Maryland, a state steeped in history and culture, has been a birthplace and home to several famous singers who have made significant contributions to the music world. From soul and R&B to gospel and rock, Maryland has produced notable voices across various genres.
One of the most iconic singers associated with Maryland is Billie Holiday, often referred to as “Lady Day.” Born in Baltimore, Holiday’s emotionally charged vocal style and distinctive phrasing revolutionized jazz and influenced generations of singers. Her haunting renditions of songs like “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child” solidified her status as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.
Another celebrated singer from Maryland is the incomparable Stevie Wonder. Though born in Saginaw, Michigan, Wonder spent his formative years in Saginaw. His soulful voice, infectious melodies, and socially conscious lyrics have earned him countless awards and a dedicated global following. Hits like “Superstition” and “Isn’t She Lovely” have become timeless classics.
Maryland is also home to the talented contemporary R&B singer and songwriter, Sisqo. Born in Baltimore, Sisqo gained fame as the lead vocalist of the R&B group Dru Hill. His solo career took off with the megahit “Thong Song,” showcasing his impressive vocal range and charismatic stage presence.
Furthermore, Maryland has produced influential voices in the gospel genre. Artists like Richard Smallwood, a native of Washington, D.C., have made a significant impact with their powerful vocals and uplifting gospel music. Smallwood’s compositions, including “Total Praise” and “Center of My Joy,” have become beloved anthems within the genre.
These singers from Maryland exemplify the state’s musical contributions across genres. Their talent, creativity, and cultural impact have solidified Maryland’s place in the music industry, showcasing the wealth of exceptional voices that have emerged from this historically and culturally significant state.
1. Greg Kihn
Greg Kihn, known for his hit song "Jeopardy", is a famous singer hailing from Maryland. He has had a successful career in the music industry spanning several decades, with many popular songs under his belt. Apart from singing, he has also authored books and worked as a radio DJ.
Kihn's musical journey began in the 1970s when he formed the Greg Kihn Band and started performing at local venues in Maryland. His breakthrough came in the early 80s with "Jeopardy" which became an instant hit and earned him widespread acclaim. Throughout his career, he has experimented with various genres such as rock, pop, and new wave.
Notably, apart from his musical pursuits, Kihn is also an accomplished author with several published books to his name. He has authored a series of novels loosely based on his life as a rockstar and DJ, providing insights into the music business.
A true fact: In addition to his music and writing career, Kihn has also dabbled in acting, appearing in films such as "Body Rock" and TV shows like "CHiPs".
Bill Callahan might be from Maryland, but his music is so chill it could give a polar bear hypothermia.
2. Bill Callahan
This Maryland native is a renowned singer-songwriter who has received critical acclaim for his distinct style. His music is characterized by deep and haunting lyrics that often explore themes of loss and isolation. With over three decades of experience, he has established himself as a respected figure in the industry. He has released more than 20 albums throughout his career, with each one showcasing his exceptional skills as both a lyricist and musician.
Despite his success, Bill Callahan remains grounded and focused on producing meaningful art. His work is known for its introspective nature, often confronting uncomfortable truths about life and relationships. He has been compared to artists like Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan for his storytelling abilities and unique voice.
One interesting fact about Callahan is that he used to go by the stage name 'Smog', which he later changed to his real name. This decision was influenced by his desire to be more authentic in his artistry and shed the persona of 'Smog'.
Overall, Bill Callahan's contribution to music cannot be overstated. His impact on the alternative country-folk genre is undeniable, and he continues to inspire new generations of artists with his poignant compositions.
Sisqó may have brought thongs to the mainstream, but let's not forget that he also brought us some catchy tunes.
3. Sisqó
This accomplished singer hails from Maryland and is recognized for his breathtaking vocals. His R&B melodies have captivated audiences across the globe, with countless awards to his name. He first achieved success as a member of the group Dru Hill before embarking on an illustrious solo career. Sisqó's undeniable talent has made him a prominent figure in the music industry, with fans crowning him as the King of Dance.
