When you think of music legends, Idaho might not be the first state that springs to mind—but think again! Tucked between mountains, rivers, and wide-open skies, the Gem State has quietly produced some of the most dynamic and influential voices in music history. From chart-topping rockers and soulful jazz vocalists to indie icons and country stars, Idaho’s musical talent is as diverse as its stunning landscapes.
In this article, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from Idaho—a list that might just surprise you. These artists didn’t just grow up in small towns; they grew into global sensations, shaping genres, inspiring fans, and leaving lasting marks on the music industry. Whether it’s the raw energy of rock and roll, the poetic soul of folk, or the heartfelt power of country and gospel, Idaho’s singers bring something truly unique to the stage.
So, turn up the volume and get ready to discover (or rediscover) the incredible voices that call Idaho home. From household names to underground legends, these stars prove that even in the most unexpected places, greatness can rise. Let’s celebrate the Idahoans who’ve made the world sing along.
1. Paul Revere (Paul Revere & the Raiders)
Paul Revere wasn’t just the founder and keyboardist of Paul Revere & the Raiders—he was the heart and soul of one of the most wildly entertaining bands of the 1960s. Born in Harvard, Idaho, Revere had a flair for showmanship and a love of music that translated into a career full of color, energy, and rebellion. The Raiders were instantly recognizable, not just for their catchy garage-rock hits like “Kicks,” “Hungry,” and “Indian Reservation,” but for their Revolutionary War-style uniforms and synchronized stage antics. They brought a sense of theatrical fun to rock ‘n’ roll that teens of the era couldn’t get enough of, especially on television shows like Where the Action Is. Revere’s energetic personality and marketing genius helped the band stand out in an era full of musical experimentation. More than just a musician, he was a visionary who knew how to package attitude, humor, and heart into a format that rocked the nation. His legacy lives on in the playful spirit and defiant energy that he and the Raiders helped popularize—a reminder that rock music can be both rebellious and a whole lot of fun.
2. Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe)
While Nikki Sixx was born in California, it was the rugged landscapes and quiet streets of Jerome, Idaho, that helped shape his defiant edge and outsider mentality. That rebellious spirit would become the lifeblood of Mötley Crüe, the hard-hitting glam metal band he co-founded and led as bassist and chief songwriter. Sixx penned some of the band’s most iconic anthems—“Dr. Feelgood,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Kickstart My Heart”—songs that pulsed with adrenaline, chaos, and attitude. But his story doesn’t end with music. Offstage, Sixx lived on the edge, battling addiction and personal demons that he would later expose in his searing memoir, The Heroin Diaries. That book became a symbol of raw honesty in rock literature, revealing the dark underbelly of fame. Through his struggles and rebirth, Sixx emerged not just as a rock star but as a survivor and storyteller. He remains a symbol of transformation—proof that even from a small Idaho town, you can rise, fall, and rise again, louder than ever. Nikki Sixx didn’t just play bass—he lived every note, making him one of heavy metal’s most enduring and compelling figures.
3. Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter is a rare breed of songwriter—equal parts poet, historian, and troubadour. Born in Moscow, Idaho, he grew up surrounded by books and music, developing a deep appreciation for both storytelling and melody. That dual love shaped his unique musical voice: songs that read like literature but feel like folk epics. Ritter’s breakout came with albums like The Animal Years and So Runs the World Away, where he blended vivid historical imagery with emotionally resonant lyrics. Drawing inspiration from artists like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, he carves out a space that’s both timeless and deeply personal. Whether singing about love, politics, or spiritual yearning, Ritter does so with warmth and humility, both on stage and off. His concerts feel like intimate conversations, and his lyrics are the kind you want to sit with and reread. Ritter remains rooted in his Idaho upbringing, often referencing landscapes and themes that echo the quiet strength of his hometown. More than just a musician, he’s a storyteller with a gift for turning life’s moments—big and small—into something profound. In the world of modern Americana, Josh Ritter stands as one of its most authentic and enduring voices.
4. Curtis Stigers
Curtis Stigers has never been one to fit neatly into a single musical box. Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, Stigers burst onto the scene in the early 1990s with a silky voice, a saxophone in hand, and a knack for soulful pop ballads like “I Wonder Why.” But while he found initial fame in the pop world, his artistic journey was only beginning. Over time, Stigers followed his musical instincts and made a graceful pivot into jazz—a genre where his expressive voice and emotional depth could truly shine. Drawing on influences from classic crooners to contemporary songwriters, he’s reinvented songs by the likes of Bob Dylan and Nick Lowe, giving them new life through a jazz lens. Stigers is a consummate performer, effortlessly blending sophistication with soul. His live performances are intimate and powerful, marked by nuance and passion. Though he’s earned acclaim across the globe, he’s never forgotten his Idaho roots, often returning home to perform and support the local arts scene. In a world that often rewards artists for sticking to a formula, Curtis Stigers has built a career on evolution—proving that true musicianship means following your heart, wherever it may lead.
5. Eilen Jewell
Eilen Jewell might sing in hushed tones, but her impact on the Americana music scene is undeniable. Born in Boise, Idaho, Jewell has built a career by walking the line between vintage and modern, crafting songs that sound like they could’ve come from a dusty jukebox or a downtown club. With influences ranging from Loretta Lynn to Billie Holiday, her music blends country, blues, rockabilly, and folk into something entirely her own. Albums like Queen of the Minor Key and Gypsy showcase her lyrical sharpness and love for moody, melodic storytelling. Jewell’s strength lies in her subtlety—her voice doesn’t shout, but it lingers, drawing you into stories of heartache, longing, and quiet resilience. Whether she’s playing an acoustic solo set or leading her tight-knit band, there’s a timeless quality to her sound that resonates with audiences around the world. Grounded in the Western spirit of her Idaho roots, Jewell brings an old soul’s wisdom to modern-day songwriting. She’s more than a singer—she’s a keeper of musical traditions, infusing them with fresh perspective and poetic grace.
