Meet the 10 Biggest Musicians From Wisconsin

One of the northernmost states in the United States, Wisconsin has a long history of Native American culture and agricultural industry. Indeed, it is called “America’s Dairyland” due to being one of the nation’s leading dairy producers and its reputation for high-quality cheeses. Beyond that, however, some of the biggest names in music got their start in the Badger State. Let’s meet the 10 biggest musicians from Wisconsin.

To compile a list of the biggest musicians from Wisconsin, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of music, entertainment, and lifestyle publications including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, SingersRoom, and the Herald Times Reporter. Next, we selected musicians from a range of eras with notable cultural impact. After that, we confirmed biographical information using sites like Encyclopedia.com and Biography.com. (If you’re looking for music from a more southern state, discover the 10 biggest musicians from North Carolina.)

Bon Iver

• Hometown: Eau Claire

One of the biggest musicians from Wisconsin is Bon Iver. Born Justin DeYarmond Edison Vernon, he adopted the stage name Bon Iver for his music project, French for “Good Winter.” He first rose to prominence with the release of his debut album “For Emma, Forever Ago.” He achieved his breakthrough, however, with the release of the eponymous album “Bon Iver.”

This album won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. After that, the solo project became a full-fledged band. The group’s next album “22, A Million” was released to critical acclaim—the following release, “I, I” was nominated for the 2022 Grammy Album of the Year.

Les Paul

• Hometown: Waukesha

Another one of the biggest musicians to hail from Wisconsin is guitarist, songwriter, and inventor Les Paul. Born Lester William Polsfuss, he first rose to prominence with his pioneering design for a solid-body electric guitar. This guitar later inspired the emblematic electric guitar, the Les Paul.

Les Paul is also credited with countless recording technique inventions. These include overdubbing, delay, phasing, and multi-track recording. Besides his musical innovations, Les Paul also had a successful country music career with his wife Mary Ford. Together, they released and sold millions of records.

Steve Miller

• Hometown: Milwaukee

One of the biggest musicians to come from Wisconsin is undoubtedly Steve Miller. Born Steven Haworth Miller, he first rose to prominence as lead singer and frontman of the Steve Miller Band. The group had a string of hits in the 1970s that have become mainstays of classic rock radio such as “The Joker,” and “Fly Like an Eagle.”

After that, the Steve Miller Band continued to release albums including “Book of Dreams.” A hugely successful rock band, the Steve Miller Band’s “Greatest Hits 1974-78” compilation sold over 13 million copies alone. For his innovative and catchy guitar work, Miller himself was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. (For other artists from the period still working, discover baby boomer artists still making great music.)

Violent Femmes

• Hometown: Milwaukee

Another group of the biggest musicians from Wisconsin is the Violent Femmes. The band, formed in 1981, rose to prominence as influential members of the alternative rock and underground folk punk scene. Their breakthrough came, however, with the release of their eponymous album “Violent Femmes,” in 1983.

The album featured some of the group’s best-known songs including “Kiss Off,” “Add It Up,” and “Blister in the Sun.” It was also their best-selling release, eventually being certified platinum in sales. Though the band split up in 1987, the members would periodically come together to release new music including “New Times” in 1994 and “We Can Do Anything,” in 2016.

Garbage

• Hometown: Madison

Another group of the biggest musicians from Wisconsin is the band Garbage. Formed in 1993, the band rose to prominence with the release of their debut eponymously-titled album “Garbage.” The album was hugely successful, selling over four million copies and being certified double platinum in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

The band’s following releases were also successful. These include the album “Version 2.0” and “Beautiful Garbage.” During this time, Garbage performed and co-produced the theme song to the James Bond movie “The World is Not Enough.” Throughout their career, the band has sold over 17 million albums worldwide.

Liberace

• Hometown: West Allis

Another one of the biggest musicians from Wisconsin is, no doubt, Liberace. Born Władziu Valentino Liberace, he started as a classically trained pianist. However, he first rose to prominence once he transitioned to a more pop-classical fusion, playing in nightclubs and hotel chains around the country.

This led to various work including spots on television including the eponymously titled “The Liberace Show.” After that, Liberace slowly but surely become one of the biggest entertainers in the country. At the height of his fame, he had residencies in Las Vegas and was the highest-paid entertainer in the world.

BoDeans

• Hometown: Waukesha

The BoDeans are a rock band formed in Waukesha, Wisconsin in the early 1980s. They first rose to prominence playing countless gigs on the east side of Milwaukee. This attracted label attention, and the band signed to Slash/Warner Records in 1985. This led to the release of the band’s debut album, “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams,” which reached 115 on the Billboard Charts.

After that, the BoDeans released a string of successful records including the single “Only Love,” which reached number 16 on the mainstream rock charts. Arguably one of the most successful bands to come out of the Milwaukee music scene, the band’s song “Closer to Free” was also used as the theme song for the hit TV series “Party of Five.”

Al Jarreau

• Hometown: Milwaukee

Another one of the biggest musicians from Wisconsin is singer and songwriter Al Jarreau. Born Alwin Lopez Jarreau, he first rose to prominence as a jazz singer in various clubs around the country. His breakthrough, however, came with the release of his debut album “We Got By.” The album won an Echo Award in Germany and catapulted him to international renown.

After that, Jarreau followed up with his most commercially successful album “Breakin’ Away.” Featuring the hit song, “We’re in This Love Together,” the album also won the 1982 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. After that, Jarreau continued to release successful albums and appearances. Besides singing the theme song for the TV show “Moonlighting,” Jarreau won a total of seven Grammy Awards throughout his career.

Skylar Grey

• Hometown: Mazomanie

Another one of the biggest musicians to hail from Wisconsin is singer, songwriter, and record producer Skylar Grey. Born Holly Brook Hafermann, Grey found musical success early, signing with the Universal Music Publishing Group at age 17. She also signed a record contract with Linkin Park’s Machine Shop Recordings. Under that umbrella, she released her debut album “Like Blood Like Honey.”

After that, Grey continued to find success both as a collaborator and solo musician. Besides co-writing Eminem’s hit single “Love the Way You Lie,” Grey’s second album “Don’t Look Down” reached the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart. After that, she continued to release music to critical acclaim including “Last One Standing” and her eponymously-titled fourth album. She is also well known, however, for her guest vocals on hit singles for other artists like “Where’d You Go,” “I Need a Doctor,” and “Bed of Lies.”

Tank

• Hometown: Milwaukee

Another one of the biggest musicians to come from Wisconsin is singer, songwriter, and producer Tank. Born Durrell Artaze Babbs, Tank got his start singing background vocals for acclaimed R&B artists like Ginuwine and Aaliyah. This led to a recording contract with Aaliyah’s record label Blackground Records. His debut album, “Force of Nature,” spawned the hit single “Maybe I Deserve,” which peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100.

After that, Tank continued to find success with ensuing releases. Most notably, these include the hit singles “When We,” and “Please Don’t Go,” which sat at the number one spot on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart for over six weeks. Though he has ostensibly retired from music in recent years, Tank has pursued other ventures as well. These include songwriting and production credits for big names like Beyonce and Pitbull, as well as cameos in films like “Dreamgirls,” “Preacher’s Kid,” as well as television shows “Born Again Virgin,” and “The New Edition Story.” (For great musical collaborations, discover 25 surprising cross-genre mashups.)