New York City, the bustling metropolis known for its vibrant energy and cultural diversity, has long been a breeding ground for exceptional talent across various artistic domains. In the realm of music, the city has birthed and nurtured some of the most iconic voices and influential figures in the industry. From the soaring heights of Broadway to the gritty underground clubs of Greenwich Village, New York has been a constant source of inspiration for countless singers who have left an indelible mark on the world of music. In this article, we will explore the lives and careers of ten famous singers who hail from the bustling streets of New York. These individuals have not only captured the hearts of audiences with their extraordinary vocal prowess, but they have also become cultural icons, shaping the very fabric of popular music. From the soul-stirring melodies of Billie Holiday to the poetic brilliance of Bob Dylan, from the powerhouse vocals of Whitney Houston to the genre-defying artistry of Lady Gaga, this list represents a diverse array of talents that have emerged from the city that never sleeps. Join us on this musical journey as we celebrate the ten famous singers who call New York their home.
1. Lou Reed
Legendary American singer-songwriter, Lou Reed of Brooklyn notoriety, gained recognition for his work with rock band Velvet Underground in the 60s. He later developed his sound with acclaimed solo albums such as Transformer and Berlin. His distinctive lyrics and music style had a revolutionary effect on the industry, inspiring later generations of artists and earning him a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Reed had a post-music career in acting. He featured in Martin Scorsese's The Color of Money and produced records for Nico and The Stooges. Listen to his album, The Blue Mask, for a taste of his poetic songwriting and unadulterated emotion. It's no wonder Billy Joel hails from New York – the man pens tunes about subway rides and uptown girls like a pro!
2. Billy Joel
Billy Joel, an American singer-songwriter, achieved fame in the 1970s. He had several hits, such as "Piano Man" and "Just the Way You Are". He sold over 150 million records worldwide. He is one of the most successful music artists ever. His voice and piano-playing skills have earned him 6 Grammy Awards.
Joel was born in The Bronx, New York City. He started learning the piano young. He was performing in bars when he was just 14. Despite hardships, such as depression and substance abuse, he kept creating music that people love.
Fun Fact: In 1994, Billy Joel was the first musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman when it premiered on CBS. Carole King showed that you don't need a stage name to become a legend.
3. Carole King
Carole King is an American singer-songwriter who made a big impact on the music world. She was born in Manhattan, New York, in 1942. King started her career writing songs for other popular musicians. In 1960, she sang her own song, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," which was a hit. King is one of the most successful and influential female songwriters of the 20th century.
Achievements include four Grammys, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and a Kennedy Center Honors award. Her album "Tapestry" stayed at number one on the Billboard chart for 15 weeks and became one of the best-selling albums ever.
King's songwriting was progressive; she wrote about love in a way that spoke to both men and women. This connected with fans worldwide. Carole King defied gender boundaries and showed women can be talented singers, musicians and composers.
King also composed over twenty Top Ten hits between 1960-1980 including "The Locomotion," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," and "So Far Away." This marks her success as an artist and songwriter.
4. Art Garfunkel
Art Garfunkel was born in Forest Hills, Queens. He rose to fame in the duo Simon & Garfunkel, known for his signature high-pitched vocals. Garfunkel's solo career was successful with hits like "Bright Eyes," "I Only Have Eyes for You," and "All I Know."
He also wrote poetry, acted in films, and wrote memoirs. But did you know he earned a master's degree in mathematics from Columbia University in 1967? He even taught math before his music career took off.
Garfunkel's contributions to music are immense. His voice and harmonizing inspired many musicians. He remains an enduring icon of New York's music scene. Joey and Johnny Ramone showed that you don't need to be a virtuoso to make good music – just the drive to make the world go Hey! Ho! Let's go!
5. Joey and Johnny Ramone (The Ramones)
Joey and Johnny Ramone, of the legendary punk rock band The Ramones, are true icons of the Big Apple's music scene. Famous for their speedy tunes and memorable lyrics, they were pioneers of the punk revolution in the 1970s. Joey sang and wrote words, while Johnny strummed the guitar and wrote music. They often spoke about political and social matters, standing up for those on the outside of society. Touring nonstop, they earned a devoted following across the globe.
What set them apart was their dedication to art. Music was their life—they wrote new songs even when not on tour or recording. Their passion shone through their energetic shows, that never failed to get the crowd moving.
