New Hampshire may not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of famous musicians, but it has been home to some of the most talented and innovative artists in music history. From folk to rock, blues to country, jazz to hip hop, New Hampshire has produced a diverse range of musicians who have left their mark on the industry. In this article, we will highlight 20 famous musicians from New Hampshire, exploring their musical contributions and legacies.
One of the most famous musicians from New Hampshire is Ronnie James Dio, who was born in Portsmouth in 1942. Dio was known for his powerful voice and his work with bands such as Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio. Another notable musician from the state is Ray LaMontagne, who was born in Nashua in 1973. LaMontagne’s soulful voice and poignant lyrics have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Other musicians on our list include Grammy-nominated folk artist Bill Morrissey, singer-songwriter and guitarist James Montgomery, and rock band Extreme, who achieved worldwide success with their hit song “More Than Words.” We will also explore the musical contributions of jazz saxophonist and composer Jimmy Greene, blues guitarist Duke Robillard, and hip hop artist Alias, among others.
Through the stories of these 20 musicians, we will gain insight into the rich musical history of New Hampshire and the impact that its artists have had on the wider music industry. Whether you’re a fan of rock, folk, or hip hop, there is something for everyone on this list of famous musicians from the Granite State.
1. Ray LaMontagne
Ray LaMontagne is a singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Nashua, New Hampshire in 1973. He first gained attention in the music industry in 2004 with his debut album, “Trouble,” which featured the hit single of the same name. LaMontagne’s music is characterized by his soulful, raspy voice and his introspective and emotional lyrics. He has released several successful albums since his debut, including “Gossip in the Grain” and “Ouroboros.” LaMontagne has been praised for his authentic and intimate live performances, and he continues to be a respected and beloved figure in the folk and indie music scenes.
2. Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith. He was born Steven Victor Tallarico in New York City in 1948 and grew up in Yonkers, New York. Tyler’s distinctive voice, flamboyant stage presence, and songwriting skills have made him one of the most iconic figures in rock music. Along with Aerosmith, Tyler has released numerous hit albums, including “Toys in the Attic,” “Rocks,” and “Permanent Vacation.” He has also pursued a solo career and has been a judge on the television singing competition “American Idol.” Tyler’s impact on rock music and his enduring legacy as a performer have earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
3. Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio was an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his work in bands such as Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio. He was born Ronald James Padavona in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1942 and began his music career in the late 1950s. Dio’s powerful voice and distinctive stage presence made him one of the most iconic figures in heavy metal music. He is credited with popularizing the “devil horns” hand gesture, which has become synonymous with the genre. Dio released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “Holy Diver,” “The Last in Line,” and “Dream Evil.” His influence on heavy metal and rock music has been significant and he is remembered as one of the greatest vocalists in the history of the genre. Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010 at the age of 67, but his music and legacy continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.
4. Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore is an American singer, actress, and songwriter, best known for her work in both the music and entertainment industries. She was born Amanda Leigh Moore in Nashua, New Hampshire in 1984 and began her music career in the late 1990s. Moore’s debut single, “Candy,” became a hit and led to the release of her debut album, “So Real.” She went on to release several successful albums and singles, including “I Wanna Be with You” and “Crush.” Moore has also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as “A Walk to Remember,” “Saved!,” and “This Is Us” on television. In addition to her music and acting work, Moore is also a philanthropist and activist, supporting causes such as animal rights and environmentalism. She continues to be a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
5. Nate Ruess
Nate Ruess is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the indie pop band fun. He was born in Iowa City, Iowa in 1982 and grew up in Glendale, Arizona. Ruess began his music career in the early 2000s as the lead vocalist of the band The Format. He later formed fun. with Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff and released their debut album, “Aim and Ignite,” in 2009. The band achieved mainstream success with their hit singles “We Are Young” and “Some Nights.” In addition to his work with fun., Ruess has also collaborated with other artists and released a solo album, “Grand Romantic,” in 2015. He is known for his distinctive voice and songwriting skills and continues to be a respected and influential figure in the indie pop music scene.
