Utah is more diverse than people think — at least when it comes to the number of famous musicians who've made their way through the state.
You've got pop stars, rockers, country singers and even some viral YouTube music video sensations, but that's only the beginning. Some were born and raised here; others only called Utah home temporarily. But each of them has a sizable fanbase and talent to spare, so the Beehive State is proud to claim a connection.
If you're wondering who some of these famous Utah musicians are, here's a list of them in no particular order. It's a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll — and a little bit of everything in between.
David Archuleta
In 2008, when he was just 16 years old, David Archuleta won the hearts of millions of "American Idol" viewers during its seventh season. Even though he was the runner-up in the finale, the former Murray resident's career took off from there.
With a double platinum album and a No. 2 song on the Billboard Hot 100 to his name, among other awards and accolades, Yahoo Entertainment included him on its list of "Most Successful 'American Idol' Losers Ever."
The Piano Guys
As of this writing, The Piano Guys have just over 7 million subscribers on their YouTube channel. Most of those viewers probably have no idea that it all started as a marketing tactic to sell pianos from a store in St. George.
When Jon Schmidt walked into Paul Anderson's store — called "The Piano Guys" — to practice for a gig in town, Anderson saw an opportunity to promote Schmidt's work and the piano business simultaneously. They recorded music videos in the hopes of going viral.
Eventually, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson entered the scene, as did music producer Al van der Beek. Their music, which combined classical songs with pop hits, didn't just go viral — they exploded.
Their piano/cello cover of Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" still tops the list with over 220 million views, though many of their videos have tens of millions of views as well.
Imagine Dragons
On the topic of YouTube sensations, the pop-rock band Imagine Dragons, which got its start in Provo, currently has over 31 million subscribers — and several videos with billions of views.
Some of the original band members met while attending Brigham Young University, though the band eventually relocated to Las Vegas. You'll likely recognize such hits as "Believer," "Radioactive" and "Thunder," which have contributed to their massive success.
"With more than 75 million albums sold worldwide, Imagine Dragons is one of the best-selling music acts in history," Cillea Houghton writes for American Songwriter.
Neon Trees
It would be unfair not to include Neon Trees on the list since this is another rock band that got its start in Provo around the same time as Imagine Dragons. Neon Trees' big break came when they opened for The Killers on several of their North American tours in 2008.
Brandon Flowers
Speaking of The Killers, the band's lead singer Brandon Flowers also grew up in Utah. Though he was born in Henderson, Nevada, his family moved to Payson, Utah, when he was 8 and eventually to Nephi. The band's 2021 album, "Pressure Machine," even talks about Nephi and other small Utah towns that influenced Flowers' early years.
The National Parks
There must be something in the Provo water because The National Parks is yet another band to emerge from it. The indie folk-pop band formed in 2013 and now consists of four members: Brady Parks on vocals and guitar, Sydney Macfarlane on vocals and keys, Cam Brannelly on drums and Megan Parks on violin.
Summerfest reports that The National Parks has over 150 million streams across four albums. Their track "Time" from their 2020 album "Wildflower" has over 9.3 million Spotify streams alone.
You might want to keep your eye on these guys.
The Osmonds
Perhaps no names on this list are more famously Utahn than the Osmond family. According to This Day in Music, it all started with the Osmond Brothers quartet — Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay — who sang barbershop music for audiences around their hometown of Ogden in 1958. Their father took them to audition for the Lawrence Welk Show, and though he turned them down, they were soon discovered by Andy Williams and became regulars on his show during the 1960s.
Their younger brother Donny eventually joined them, as did their brother Jimmy and sister Marie. From Saturday morning cartoon shows to "The Donny and Marie Show" variety hour and hundreds of albums, the Osmonds became a household name — particularly Donny.
If you want to catch a Donny Osmond show in Las Vegas, he recently extended his residency at Harrah's through 2023.
Brendon Urie
Brendon Urie is best known as the former frontman for Panic! at the Disco, but the St. George-born singer has also collaborated with other famous artists. Taylor Swift fans will recognize him from her track "ME!" off her 2019 album, "Lover."
Earlier this year, Urie announced the end of Panic! at the Disco on Instagram as he prepared to become a first-time father. He was the band's last remaining original member.
Jewel
Born in Payson, Utah, singer-songwriter Jewel only lived in the Beehive State for two years before moving to Alaska with her family. According to Biography.com, she started singing at age 6 and won a scholarship to Interlochen, a private arts school in Michigan, in her teenage years.
For a time, Jewel was homeless and performed songs on street corners and in coffee houses to make ends meet while living in a van. She was eventually discovered and rose to fame years later, but she never forgot her humble roots. Her personal experiences with homelessness and depression led her to become an activist as well as a musician.
Time to listen to some music
As you can tell, Utah has seen a fair share of talented artists come in and out of the state and each has a fascinating story of how they rose to stardom. Now that you know a few famous Utah musicians, open up Apple Music, Spotify or YouTube and start listening to their greatest hits. You might discover your new favorite artist!
And if you're looking to make it big in the music scene yourself, if the list above is any indication, Provo might not be a bad place to start.
Siegfried & Jensen
Since 1990, Siegfried & Jensen have been helping the people of Utah and surrounding states who have suffered needless injuries and death caused by car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, defective drugs, dog bites, wrongful death, and other types of personal injury.
The firm is committed to keeping Utah families and communities safe by ensuring wrongdoers are held accountable. While a lawsuit isn't always the answer when it is needed having someone on your side can mean the difference between declaring bankruptcy and rebuilding your life and moving forward, especially when you're up against an insurance company or a hospital.
Siegfried & Jensen has represented more than 35,000 clients and recovered over $1.2 billion for them.
