New Jersey has been a fertile ground for producing some of the most iconic and influential singers in the music industry. Known for its diverse cultural influences and rich musical heritage, the state has given rise to artists who have left an indelible mark on various genres, from rock and pop to jazz and hip-hop. At the forefront of this illustrious list is Bruce Springsteen, the quintessential rock legend whose storytelling and anthems of blue-collar life have resonated with millions. Alongside him is the charismatic Jon Bon Jovi, whose band Bon Jovi epitomized the arena rock sound of the 1980s. The legendary Frank Sinatra, with his timeless voice and impeccable style, continues to influence generations of crooners. Whitney Houston, the pop and R&B powerhouse, captivated the world with her extraordinary vocal range and emotional delivery. Jazz aficionados celebrate the artistry of Count Basie, whose contributions to swing music remain unparalleled. New Jersey’s vibrant music scene has also produced contemporary stars like Queen Latifah, who has made her mark in both hip-hop and acting. These artists, among others from the Garden State, have shaped the soundscape of American music, making New Jersey a significant contributor to the nation’s cultural fabric.
1. Whitney Houston
“Whitney Houston” stands as one of New Jersey’s most celebrated musical icons. Born in Newark in 1963, Houston’s extraordinary voice and powerful performances made her a global superstar and a defining figure of the 1980s and 1990s. Her debut album, “Whitney Houston” (1985), quickly catapulted her to fame, featuring hit singles like “The Greatest Love of All” and “How Will I Know,” both of which showcased her remarkable vocal range and emotional depth.
Houston’s success continued with her second album, “Whitney” (1987), which produced chart-toppers such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “Didn’t We Almost Have It All.” Her achievements include multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Album of the Year, and numerous chart records, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Beyond her music career, Houston’s impact extended to acting, with memorable roles in films like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale”. Her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” remains one of the most iconic ballads in music history. Whitney Houston’s legacy endures as a symbol of vocal excellence and enduring influence in pop and soul music.
2. Wesley Schultz
“Wesley Schultz” is a prominent singer and songwriter hailing from New Jersey, best known as the lead vocalist of the folk-rock band The Lumineers. Born in Ramsey, Schultz’s musical journey began in the vibrant local music scene, where he honed his craft and developed a distinctive sound that blends folk, Americana, and indie rock.
Schultz co-founded The Lumineers with Jeremiah Fraites, and the band’s self-titled debut album (2012) quickly gained widespread acclaim. The album’s breakout single, “Ho Hey,” became a cultural phenomenon, characterized by its anthemic chorus and raw, emotive lyrics. The Lumineers’ unique style, driven by Schultz’s compelling vocals and poignant storytelling, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Following the success of their debut, The Lumineers released “Cleopatra” (2016) and “III” (2019), further solidifying their place in the indie folk genre. Schultz’s songwriting, often exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience, continues to resonate with fans. His contributions to The Lumineers have earned the band critical praise and a dedicated following, making Wesley Schultz a notable figure in contemporary music from New Jersey.
3. Paul Simon
“Paul Simon” is a legendary singer-songwriter from New Jersey, whose influence on American music is profound and far-reaching. Born in Newark in 1941, Simon’s musical journey began in the late 1950s, but it was his partnership with Art Garfunkel that catapulted him to fame. As part of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, he achieved tremendous success with timeless hits such as “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Simon & Garfunkel’s harmonies and socially conscious lyrics resonated with audiences during the 1960s and early 1970s. After the duo’s split in 1970, Simon embarked on a highly successful solo career. His solo work includes landmark albums like “Graceland” (1986), which fused American rock with South African musical influences, and “Rhythm of the Saints” (1990), which explored Latin rhythms and themes.
Simon’s innovative songwriting and genre-blending have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. His ability to weave storytelling with diverse musical styles has solidified his status as one of the most influential artists in popular music. Paul Simon’s contributions continue to inspire and shape the landscape of modern music.
4. Gloria Gaynor
“Gloria Gaynor” is a celebrated singer from New Jersey, renowned for her impactful contributions to the disco era of the 1970s. Born in Newark in 1949, Gaynor’s powerful voice and energetic performances quickly established her as a leading figure in the dance music scene.
Gaynor’s career took off with her 1974 hit single “Never Can Say Goodbye,” which showcased her dynamic vocal range and set the stage for her future successes. However, it was her 1978 anthem “I Will Survive” that became a defining song of her career. The track, an empowering anthem of resilience and strength, not only topped the charts but also became an enduring symbol of empowerment and LGBTQ+ pride.
Her influence extends beyond disco, as Gaynor’s music has continued to resonate across generations. With Grammy Awards and a multitude of chart-topping singles to her name, she remains a beloved and influential artist. Gloria Gaynor’s contributions to music, particularly her role in shaping the disco era, have solidified her place as a prominent and enduring figure in the industry.
5. Count Basie
“Count Basie”, born William James Basie in Red Bank, New Jersey in 1904, is a jazz legend whose influence on big band and swing music is unparalleled. Basie’s career began in the 1920s, but he gained widespread acclaim in the 1930s with the formation of the Count Basie Orchestra. His innovative approach to jazz, characterized by a distinctive rhythmic style and a sophisticated use of space and timing, revolutionized the genre.
Basie’s orchestra, renowned for its tight ensemble playing and dynamic arrangements, became one of the most popular and influential big bands of the swing era. Hits like “One O’Clock Jump” and “April in Paris” exemplify his ability to blend intricate arrangements with an infectious groove, making his music both sophisticated and highly danceable.