6. Rosalie Sorrels
Rosalie Sorrels wasn’t just a folk singer—she was a living archive of American stories, songs, and spirit. Born in Boise, Idaho, in 1933, Sorrels dedicated more than five decades to preserving and sharing the voices of everyday people—laborers, wanderers, and rebels—through her heartfelt music and spoken word. Her voice, weathered by time and travel, carried an authenticity that couldn’t be faked. With albums like If I Could Be the Rain, she transformed poetry into song and turned hard truths into beautiful melodies. Sorrels was a fierce advocate for social justice and a tireless performer who raised her children on the road, often performing at folk festivals and intimate coffeehouses across the country. She collaborated with legends like Utah Phillips, and like him, used music not just to entertain, but to challenge, comfort, and connect. Sorrels embodied the ethos of the folk movement—telling stories that needed to be heard, especially those often overlooked. Through her rich catalog of recordings and her lifelong commitment to truth and art, she remains a revered figure in Idaho’s cultural history and a guiding light in the wider folk tradition. Her songs weren’t just sung—they were lived.
7. Brennley Brown
Brennley Brown may have first stepped into the spotlight on national television, but her musical roots trace back to Idaho, where she forged her grounded, heartfelt style. Born in California and raised with deep ties to the Gem State, Brown gained recognition as a standout finalist on Season 12 of The Voice, impressing both judges and viewers with her powerful voice and emotional presence at just 15 years old. But her journey didn’t stop there. As she’s grown as a songwriter and artist, Brown has carved out a sound that blends the sincerity of classic country with the polish of contemporary pop. Songs like “One More Hallelujah” showcase her ability to tap into raw emotion while maintaining mainstream appeal. She sings with an old soul’s depth, yet with the fire and optimism of a new generation. Whether she’s performing in Nashville, writing new music, or connecting with fans online, Brown carries her Idaho-born values—authenticity, humility, and heart—into everything she does. She’s one of country music’s most promising young voices, proving that a small-town foundation can fuel big dreams and even bigger talent.
8. Ryan Stevenson
Ryan Stevenson’s journey from a small-town Idaho upbringing to Christian music stardom is a story of faith, resilience, and heartfelt artistry. Raised in Boise after being born in Bonanza, Oregon, Stevenson first worked as a paramedic—a career that gave him a front-row seat to life’s most intense moments. That experience deeply informs his music, giving his songs a rare emotional weight and spiritual honesty. His breakout single, “Eye of the Storm,” became a chart-topping hit, resonating with listeners who found comfort in its message of peace amid chaos. Signed to TobyMac’s Gotee Records, Stevenson has become a vital voice in contemporary Christian music, blending pop melodies with deeply personal lyrics rooted in real-life struggles and hope. His music doesn’t just preach—it consoles, uplifts, and connects. Offstage, Stevenson is known for his humility and his desire to inspire others through both song and story. With every performance, he brings a message of healing and redemption, carrying the quiet strength of his Idaho roots into hearts around the world. Ryan Stevenson proves that faith, paired with vulnerability and authenticity, can create music that truly moves people.
9. Trevor Powers (Youth Lagoon)
Trevor Powers, the visionary artist behind Youth Lagoon, emerged from Boise, Idaho’s indie music scene with a sound that was anything but typical. With his debut album The Year of Hibernation in 2011, Powers introduced listeners to an atmospheric, lo-fi world full of introspection and dreamy electronics. His music explores themes of anxiety, isolation, memory, and identity—often conveyed through haunting falsetto vocals, layered synths, and abstract lyrics that invite deep emotional reflection. Youth Lagoon quickly developed a cult following, praised for its ability to evoke both vulnerability and wonder. Powers retired the project in 2016 to pursue other artistic directions but resurrected Youth Lagoon in 2022 with a bold new sonic vision—showing that his creativity is constantly evolving. His work doesn’t fit neatly into any one genre; instead, it occupies a liminal space where experimental pop, ambient music, and personal confession converge. Powers represents the boundary-pushing spirit of Idaho’s creative scene—an artist unafraid to be raw, strange, and unapologetically himself. Through Youth Lagoon, Trevor Powers reminds us that music can be an emotional landscape—a place to feel seen, heard, and transformed.
10. Doug Martsch (Built to Spill)
Doug Martsch is the beating heart of Built to Spill, one of the most influential indie rock bands to emerge from the American Northwest. Based in Boise, Idaho, Martsch has spent decades crafting a sound that is both cerebral and emotionally resonant. With his expressive guitar work—layered, improvisational, and often soaring—he helped define an era of alternative rock. Albums like Perfect from Now On and Keep It Like a Secret are considered masterpieces, blending sprawling compositions with introspective, often philosophical lyrics. Martsch’s vocal delivery, slightly nasal and deeply human, carries a sense of searching that resonates with listeners looking for more than just catchy hooks. Despite critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase, Martsch has remained steadfastly independent, maintaining a strong DIY ethic that reflects his Idaho roots. He’s never chased trends or fame—instead, he’s focused on making honest, deeply felt music. His influence is seen in generations of indie musicians who followed, but Martsch remains singular in his vision. Built to Spill isn’t just a band—it’s a testament to the power of staying true to your craft, and Doug Martsch is its humble, brilliant architect.
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.
