New York, the bustling metropolis and cultural hub, has been a breeding ground for numerous famous singers who have made an indelible mark on the music industry. From jazz and Broadway to hip-hop and pop, New York has produced iconic voices across a wide range of genres.
One of the most celebrated singers associated with New York is Frank Sinatra, often referred to as “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Sinatra’s smooth and velvety voice, coupled with his impeccable phrasing, made him one of the greatest interpreters of popular music. Hits like “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” and “New York, New York” have become timeless classics, forever linked to the city itself.
New York is also synonymous with the birth of hip-hop, and legendary artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Nas emerged from the vibrant music scene of the city. Their distinct styles, lyrical prowess, and storytelling abilities have solidified their status as rap icons, with their contributions shaping the evolution of the genre.
Additionally, New York has produced influential voices in the world of jazz, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. These trailblazing jazz vocalists, with their soulful interpretations and captivating stage presence, left an indelible mark on the genre and continue to inspire generations of musicians.
Moreover, Broadway has been the birthplace of numerous famous singers, with stars like Barbra Streisand, Patti LuPone, and Lin-Manuel Miranda hailing from New York. Their powerful voices and remarkable performances have graced the stages of Broadway, creating unforgettable musical moments.
These singers from New York represent the city’s immense musical legacy. From the jazz clubs of Harlem to the stages of Broadway and the streets of the Bronx, their talent, creativity, and enduring influence have solidified New York’s status as a global epicenter of music and a place where legends are born.
1. Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis And The News)
Huey Lewis from Huey Lewis and the News is a famous singer from New York known for his distinct voice. He has won several awards for his work in music and is considered one of the best artists in the industry. His music style includes genres like rock, pop, and soul, which have earned him a massive following around the world.
Lewis began his career with the group Clover, but he gained mainstream success with Huey Lewis and the News in the 1980s. Their debut album topped charts globally, with many hits following in subsequent years. As an actor, he made appearances in films like "Short Cuts" and "Duets," showcasing his versatility in different fields.
Alongside an impressive singing career, Huey Lewis has been a philanthropist and humanitarian, having contributed to many different causes over the years. He donated proceeds of his concerts to charities such as Little Kids Rock and Bruce Springsteen's charity foundation during tours.
As he continues to perform across different platforms, it is clear that Huey Lewis's impact on music can never be understated. Fans continue to love his distinctive sound and musical range even after decades of performing.
If you attend any of his concerts or live shows, twofold recommendations are as follows: First, arrive early to find suitable seats or standing space close just enough to derive utmost satisfaction from your concert experience. Secondly, familiarize yourself with Huey Lewis's entire discography beforehand so that you can sing along with him when he performs your favorite songs!
Despite being born in East Harlem, Tupac Shakur made a name for himself on the West Coast – proving that even New York's finest exports can thrive outside the concrete jungle.
2. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Amaru Shakur, a legendary rapper and actor, was born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem. Being raised in the Bronx and later moving to California, Tupac made a significant impact on the hip-hop industry with his socially conscious lyrics and powerful delivery. He released four studio albums during his lifetime and several posthumously, including many chart-topping hits such as "California Love" and "Changes." Tupac's untimely death at the age of 25 has not stopped fans from remembering him as a talented artist who used his platform to speak out against social injustice.
Moreover, apart from his music career, Tupac had a passion for acting. He starred in several films such as Juice and Poetic Justice and earned praise for his performances. His song "Dear Mama" is considered one of the greatest hip hop songs ever written.
Interestingly, Tupac's birth name was Lesane Parish Crooks but was later changed by his mother Afeni Shakur to reflect their African heritage.
A true fact – According to Rolling Stone Magazine's '100 Greatest Artists of All Time', Tupac Shakur ranks 86th.
Tom Morello is proof that even if you don't have a traditional singing voice, you can still belt out revolutionary anthems that get people moving.
3. Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine)
Tom Morello is a famous musician and guitarist who hails from New York. He gained prominence as a member of the band 'Rage Against The Machine', which is known for its politically charged lyrics and captivating performances. As an activist, he uses his music to draw attention to social and political issues. With unique and innovative guitar playing techniques, he has been able to differentiate himself from other guitarists in the industry. Tom Morello has inspired many musicians with his distinctive style of playing, making him one of the most respected guitarists.
He was born in Harlem and grew up in Libertyville, Illinois, where he began playing guitar at the age of 17. He went on to attend Harvard University, where he earned a degree in Social Studies before moving back to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. Tom Morello has also collaborated with various artists across different genres and released solo albums. In addition to his successful music career, Tom Morello is also an actor, writer, and activist.
It's worth noting that Tom Morello has been named as one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" by Rolling Stone magazine.
Fun Fact: Tom Morello was once a part of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign trail band during the 2008 election.
Let's hope Alicia Keys never loses her keys, or we might have to bear witness to an embarrassing 'Empire State of Mind' remix.
4. Alicia Keys
The New York-born, Alicia Keys is one of the most renowned singers in the music industry. Her soulful voice and piano skills have taken her to great heights. She has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, making her one of the highest-awarded artists of all time. She's known for her hit songs like 'Fallin', 'No One,' and 'If I Ain't Got You.' Despite being a successful musician, Keys has also co-founded RKID Music, a music label aimed at promoting up-and-coming musicians.
Moreover, Alicia Keys is an actor, author and philanthropist as well. She's appeared in several movies and TV shows like The Secret Life of Bees (2008) and Empire (2015). She's authored many books – both fiction and non-fiction. Besides this all, she actively supports various charities like Keep A Child Alive and Frum Tha Ground Up that focuses on providing education to underprivileged children.
