The state of New Mexico is recognized for several lovely reasons. The unique vacation destination offers loads of enthralling activities like hiking, sightseeing, and skiing. Visitors have many places to explore when booking temporary getaways to New Mexico.
Locals who’ve lived in New Mexico for their entire lives are already aware of the benefits that come along with living in such a wonderful state. There’s a reason more than 2.1 million people choose to call New Mexico home.
New Mexico is exactly where you’d want to reside if you prioritize nature, the great outdoors, and enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle. On the topic of fulfilling lifestyles, click here to uncover 20 lifestyle hacks that should be a trend in 2024.
To compile this list of the 10 biggest musicians born in New Mexico, 24/7 Tempo consulted several entertainment websites. These include Hello Music Theory, Last FM, and Famous Fix.
John Denver
- Hometown: Roswell
Despite the fact that John Denver’s last name is a city in Colorado, this musician was born on December 31, 1943, in Roswell, New Mexico. His birth name was Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., once upon a time. He changed his name to John Denver because he fell in love with that city after relocating when he got older.
As a youngster, Denver lived in New Mexico before making that transition. The first song he released was called “Rhymes and Reasons: in 1969 as part of the first album he released with Mercury RCA Records. He continued thriving in the music industry dropping two additional albums in 1970 and 1971. Ultimately he died on October 12, 1997, in Monterey Bay, California.
Demi Lovato
- Hometown: Albuquerque
Millennials and Gen-Z-aged music lovers know Demi Lovato well. The singer-songwriter was born on August 20, 1982, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She rose to fame on the kid-friendly show “Barney and Friends” when she was young. After she got a bit older, she made her way to the Disney Channel where she landed the role of Mitchie Torres in the “Camp Rock” movie franchise alongside the Jonas Brothers.
It was then that the world caught wind of Lovato’s incredible talent as a musician. In the “Camp Rock” franchise, she spent time on stage singing catchy songs with unforgettable lyrics. To this date, some of her biggest songs outside of Disney Channel include “Heart Attack,” “Cool For the Summer,” and “Give Your Heart a Break.” Some of the awards she’s won are the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Artist, Teen Choice Award for Choice Female Artist, and the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Music Fan Following,
Lorenzo Antonio
- Hometown: Albuquerque
Lorenzo Antonio was born on October 3, 1969, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The singer-songwriter is recognized for being a Latin music star with loads of influence. Since he’s fluent in both Spanish and English, a lot of his lyrics reflect both languages. He’s got separate songs in both languages and songs that combine them in effortless way.
Some of the most noteworthy songs Antonio released throughout the course of his career include “La De Los Ojos Negros,” “Cómo No Voy a Quererte,” and “Corridos de Caballos.” Along with using his vocals, some of the instruments he’s mastered are the cello, piano, fiddle, banjo, and guitar.
Al Hurricane
- Hometown: Dixon
Al Hurricane was born on July 10, 1936, in Dixon, New Mexico. Over the course of his impressive career, he released more than 30 albums. Since his music fits into the Spanish category, his contributions to Latin culture will never be forgotten. He was part of a music group with his son called Bandido throughout the 80s.
As of now, his son Al Hurricane Jr. is still alive and following in his father’s footsteps. Some of Hurricane’s most noteworthy songs include “La Puerta Negra,” “Ay, Ay, Ay Que Borracho Vengo,” and “La Fiesta de Santa Fe.” Hurricane passed away on October 22, 2017, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Lenny Pickett
- Hometown: Las Cruces
Lenny Pickett was born on April 10, 1954, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This famous musician was never a singer who leaned on vocal talents. Rather, he made a name for himself as a musical director and saxophonist. One of the biggest comedy sketch series of this generation arguably happens to be “Saturday Night Live.”
Pickett is the director in charge of the show’s musical band. Being part of “SNL” means Pickett has had the opportunity to work alongside major names in the comedy industry like Tina Fey, Kate McKinnon, and Keenan Thompson. Rewinding back to 1973, he was part of a musical collective called Tower of Power. He stuck with that band until 1981, but “SNL” is his main focus now.
Freddie Brown
- Hometown: Winston
Freddie Brown, whose birth name is Alfredo, E. Brown, was born on December 4, 1940, in Winston, New Mexico. The singer-songwriter was beloved before his death for his ability to successfully blend Country music and Spanish music using his guitar. Although the genres are quite different, Brown seamlessly combined them in his lifetime.
He released four albums while he was alive including his first album “El Versatil” and his final album “From: All Of Me.” Brown passed away on April 30, 2002 at the age of 61 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Stacy Dean Campbell
- Hometown: Carlsbad
Stacy Dean Campbell was born on July 27, 1967 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Along with being a singer and songwriter, Campbell is also known for being a TV host and author. As far as instruments go, the guitar is Campbell’s go-to. When music lovers focus solely on his career in the music industry, several unforgettable songs likely come to mine.
These hits include “Eight Feet High,” “Baby Don’t You Know,” and “Why You Been Gone So Long.” Campbell was inspired to follow in the footsteps of his father who spent time on tour as a southern gospel singer in the late 60s. As a child witnessing his father live that life, Campbell decided early on that he wanted to achieve similar success in his own adulthood.
Susan Graham
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 19: Opera singer Susan Graham speaks ontage at the 10th Annual Opera News Awards at The Plaza Hotel on April 19, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
- Hometown: Roswell
Susan Graham is another New Mexico-born musician who is garnered tons of respect throughout her lifetime. She was born on July 23, 1960, in Roswell, New Mexico. She’s known as an opera singer and some of her music falls into the Spanish category with songs like “Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Ailes,” “Quand la Nuit N’est Pas Etoilée,” and “L’Heure Exquise” to listen to.
Before pursuing a life in the music industry, she attended the Manhattan School of Music in preparation for her future. She studied piano for 13 years, which serves as proof of her dedication to her craft.
Kenny Dale
- Hometown: Artesia
Kenny Dale was born on October 3, 1951, and Artesia, New Mexico. His birth name was Kenneth Dale Eoff, but he chose to roll with a stage name as he was getting his feet wet in the country music industry. The 70s was a great era for Dale since that’s when he recorded two albums for Capital Records.
Dale’s biggest song is arguably “Bluest Heartache Of The Year.” He also released “Shame Shame on Me,” “Two Hearts Tangled In Love,” and “When It’s Just You And Me.” Dale died on July 15, 2020, and San Antonio, Texas. He was photographed wearing cowboy hats while he was still alive.
Chevel Shepherd
- Hometown: La Plata
Chevel Shepherd was born in 2002 in La Plata, New Mexico. The country singer made a name for herself after winning the 15th season of “The Voice” – and she was only 16 years old at the time. The most shocking detail about her time filming “The Voice” is that Kelly Clarkson is the panelist who served as her coach.
Most rising country music stars on that singing competition show link up with Blake Shelton. Shepherd received help and guidance from Clarkson and ended up coming out on top. Some of the biggest songs she’s released since winning “The Voice” include “Broken Hearts,” “Little White Church,” and “Good Boy.”
As a way of spreading awareness about her music, Shepherd’s released a handful of music videos on her YouTube channel where she has thousands of subscribers keeping up with her content. There’s a chance her fame will continue rising in 2024. In the meantime, click here to discover the biggest billboard artist debuts of 2023.