Colin Meloy (born Colin Patrick Henry Meloy on October 5, 1974, in Helena, Montana) is an American musician. He is lead singer and songwriter for The Decemberists and has released three EPs consisting entirely of the works of Morrissey, Shirley Collins, and Sam Cooke (in 2005, 2006, and 2008 respectively). He also has a solo album, Colin Meloy Sings Live! (2008), featuring live tracks selected from a solo tour. Meloy began his song writing days after learning to play the guitar in the seventh grade.

He began recording in the eighth grade as a member of the musical collaboration, The B-Sides, recording, (to cassette tape), "The Mellow Bluesmen Die: A Spiritual Progression. " He followed that with the band Figurehead, recording "Jesus' Mom.

" In his high school days Meloy was also part of Helena, Montana's Happy Cactus, releasing one album, "Cricket. " Meloy also headed the now defunct, Tarkio, during his college days in Missoula, Montana.

His career really began with the forming of The Decemberists in Portland, Oregon, in 2000.