New York City, the cultural hub of the United States, has long been a breeding ground for artistic talent across various disciplines. In the realm of music, the city’s vibrant and diverse landscape has produced some of the most iconic and influential voices in the industry. From the soulful sounds of jazz to the electrifying beats of hip-hop, New York has nurtured a rich tapestry of musical genres, attracting countless aspiring artists from all walks of life. In this article, we delve into the world of music and celebrate the top 10 famous singers who have emerged from the bustling streets of New York. These remarkable individuals have not only captured the hearts of millions with their exceptional vocal prowess but have also left an indelible mark on the global music scene. Whether they were born and raised in the city or found their musical calling within its vibrant confines, each artist has contributed to New York’s illustrious legacy. Join us as we explore the lives, careers, and unforgettable performances of these iconic singers who have made New York proud and left an indelible imprint on the world of music.
1. Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis And The News)
With his distinctive voice and bluesy harmonica playing, Huey Lewis rose to fame as the lead singer of Huey Lewis And The News. Born in New York, he later moved to California where he formed the band that became a household name in the 80s and 90s. Lewis' hits include "The Power of Love" and "I Want A New Drug". He also contributed songs to blockbuster movies like "Back To The Future" and "Ghostbusters".
Lewis started his music career as a harmonica player in various bands before forming Huey Lewis And The News. Their first album was released in 1980, but it wasn't until their third album – "Sports" – that they achieved mainstream success. In addition to their catchy tunes, the band was known for their energetic live performances.
Interestingly, even though he is primarily known as a musician, Lewis has also dabbled in acting over the years. He's appeared in several movies and TV shows including "Duets", "Short Cuts", and an episode of "The King of Queens".
Pro Tip: If you're ever looking for a party playlist, throw some Huey Lewis And The News on there for guaranteed sing-alongs!
"They say Tupac had nine lives, but unfortunately, he only had one record deal."
2. Tupac Shakur
One of the ten most famous singers hailing from New York is a renowned rapper and actor originally known by a different name. Tupac Shakur, born Lesane Parish Crooks in Harlem, rose to fame with his socially conscious lyrics and East Coast/West Coast rivalry. He continued to make music that inspired people even after his untimely death in 1996 due to a drive-by shooting. In addition, Tupac's legacy has been remembered through posthumous album releases.
Pro Tip: Take inspiration from Tupac's storytelling style and use your own unique voice to create meaningful art.
Tom Morello's guitar solos are so awesome, they make New York's traffic jams feel like a mosh pit.
3. Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine)
A groundbreaking musician with a unique guitar sound, Tom Morello made history as part of the band Rage Against The Machine. Known for their politically charged lyrics and punk-infused sound, Rage Against The Machine gained popularity in the 1990s. Morello's innovative guitar techniques involve using electronic effects to create new sounds and he has been ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time by several publications. He has also collaborated with numerous other artists throughout his career, including Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash.
Born in Harlem, New York City, Morello grew up surrounded by music and his mother was a prominent political activist. After attending Harvard University, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. There, he formed Rage Against The Machine with three other musicians and the band quickly gained a massive following. In addition to his work with Rage Against The Machine, Morello has also been a member of bands like Audioslave and Street Sweeper Social Club.
Morello is not only known for his musical talent but also for his activism and advocacy work. He has spoken out on issues such as social justice and workers' rights and has been involved in organizations like Occupy Wall Street and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. He has used his platform as a musician to raise awareness about these issues and inspire change.
A memorable moment in Morello's career was when he replaced an injured guitarist during an Ozzy Osbourne tour in 2003. Despite not knowing any of the songs beforehand, he impressed audiences with his impromptu performances and gained a new legion of fans.
Overall, Tom Morello is a talented musician who has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unique style and political activism.
Some people have 88 keys on their piano, but Alicia Keys only needs one to have us all singing along.
4. Alicia Keys
This New York-born musician, known professionally as Alicia Keys, has captured global attention for her melodic voice and empowering lyrics. With 15 Grammy wins to her name, Keys is renowned for songs like "Fallin'" and "No One". She began playing the piano at age seven and later attended the prestigious Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan. Keys was influenced by jazz, soul, and classical music, which she skillfully blended into her powerful style.
Moreover, she has acted in numerous films and television shows. Some of her notable appearances include roles in The Secret Life of Bees, Smokin' Aces, and Empire. Alicia Keys has also authored books such as "More Myself: A Journey" and produced documentaries like "The Gospel".
It's worth noting that Alicia Kayes was the first woman to host the Grammys twice consecutively – 2020 and 2021.
(Source: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/6503039/new-york-famous-singers-musicians)
Rivers Cuomo may sing "Buddy Holly", but his New York roots are more "Frank Sinatra".
5. Rivers Cuomo (Weezer)
This singer-songwriter from New York has achieved great success as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the alternative rock band Weezer. Known for his distinctive vocals and offbeat lyrics, Rivers Cuomo has created a unique style that blends punk, pop, and rock genres. He formed Weezer in 1992, which gained popularity with their first self-titled album in 1994. Since then, Cuomo has released several hit albums with Weezer and collaborated with other artists on various projects.
Cuomo's music often reflects his personal experiences and struggles with relationships and mental health. He has publicly shared his battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and how it has influenced his songwriting process. Additionally, he holds a degree in English from Harvard University.
With over three decades of experience in the music industry, Rivers Cuomo is considered one of the most influential rock musicians of our time. His work continues to inspire future generations of artists to push boundaries and create bold and innovative music.
