What are the best bands/singers from each of the 50 states?

Blake Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 05:02 PM EST

South Dakota has "The Body Electric" "We All Have Hooks for Hand" "Soulcrate" "Smoke and Mirrors" "Snakebeard Jackson" "The Kickback" and "The Spill Canvas". Great mix of indie,folk,hip-hop,and rock. Most popular is "Spill Canvas" but the best is and will always be "Violet."

cat Sun, Jul 20, 2008 at 08:56 AM EST

Philly---Best Band today? "Dr. Dog"....

cg Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

Oklahoma:
Solo Artist-Reba or Garth Brooks
New(ish)-Carrie Underwood

cg Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 11:46 AM EST

Texas
Solo Artist-Kelly Clarkson

NC
Band-Daughtry
Solo Artist-Clay Aiken (I guess)

Nancy Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 02:14 PM EST

Has anyone ever heard of Elvis Presley from Tupelo, Mississippi?

Rick Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

No James Gang in the Ohio list?

LoonyTunes Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 05:39 PM EST

Brother Ali from Wisconsin...have they never heard of Les Paul or even Steve Miller (although I guess, technically, it's Steve Miller Band). And yes, Illinois seems wrong...how 'bout a little band called "Wilco"?

Ron Perlman Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

New jeruz baby!!!!...Gotta rep the fugees even though they only had two albums, lauryn hill even though she's in another world, and faith evans cause she's underrated

Stan Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 01:10 PM EST

Chill, OK dude, it's the Lips!!!!

Daisy Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 10:50 AM EST

I can't get to the list link thanks to work filters, but if Oklahoma's Best Band isn't listed as the Flaming Lips then these people are fools and their opinions worth nothing.

plow Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 10:57 PM EST

nobody is representing michigan? how about bob seger? either that or iggy pop. hard to call. i never got into mc5 and eminem does not have the legacy that these two have.

Gary G Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 03:59 PM EST

If you want to get moving and dance the night away, Paul Cebar & Tomorrow Sound has Wisconsin covered!

ginny lester Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

Rhode Island--ZOX!!!

Red Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

The group for missouri's best new band is not as good as GTO that plays all over missouri so I disagree! Like to see other bands from missouri somewhere.

MontanaJenn Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

Unfortunately, Montana doesn't have many big names to offer adn they seemed to center on Missoula only. I do have to disagree with their choice for new band and say the 1090 Club in Billings. They are amazing and well worth experiencing live if ever given the opportunity. Check them out!!

old dominion Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

VA - Eddie from Ohio

Stacey Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

Minnesota is such a great state for music. We get to claim Bob Dylan! And I'll say that the best band we've got going now is Cloud Cult.

Daniel Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 10:09 AM EST

@ Tino
I am from the North of Ireland myself, I just ain't that big a fan of Van the Man. Hopefully that isn't sacrilege here though! Snow Patrol are from the North though so I didn't ignore us completely.

I agree your choice of Damien Rice too. I always remember when they featured his song Delicate in Lost and I was a fan since then!

JerseyGirl Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 06:55 AM EST

New Jersey here:
To be honest, I'd have to put Sinatra as the Best Solo Artist. (But if I could claim Paul Simon as BSA on the technicality that he was born in Newark, Frank just might have to give up his seat to him.) As for Best Band, I would say Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band because they belong together.

Sharlin Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 01:48 AM EST

FLORIDA - *NSYNC

Midori Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 12:16 AM EST

Hawaii
Jack Johnson!

April Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:37 PM EST

Somebody offered Cross Canadian Ragweed from the great state of Oklahoma, which is fine and great, but I've got one I think is a bit better.

The Flaming Lips.

Larry Fire Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:30 PM EST

In Oregon...it's:

http://larryfire.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/good-things-are-happening-for-the-portland-band-blind-pilot/

Otis Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:50 PM EST

You do know that this whole Best Bands thing in the Phoenix was a put-on don't you?!!

