heartland rock with a bit of swagger. Tracks like “Breathe In” and “Dirty Work” show off their ability to blend radio-ready polish with blue-collar soul. What makes Judd Hoos stand out isn’t just their sound, but their authenticity. They don’t chase trends—they double down on what they love. That spirit earned them a national spotlight when they represented South Dakota on NBC’s American Song Contest in 2022, proving they could hang with the best of them. Whether playing packed local bars or big festival stages, Judd Hoos continues to be a proud musical ambassador of South Dakota, bringing loud, passionate rock to anyone who’s ready to listen.
3. Clarence Loomis
Clarence Loomis may not be widely known today, but his contributions to American classical music are deeply significant. Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1889, Loomis emerged during a time when American composers were just beginning to assert their own identity apart from European traditions. Trained at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, he became a prolific composer of operas, orchestral works, and chamber music. His music combined technical sophistication with a flair for the dramatic, often infusing classical forms with distinctly American energy and themes. One of his most acclaimed works, Yolanda of Cyprus, gained national recognition in the 1930s and showcased his talent for operatic storytelling. In addition to composing, Loomis was a passionate educator, mentoring countless young musicians over the years. He played a crucial role in shaping early 20th-century American music by encouraging originality and emotional expression. While his name may not be in music textbooks today, Loomis stands as a proud testament to South Dakota’s hidden musical legacy — a quiet pioneer who helped lay the groundwork for generations of American composers to follow. His life’s work remains a reminder that cultural innovation often begins far from the spotlight.
4. Floyd Red Crow Westerman
Floyd Red Crow Westerman was a powerful voice for Native American rights — not just through his activism, but through his music, acting, and unshakable presence. Born on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation in South Dakota, he was a proud member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Westerman used his deep, gravelly voice to sing songs that were as much protest as poetry. His debut album, Custer Died for Your Sins, released in 1970, became a cornerstone of Native American protest music, tackling historical injustices and celebrating Indigenous identity with unflinching honesty. Musically rooted in folk and country, his work connected Native wisdom with universal human truths. Beyond music, Westerman was a talented actor who appeared in films like Dances with Wolves and TV series like The X-Files and Walker, Texas Ranger, always bringing a dignified and authentic portrayal of Native characters. But perhaps his most lasting impact was as a cultural bridge — someone who used art to awaken awareness, compassion, and respect. Westerman helped pave the way for future generations of Native artists, showing that music could be both a weapon and a healing force. His legacy endures as a vital part of South Dakota’s cultural and political history.
5. Boyd Raeburn
Boyd Raeburn was a jazz visionary who pushed big band music into uncharted territory — all while hailing from the unassuming town of Faith, South Dakota. In the 1940s, when swing and dance bands ruled the airwaves, Raeburn set himself apart by daring to experiment. As a bandleader and saxophonist, he brought an avant-garde sensibility to jazz, working closely with cutting-edge arrangers like George Handy and Johnny Richards to craft compositions that blended classical complexity with jazz spontaneity. His orchestra’s sound was daring, rich with dissonance, irregular rhythms, and lush textures that baffled some but thrilled others. Though he never enjoyed the commercial fame of Benny Goodman or Glenn Miller, Raeburn became a cult hero among jazz aficionados and a precursor to the more experimental sounds that would follow in the 1950s and ’60s. His music wasn’t made for easy listening — it was bold, intricate, and intellectually engaging. Despite moving to bigger cities, Raeburn’s beginnings in South Dakota reflect how great art can emerge from the most unlikely places. He proved that jazz could be as innovative as any other art form and helped shape the evolution of modern music with fearless originality.
6. Gary Mule Deer
Gary Mule Deer is a rare breed of entertainer — a sharp-witted comedian and seasoned country musician rolled into one. Born and raised in the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota, Mule Deer has been making audiences laugh and tap their toes for over five decades. Known for his dry humor, quick one-liners, and charmingly offbeat stage presence, he rose to prominence during the golden age of comedy clubs in the 1970s. But his act wasn’t just jokes — he always brought a guitar with him, blending classic country songs with perfectly timed comedy. He became a frequent guest on The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman, and even shared the stage with country legends like Willie Nelson and Johnny Mathis. A long-standing member of the Grand Ole Opry, Mule Deer has built a legacy as one of the most beloved performers to seamlessly cross genres. His humor is rooted in good-natured storytelling, often drawing on his South Dakota roots for inspiration. Whether he’s cracking wise or singing a heartfelt country tune, Gary Mule Deer embodies the kind of timeless showmanship that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly genuine.
