When you think of music hotspots, Vermont might not be the first state that comes to mind—but it should be. Tucked away in the picturesque landscapes of the Green Mountain State is a rich vein of musical talent that has quietly shaped genres, inspired fans around the world, and left an undeniable mark on the industry. From the soulful grit of rock and indie folk to the soaring melodies of bluegrass and jazz, Vermont has birthed and nurtured artists who are anything but ordinary. This isn’t just a list—it’s a celebration of the voices that echo from Burlington bars to Broadway stages, from quiet mountain towns to global arenas. Whether they were born in Vermont or chose to call it home, these singers and musicians carry the spirit of the state in every lyric, riff, and performance. In this article, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular and influential singers with Vermont roots—artists who prove that big talent often comes from the most unexpected places. So grab your headphones and get ready to discover (or rediscover) the sounds of Vermont’s finest. You might just find your next favorite artist tucked away in the hills of the Northeast.
1. Grace Potter
Grace Potter is one of those rare artists whose voice hits you right in the soul. Born in Waitsfield, Vermont, Potter rose to national prominence as the charismatic lead of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, a band that blended classic rock, blues, and pop with swagger and grit. Her voice—a powerful, raspy, emotionally raw instrument—became her signature, earning comparisons to legends like Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks. Potter’s magnetic stage presence is matched only by her musical versatility: she seamlessly switches between guitar, piano, and organ during high-octane live shows that feel like full-body experiences. After parting ways with the Nocturnals, she launched a solo career that pushed her sound even further, exploring funk, soul, folk, and synth-pop in albums like Midnight and Daylight. Potter is more than a singer—she’s a fearless performer, a deeply introspective songwriter, and a proud Vermont native who never shies away from evolving. Whether she’s belting out a rock anthem or delivering a stripped-down ballad, Grace Potter commands attention and leaves everything on the stage. She embodies the wild spirit and unfiltered beauty of the Green Mountain State—and she’s carved out a place in rock history with grit, grace, and guts.
2. Phish (Trey Anastasio)
Phish isn’t just a band—it’s a movement, a community, and for many, a way of life. At the heart of it all is Trey Anastasio, the guitar-wielding wizard who helped shape the band’s sprawling, improvisational sound. Formed in the early 1980s at the University of Vermont, Phish quickly developed a cult following for their marathon concerts, genre-defying jams, and sense of humor. Trey’s guitar work is the lifeblood of their live shows—fluid, imaginative, and endlessly exploratory. He fuses elements of jazz, funk, bluegrass, prog rock, and psychedelia into something entirely original. But Anastasio isn’t just a jam band icon; he’s a composer, a collaborator, and a creative force who’s worked with orchestras and solo projects to expand his musical horizons. While Phish’s roots run deep in Burlington, their influence is global. Still, Vermont remains central to their identity—its openness, independence, and natural beauty echo through their music. Trey Anastasio has not only helped put Vermont on the musical map, but he’s also built a legacy of experimentation, joy, and community that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
3. Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan’s music sounds like home for anyone who’s ever felt lost in the quiet corners of small-town life. Raised in Strafford, Vermont, Kahan blends folk, pop, and singer-songwriter sensibilities into deeply personal songs that feel both confessional and universally relatable. His voice—clear, warm, and slightly weathered—carries an emotional weight that resonates deeply. After gaining attention with the viral success of “Hurt Somebody,” Kahan quickly proved he was more than a one-hit wonder. His 2022 album Stick Season became a breakout moment, channeling his Vermont upbringing into lyrics filled with longing, humor, and rural imagery. Whether singing about heartbreak, isolation, or mental health, Kahan’s storytelling is rooted in authenticity. He gives voice to life between the coasts—where seasons change slowly, and people wrestle quietly with their demons. His songs aren’t just catchy; they’re cathartic. As he’s grown from small-town kid to major festival headliner, Noah Kahan has remained grounded in the place that shaped him. He doesn’t just represent Vermont—he honors it, capturing its soul in every verse and turning its stillness into something powerfully alive.
4. Neko Case
Neko Case may have been born in Virginia, but her heart—and her art—have long been tied to the wild, woodsy corners of Vermont. A fierce and uncompromising voice in indie rock and alt-country, Case is known for crafting songs that feel like gothic novels set to music. Her solo work, especially on albums like Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and Hell-On, combines poetic lyrics, eerie melodies, and genre-blending arrangements. Then there’s her role in The New Pornographers, where her powerful vocals shine in harmony-driven indie pop. Case’s voice is nothing short of cinematic: it can sound like a storm one moment and a lullaby the next. Vermont’s rural solitude has been more than a backdrop for her—it’s been a refuge and a source of inspiration. Her home studio nestled in the Green Mountains reflects her reclusive, creative spirit. Whether writing about heartbreak, the natural world, or personal rebirth, Neko Case creates music that haunts and heals in equal measure. She’s not just a musician—she’s a storyteller who sings with the wildness of the woods in her lungs and the sharp edge of truth in every note.
5. JoJo (Joanna Levesque)
JoJo’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and raw talent. Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, and raised in Massachusetts, she burst onto the pop scene at just 13 with the smash hit “Leave (Get Out),” making her the youngest solo artist to top the Billboard charts. With a voice that soared far beyond her years, JoJo seemed destined for superstardom. But behind the scenes, industry struggles—including a protracted legal battle with her former label—put her career on pause during a pivotal time. Instead of fading, JoJo fought to reclaim her voice—literally and figuratively. Her later albums like Mad Love and Good to Know marked a bold rebirth, showcasing a matured R&B sound infused with vulnerability, soul, and self-awareness. She’s become an outspoken advocate for mental health and artistic freedom, earning new respect from fans and critics alike. Through it all, JoJo never stopped evolving, turning personal trials into powerful art. From teen sensation to independent powerhouse, she’s proof that true talent, when paired with determination, always finds its way back to the spotlight. And for Vermont, she remains a proud native daughter who rose, fell, and rose again.