Throughout his career, Basie collaborated with numerous jazz greats, including Lester Young, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra. His contributions to jazz earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Count Basie’s legacy endures as a foundational figure in jazz, celebrated for his innovation, leadership, and enduring influence on the genre.
6. Bruce Springsteen
“Bruce Springsteen”, born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1949, is an iconic figure in American rock music whose career spans over five decades. Known as “The Boss,” Springsteen’s evocative storytelling, energetic performances, and distinct voice have made him a cornerstone of rock and roll.
Springsteen’s breakthrough came with his 1973 album “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.”, which showcased his raw, poetic lyrics and compelling narratives. His 1975 album, “Born to Run”, solidified his place in rock history with its anthemic title track and powerful exploration of the American experience. This album marked the beginning of his collaboration with the E Street Band, a partnership that would become central to his career.
Over the years, Springsteen has released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including “The River” (1980), “Nebraska” (1982), and “Born in the U.S.A.” (1984), each reflecting different facets of his songwriting and musical style. His live performances, known for their intensity and marathon length, have garnered him a dedicated fan base and earned him numerous awards, including multiple Grammys and an Oscar for his song “Streets of Philadelphia.”
Springsteen’s influence extends beyond music; his work often addresses social and political issues, reflecting his deep connection to the American working-class experience. Bruce Springsteen remains a seminal artist whose contributions to rock and roll continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
7. Bill Evans
“Bill Evans”, born in Plainfield, New Jersey in 1929, is a towering figure in jazz known for his innovative piano techniques and profound impact on the genre. Evans’s career began in the early 1950s, and he quickly gained recognition for his unique approach to jazz piano, characterized by a delicate touch, rich harmonies, and a highly personal style.
Evans’s groundbreaking work with his trio, particularly on the 1959 album “Kind of Blue” with Miles Davis, set new standards in jazz and showcased his innovative harmonic concepts. His own trio, known for its subtle interplay and intricate arrangements, produced influential albums like “Portrait in Jazz” (1960) and “Sunday at the Village Vanguard” (1961).
Evans’s influence extends beyond his recordings; his approach to improvisation and ensemble playing has inspired countless jazz musicians. His compositions and interpretations, such as “Waltz for Debby” and “Autumn Leaves,” are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and sophisticated structure.
Despite personal struggles, Evans’s legacy endures through his contributions to jazz piano, his distinctive style, and his profound influence on the development of modern jazz. Bill Evans remains a revered and influential figure in the world of jazz.
8. Dionne Warwick
“Dionne Warwick”, born in East Orange, New Jersey in 1940, is a renowned singer whose career has spanned over six decades, making her one of the most iconic voices in popular music. Known for her distinctive voice and emotive delivery, Warwick’s impact on the music industry is both profound and enduring.
Warwick’s rise to fame began in the 1960s with a series of hit singles written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Songs like “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” established her as a leading figure in the soul and pop genres. Her collaborations with Bacharach and David produced some of the most memorable songs of the era, characterized by sophisticated arrangements and heartfelt lyrics.
Throughout her career, Warwick has received numerous awards, including several Grammys, and has been recognized for her contributions to music and philanthropy. Her influence extends beyond her own recordings; she has also been a prominent advocate for various social causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness and children’s education.
Dionne Warwick’s remarkable career and timeless music continue to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying her status as a legendary and influential artist in the music industry.
9. Sarah Vaughan
“Sarah Vaughan”, born in Newark, New Jersey in 1924, is a jazz and pop vocalist whose extraordinary voice and technical mastery have made her one of the most influential singers of the 20th century. Known as “Sassy” or “The Divine One,” Vaughan’s career began in the 1940s and quickly established her as a leading figure in jazz.
Vaughan’s distinctive voice, with its rich timbre and impressive range, allowed her to explore a wide array of musical styles. Her early work with the Earl Hines Orchestra and subsequent recordings with iconic figures like Charlie Parker showcased her exceptional improvisational skills and deep emotional expressiveness. Hits such as “Misty,” “Lullaby of Birdland,” and “Broken-Hearted Melody” became defining moments of her career, highlighting her ability to convey complex emotions through music.
Her influence extends beyond jazz; Vaughan’s interpretations of standards and popular songs earned her acclaim in both jazz and pop spheres. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, and her recordings continue to be celebrated for their artistry and impact on vocal jazz. Sarah Vaughan’s legacy endures as a touchstone of vocal excellence and versatility.
10. Frankie Valli
“Frankie Valli”, born Francesco Stephen Castelluccio in Newark, New Jersey in 1937, is a legendary singer whose career spans over six decades and encompasses a wide range of musical styles. Best known as the lead vocalist of The Four Seasons, Valli’s distinctive falsetto voice became a defining feature of the group’s sound.
The Four Seasons, formed in the early 1960s, achieved massive success with hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Walk Like a Man.” Valli’s powerful and unique vocal style, combined with the group’s catchy melodies and harmonies, helped establish them as one of the era’s most popular acts. The group’s success led to multiple chart-topping singles and albums, making them one of the top American pop acts of the 1960s.
In addition to his work with The Four Seasons, Valli enjoyed a successful solo career. His 1975 hit “My Eyes Adored You” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” showcased his ability to connect with audiences across different musical genres.
Frankie Valli’s influence endures through his remarkable contributions to pop and rock music, his distinctive vocal style, and his role in shaping the sound of the 1960s and beyond.