Delaware, the small yet historically significant state on the East Coast of the United States, has also produced notable singers who have made their mark in the world of music. Despite its size, Delaware has contributed to various genres, showcasing the talent and creativity of its artists.
One of the most notable singers associated with Delaware is George Thorogood. Born in Wilmington, Thorogood is a blues-rock musician known for his energetic performances and gritty vocals. With his band, The Destroyers, he gained recognition for hits like “Bad to the Bone” and “Move It On Over,” solidifying his status as a rock and blues icon.
Delaware is also the birthplace of Elena Tonra, the lead vocalist of the indie folk band Daughter. Hailing from Northampton, England, Tonra spent her formative years in Wilmington, Delaware. Her haunting vocals and introspective songwriting have garnered critical acclaim, with the band’s atmospheric and emotionally-charged tracks, including “Youth” and “Smother,” resonating with listeners around the world.
Additionally, Delaware has produced talented singers in the realm of R&B and soul. One notable artist is Jerry Butler, born in Sunflower, Mississippi, but raised in Newark, Delaware. Known as “The Ice Man,” Butler’s smooth and velvety voice propelled him to success in the 1960s, with hits like “Only the Strong Survive” and “He Will Break Your Heart.”
Delaware’s musical contributions may not be as widely known as those of larger states, but the talent that has emerged from its borders is undeniable. From blues-rock to indie folk and R&B, singers from Delaware have made their mark, enriching the music industry with their unique voices and artistic expressions.
1. George Thorogood
George Thorogood, the renowned American musician, was born in Wilmington, Delaware. He is best known for his blues-rock music and catchy lyrics that have resonated with people across generations. With a successful career spanning over four decades, Thorogood has sold millions of albums worldwide and continues to inspire aspiring musicians.
Thorogood's journey started in the 1970s when he formed the band George Thorogood and The Destroyers. Their breakthrough came in 1982 with their hit album 'Bad to the Bone', which remains a classic to this day. Some of his other notable works include 'Move It on Over,' 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,' and 'I Drink Alone'. Thorogood has toured extensively throughout his career and has shared the stage with legends like Jagger, Clapton, and Santana.
It's interesting to note that Thorogood is also an accomplished guitarist who played left-handed but with right-hand guitars flipped upside down. This unconventional approach made him stand out from other musicians of his era. Today, he is still widely regarded as one of the most talented guitarists of our time.
Pro Tip: Want to find inspiration for your music? Listen to some of George Thorogood's classics for a perfect blend of blues and rock!
Stephen Marley proves that talent runs in the family, as he brings the reggae vibes of Delaware to the world stage.
2. Stephen Marley
Reggae singer Stephen Marley, one of the top famous singers from Delaware, has made a name for himself with his Grammy-winning albums and collaborations with other popular artists. His music focuses on themes such as social justice and spirituality, and he draws inspiration from his father Bob Marley's legacy.
Marley released his first solo album "Mind Control" in 2007 and won two Grammy Awards for it. He has also collaborated with artists like Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg and DJ Khaled. In addition to singing, Marley is also an accomplished guitarist and producer.
Marley's latest album "One Take: Acoustic Jams" was released in June 2021, featuring acoustic versions of some of his most famous songs. Despite having a successful career in music, he remains humble and dedicated to spreading positivity through his music.
If you're a fan of reggae or looking to explore new genres, checking out Stephen Marley's discography is highly recommended. His music has the ability to inspire and uplift listeners while keeping true to the roots of reggae music.
Looks like Delaware's music scene was Cisco-less, but hey, at least we still have Joe Biden.
3. Cisco Houston
Cisco Houston, a famous singer from Delaware, was an influential folk musician known for his distinctive voice and guitar skills. His music touched on social issues, often highlighting the struggles of ordinary working-class people. Growing up in the state, Houston developed a passion for music from a young age and went on to perform with Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
Houston's songs featured poignant lyrics that spoke to the struggles faced by many Americans in the mid-20th century. He worked tirelessly throughout his career to promote social justice and equality through his music. In addition to his powerful songwriting, Cisco Houston is also remembered for his exceptional guitar playing, which served as the perfect complement to his soulful vocals.
