Maryland is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Virginia to the south, and Delaware to the east, Maryland is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Chesapeake Bay in the east.
The state’s largest city and capital is Annapolis, while its largest urban center is Baltimore. Other major cities in Maryland include Frederick, Rockville, and Hagerstown. Maryland is home to several prestigious colleges and universities, such as Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, and Loyola University.
Maryland has a rich history, having played a crucial role in the formation of the United States. The state was a key battleground during the Civil War, with several important battles taking place on its soil. The state was also the birthplace of several notable figures in American history, including Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall, and Edgar Allan Poe.
In addition to its history, Maryland is also known for its seafood, particularly its blue crabs and oysters, which are considered delicacies throughout the state and the wider region. Maryland is also home to several national parks, including Assateague Island National Seashore and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
1. Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her distinctive contralto voice and chart-topping hits in the 1990s and 2000s. With multiple Grammy Awards and over 70 million records sold worldwide, Braxton is one of the most successful R&B artists of all time. Her music is characterized by its soulful melodies, emotive lyrics, and smooth production. Braxton has also ventured into acting, with appearances in films such as “Kingdom Come” and “The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure,” as well as on Broadway in the musical “Beauty and the Beast.” In addition to her entertainment career, Braxton is also an advocate for lupus awareness, having been diagnosed with the autoimmune disease in 2010.
2. Sisqo
Sisqo, born Mark Andrews, is an American R&B singer, rapper, and actor known for his distinctive, high-pitched vocals and flamboyant style. Born in Baltimore in 1978, Sisqo began his music career as a member of the group Dru Hill, who achieved success in the 1990s with hits like “In My Bed” and “How Deep Is Your Love.” Sisqo went solo in 1999 with the release of his debut album, Unleash the Dragon, which included the massive hit “Thong Song.” Sisqo’s energetic performances and bold fashion choices made him a popular figure in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and he has continued to record and tour, both as a solo artist and with Dru Hill.
3. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, also known as Lady Day, was an American jazz singer and songwriter. She was born in Philadelphia in 1915, and rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s with her unique vocal style and deeply emotional performances. Holiday’s music was characterized by its soulful interpretations of jazz standards, as well as her own original compositions. She is considered one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, and her influence on music and culture continues to be felt today. Despite facing numerous personal struggles throughout her life, Holiday left behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer and icon of American music.
4. Logic
Logic, born Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his introspective, socially conscious lyrics and rapid-fire flow. Born in Maryland in 1990, Logic began his music career in the early 2010s with a series of mixtapes that showcased his lyrical prowess and versatility as an artist. His debut studio album, Under Pressure, was released in 2014 to critical acclaim, and he has since released several more successful albums, including The Incredible True Story and Everybody. Logic’s music often touches on issues of mental health, race, and identity, and he has become a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop.
5. David Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff is an American actor and singer, known for his work in television and film. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1952, and gained fame in the 1980s with his roles in the television series “Knight Rider” and “Baywatch.” Hasselhoff has also released several albums throughout his career, and is particularly popular in Germany, where he has achieved chart success as a singer. He has been recognized for his philanthropic work and dedication to various causes, including animal welfare and supporting the troops. Hasselhoff continues to act and perform, and has cemented his status as a pop culture icon.
6. Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa was an American musician, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative and eclectic approach to music. With a career spanning over 30 years, he released over 60 albums and explored a wide range of genres, from rock to jazz to classical music. Zappa’s music is characterized by its intricate arrangements, virtuosic musicianship, and often humorous and satirical lyrics. He was also a prolific producer, and his studio techniques and use of electronic instruments were groundbreaking. Zappa was known for his iconoclastic and irreverent persona, and his work continues to be influential to musicians and fans around the world.
7. Rico Nasty
Rico Nasty, born Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly, is an American rapper and singer known for her high-energy performances, punk-inspired style, and genre-blending music. Born in Maryland in 1997, Rico Nasty started releasing music independently in the mid-2010s and quickly gained a following for her aggressive, confrontational style and unapologetic attitude. Her breakthrough came with the 2018 mixtape Nasty, which spawned hits like “Smack a Bitch” and “Countin’ Up.” Since then, Rico Nasty has released several more successful projects, including Anger Management and Nightmare Vacation, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her willingness to push boundaries in the world of hip-hop.
8. Joel Madden
Joel Madden is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, known for his work as the lead vocalist of the rock band Good Charlotte. He was born in Waldorf, Maryland in 1979, and formed Good Charlotte with his twin brother Benji in 1996. The band gained mainstream success in the early 2000s with hits such as “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” and “The Anthem.” Madden has also worked as a coach on the Australian version of “The Voice,” and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including his work with the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to fight malaria.
9. Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek was an American musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the new wave band The Cars. With his distinctive voice and songwriting style, Ocasek helped define the sound of the 1980s and influenced generations of musicians. In addition to his work with The Cars, he also produced albums for several other artists, including Weezer and Suicide. Ocasek was known for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to music, blending elements of rock, pop, and electronic music. He continued to make music and tour throughout his life, and his legacy remains an important part of rock history.
10. JC Chasez
JC Chasez is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as one of the lead vocalists of the boy band *NSYNC. He was born in Washington, D.C. in 1976, and rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with *NSYNC, which became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. After the group disbanded in 2002, Chasez pursued a solo career, releasing one album and collaborating with other artists as a songwriter and producer. He has also appeared as a judge on reality television shows such as “America’s Best Dance Crew” and “The Sing-Off.”
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.
