Delaware, known for its picturesque beaches, rich history, and contributions to American culture, has also been home to a number of talented and influential singers over the years. From the early days of jazz and R&B to the modern era of pop and hip-hop, the First State has produced a diverse array of artists who have left their mark on the music world. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 famous singers from Delaware, delving into their backgrounds, musical styles, and the impact they’ve had on the industry.
1. Cab Calloway
Cab Calloway, born Cabell Calloway III in Rochester, New York, but raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and Wilmington, Delaware, was a legendary jazz singer, bandleader, and entertainer known for his flamboyant style, innovative scat singing, and influential role in the Harlem Renaissance. With a career spanning over five decades, Calloway became one of the most iconic figures in the history of jazz, earning numerous accolades and inductions into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame, and the International Jazz Hall of Fame. His music, which often featured his trademark “hi-de-ho” catchphrase and energetic call-and-response routines with his band, The Cotton Club Orchestra, helped to popularize jazz and African American culture during the 1930s and 1940s. Calloway’s most famous songs, such as “Minnie the Moocher,” “The Jumpin’ Jive,” and “Blues in the Night,” showcased his charismatic stage presence, powerful vocals, and ability to blend jazz, blues, and swing influences into a unique, unforgettable sound. Beyond his musical achievements, Calloway was also a trailblazer for African American performers, breaking down racial barriers and paving the way for future generations of black artists. With his undeniable talent, larger-than-life personality, and enduring influence on popular music and culture, Cab Calloway remains a legendary figure and a proud representative of Delaware’s musical heritage.
2. Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown, born in Wilmington, Delaware, was a celebrated jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader known for his virtuosic playing, innovative improvisations, and influential role in the hard bop movement of the 1950s. Despite his tragically short life, cut short by a car accident at the age of 25, Brown left an indelible mark on the jazz world, inspiring generations of musicians and earning posthumous inductions into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame. His music, which often showcased his technical mastery, emotional depth, and ability to blend bebop, blues, and R&B influences into a cohesive, hard-swinging sound, helped to define the hard bop style and set a new standard for jazz trumpet playing. Brown’s most famous recordings, such as “Joy Spring,” “Daahoud,” and his collaborations with drummer Max Roach, showcased his warm, expressive tone, fluid phrasing, and ability to craft memorable, instantly recognizable melodies. Beyond his musical achievements, Brown was also known for his gentle, humble personality and his dedication to his craft, practicing tirelessly and always striving to improve his playing. With his undeniable talent, innovative approach to jazz, and enduring influence on the genre, Clifford Brown remains a beloved figure and a shining example of Delaware’s contributions to the world of music.
3. Bebe Zahara Benet
Bebe Zahara Benet, born Nea Marshall Kudi in Cameroon, but raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Wilmington, Delaware, is a drag performer, television personality, and singer known for her electrifying stage presence, powerful vocals, and groundbreaking role as the winner of the first season of the Emmy Award-winning reality competition series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” With a career spanning over two decades, Benet has become one of the most beloved and influential figures in the world of drag, earning numerous accolades and a devoted international fanbase. Her music, which often combines elements of dance, pop, and Afrobeat influences, showcases her dynamic vocal range, infectious energy, and ability to deliver uplifting, empowering messages of self-love and acceptance. Benet’s most famous performances, such as her renditions of “I’m The Only One” and “Call Me Mother,” have become iconic moments in “Drag Race” history, celebrated for their fierce choreography, stunning visuals, and ability to showcase the artistry and athleticism of drag. Beyond her musical achievements, Benet is also known for her activism and advocacy work, using her platform to support LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and racial justice. With her undeniable charisma, trailblazing spirit, and commitment to uplifting and empowering others through her art and activism, Bebe Zahara Benet remains a beloved figure and a proud representative of Delaware’s diverse creative community.
4. Johnny Neel
Johnny Neel, born in Wilmington, Delaware, is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful, blues-infused rock music and his collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry. With a career spanning over four decades, Neel has become a respected figure in the world of roots rock and Americana, earning critical acclaim for his raw, emotionally charged vocals and his virtuosic skills on the Hammond organ and piano. His music, which often combines elements of blues, gospel, and country influences, showcases his gritty, authentic sound and his ability to craft vivid, heartfelt stories of love, loss, and redemption. Neel’s most famous recordings, such as his solo albums “Johnny Neel and the Last Word,” “Gun Metal Blue,” and “Every Kinda’ Blues,” as well as his collaborations with artists like The Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and Lonnie Mack, have cemented his status as a master of his craft and a keeper of the flame for traditional American music. Beyond his musical achievements, Neel is also known for his generous spirit and his dedication to mentoring and supporting up-and-coming musicians in his community. With his undeniable talent, authentic approach to roots music, and commitment to preserving and advancing the art form, Johnny Neel remains a respected figure and a proud representative of Delaware’s rich musical heritage.
5. Cathy Jean
Cathy Jean, born Catherine Jean Benson in Wilmington, Delaware, was a singer and songwriter known for her early contributions to the nascent rock and roll and R&B scenes of the mid-1950s and early 1960s. With a career that began as a teenager performing in local talent shows and clubs, Jean quickly gained a reputation for her powerful, soulful vocals and her ability to bring a unique, bluesy edge to the popular sounds of the day. Her music, which often showcased her raw, emotive delivery and her knack for crafting catchy, danceable tunes, helped to bridge the gap between the R&B and rock and roll genres and paved the way for future generations of female artists. Jean’s most famous recordings, such as “Please Love Me Forever,” “Steady, Steady Date,” and “Snuggle Up Baby,” achieved regional success and earned her a devoted fanbase, but failed to break through to mainstream audiences. Despite her relatively short career, which ended in the mid-1960s when she retired from music to focus on her family, Jean’s contributions to the early rock and roll and R&B scenes have been recognized by music historians and collectors, who celebrate her as a pioneering figure and an unsung hero of Delaware’s musical legacy. With her undeniable talent, trailblazing spirit, and enduring influence on the sounds of her era, Cathy Jean remains a beloved figure and a testament to the First State’s rich musical heritage.