JND Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:24 PM EST

Aretha Franklin is the best solo artist in TN???? Hello- ever hear of a singer called TINA TURNER????

yma73 Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:36 PM EST

From my hometown of Yougnstown Ohio... Kool and the Gang!

Delilah Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:22 PM EST

Virginia - I'm so glad the Dave Matthews band didn't make the list. I've never been able to stand them, and that's practically a blasphemous thing for someone who grew up in Virginia in the 90's to say.

Tino Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 07:49 PM EST

Daniel - are you not claiming Van the Man because he is from Northern Ireland? For what it's worth I'd take Damien Rice.

Also, that list is rubbish. Mary J Blige as the best solo artist from NY is hilarious. Paul Simon and Billy Joel anyone?

Daniel Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 07:16 PM EST

Imagine my amazement when Britney was not representing for Louisiana!

I am from Ireland so I ain't got a state to get behind but if I decided for my wee country it would go:

Best Group - U2 (bit obvious but I love the Corrs too!)
Best Solo - Sinead O'Connor
Best New Act - I really like The Script who are new this year although Snow Patrol, who have been around a bit longer are well good too!

Brandon Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 07:16 PM EST

Yea I would have to agree...what is up with the Texas bands they picked. Blue October has to be the best new band...although they aren't that new!

Jessica Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 06:09 PM EST

Before even looking at the list I had aleady chosen Tom Petty. Imagine my elation-but not surprise-at seeing him as the best solo artist for Florida. I saw him(and the Heartberakers) a few years ago in Tampa and he continually expressed his love for his home state. He is a kind man and one of the greatest musicians of all time and Floridians should be proud to call him one of their own!

AmyK Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 05:29 PM EST

Born and raised in Texas all of my 35 years and I've never heard of the band they picked for us. I'm not a big fan of either but they could have picked ZZTop or the Dixie Chicks over those NO NAMES they chose!

Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

NC has some slim pickens. Didn't know George Clinton was from here. I think best solo artist should be James Taylor or Ryan Adams, because those are the only two that are recognizable. Ben Folds for bands. We have slim pickens in NC

Hannah Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 04:39 PM EST

I still say The Hold Steady should count as a Minnesota band. They certainly make more references to the Mississippi than the Hudson.

Either way, our state totally rocks this list.

Julie Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

Springsteen from Jersey and as Michael Scott seems to think, U2 from Pennsylvania

MsDaisy Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

Alabama: Best Band, Alabama (one of the most successful and awarded country music groups of all-time). Best Solo Artist: I don't disagree with Hank Williams, but you could have just as easily said Nat King Cole, Percy Sledge, Tammy Wynnette or Emmylou Harris (who gets my vote).

Casey Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

WA - Pearl Jam
SD - Kory and the FireFlies

Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:58 PM EST

I'm really not a fan of the NY Dolls. To be honest, any band whose singer ended up doing "Hot Hot Hot" isn't as talented as they think they are.

NY-wise, I'd have to pick my favorite band, Coheed and Cambria.

Rich Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:52 PM EST

Elvis Presley does not appear as the best solo artist for Mississippi (place of birth), Tennessee (Graceland) or Nevada (Las Vegas years). Any list that can't find a single place for Elvis, even using the sloppy standards this one does, has no validity whatsoever.

donner Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

Texas has SO MANY good bands/musicians, how can we possibly pick only three? There's no way...and the 3 they chose in this link aren't even close to being the best...

Megan Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST

North Carolina: Ryan Adams and Ben Folds are both from North Carolina, and I like them a lot more than George Clinton (who I didn't even know was from there) and Superchunk!

mel Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

'Three Plus' from Hawaii.

Kasey Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

In this wasteland called Ohio, there is only one band I actually take pride in: The Black Keys. They've only been around a few years, but they are amazing (and amazing live). Thankfully they are really starting to generate notice and acclaim with their newest album (Attack & Release). The Black Keys definitely should get points because they actually still live in ther home state.

Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

Ohio has The Pretenders, DEVO.....