6. Tom Rush
Tom Rush is an American folk singer and songwriter, best known for his influential contributions to the folk music scene of the 1960s. He was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1941 and began his music career in the early 1960s, performing in the Boston area alongside other emerging folk musicians such as Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. Rush released several successful albums throughout the decade, including “The Circle Game” and “Merrimack County,” which featured his original compositions as well as covers of traditional folk songs. He is also known for his role in popularizing the music of other artists, such as Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. Rush continues to perform and record music, and his contributions to the folk music genre have earned him a place in the Folk Music Hall of Fame.
7. Ray Burton
Ray Burton was a bassist and a guitarist. He was born in 1927 in Troy, New Hampshire, and began playing music at an early age. Burton is best known for his work as a bassist with the country singer Conway Twitty, and for his contributions to the New Hampshire music scene. He played in several bands throughout his career, including the Ray Burton Orchestra, and was a fixture at local events and festivals. Burton was also an advocate for music education, and helped establish the Ray Burton Music Scholarship Fund to support young musicians in New Hampshire. He passed away in 2020, but his legacy as a musician and community leader continues to inspire and influence musicians in the state.
8. Brad Delp
Brad Delp was an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Boston. He was born in Peabody, Massachusetts in 1951 and began his music career in the 1970s, performing with various bands in the Boston area. In 1976, he joined the band Boston, which went on to achieve enormous success with their hit singles “More Than a Feeling” and “Don’t Look Back.” Delp’s distinctive vocals and harmonies became a signature sound of the band, and he continued to perform and record with them throughout his career. In addition to his work with Boston, Delp also released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 55, but his contributions to rock music and his legacy as a vocalist continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.
9. Dan Brown
Dan Brown is an American author, best known for his bestselling novels, including “The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels and Demons,” and “Inferno.” He was born in Exeter, New Hampshire in 1964 and began his writing career in the 1990s, publishing several thriller novels that went largely unnoticed. Brown’s breakthrough came with the publication of “The Da Vinci Code” in 2003, which became an international sensation and was later adapted into a successful film. His books are known for their intricate plots, fast-paced action, and their exploration of religious and historical themes. Brown has sold millions of copies of his books worldwide and has become one of the most popular and influential authors of the 21st century.
10. Heather Maloney
Heather Maloney is an American singer-songwriter, originally from New Jersey but now based in western Massachusetts. She began her music career in 2009, releasing her debut album “Cozy Razor’s Edge” independently. Maloney’s music is characterized by her emotive vocals, poetic lyrics, and her ability to blend elements of folk, rock, and pop music. She has released several successful albums since her debut, including “Time & Pocket Change” and “Soil in the Sky,” and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Maloney has also collaborated with other musicians, including the band Darlingside, and has been praised for her engaging and dynamic live performances. She continues to be a respected and influential figure in the indie folk music scene.
11. Charlie Farren
Charlie Farren is an American rock musician, best known for his work as the lead singer and guitarist of the band The Joe Perry Project. He was born in Boston in 1953 but grew up in New Hampshire. Farren began his music career in the 1970s as a member of the band Balloon, before joining The Joe Perry Project in 1980. He later formed his own band, Farrenheit, which released several successful albums throughout the 1980s. Farren continues to perform and record music, and his contributions to rock music have earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
12. Dave Clark
Dave Clark is an American folk musician and songwriter, also originally from New Hampshire. He began his music career in the 1970s, performing at coffeehouses and folk clubs throughout the Northeast. Clark’s music is characterized by his intricate fingerpicking style and his thoughtful, poetic lyrics. He has released several albums throughout his career, including “Dave Clark” and “Hangover Blues,” and has collaborated with other musicians, including the band The Byrds. Clark continues to perform and record music, and his contributions to folk music have earned him a dedicated following among fans of the genre.
13. Don Henley
Don Henley is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and drummer, best known as the founding member and drummer of the rock band the Eagles. He was born in Gilmer, Texas in 1947 and began his music career in the 1970s. The Eagles achieved great success with their hit songs such as “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” and “Take It Easy.” After the band’s initial breakup in 1980, Henley pursued a successful solo career, releasing several hit albums such as “The End of the Innocence” and “Inside Job.” He has also collaborated with other musicians throughout his career, including Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow. In addition to his music career, Henley is also a respected environmental activist and has advocated for issues such as climate change and protection of endangered species. He continues to be a respected and influential figure in the rock music scene.