7. Chris Gethard
Chris Gethard is best known as a comedian, writer, and podcast host, but his artistic impact extends into the music world in surprising and heartfelt ways. While he was born in New Jersey, Gethard has family ties to South Dakota that help anchor some of his creative sensibility in the heartland. Known for his offbeat, brutally honest style, Gethard’s work often blurs the lines between stand-up comedy, personal storytelling, and live music. His performances frequently feature collaborations with indie musicians, using original scores and live accompaniment to enhance the emotional depth of his monologues. Shows like Career Suicide, his deeply personal HBO special, showcased how he uses vulnerability as a powerful artistic tool — much like a great songwriter would. Though he’s not a musician in the traditional sense, Gethard has earned a place in the indie performance scene by treating truth, emotion, and awkwardness with disarming honesty. His influence is particularly felt among underground and DIY artists, many of whom see him as a kindred spirit. For South Dakota’s creative landscape, he’s a worthy honorable mention — a reminder that meaningful art doesn’t always have to fit neatly into a single genre.
8. Indigenous (Band)
Indigenous isn’t just a band — it’s a groundbreaking voice in the blues-rock world, born from the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Led by Mato Nanji, a gifted guitarist and singer, the band burst onto the national stage in the late 1990s with a sound that blended searing blues guitar, soulful vocals, and deep emotional resonance. Their debut album Things We Do earned critical acclaim and introduced listeners to Nanji’s fiery guitar work, which drew comparisons to legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. But what truly set Indigenous apart was their cultural perspective — their music carried the weight and pride of Native American heritage, delivered with intensity and grace. Over the years, Mato has continued the band’s mission as a solo act, using the Indigenous name to represent both his musical style and his roots. He has performed on Austin City Limits, toured with blues greats, and played at major music festivals around the country. Indigenous remains one of South Dakota’s most impactful musical exports — a testament to the power of music as both personal expression and cultural preservation. Their songs speak of love, struggle, and survival — universal themes with a deeply Native voice.
9. Ryan McMahon (The Envy Corps)
Ryan McMahon, the expressive lead vocalist of The Envy Corps, brings an emotive intensity to indie rock that lingers long after the final note. Though originally from Iowa, McMahon has meaningful ties to South Dakota, a region that subtly shaped his artistic voice. With The Envy Corps, McMahon helped develop a sound that balances dreamy, atmospheric arrangements with sharp lyricism and passionate vocals. Tracks like “Story Problem” and “Screen Test” showcase his ability to convey raw emotion through soaring melodies and poetic, introspective lyrics. His voice, often ethereal and aching, adds a cinematic dimension to the band’s lush soundscapes. The group has toured internationally, opened for bands like The Killers, and earned a devoted following in the indie music world. McMahon stands out as a performer who fully inhabits his songs — not just singing them, but living them in real time. Though his South Dakota connection may not be widely known, it adds to the band’s grounded, heartfelt vibe. His work continues to prove that the Midwest can be a wellspring of creativity, producing artists who bring depth, honesty, and soul to modern music.
10. Zachary James
Zachary James is a commanding force in both opera and musical theatre, celebrated for his thunderous bass-baritone and dynamic stage presence. Though born in Florida, James spent formative years in South Dakota — a chapter that helped shape his early passion for performance. With a voice that resonates both in tone and emotional weight, he has built an impressive career spanning some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway. James originated the role of Lurch in The Addams Family musical and has starred in operatic productions such as Akhnaten, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute. He is admired for his versatility, able to move effortlessly between avant-garde opera and more traditional musical theatre, always delivering performances that are intense, dramatic, and deeply human. Offstage, James is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and arts education, using his platform to inspire young performers. His blend of theatrical charisma and vocal mastery makes him a standout in both opera houses and theatres. Zachary James proves that great artistry knows no geographic boundaries — and that even the quiet prairies of South Dakota can help nurture world-class talent.
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.
