Music of Utah

Utah has long been dominated culturally by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), though African American, Native American and other groups have also played an important role.

Since 1847, Mormon influence in Utah music is manifest in the state’s most famous musical institution: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Beginning in the 1960s, gospel music gained some success, and Mormons played an integral role in the development of Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) into the 1970s, as well as producing their own variety called Mormon pop.

In addition to the overtly religious music, Utah has a typical music scene featuring local blues, rock, and punk groups. However, these groups are usually marginalized because bands often play in bars and clubs which are infrequently patronized by the sizable LDS population. Straight edge punk is especially popular because the straight edge culture (steadfastly refusing sex, drugs, and alcohol) fits nicely into many youthful Mormon’s lifestyle.

The Desert String Band has gained some notoriety and performed across the world. They play a mixture of old-time music, Utah pioneer songs and Celtic music.