14. John Roderick
John Roderick is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the frontman of the indie rock band The Long Winters. He was born in Seattle, Washington in 1968 and began his music career in the 1990s. Roderick has released several successful albums with The Long Winters, including “When I Pretend to Fall” and “Putting the Days to Bed,” and has also collaborated with other musicians throughout his career. In addition to his work as a musician, Roderick is also a writer and podcaster, hosting the popular podcast “Roderick on the Line” with Merlin Mann. He is known for his witty and introspective lyrics, his dynamic vocal range, and his engaging and energetic live performances. Roderick continues to be a respected and influential figure in the indie rock music scene.
15. Rick Berlin
Rick Berlin is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, originally from Syracuse, New York but based in Boston, Massachusetts. He began his music career in the 1970s, performing in several bands and as a solo artist. Berlin is known for his eclectic and genre-defying music, which blends elements of rock, folk, and punk. He has released several successful albums throughout his career, including “Me and Van Gogh” and “The Courage of the Lonely.” Berlin is also known for his engaging and theatrical live performances, which often incorporate storytelling and performance art elements. In addition to his music career, Berlin is also an actor and writer, and has been involved in several films and theater productions. He continues to be a respected and influential figure in the Boston music scene.
16. Mary Gauthier
Mary Gauthier is an American folk singer-songwriter, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana but now based in Nashville, Tennessee. She began her music career in the 1990s, releasing her debut album “Dixie Kitchen” in 1997. Gauthier’s music is characterized by her poignant lyrics and emotive vocals, often exploring themes of addiction, trauma, and redemption. She has released several successful albums throughout her career, including “Mercy Now” and “Rifles & Rosary Beads,” and has been praised for her songwriting abilities and her ability to connect with her audience through her music. In addition to her music career, Gauthier is also a mentor and teacher, and has helped to establish programs that use songwriting to help veterans and other marginalized communities heal from trauma. She continues to be a respected and influential figure in the folk music scene.
17. Kim Gordon
Kim Gordon is an American musician, singer, and artist, best known as the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of the alternative rock band Sonic Youth. She was born in Rochester, New York in 1953 and grew up in California. Gordon co-founded Sonic Youth in 1981 with her then-husband Thurston Moore, and the band achieved critical and commercial success throughout the 1980s and 1990s with their unique blend of punk, noise, and experimental music. In addition to her work with Sonic Youth, Gordon has released several solo albums, and has collaborated with other artists, including members of the bands My Bloody Valentine and Free Kitten. She is also known for her work as an artist, with her pieces being displayed in galleries and museums around the world. Gordon continues to be a respected and influential figure in the alternative rock and art scenes.
18. Eilen Jewell
Eilen Jewell is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, originally from Boise, Idaho but now based in Massachusetts. She began her music career in the early 2000s, releasing her debut album “Boundary County” in 2006. Jewell’s music is characterized by her blend of folk, country, blues, and rockabilly styles, and her emotive vocals and poetic lyrics. She has released several successful albums throughout her career, including “Sea of Tears” and “Queen of the Minor Key,” and has been praised for her ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing through her music. Jewell is also known for her engaging and dynamic live performances, and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She continues to be a respected and influential figure in the Americana and roots music scene.
19. Amanda Palmer
Amanda Palmer is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist and pianist of the band The Dresden Dolls. She was born in New York in 1976 and grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts. Palmer began her music career in the early 2000s, forming The Dresden Dolls with drummer Brian Viglione. The band achieved critical and commercial success with their blend of punk, cabaret, and alternative music, and Palmer became known for her theatrical live performances and outspoken advocacy for artists’ rights. In addition to her work with The Dresden Dolls, Palmer has released several successful solo albums, including “Who Killed Amanda Palmer?” and “There Will Be No Intermission.” She has also collaborated with other musicians and artists throughout her career, and has been praised for her activism and philanthropy, including her work with the Artists’ Empowerment Coalition and the Women’s March.
20. Livingston Taylor
Livingston Taylor is a famous musician from New Hampshire. Born in Boston in 1950, he grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and later moved to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Livingston Taylor is known for his unique blend of folk, pop, and rock music, and his distinctive tenor voice. He released his debut album in 1970, which featured the hit single “Carolina Day.” He has since released over a dozen albums, and his music has been featured in numerous films and television shows. Taylor is also a respected music educator, teaching at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and continues to perform and tour regularly.
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