Despite his success as a musician, Houston passed away at a relatively young age due to cancer. His legacy continues today, with many artists continuing to draw inspiration from his work. From Delaware to New York City and beyond, Cisco Houston made an indelible mark on American folk music, earning him a place among some of the greatest singers of all time.
Jimmie Allen may be from Delaware, but his country twang sounds like it's traveled from every honky-tonk in the South.
4. Jimmie Allen
With a melodious voice that has captured the hearts of many, Jimmie Allen hails from Delaware. He is an American country music singer and songwriter who had his breakthrough in 2018 with his single "Best Shot". The song earned him a nomination in the 61st Annual Grammy Awards for Best New Artist.
Jimmie's country music career started off in Nashville, Tennessee in 2007 where he struggled to make ends meet while working several jobs. The five-year-long hardships paid off when he signed a publishing deal with Wide Open Music Group. This event marked the beginning of Jimmie's successful career as a country music artist.
Interestingly, before starting his career in Nashville, Jimmie was simultaneously pursuing a football scholarship and studying to become a nurse at the University of Delaware. He switched gears after being encouraged by his mother to pursue his passion for music full-time.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his heartfelt lyrics and soulful performances.
Even if you've never heard of Cab Calloway, he still has more style and rhythm in one toe tap than most singers have in their entire career.
5. Cab Calloway
Cab Calloway: A Renowned Singer from Delaware
Cab Calloway is a well-known singer hailing from the charming state of Delaware. He was one of the famous jazz performers of his time, and his music style captured the hearts of many fans worldwide.
Calloway's unique style and heated enthusiasm allowed him to become a successful band leader, dancer, bandleader, and entertainer. He had a roaring baritone voice that captivated listeners and garnered much attention.
Although there were many talented singers in Delaware during his time, Cab Calloway tops them all. His influence on Jazz music is still greatly felt today.
Calloway's exceptional contribution earned him international popularity, including some movie deals that brought his signature melodies to life.
With this in mind, Cab Calloway remains one of the most popular names when discussing iconic singers from Delaware.Starrah proves that Delaware is not just a First State, but also a first-class producer of talent.
6. Starrah
This entry sheds light on the renowned Delaware singer, Starrah. A prolific songwriter and vocalist, Starrah's work has garnered immense popularity in recent years.
For more detailed analysis, we've created a table that highlights some of Starrah's key accomplishments. The table includes information such as her real name, birthplace, and notable songs she has written or performed.
| Name | Birthplace | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Starrah | Wilmington, Delaware | "Girls Like You", "Pick Up the Phone", "Swish Swish" |
It's worth noting that Starrah is often shrouded in mystery due to her preference for staying out of the public eye. Despite this, she has collaborated with numerous big-name artists and continues to make waves within the music industry.
Not much is known about Starrah's personal life, but an interesting fact about her is that she initially didn't set out to become a performer – instead, her focus was primarily on songwriting. However, through various collaborations and opportunities over time, she began to stand out as not only a gifted writer but also a talented vocalist in her own right.
Cori Yarckin may be from Delaware, but her music is so good it should be exported to the rest of the world – like a musical version of Delaware's famous Blue Crabs.
7. Cori Yarckin
This Delaware's accomplished singer, Cori Yarckin has made her mark in the music industry through her catchy pop and rock melodies. Yarckin began performing at an early age and has since written and co-produced several albums. Her captivating voice has captivated fans across the country, leading to performances on popular television shows like MTV and VH1. Yarckin's work has won several awards, including coveted recognition as best female artist in Delaware. This talented singer continues to release new music, solidifying her place among the top musicians from Delaware.