Joey and Johnny faced hurdles like drug problems and personal issues, but they stayed devoted to each other and their sound until the end. Their effect on punk rock is immeasurable, inspiring countless groups in New York City and beyond.
It's not widely known that The Ramones met at a record store in NYC called Performance Studios in 1974. This chance encounter created a musical collaboration that lasted for two decades. They evolved from playing small gigs at CBGB's to performing in sold-out arenas everywhere. Joey and Johnny stayed true to their music and themselves the whole time. If it weren't for The Ramones, punk would not be the same today!
Huey Lewis might not be the trendiest, but he sure is great for being a New Yorker!
6. Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis And The News)
Huey Lewis and the News are renowned from New York. They're famous for hits such as "The Power of Love," "Hip to Be Square," and "Stuck with You." Huey Lewis, the lead singer, was born in NYC. Later, he moved to Marin County, California. Lewis began playing professionally in his twenties. He even opened for Bruce Springsteen before creating his own band.
In the 80s and early 90s, Huey Lewis and the News earned a lot of awards and recognition. They were even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for 'Back to the Future'. Now, Huey Lewis still performs with his band. Though, he has a hearing disorder that has made him cancel some shows recently. Despite this, he remains one of New York's most celebrated singers.
Like Tupac, who was born on the West Coast but really belonged to New York, pizza and hot dogs also belong to the Big Apple.
7. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur, the renowned rapper and actor, was born on June 16th, 1971 in East Harlem, New York City. His lyrics and political messages were incredibly strong. Tupac had a tumultuous childhood; poverty and violence surrounded him. He began his musical career with Digital Underground and later went solo.
During the 90s, Tupac became renowned in hip hop music. His albums, such as "All Eyez on Me" and "Me Against the World" were incredibly successful. In addition, he acted in several films like "Poetic Justice" and "Above the Rim."
Tupac faced many issues – legal battles, clashes with other rappers, and more. On September 7th, 1996, he was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. Six days later, he sadly passed away at the age of 25.
His mother, Afeni Shakur, was an activist for the Black Panther Party. She taught Tupac her beliefs and he became an advocate for social justice. Tupac's legacy is still alive today; his music inspires current artists and speaks to pressing issues in America.
8. Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine)
Tom Morello, the guitarist of Rage Against The Machine, is a popular and influential musician from New York. He gained fame for his creative guitar-play and powerful lyrics. His sound is a mix of metal, rap, punk, and funk.
Morello was recognized for his musical ability. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Harvard, where he met Adam Jones. After graduating, Tom moved to LA and played with various bands before joining Rage Against The Machine in 1991.
Tom is also a political activist. He uses his music to speak out against racism, social injustice, and other issues.
If you want to be inspired by Tom Morello:
- observe his guitar techniques and blend of genres
- listen to his tone
- watch interviews discussing his activism, songwriting, guitar influences, and inspirations
9. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys, an American singer-songwriter, was born and raised in the Hell's Kitchen of Manhattan, New York City. At the age of seven, she began playing the piano and composing songs by 14. Her debut album, Songs in A Minor, released in 2001, won her five Grammy Awards. Her famous hits include "Fallin," "No One," and "Girl on Fire."
Alicia is also an actress and a philanthropist. She has acted in The Nanny Diaries and Smokin' Aces; additionally, she co-founded Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organization providing medical help to HIV/AIDS afflicted impoverished communities.
Alicia Keys speaks not only English, but also French and Italian, owing to her multicultural upbringing. According to Forbes magazine (source), she was ranked as the 10th most powerful celebrity in 2020 with an estimated net worth of $100 million. On the other hand, Weezer's Rivers Cuomo proves that even nerdy people can rock with catchy melodies and thick-rimmed glasses.
10. Rivers Cuomo (Weezer)
Rivers Cuomo is a renowned singer from New York. He leads the alternative rock band, Weezer. His voice and songwriting skills have made him beloved by music fans around the globe. He's also known for his peculiar personality and peculiar fashion.
Cuomo was born in Manhattan in 1970. He grew up in a musical family. At a young age, he started playing guitar. As a teen, he formed his first band. After attending Harvard University, he left to focus on music.
Weezer's debut album, released in 1994, was an immediate hit. It included songs like "Buddy Holly" and "Undone – The Sweater Song." Since then, the band has released lots of albums and singles. They've earned wide praise and many devoted fans.
Pro Tip: If you admire Rivers Cuomo or Weezer, you should check out their music videos! They're often just as fun as their songs.
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.
