Music of Wisconsin

Wisconsin was settled largely by European immigrants in the late 19th century. This immigration led to the popularization of galops, schottisches, waltzes, and, especially, polkas. Classical composers and conductors from Wisconsin include Hans Balatka, Hugo Kaun, Eugene Luening, Theodore Steinmetz and Sarge Boyd. The Steve Miller Band, with Madison's Steve Miller, had three #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 from 1973–82, including "The Joker."The Chordettes, from Sheboygan, had a #1 hit in the US with "Mr. Sandman" in 1954.Bon Iver, the indie folk band from Eau Claire, had a #2 album on the Billboard 200 in 2016. Garbage from Madison had a #4 album on the Billboard 200 with the alternative and electronic rock Bleed Like Me in 2005.

The 1830s and 1840s brought European dances like the schottische, waltz, galop and, most importantly, the polka. The 1840s also saw massive immigration from Germany to Milwaukee, which became known as Deutsche Athen (German Athens). Groups formed, such as the Milwaukee Musical Society, to celebrate ethnic German music. Some important figures from this era include Christopher Bach, Hans Balatka, Eugene Luening and Hugo Kaun.

While Germans moved to Milwaukee, Norwegians moved en masse to south and west Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. Norwegian musicians like the violinist Ole Bull were wildly popular in cities like Madison.

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