Montana’s Highest-Grossing Musician May Not Be Who You Think

Every once in a while I happen to find something online that makes me rethink everything I thought I knew. This is one of those instances.

My appreciation for music is one of the reasons why I got into radio all those years ago. Montana has had its share of very talented musicians that have called Montana home. Whether they were born here or eventually found their way here, there is a lot of talent that has been linked to our great state.

Recently I saw a map of the U.S. that has the "Highest Grossing Singer/Band/Musician" from each state, you can imagine my surprise when I saw who represents Montana on the map.

❓Keep Scrolling to See Who Represents Montana❓

The first person I thought of was Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam, who was born in Havre. He isn't the artist that represents Montana on this map, even with his solo work. Pearl Jam isn't the highest-grossing band from Washington either, that would be Kenny G. Like I said, it made me rethink everything.

Colin Meloy From the Decemberists

The next musician that popped into my head was Colin Meloy, lead singer of the Decemberists, who was born in Helena. He isn't the top-grossing artist from Montana either.

Tim Montana

Another musician that we all need to look out for who is doing some big things these days is Tim Montana, born in Butte. He has had some major success recently with the release of his latest album "Savage". He may be at the top of this list someday.

There is a long list of artists who have called Montana home. Huey Lewis, Hank Williams Jr., John Mayer, Jason Newsted, Hoyt Axton, and Charley Pride have all spent time in Montana.

Get our free mobile app

Nicolette Larson Is the Top Grossing Artist from Montana

According to the map the highest-grossing artist, band or musician from Montana is Nicolette Larson, who was born in Helena. By the time Larson was in high school she had moved from Montana. Her debut album titled "Nicolette", released in 1978, reached number fifteen on the U.S. charts and number one on the Canadian charts. Her song "Lotta Love" reached number one on the U.S. and Canadian Adult Contemporary charts.

Larson would also win the Academy of Country Music Awards Top New Female Artist in 1985. She passed away in 1997 at the age of 45.