To improve your singing skills like Alicia Keys', it's essential to practice regularly with vocal exercises to strengthen your voice range and control. To nail your performance on stage or studio recordings ahead of live performances; practice self-confidence as it helps you stay composed amidst stage fright or nervousness. Also, ensure you work with live audiences such as karaoke nights or small gigs to gain experience in dealing with crowds before big performances or tours.
Rivers Cuomo may be from New York, but he sure knows how to sing about Beverly Hills.
5. Rivers Cuomo (Weezer)
This article features renowned singers who hail from New York. One of the notable names on this list is the lead singer of the band Weezer, Rivers Cuomo. Cuomo was born in Manhattan and raised on an ashram in Connecticut. He taught himself how to play guitar at a young age and started writing songs soon after. His unique sound, which combines pop punk, power pop, and alternative rock, quickly captivated music fans around the world.
Cuomo's distinctive songwriting style has been influenced by his musical idols such The Beach Boys, Nirvana and Kiss. He is known for his introspective lyrics that delve into personal experiences but also explore universal themes such as love, heartbreak and nostalgia. In addition to being a talented musician, Cuomo received his Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Harvard University in 1998.
Interestingly enough, Cuomo took a hiatus from Weezer after experiencing writer's block – he returned to study at Harvard daily between tours to complete courses towards his Master's degree in music composition while members of Weezer recorded demos for their fourth album during his absence.
Pro Tip: Despite facing writer's block throughout his musical career, Cuomo found new avenues to channel his creativity by exploring academia which further sharpened his artistic skills.
Lou Reed – proof that being from New York means you don't have to sing like an angel to become a legend.
6. Lou Reed
This artist from New York gained immense fame for their unique style and pioneering efforts in the music industry. Lou Reed was a renowned singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer who passed away in 2013. Despite facing criticism for his provocative lyrics and challenging social norms, Reed is widely recognized as one of the greatest rock musicians of all time.
Lou Reed began his career as a member of The Velvet Underground, a band famous for creating avant-garde rock music. He later pursued a successful solo career and released many iconic albums such as "Transformer" and "Berlin." His music often tackled taboo topics such as drug use, sexuality, and gender identity, making him a countercultural icon.
In addition to his musical contributions, Lou Reed also made significant contributions to visual arts. He collaborated with influential artists such as Andy Warhol and Laurie Anderson on various creative projects.
Despite facing various obstacles throughout his career, Lou Reed's unwavering dedication to his art continues to inspire many aspiring musicians today. To imbibe some of his creativity into your own work, you can try experimenting with new sounds or incorporating unconventional themes into your compositions.
Billy Joel may be a New Yorker, but he's always been a Piano Man of the world.
7. Billy Joel
A celebrated songwriter and pianist, Joel is a New York native and one of the most successful musicians in history. His classic hits like "Piano Man" have earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, it's clear that Joel's music speaks to people on a global scale.
Joel was born in the Bronx in 1949 and grew up playing piano at a young age. He began his career in music as a teenager, forming several bands before eventually striking out on his own. Over the years, he has released thirteen studio albums and numerous hit singles, becoming an enduring icon of American music.
What sets Joel apart from other artists is not only his talent for songwriting and performing but also his connection to New York City. Many of his songs are set in or inspired by the city, including "New York State of Mind" and "Allentown." This has endeared him to fans not just around the world but especially those who call the Big Apple home.
Fun fact: Despite being known for his love songs, Joel was once married to supermodel Christie Brinkley for nine years.
Carole King may have been born in New York, but her music is loved worldwide – proving that the Big Apple really does produce the best exports.
8. Carole King
Carole King, one of the ten famous singers from New York, was born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn. King became successful with her album 'Tapestry' and influenced women in the music industry to take control of their music rights and business decisions. In addition to her solo career, Carole King is known for her songwriting collaborations with Gerry Goffin. A true fact about Carole King is that she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987.
Even without Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel could still hit the high notes and break our hearts.
9. Art Garfunkel
This renowned New Yorker rose to fame as one half of the iconic duo Simon and Garfunkel, with hits such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Sound of Silence." Art Garfunkel is not only a talented singer but also an actor and poet. He has published collections of his poetry and even walked across America in the 1980s to promote literacy. Despite his struggles with vocal cord paresis, Garfunkel continues to perform and entertain audiences around the world. His lasting legacy in the music industry secures him a spot among the top singers from New York.
Joey and Johnny Ramone may have been from Queens, but they punked their way into our hearts as true New Yorkers.
10. Joey and Johnny Ramone (The Ramones)
Joey and Johnny Ramone, the legendary punk rock musicians and founding members of the iconic band The Ramones hail from New York. Here are some interesting details about their lives and career.
| Birth Names | Jeffrey Ross Hyman and John William Cummings |
| Birthplaces | Jeffrey – Queens, NY; John – Long Island, NY |
| Musical Background | Jeffrey was a vocalist while John played guitar for various bands before forming The Ramones in 1974. |
| Legacy and Achievements | The Ramones revolutionized punk rock music with their unique sound and style. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. |
Despite their success, Joey struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) throughout his life, while Johnny battled lymphoma before passing away. Their influence on music, especially punk rock, continues to inspire generations.
Fun fact: According to Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists," Johnny Ramone is ranked at #28 for his innovative playing style.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