Not just limited to music, Sisqó has also made appearances in popular movies and TV shows, solidifying his status as a multi-talented artist. He continues to inspire aspiring singers with his unique style and vocal range that can make anyone swoon.
Interestingly, Sisqó's song "Thong Song" was initially met with criticism but turned out to be a massive hit worldwide. It even landed him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Despite this, he remains humble and focused on creating exceptional music that resonates with his fans.
In one viral moment from 2018, footage of Sisqó performing at a wedding went viral after he surprised guests by serenading the newlyweds with "Thong Song." The video quickly gained traction online and showcased yet again how captivating this talented singer truly is.
Even though she's unbreakable, Toni Braxton still carries a tune that'll break your heart.
4. Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton, a notable R&B singer and songwriter, hails from Maryland. Alongside her sisters, she formed "The Braxtons" group before embarking on a successful solo career. With seven Grammys and over 67 million records sold worldwide, Braxton has proved to be an enduring force in the music industry. Her sultry voice resonates with fans, as evidenced by hits such as "Un-break My Heart" and "Breathe Again." As Toni continues releasing chart-topping music, she remains a proud ambassador for Maryland's musical heritage.
Braxton's debut album "Toni Braxton" released in 1993 established her as a force to be reckoned with in the R&B genre. She followed it up with "Secrets," which featured one of her signature hits "Un-break My Heart". However, her third album "The Heat" deviated from her usual style and included more upbeat songs like "He Wasn’t Man Enough". In collaboration with Babyface, she released Love Marriage & Divorce in 2014 that won them a Grammy award for Best R&B Album. In addition to being an accomplished musician, Braxton has also appeared in several films such as Kingdom Come and the Lifetime movie Twist of Faith.
Toni is not just an artist; she's also a philanthropist through The Toni Braxton Foundation which helps children affected by lupus- an autoimmune disease that both her son and mother have suffered from. Her other charitable efforts include supporting Autism Speaks, Susan G Komen foundation’s breast cancer campaign and sharing resources on domestic violence prevention. Braxton's humility is also evident in how she embraces vulnerability through reflecting on life's challenges within her music.
Philip Glass, a man who puts the 'minimal' in minimalism, but still manages to produce maximal enjoyment.
5. Philip Glass
Philip Glass, a world-renowned composer born in Baltimore, Maryland, is a significant figure in contemporary classical music. His works, such as "Einstein on the Beach" and "Koyaanisqatsi", utilize repetitive structures and minimalism to create transcendent soundscapes. Glass has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry. Interestingly, Glass also collaborated with poet Allen Ginsberg on an album titled "Hydrogen Jukebox".
Frank Zappa proves that not all musicians from Maryland need to stick to mainstream pop to be famous.
6. Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa was an American rock musician, composer, and guitarist. Known for his experimental approach to music, Zappa is a cultural icon of the 20th century, whose work has influenced countless artists across genres. His career spanned several decades and produced over 60 albums with various bands, including The Mothers of Invention. Zappa's style combined elements of jazz, classical music, doo-wop, R&B and rock 'n' roll in a unique way that defies classification.
Zappa is considered one of the most innovative musicians in history and pioneered new techniques and technologies in the recording studio. He was also an outspoken social critic and satirist who used humor to address serious issues like politics, religion, and consumer culture. Despite his enduring popularity among fans and fellow artists alike, Zappa passed away in 1993 at the age of 52 due to prostate cancer.
A true fact: In 1994, Frank Zappa was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to American music.
"Why be logical when you can be delightfully irrational?"
7. Logic
Rapper and record producer Robert Bryson Hall II, better known as Logic, hails from Gaithersburg, Maryland. He rose to fame with his hit debut album 'Under Pressure', which peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard 200.
To showcase the musical influence of Maryland State, we have created a table displaying some famous singers from this region. Among these singers is Logic, who has been making waves in the music industry with his incredible lyricism and innovative productions.
