The Best Musical Artists From Alaska

Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Musical Artists From Alaska
Voting Rules
Only artists born or raised in Alaska or bands formed in Alaska.

Here are the best artists and bands from Alaska. There may not be a ton of bands and singers coming out of Alaska. However, what it lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. Alaskan music incorporates numerous traditions and cultures. Residents of the state flock to the Alaska Folk Festival every year in Juneau. Other well-attended festivals in the area include Athabascan Old-Time Fiddling Festival, Anchorage Folk Festival, and Fairbanks Folk Festival. Bands from the continental United States visit Alaska to partake in these festivals as well as the most famous musical artists from Alaska. 

This is probably the point where a lot of people reading are asking themselves, "Which musical artists are from Alaska?" Any fans of bluegrass will have heard of Bearfoot, which are predominantly known for their work Fishtrap Joe. This epic work details the struggles between the local Alaskan fisherman and Seattle-based fish empires. Other popular Alaska artists include Jewel, Portugal the Man, Marian Call, Artis the Spoonman, and Hilary Weeks. 

If you have listened to any of these Alaskan musical artists, then you should vote on this list. Let everyone know how Alaska has contributed to the music industry by ensuring your favorite band or singer makes it to the top of the list. 

Ranked by
  • Portugal. The Man
    1
    Alternative rock, Psychedelic rock, Psychedelic pop
    99 votes
    Portugal. The Man are an American rock band from Wasilla, Alaska, currently based in Portland, Oregon. The group consists of John Baldwin Gourley, Zach Carothers, Kyle O'Quin, Jason Sechrist, Eric ...more
  • Jewel
    2
    Adult contemporary music, Pop music, Traditional music
    93 votes
    • Albums: Pieces of You, Joy: A Holiday Collection, Spirit, 0304, This Way
    Jewel Kilcher (born May 23, 1974) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, producer, actress, author, and poet. She has received four Grammy Award nominations and, as of 2015, has sold over 30 ...more
  • Jason Everman
    3
    Rock music, Grunge, Heavy metal
    16 votes
    Jason Mark Everman (born October 16, 1967) is an American musician and soldier who played guitar with Nirvana and bass in Soundgarden and OLD. He later served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan with ...more
  • Bearfoot
    4

    Bearfoot

    Americana, Folk music, Bluegrass
    27 votes
    • Albums: Doors and Windows, American Story, Back Home, Follow Me, Only Time Knows
    Bearfoot is a post-bluegrass band that started in Alaska in 1999 as Bearfoot Bluegrass. The original all-Alaskan band competed in and won the 26th annual Telluride Bluegrass band contest in 2001, and ...more
  • Pamyua
    5

    Pamyua

    Yupik musical group
    29 votes
    • Albums: Side A / Side B, Ocean Prayer, mengluni, Verses-Apallut
    Pamyua is a Yupik musical group from Anchorage in the U.S. state of Alaska.
  • Artis the Spoonman
    6
    Rock music, Pop rock
    23 votes
    • Albums: ...Entertain the Entertainers, A Livin' Spoonful
    Artis the Spoonman (born October 3, 1948) is an American street performer and musician from Seattle, Washington, who uses spoons as a musical instrument. He frequents the Pike Place Market ...more