The Best Musical Artists From Colorado

Voting Rules
Only artists born or raised in Colorado or bands formed in Colorado..

here are the best artists and bands from Colorado. The Centennial State has an incredibly active music scene, primarily centered around Denver. Bands from all over the world have traveled to play at historically significant venues. For example, Led Zeppelin's first North American performance ever was in Denver. Queen also entered the United States' consciousness in a big way by playing their first U.S. gig at the Regis Field House in Denver. While numerous artists have played in the state, Colorado is also responsible for fostering its own talent. There have been plenty of famous musical artists from Colorado who have made an impact on audiences in this country and beyond. 

John Denver lived in Aspen and had a profound love of Colorado for much of his life. In fact, he sang about the state numerous times in his music. To show their appreciation for Denver's music, state legislators awarded him the title of poet laureate. Some of the most popular Colorado artists include The Fray, OneRepublic, The Lumineers, and Earth, Wind & Fire. 

Of all the best musical artists from Colorado, which ones do you find yourself listening to time and time again? All of these artists were either born, raised, or formed here. Vote for your favorite musicians to make Colorado proud. 

Ranked by
  • John Denver
    1
    Western music, Pop music, Traditional music
    163 votes
    • Albums: Rocky Mountain Christmas, Christmas Like a Lullaby, A Christmas Together, Take Me Home, Country Roads
    Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, activist, and humanitarian, whose ...more
  • Earth, Wind & Fire
    2
    Disco, Rock music, Black metal
    163 votes
    • Albums: That's the Way of the World, Spirit, All 'n All, Gratitude, Open Our Eyes
    Earth, Wind & Fire is an American band that has spanned the musical genres of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, Latin, African and gospel. They are one of the most successful and critically ...more
  • Nathaniel Rateliff
    3
    Soul, Gospel, Folk rock
    51 votes
    • Albums: Look It Here, In Memory of Loss
    Nathaniel David Rateliff (born October 7, 1978) is an American singer and songwriter based in Denver, Colorado, whose influences are described as folk, Americana and vintage rhythm & blues. Rateliff ...more
  • OneRepublic
    4
    Pop music, Rock music, Piano rock
    160 votes
    • Albums: Dreaming Out Loud, Waking Up, The Teen Idols: The Very Best Of, Native, Stop and Stare
    OneRepublic is an American pop rock band from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by Ryan Tedder and Zach Filkins, the band achieved commercial success on Myspace as an unsigned act. In late ...more
  • Big Head Todd and the Monsters
    5
    117 votes
    • Albums: Riviera, Sister Sweetly, All the Love You Need, Strategem, Rocksteady
    Big Head Todd and the Monsters are a rock band formed in 1984 in Colorado. The band has released a number of albums since 1989 with their 1993 album Sister Sweetly going platinum in the United ...more
  • The Fray
    6
    Indie pop, Adult album alternative, Pop music
    113 votes
    • Albums: How to Save a Life, The Fray, How to Save a Life, Reason EP, Movement EP
    The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King, they achieved success with the release of their debut album, How to Save a Life in ...more