Top 10 Uptown Performers Who've Played on the Late Show

David Letterman's illustrious career is coming to an end this week.  His show has featured iconic moments that viewers and non-viewers alike can recognize as a staple to his onscreen success. Almost everyone knows of Dave's infamous "Top 10 Lists."

World famous politicians, American presidents, American heroes, famous athletes, actors... you name it.  Almost no one is immune to his countdown of 10 funny and witty comments involving a current event or topic.

Typically presented by someone famous - or Dave himself - the countdown is followed up with a song from the band that is contemporary to the list. Speaking of bands, songs, and top 10 lists, we've decided to throw ourselves into the mix.

Presenting our own "Top 10 List"...

Uptown Playlist Theater Performers Who Have Appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman: 

10. Alejandro Escovado
  9. Fred Eaglesmith
  8. Sam Llanas
  7. Chuck Prophet
  6. Ray Wylie Hubbard
  5. Loudon Wainright III
  4. Bo Ramsey
  3. Greg Brown
  2. Griffin House

And the number one Uptown Playlist Theater performer who has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman? 

  1. Matthew Ryan (coincidentally playing here this week!)


if you're interested in catching an artist who has graced the stage of a national icon, than we strongly urge you to grab a ticket to Matthew Ryan this Thursday, May 21st and see first hand a musical act helped by the late-night great.

Matthew's "Late Show" performance

Matthew Ryan and the Northern Wires

Thursday, May 21  |  7:30 pm

$15 General Admission  |  Purchase Tickets

For many who have seen these artists at our theater, you may not know that David Letterman is actually a huge supporter of the Americana music style. This is one of the main reasons you'll see this style of artist on his show rather than on Jimmy Fallon's or Conan O'Brien's. And while you could argue that any group that performs on a late-night talk show program will gain instant notoriety because of it, you have to appreciate the attempts that are made by someone like Letterman to personally suggest Americana, Blues, or Root's Rock artists in need of a kick start to help them take off.

For instance, people like Emmylou Harris credit Letterman for giving their career a boost. In Emmylou's case, it came during the late 80's and early 90's when the music scene started to change. Since then, she has appeared on his program 22 times. In addition, many lesser-known artists have been asked specifically by Dave to perform a private concert for his friends and family at his Montana ranch.

Many artists say that you know you've made it when you've done the combo of Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with David Letterman.

At the end of the week, a legacy comes to an end.  But the influence he's had on the careers of thousands of instrumentalists can be felt - and more specifically heard - all the way here to the Uptown Playlist Theater.

See you Thursday!