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.