Jk Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

For Illinois, the Lovehammers should've gotten best new band, but how could they have forgotten Bo Diddley and The Buckinghams in the other catagories? And I don't see why Alabama wasn't picked for Alabama's best band. I'm convinced all these lists are written by college students with a higher-than-thou musical attitude.

burningstar Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

I could forsee Slint as the best band from KY...Everybody who comes to Louisville here name checks them, including most recently Glen Hansard from The Swell Season. But I have to say, I am suprised My Morning Jacket didn't even get mentioned considering their far-reaching success...very interesting.

Stephanie T. Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

The best New York band is clearly The NY Dolls.

I would say that The Cars are the best band from MA except, the late Benjamin Orr came from Ohio, and the keyboardist was born in Brooklyn, NY. Are there any rules on technicality?

Dixie Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST

I must say I never heard of Big Star (the top band from TN according to the Boston Phoenix). There really aren't many bands from TN now that I think about it. We seem to run more to solo artists.
Speaking of solo artists, I love Aretha, but my pick for best solo artist would have been Anna Mae Bullock from Nutbush (aka Tina Turner).

Scott K Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

Ok! Minnesota:

First off , to Patricia: Sorry, Bob Dylan is from Minnesota, you can't have him.

I would also say Prince is just as relevent and influential.

Band: either The Time or The Replacements or Husker Du.

New band: I gotta give it up for Tapes 'n' Tapes!

Kai- Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

Hawaii: Don Ho?!?!? WTF He was a drunk womanizing one-hit wonder who could barely get through a show in Waikiki. The obvious choice for solo artist would have to be Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. His music has been featured in many movies, tv shows, commericals and even American Idol. Ten years after his death a new album of his still goes to number 1 here in Hawaii.

Patricia Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:10 PM EST

For Michigan, it has to be Bob Dylan. No question about it.

LK Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:47 PM EST

some well-known acts from Pennsylvania:
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails
the band Breaking Benjamin
and the band Live

Z Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:46 PM EST

I'm from New York, so I agree with Mary J. Blige- the other two don't know much about.

My Dad's from Michigan- Stevie Wonders great, but Madonna has had such an influence on music, I think she should have been picked.

Kinda disappointed Roy Orbison was picked over Beyonce in Texas

Kat Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

Was thrilled at the love for Tilly and the Wall - not only do they tap dance for percussion, but they are hysterical live!

Brian Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

How could the best band from Texas not be ZZ Top? How? They were in "Back to the Future III" for god's sake!

Saybo Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

yeah, Colorado is a mess too. Their selections are so bizarre (not that Colorado has turned out lots of great music). I've never heard of one of the bands, they picked Jello Biafra because he grew up here, but I don't feel like he's had anything to do with the Colorado scene.

strickens_girl Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:17 PM EST

I'll second LizzBlizz's nod to CAKE from Sacramento, California. Awesome band from my hometown!!

Emily Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

By far the best from VA is Dave Matthews Band. They originated in Charlottesville.

Saggia Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

I, too, have lived all over the place, so here's my input on a few:

Washington - Layne Staley /Alice in Chains
Massachusetts - Sully Erna / Godsmack
California - Chris Isaak, Amy Lee/Evanescence, Bonnie Raitt
Ohio - Dean Martin
Pennsylvania - Daryl Hall / Hall and Oates
Texas - Willie Nelson

Minnesota Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

E, for Minnesota, please also include:

SOLO ARTIST: Prince

jaime Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

Um hello and we cant forget Destiny's Child/Beyonce or Hillary Duff. . .im sure there is a ton more from Texas we also got George Strait, Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, Le Anne Rimes...just to name a few! My fav is still my gurl KELLY CLARKSON!

jaime Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

~TEXAS~
BAND - Blue October
SOLO - Janice Joplin
NEW(est) - Kelly Clarkson
Oh and we cant forget Selena!
Wow texas has given us some powerful voices!

