Notable New Mexicans

Biographies of Notable New Mexican Musicians

Lynn Anderson
Lynn Anderson is an American country music singer and horse racer, best known for her Grammy Award-winning country crossover hit single, '(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden'.

Max Baca
Max Baca, who was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has participated on 10 Grammy Winning albums.

Tom Bee
Best known as founder and featured artist with the popular 70's music group XIT, Gallup, New Mexico native Tom Bee has achieved a cult status in America and Europe, allowing his music to survive and thrive for the last thirty years.

Lee Eliot Berk
Dr. Lee Eliot Berk served as President of Boston's Berklee College of Music from 1979 to 2004. Upon retiring, he was appointed President Emeritus and a member of the Board of Overseers, both honorary affiliations.

Chris Calloway
Chris Calloway was Santa Fe's reigning diva of the night, and daughter of famous Cotton Club bandleader Cab Calloway.

Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll and former New Mexico resident, helped cast the sonic template of rock more than 50 years ago with a signature syncopated rhythm that became universally recognized as 'the Bo Diddley beat'.

The Fireballs
Hailing from Raton, New Mexico in the late 50's, the Fireballs were New Mexico's first Rock & Roll recording band to become internationally known. The group was christened the FIREBALLS after their standing ovation performance of 'Great Balls of Fire' at the Raton High School PTA talent contest in New Mexico, USA.

Hardrock Gunter
Hardrock Gunter was one of the earliest country boogie artists to start transforming the music into full-fledged Rockabilly and Rock and Roll.

Brian Hardgroove
Writer, producer, bassist and bandleader of Public Enemy, Brian Hardgroove also hosts his own talk/music program ('Hardgroove's Fuse Box') on KBAC-FM in Santa Fe.

Barbara Hubbard
Barbara Hubbard has been Executive Director of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase (ACTWS), a non-profit organization that raises scholarships for students who seek a career in the Performing Arts.

John Aaron Lewis
Possessor of a classic spare, 'less is more' piano approach that takes rich advantage of every note played, John Lewis grew up musically during the development of the bebop sound during the mid-late 1940s. His artistry truly flowered during his historic tenure as musical director of the longest-continuing small ensemble in the annals of jazz.

Manzanares
Manzanares is hot Spanish guitar, sizzling Latin percussion, and soulful vocals - a high-energy and fiery sound with a dazzling repertoire that ranges from Spanish and Middle Eastern guitar melodies to Flamenco to Pop to Latin Rock

CB McCarty
One of the most accomplished writers in popular music, this versatile and talented songwriter continues to turn out highly memorable and successful songs in many genres.

Roger Miller
Songwriter, singer, guitarist, fiddler, drummer, TV star, humorist, honky-tonk man, Broadway composer, and perhaps above all else, an awesome wit - Roger Miller was all of these and more.

Robert Mirabal
Described as a Native American 'Renaissance man' - master flute player, musician, composer, painter, craftsman, poet, actor, screenwriter, horseman and farmer - Robert Mirabal has traveled extensively and played his music all over the world.

Larry Mitchell
Larry Mitchell is an award winning solo artist, sideman, songwriter and music producer. As a solo artist Larry has released six guitar instrumental records which met with significant critical acclaim. The albums range from mellow acoustic to scorching rock arrangements.

Michael Martin Murphey
When you hear the name Michael Martin Murphey, automatically the number one song 'Wildfire' comes to mind. Because of his love of the West and the great outdoors, Michael has called Red River, New Mexico home since the 1980's and constantly uses New Mexico as a creative retreat.

Luke Reed
Luke Reed's original songs have been recorded by George Strait, David Ball, Gene Watson, Michael Martin Murphey, Don Edwards, and many others.

Bobby Shew
Trumpeter Bobby Shew never stops using his remarkable insight, sensitivity and creativity to inspire the next generation of jazz players and teachers.

The Shins
Talented. Kind. Compassionate. That's how fans describe these four young men from Albuquerque who are members of the successful group The Shins.

Norman Petty Studios
The Norman Petty Studios are one of New Mexico's best secrets. One of the birthplaces of Rock 'N' Roll, they are nestled on 7th Street and are miraculously preserved.

Randy Travis
Randy Travis is one of the most popular artists in the history of country music. His debut album -- Storms of Life -- went multi-platinum. He has five Grammy awards, five CMA awards, nine Academy of Country Music Awards, 10 American Music Awards, and 20 albums. In the world of country music, Travis is a superstar.

Mentor Williams
Mentor Williams is an internationally acclaimed songwriter and producer of hit records. He wrote the smash hit, 'Drift Away', originally recorded by Dobie Gray and has had his songs recorded by artists including Ray Charles, Alabama, Waylon Jennings, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Randy Travis, George Jones, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley and many others.