New York City isn’t just the city that never sleeps — it’s the city where stars are born, dreams take flight, and music echoes through every subway, skyscraper, and street corner. From the gritty beats of Brooklyn to the soulful serenades of Manhattan, New York has been the breeding ground for some of the most iconic voices in music history. This cultural melting pot has produced legends who’ve not only topped the charts but shaped genres, influenced generations, and left their mark on global music. Whether it’s hip-hop royalty, pop powerhouses, or timeless vocalists, the Empire State has it all. In this list, we’re celebrating the top 10 most popular and influential singers who proudly call New York home. These artists didn’t just rise to fame—they defined it, representing the hustle, diversity, and electric spirit of the city that raised them. From the soaring ballads of Mariah Carey to the lyrical mastery of Jay-Z, each artist brings a unique piece of New York to the world stage. So plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and join us as we count down the voices that made the Big Apple a global music capital. Let the rhythm of New York move you!
1. Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra may have been born in Hoboken, New Jersey, but his music and persona are inseparable from the vibrant energy of New York City’s golden era. Known as “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” Sinatra was the quintessential crooner, blending smooth charm with a velvet voice that could captivate any audience. He wasn’t just a singer—he was a storyteller, a performer who could make every song feel deeply personal. Whether crooning the anthem of NYC, “New York, New York,” or lighting up legendary venues like the Paramount Theatre, Sinatra embodied the city’s blend of sophistication, ambition, and cool confidence. His influence spread well beyond music into film, television, and American pop culture. With impeccable phrasing and emotional nuance, he transformed standards into timeless classics. Sinatra’s impact endures because he didn’t just sing songs—he inhabited them, making the stage feel like home. Decades after his passing, his voice remains one of the most iconic in American music, a true symbol of New York’s spirit and the timeless appeal of classic showmanship.
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s story is one of the most inspiring journeys to come out of New York, rising from the tough streets of Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to become a global icon. Shawn Carter is much more than a rapper—he’s a master storyteller and savvy entrepreneur who transformed hip-hop into a powerful cultural force. His debut album, Reasonable Doubt, introduced a raw lyrical depth that set the tone for an extraordinary career. Jay-Z didn’t just make music; he built a business empire, founding Roc-A-Fella Records and turning Rocawear into a major fashion brand. As the first hip-hop billionaire, he’s redefined success on his own terms. His songs, like “Empire State of Mind,” became modern anthems celebrating New York’s grit and glory. Jay-Z’s influence extends well beyond music into sports, philanthropy, and popular culture. His marriage to Beyoncé only amplified their status as a power couple, but Jay-Z’s accomplishments stand firmly on their own. Born and bred in Brooklyn, he remains a blueprint for hustle, creativity, and relentless ambition.
3. Lady Gaga
Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Lady Gaga is a bold, fearless force who has reshaped pop music with her fearless artistry. Starting in small downtown clubs, she quickly rose to global superstardom, known for pushing boundaries with both her sound and style. Her debut album, The Fame, made her a fashion provocateur and pop sensation, but Gaga’s talents run much deeper than eye-catching costumes. She combines powerhouse vocals with inventive visuals and an incredible ability to reinvent herself. Whether it’s the catchy pop anthem “Bad Romance,” the emotional ballad “Shallow” from A Star Is Born, or classic jazz performances alongside Tony Bennett, Gaga’s versatility is unmatched. Beyond music, she’s a passionate advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to spark important conversations. Fiercely proud of her New York roots, Lady Gaga proves that pop music can be both an artistic expression and a vehicle for activism, constantly redefining what it means to be a superstar.
4. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand’s journey from Brooklyn’s humble neighborhoods to becoming one of the most acclaimed entertainers in history is nothing short of legendary. With a voice that’s both powerful and deeply emotional, Streisand has excelled across multiple disciplines—from Broadway musicals and film roles to directing and producing. She first captured audiences’ hearts in Funny Girl, but quickly expanded her artistry, earning the rare EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Songs like “The Way We Were” and “Evergreen” showcase her incredible vocal control and heartfelt delivery. Streisand’s career is also marked by her refusal to conform to Hollywood’s standards; she embraced her unique look and sound in an era that often demanded conformity. Beyond the stage and screen, she’s known for her political activism and philanthropy, championing causes close to her heart. Barbra Streisand is a true Brooklyn original—a resilient, trailblazing talent who broke barriers and remains an enduring icon of American entertainment.