Here is the table of famous singers from Maryland:
| S.No | Singer Name | Famous Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toni Braxton | "Un-Break My Heart" |
| 2 | Billie Holiday | "Strange Fruit" |
| 3 | E.U. | "Da' Butt" |
| 4 | Mama Cass | "Dream a Little Dream of Me" |
| 5 | Sisqo | "Thong Song" |
| 6 | GoldLink | "Crew" |
| 7 | Logic | "Under Pressure", "1-800-273-8255", and "Everybody Dies" |
| 8 | David Hasselhoff | “Looking for Freedom” |
| 9 | J. Holiday | "Bed" |
| 10 | Ginuwine | Pony |
It's noteworthy that Logic has won two BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards for his work on “1-800-273-8255,” collaborating with Alessia Cara and Khalid, tackling mental health issues.
Pro Tip: Explore more about Maryland’s music industry and its impressive contributions!
Benji Madden may be from Maryland, but Good Charlotte's music is the only thing that's good about him.
8. Benji Madden (Good Charlotte)
One of Maryland's famous singers is a member of the rock band Good Charlotte known as Benji Madden. His lyrical prowess and musician career helped popularize pop punk and pop rock genres in 2000s. He has co-written songs with other artists, notably for Kelly Clarkson, The Veronicas, All Time Low, and his brother Joel Madden's band The Madden Brothers. Besides his musical career, he co-founded an entertainment company called MDDN to help independent artists manage their careers.
A prominent vocalist from Waldorf, Maryland is Benji Madden who rose to prominence with Good Charlotte: a Pop Punk Rock band that made a name in the early 2000s and brought the genre to mainstream music culture. Across his illustrious career, Benji has collaborated on writing records for various superstars like Kelly Clarkson & The Veronicas along with him being a significant contributor to crafting records for sibling Joel’s band- The Madden Brothers. Benji also took up additional entrepreneurial ventures by co-founding ‘MDDN’ – an Entertainment Company that helps budding Independent Musicians build their brands.
Benji Madden also served as a coach in The Voice Australia's fifth season, mentoring contestants as part of Team Delta.
Pro Tip: If you have a passion for music production but don't know where to start, collaborating with diverse talents like Benji will assist in building your product packages while getting vital constructive feedback from notable industry professionals.
Move over Beyoncé, Tamar Braxton's voice is coming through!
9. Tamar Braxton
The Maryland-native singer and television personality, Tamar Braxton, has made a name for herself in the industry with her exceptional vocal range and rousing performances. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry as a solo artist and part of the renowned R&B group The Braxtons, Tamar continues to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and unique style.
Tamar's success extends beyond the charts as she became an instant fan favorite on reality TV shows like "Braxton Family Values," "Celebrity Big Brother," and "Dancing with the Stars." She has also landed acting roles in films such as "Gangland" and stage productions like "Redemption of a Dogg." Her work has earned her several awards including two BET Awards for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist.
Notably, Tamar has been vocal about her struggles with mental health issues and speaks openly about her journey to recovery. She uses her platform to raise awareness of mental health stigma among communities of color while promoting self-care practices. As one of Maryland's most influential entertainment personalities, Tamar is a testament to resilience and perseverance both on and off-stage.
From rocking out with The Go-Gos to shaking up Maryland, Gina Schock proves that drumming up success is all in the beat.
10. Gina Schock (The Go-Gos)
Gina Schock, a Maryland native, is renowned as the drummer of The Go-Go's. Joining the band in 1978, she quickly became an integral member with her powerful drum beats and background vocals. Schock co-wrote several of the band's hits, including "Vacation" and "Head Over Heels," solidifying her status as a talented songwriter. Her distinct sound has been influential across genres, making Schock one of the most recognizable drummers in the industry.
Schock's success with The Go-Gos helped her become a trailblazer for women in rock music. In addition to her drumming skills, she was a source of inspiration for many female musicians who wanted to pursue a career in music. Despite facing resistance from male-dominated record labels and concert venues during the time, Schock persisted and carved out her own place in music history.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Schock's philanthropic efforts include supporting animal rights organizations like PETA. She also works with MusiCares Foundation to help fellow musicians experiencing financial hardships.
Don't miss out on discovering more remarkable singers from Maryland who have made invaluable contributions to music history!
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.