Vinder Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:39 AM EST

Kansas/Missouri (Kansas City Area):
Solo Artist: Melissa Etheridge
Band: The Count Basie Orchestra
New Artist: David Cook

(Bet that is the only time you will ever see those three names on the same list)

Sam Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

OKLAHOMA: Cross Canadian Ragweed!!!!

Lucy Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:23 AM EST

Could someone from British Columbia please come up with someone cool. I might just be tired, but everyone I can think of is lame. Please let us be known for someone other than Brian Adams.

Wen Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

From Texas - no one beats Stevie Ray Vaughn.....

jen Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:01 AM EST

While they're WRONG about Aerosmith being from NH, at least put "The Cars" as best band from Massachusetts.
FAIL.

LizzBlizz Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:50 AM EST

My home state is CA, but I felt I HAD to throw in my hometown of Sacramento, since they have a scene all their own.

Best band: CAKE (sorry Deftones)

Best solo artist: Charlie Peacock

Best new artist: Jackie Greene

Jason Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:35 AM EST

I think they cheated with Florida. I agree with Skynyrd as group but picking Tom Petty as solo is a cop out, its Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Of course that leaves us with Pat Boone or Gloria Estefan.

Rob Grizzly Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:25 AM EST

Maybe I'm too young, or maybe Pop radio has taken over music, by I haven't heard of maybe 70-80% of all these States' artists.

JKW Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:03 AM EST

I guess I can agree with the picks for my home state of Louisiana, but not choosing Elvis for Mississippi is totally crazy.

Darmini Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

Zimbabwe: Tie between Oliver 'Tuku' Mtukudzi and David Chifunyise.

Wojo Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

I must be way out of the musical loop. I don't even recognize the names of half of the bands/artists from the states I clicked on. At least I recognized the 3 from my home state, though I didn't even know Trent Reznor was born in PA. As for this Springsteen fellow, he may be synonymous with New Jersey, but that still means you have to deny Frank Sinatra a spot. That's kind of rough.

e Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:43 AM EST

TX-Spoon
New Mexico- Beirut

Chaddogg Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST

P.S. And while Ray Charles was born in Georgia, he moved to Florida as a toddler, attended school there (St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind) and started in music there (with The Florida Playboys in Tampa)....he could easily be called Florida's Ray Charles as he could be Georgia's (despite his iconic "Georgia on My Mind")

Chaddogg Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

Wow, I think they screwed up Illinois.

Big Black as best band? Uh....ever hear of Smashing Pumpkins? Cheap Trick?

And while Miles Davis is a legitimately strong solo artist choice, I gotta throw some love to Kanye West, Common, and Lupe Fiasco...probably not big enough historically to unseat Miles, but certainly potential challengers as they continue to make awesome music.

KateDFW Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

I guess by my name you can tell where I am from....but there are way too many bands and singers from Texas to mention. My all time favorite was/is Stevie Ray Vaughn (RIP). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Texas

jcarla Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:19 AM EST

Considering I lived all over the place, I will comment on them all:
NJ - I'd vote Bon Jovi as best band or E-street Band since you have the boss.
GA - I agree on Ray Charles, but I'm split with R.E.M. and OutKast.
CO - no comment.
MO - Definitely Chuck Berry.
NY - not even going to that one. It's like Michigan.
SC - can only agree with James Brown.

Scott Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:55 AM EST

I'm satisfied with the choices for my home state of Michigan, but there are still some big mistakes. For example, some band called Big Black is chosen as the best band from Illinois over Cheap Trick? Huh?

Tony Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:36 AM EST

Well the Phoenix got Massachusetts right, so I don't really have much to add.

Kerri Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:27 AM EST

I was interested to see who they picked from my home state of Indiana. Picking both the Jackson 5 AND Michael Jackson is both understandable and at the same time a bit of a cop-out when you have both John Mellencamp and Axl Rose from here as well.

E Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:23 AM EST

MINNESOTA

SOLO ARTIST: Bob Dylan
BAND: The Time
NEW(ish): The Honeydogs