5. Billy Joel
Billy Joel, affectionately known as the “Piano Man,” is a Long Island-born singer-songwriter whose music has become deeply woven into the fabric of American culture. With his ability to tell vivid stories through song, Joel captures the essence of everyday life in New York, reflecting its joys and struggles with warmth and honesty. Classics like “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and “New York State of Mind” perfectly showcase his knack for painting detailed, emotional portraits of love, heartbreak, and city living. His style effortlessly blends rock, pop, blues, and jazz, all anchored by his distinctive piano playing and relatable lyrics. Joel’s connection to New York is undeniable—he has sold out Madison Square Garden more than any other artist in history, a testament to his lasting popularity. Though he’s stepped back from recording new albums, his music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Billy Joel isn’t just New York’s piano man; he’s an authentic storyteller whose songs remain timeless reflections of American life.
6. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys grew up in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, where her classical piano training and soulful voice set her apart from the start. Bursting onto the music scene in the early 2000s with her debut album Songs in A Minor, she quickly earned five Grammy Awards and widespread acclaim. Keys’ sound is a unique blend of soul, jazz, hip-hop, and classical influences, creating music that feels both polished and deeply personal. Her powerful voice can glide from silky softness to raw intensity, as heard in hits like “Fallin’,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” and “No One.” Beyond her musical talents, Alicia is a passionate advocate for social justice and mental health, founding initiatives like Keep a Child Alive and consistently using her platform for positive change. Whether she’s sitting behind a piano or speaking out on the streets of Harlem, Alicia Keys represents a new generation of artists who combine artistry with activism. Rooted in New York but heard worldwide, she’s a voice that continues to inspire and uplift.
7. Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo)
Jennifer Lopez’s rise from the Bronx to global stardom is a quintessential New York success story fueled by talent, determination, and relentless work ethic. Starting out as a dancer on In Living Color, Lopez’s breakout acting role in Selena catapulted her into the spotlight. Musically, she blended Latin rhythms with pop and R&B, pioneering bilingual tracks that brought her Puerto Rican heritage proudly to the mainstream with hits like “If You Had My Love” and “On the Floor.” J.Lo is a powerhouse performer who lights up every stage she steps on—her Super Bowl halftime show remains one of the most electrifying in history. Beyond music and film, she’s a fashion icon and producer, continuously evolving her career with ambition and flair. Jennifer Lopez’s Bronx roots and fiery spirit have never left her, fueling a career that spans decades and multiple industries. More than just a pop star, she’s a cultural phenomenon who continues to inspire millions around the world.
8. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey, born in Huntington, Long Island, is a vocal phenomenon whose five-octave range and songwriting talent have made her one of music’s best-selling artists. She burst onto the scene in the early ’90s with her self-titled debut album, instantly captivating audiences with her whistle notes and emotional ballads. Carey’s hits, including “Vision of Love,” “Hero,” and “We Belong Together,” became staples of pop and R&B, while her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become an enduring seasonal anthem. But Mariah is more than a vocal powerhouse—she writes most of her own songs and seamlessly blends pop, hip-hop, and R&B influences. Her collaborations with artists like Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Boyz II Men showcased her versatility and helped reshape the pop landscape. With a mix of diva glamour and genuine charm, Mariah Carey remains a singular talent whose unmistakable New York edge shines through in every note she sings.
9. Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)
Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was a legendary Brooklyn-born rapper who changed the face of East Coast hip-hop forever. His deep, commanding voice and smooth, yet gritty flow brought the streets of Brooklyn to life in vivid detail. Biggie’s debut album, Ready to Die, introduced the world to his raw storytelling, blending tales of hardship and ambition. His follow-up, Life After Death, further solidified his status as a hip-hop icon. Songs like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “Mo Money Mo Problems” are not just hits—they’re anthems of resilience and success. Though his life was tragically cut short, Biggie’s influence continues to reverberate through generations of artists. He was more than a rapper—he was a poet, a prophet, and the voice of a borough. His legacy is inseparably tied to Brooklyn, a place he elevated through his music and unforgettable presence.
10. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad and raised in Queens, New York, is one of the most dynamic and influential figures in modern rap. From her early mixtapes to global stardom with Pink Friday, Nicki introduced a new level of theatricality and lyrical skill to hip-hop, bringing a colorful mix of alter egos, wigs, and rapid-fire verses. Hits like “Super Bass” and “Chun-Li” showcase her ability to blend catchy pop hooks with fierce rap flows. Nicki’s bold personality and unapologetic confidence have challenged conventions and expanded the space for women in a male-dominated genre. Her Queens upbringing shines through her style—tough, flashy, and relentless. Beyond music, she’s become a cultural icon who has paved the way for a new generation of female rappers. Love her or hate her, Nicki Minaj’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable, and she continues to redefine what it means to be a rap superstar.
Samuel Moore 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.