Some unique details of Yarckin are that she collaborated with Grammy-nominated songwriter David "DQ" Quinones for her debut album recorded at Village Studios in LA. Additionally, she co-produced songs on fellow popstar Jesse McCartney's album 'Departure' which includes the hit single "Leavin."
For aspiring singers like Yarckin, it is essential to develop a unique sound and style that resonates with listeners while setting apart from other artists. Collaborating with established musicians could help gain exposure and increase audience reach. Another suggestion for rising stars is to focus on developing stage presence because live performances could provide several networking opportunities while generating buzz for one's music career.
Move over, Delaware, because Allen Stone just became the most famous thing to come out of you since Joe Biden's memes.
8. Allen Stone
This entry highlights Allen Stone, one of Delaware's phenomenal singers. Stone was born and raised in Chewelah, Washington, but his music journey has taken him beyond state lines. He is a renowned soul singer known for his breathtaking performances and socially conscious lyrics that focus on issues like love, self-acceptance, racial discrimination, and equality. This artist's music can be described as a fusion of classic R&B with a touch of modern funk and pop.
To date, Allen Stone has released four studio albums that have garnered significant traction both within and outside the music industry. Stone's unique sound is influenced by various musical genres ranging from Stevie Wonder to Hall & Oates. His incorporation of different styles culminates in songs that showcase his exceptional vocal range and songwriting skills. One of his most recognized songs is "Unaware," which topped Rolling Stone's list of Top 50 Songs Of 2012 and introduced him to a more extensive audience.
Allen Stone is also notable for his live shows where he often performs barefoot, connecting deeply with his audiences while exuding joyous energy that transcends age limits. His refreshing approach to soul music has garnered him recognition from iconic musicians like John Mayer and Ed Sheeran.
Aspiring singers can take some lessons from Allen's story – hard work pays off eventually. His humble beginnings playing small clubs eventually paved the way for bigger stages as he worked on refining his craft over time. For those seeking to make it in the industry, getting out there and performing relentlessly is key to achieving milestones similar to what Stone has accomplished so far in his career.
Victoria De Mare may not be a household name, but after listening to her music, you'll wish she was your neighbor so you can borrow a cup of talent.
9. Victoria De Mare
Victoria De Mare, a famous singer hailing from Delaware, has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry with her unique talents. With her magnetic personality and exceptional vocal abilities, she has captured the attention of many music lovers worldwide.
De Mare's passion for singing began at a young age and was encouraged by her family and friends. She has worked tirelessly to hone her craft and is now recognized as one of the most prominent singers from Delaware. Her style is eclectic, blending various musical genres such as rock, pop, and country. Her distinctive sound has attracted numerous fans worldwide.
Notably, De Mare has also ventured into acting and has appeared in several films and television shows. Her dedication to her craft is admirable, and she continues to inspire aspiring artists with her work ethic.
A true history about Victoria De Mare reveals that she began performing in local bars around Delaware before taking her talents to Hollywood. Her perseverance paid off when she secured roles in hit movies such as "Killer Eye: Halloween Haunt" and "Little Dead Rotting Hood." Today, she is celebrated as one of the most successful singers and actresses ever produced in Delaware.
Betty Roché put Delaware on the jazz map with her soulful voice, proving that you don't need a big city to make a big impact.
10. Betty Roché
Betty Roché, a legendary jazz singer from Delaware, was known for her smooth and soulful voice. She gained prominence in the 1940s and 50s with hits like "Take the A Train" and "Blue Skies". Her unique style of singing, combined with her excellent range and control over her voice, made her an icon in the music industry.
Roché's early upbringing in Wilmington influenced her music. Her father was a church pastor and choir director, where Roché first began singing. She later moved to New York City to pursue a career in music and quickly rose to fame.
Her talent led her to perform with some of the biggest names in jazz including Count Basie Orchestra and Duke Ellington. Despite facing racial discrimination during performances, Roché persisted, leaving an everlasting impact on the industry.
Betty Roché will always be remembered as one of Delaware's finest singers who gave new dimensions to jazz music.
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.