Interestingly enough, Cuomo had initially planned to become a monk before pursuing a career in music. However, after being inspired by bands like Kiss and Van Halen, he decided to follow his passion for music instead.
From gritty streets to gritty lyrics, Lou Reed proves that the heart of New York City beats to a rock n' roll rhythm.
6. Lou Reed
Lou Reed was a legendary singer from New York, known for his experimental approach to rock music. With a career spanning over four decades, he is considered an icon in the industry. His unique style and edgy lyrics influenced many other artists over the years.
Reed began his musical journey as a member of the Velvet Underground, a band that became famous for its avant-garde sound. Following their breakup, Reed embarked on a successful solo career with hit songs like "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Perfect Day". He continued to push boundaries with his music and collaborated with various artists throughout his career.
One unique fact about Lou Reed is that he studied under the poet Delmore Schwartz at Syracuse University in Upstate New York. This experience shaped his writing style and helped him develop a love for literature.
If you're looking to explore Lou Reed's music further, consider checking out some of his lesser-known albums like "Berlin" or "Street Hassle". Both of these records showcase his experimental side and offer a deeper dive into his versatile discography. Enjoyed by fans across generations, Lou Reed remains an icon of New York's music scene to this day.
Move over, Piano Man, there are 6 other famous singers from New York to discuss before we get to you.
7. Billy Joel
One of New York's most notable musical icons, this Grammy award-winning artist has sold over 150 million records worldwide. He is known for his diverse style that ranges from rock to pop and has released countless hit songs such as "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl". In addition to his solo success, he has collaborated with other musicians and composed several famous film scores. Billy Joel's timeless music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Carole King proved that you don't need to be a flashy diva to dominate the music industry – just some killer songwriting skills and a piano.
8. Carole King
One of the renowned singers from the bustling city that never sleeps, New York, is a prolific songwriter and talented performer. With over 4 million copies sold of one album alone, this artist rightfully earned her place in the music industry. Her distinctive voice and style set her apart from other performers of her time. This singer-songwriter paved the way for female musicians and has won multiple prestigious awards throughout her career.
Carole King's songs became anthems of love and life in the 60s and 70s. Many popular artists have also performed covers of her hits over the years. A true inspiration to all aspiring songwriters, King was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying her spot among some of rock’s greats.
A fun fact about this illustrious New Yorker is that she grew up next to Neil Sedaka when they were children! Although their musical paths led them in different directions after childhood, it's always interesting to think about how destiny can work out so differently for people who have come from such similar backgrounds.
He may have been Simon's sidekick, but Art Garfunkel sure knew how to rock those luscious locks.
9. Art Garfunkel
New York has been home to some of the greatest singers in the world, and one such personality is a prolific singer-songwriter who has contributed amazingly to the music industry. Art Garfunkel, known for his angelic voice and poetry-infused lyrics, had a long-standing musical career that expanded over four decades. After achieving immense success as part of Simon & Garfunkel in the '60s, he ventured into successful solo projects with hit songs like "All I Know" and "Breakaway." His style of music artistry paved the way for many contemporary singers to follow in his footsteps.
Garfunkel was born and raised in New York City's Queens borough, where he met his future bandmate Paul Simon at school. Their shared passion for music led them on a path that became one of the most celebrated associations in the history of music. The sound that he created with Simon was superlative because it deeply resonated with people from all ages and backgrounds. Till today, "The Sound of Silence," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and other popular tunes provide comfort and hope even after decades since their release.
Garfunkel's creativity not only flourished through his melodies but also through his literary works – having written books like "Still Water" and "What is It All But Luminous: Notes From An Underground Man?". He also diversified into acting by participating in various television shows like “The Art Garfunkel Special” in 1973, reviving his roles on stage screen acting.
But despite all this artistic prowess across multiple genres, Art Garfunkel never shied away from dedicating himself completely to one thing- Music. Through hardship and inspiration alike, he kept shining bright like a star among others during that time’s generation, which eventually culminated him into earning several awards throughout his career.
It's impossible not to marvel at the legacy Art Garfunkel has created for himself as one of New York's most famous singers. As we explore his contribution to the music industry, it would be remiss not to acknowledge how his soulful melodies and insightful lyrics have inspired generations of music enthusiasts worldwide. Joey and Johnny Ramone proved that punk isn't dead, it's just blasting its eardrums out in a New York garage.
10. Joey and Johnny Ramone (The Ramones)
The iconic punk rockers from the Big Apple, the Ramones, were led by the charismatic Joey Ramone and his guitar-playin' partner Johnny Ramone. Here are some fascinating details about this famous duo.
| Full Name | Joey Ramone (Jeffrey Hyman), Johnny Ramone (John Cummings) |
|---|---|
| Born In | Queens, New York City |
| Main Genre | Punk Rock |
| Active Years | 1974-1996 |
Johnny was known for his fast-paced guitar riffs that heavily influenced modern-day punk music while Joey's distinct voice earned him a spot in Rolling Stone's Top 100 greatest singers of all time.
Did you know that the band's original drummer, Tommy Ramone, left after their third album "Rocket to Russia"? He was replaced by Marky Ramone who held down the beat until their disbandment in 1996.
True story: According to legend, Joey once saw Phil Spector beating up a woman in a hotel lobby. He immediately intervened and yelled at Spector, which stopped the assault.
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.