6. Anaïs Mitchell
Anaïs Mitchell is a rare breed: a songwriter whose work bridges folk tradition and theatrical innovation with remarkable grace. Raised in Addison County, Vermont, Mitchell was immersed in storytelling and music from a young age, influences that would shape her distinctive voice as an artist. Her early solo albums showcased a gift for poetic, narrative songwriting, but it was Hadestown—a folk opera reimagining of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice—that catapulted her to international acclaim. What started as a concept album evolved into a Tony Award–winning Broadway production, establishing Mitchell as one of the most visionary artists of her generation. Her songs are lyrical and layered, often exploring themes of love, loss, and social justice with quiet power. Whether performing solo or collaborating with artists like Bonny Light Horseman, Mitchell’s music is intimate, cerebral, and emotionally resonant. She embodies Vermont’s spirit of independence and artistry—unpretentious yet profound, rooted yet imaginative. Anaïs Mitchell isn’t just a singer-songwriter; she’s a modern bard whose work feels both timeless and urgently now, spinning myths and memories into melodies that linger long after the final chord.
7. Chad Urmston
Chad Urmston might not be a mainstream name, but his music has been the heartbeat of a generation raised on socially conscious college rock. A graduate of Middlebury College, Urmston’s Vermont roots shaped his worldview and artistic mission. As a founding member of Dispatch, he helped pioneer a blend of acoustic rock, reggae, and folk that became the soundtrack to countless campus rallies and road trips in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. With State Radio, he pushed the envelope further, fusing aggressive rock with pointed political messages about war, inequality, and environmental issues. Urmston’s lyrics are more than poetic—they’re purposeful, often delivered with urgency and heartfelt conviction. Onstage, his presence is electric, blending activism and artistry in a way that feels both grassroots and galvanizing. He’s the kind of artist who doesn’t just sing about change—he lives it, often participating in humanitarian efforts and social causes. In every song and every performance, Chad Urmston channels the progressive, engaged spirit of Vermont, using music as a force for connection, resistance, and hope.
8. Mark Levine
Mark Levine is a cornerstone of American jazz whose career bridges performance, composition, and education with effortless finesse. Though born in New Hampshire and deeply rooted in the West Coast jazz scene, Levine grew up in Brattleboro, Vermont, where his early exposure to music set the stage for a life immersed in rhythm and improvisation. A gifted pianist and trombonist, he’s performed with some of jazz’s greats, including Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaría, and Woody Shaw. Beyond the bandstand, Levine is a renowned educator whose instructional books—particularly The Jazz Piano Book—are considered essential reading for aspiring jazz musicians around the world. His playing is deeply melodic, always serving the music rather than overshadowing it, and his compositions explore the nuanced interplay of bebop and Latin jazz traditions. While his career has taken him far from Vermont, the state’s introspective calm and authenticity are reflected in his approach. Mark Levine may not seek the spotlight, but his influence is undeniable. In the world of jazz, he’s a quiet giant—thoughtful, expressive, and profoundly respected.
9. Will Ackerman
Will Ackerman is the quiet revolutionary behind an entire genre of music. Born in Germany but raised in Brattleboro, Vermont, Ackerman is best known as the founder of Windham Hill Records, the pioneering label that defined the sound of New Age music in the 1980s and beyond. As a guitarist, Ackerman’s style is deeply introspective—his fingerpicked acoustic compositions are minimalist yet emotionally expansive, evoking the stillness of a snow-covered Vermont field or the rustle of trees on a quiet autumn day. His landmark albums like In Search of the Turtle’s Navel helped introduce a meditative, nature-inspired aesthetic that resonated with millions. But Ackerman’s impact extends beyond his own playing: as a producer, he championed artists like Michael Hedges and George Winston, creating a lasting legacy that continues to shape ambient and acoustic music today. Vermont, with its tranquility and natural beauty, has always been Ackerman’s muse. His music doesn’t demand your attention—it invites reflection, connection, and calm. In a noisy world, Will Ackerman created a soundscape of serenity, proving that sometimes the most powerful voices are the quietest.
10. Dan Tyminski
Dan Tyminski is the kind of musician who lets his voice and guitar do the talking—and they speak volumes. Born in Rutland, Vermont, Tyminski grew up immersed in bluegrass and country music, eventually becoming a central figure in the genre as a longtime member of Alison Krauss & Union Station. His rich, gravelly vocals and virtuosic guitar and mandolin skills have earned him widespread respect in both traditional and contemporary roots circles. Tyminski’s profile skyrocketed in 2000 when he lent his voice to George Clooney’s character in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, singing the now-iconic “Man of Constant Sorrow.” But his career didn’t stop there. He’s won multiple Grammy Awards and even crossed into EDM with his stunning feature on Avicii’s global hit “Hey Brother,” showcasing his versatility. Despite these high-profile moments, Tyminski remains deeply rooted in bluegrass tradition, bringing a heartfelt authenticity to every performance. His Vermont upbringing infuses his music with a down-to-earth sincerity that’s rare in the modern industry. Whether on a front porch or a global stage, Dan Tyminski plays with soul, skill, and a timeless sense of American musical heritage.
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.