6. The Drifters
The Drifters, a legendary vocal group formed in New York City but later featuring members from Wilmington, Delaware, were a pioneering force in the world of R&B, soul, and doo-wop music. With a career spanning over six decades and featuring numerous lineup changes, The Drifters became one of the most successful and influential groups of their era, earning inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Their music, which often showcased their lush harmonies, romantic lyrics, and ability to blend R&B, gospel, and Latin influences into a smooth, sophisticated sound, helped to define the soul and doo-wop genres and set a new standard for vocal group performance. The Drifters’ most famous hits, such as “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and “Stand by Me,” have become timeless classics, celebrated for their emotional depth, memorable melodies, and enduring popularity. The Wilmington, Delaware, connection to the group comes through the late, legendary lead singer Ben E. King, who grew up in the city and first found fame with The Drifters before launching a successful solo career. With their undeniable talent, innovative approach to vocal harmony, and lasting impact on popular music, The Drifters remain a beloved group and a proud representation of the musical talent and heritage of both Wilmington and the rest of the United States.
7. Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear, a critically acclaimed indie rock band featuring Wilmington, Delaware, native Christopher Bear on drums and vocals, is known for their lush, intricate sound and their role in the indie music scene of the 2000s and 2010s. With a career spanning over two decades and five studio albums, Grizzly Bear has become one of the most respected and influential groups in the world of alternative music, earning praise for their complex, multi-layered arrangements, poetic lyrics, and ability to blend folk, psychedelic, and experimental influences into a unique, atmospheric sound. Their music, which often showcases their intricate vocal harmonies, ethereal melodies, and dynamic, shape-shifting compositions, has been celebrated for its emotional depth, sonic adventurousness, and ability to evoke vivid, dreamlike landscapes. Grizzly Bear’s most acclaimed works, such as their albums “Yellow House,” “Veckatimest,” and “Painted Ruins,” have earned them a devoted international fanbase, critical accolades, and collaborations with artists like Radiohead, Feist, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Christopher Bear’s contributions to the band, which include his inventive, textured drumming and his haunting vocal harmonies, have been integral to their sound and have helped to establish them as one of the most original and compelling acts in modern indie rock. With their undeniable talent, visionary approach to songcraft, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of their genre, Grizzly Bear remains a vital force in the music world and a shining example of the creativity and innovation that can emerge from the First State.
8. Beres Hammond
Beres Hammond, born in Newark, New Jersey, but raised in Wilmington, Delaware, is a reggae singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful vocals, romantic lyrics, and influential role in the lovers rock and dancehall reggae genres. With a career spanning over four decades and a discography that includes numerous hit singles and critically acclaimed albums, Hammond has become one of the most beloved and respected figures in the world of reggae music, earning the nickname “the Otis Redding of Reggae” for his emotive, heartfelt delivery and his ability to infuse reggae with elements of soul, R&B, and jazz. His music, which often explores themes of love, relationships, and social commentary, has been celebrated for its authenticity, depth, and ability to connect with audiences around the world. Hammond’s most famous songs, such as “Rockaway,” “One Step Ahead,” “No Disturb Sign,” and “I Feel Good,” have become classics of the reggae canon, earning him a devoted international fanbase, numerous awards and accolades, and collaborations with other reggae greats like Buju Banton and Popcaan. Beyond his musical achievements, Hammond is also known for his humble, down-to-earth personality and his commitment to his Rastafarian faith and values. With his undeniable talent, iconic status in the reggae world, and enduring influence on the genre, Beres Hammond remains a legendary figure and a proud representation of the musical heritage of both Wilmington and his Jamaican roots.
9. Keri Hilson
Keri Hilson, born in Decatur, Georgia, but raised in Wilmington, Delaware, is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her R&B and pop hits, her collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, and her successful career in film and television. With a career that began as a teenager writing songs for other artists, Hilson quickly gained a reputation for her talent as a songwriter and vocalist, penning hits for stars like Britney Spears, Ludacris, and Usher before launching her own solo career in the late 2000s. Her music, which often showcases her powerful, acrobatic vocals, infectious hooks, and ability to blend R&B, hip-hop, and electronic influences into a sleek, contemporary sound, has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including Grammy and BET Award nominations. Hilson’s most famous solo hits, such as “Knock You Down,” “Turnin Me On,” and “Pretty Girl Rock,” as well as her collaborations with artists like Timbaland, Kanye West, and Ne-Yo, have cemented her status as a major force in the music industry and a role model for young women pursuing their dreams. Beyond her musical achievements, Hilson has also found success as an actress, appearing in films like “Think Like a Man” and “Almost Christmas” and on television shows like “Love By the 10th Date.” With her undeniable talent, multi-faceted career, and inspiring journey from Wilmington to the heights of the entertainment world, Keri Hilson remains a shining example of the creativity, ambition, and star power that can emerge from the First State.
10. The Blam
The Blam, a Wilmington, Delaware-based indie rock band formed in 2008, is known for their energetic, lo-fi sound and their role in the local DIY music scene. With a career spanning over a decade and several self-released EPs and full-length albums, The Blam has become a fixture of Wilmington’s independent music community, earning a devoted fanbase for their raw, unbridled, and often irreverent approach to rock and roll. Their music, which often showcases their gritty, distorted guitar work, pounding rhythms, and shouty, call-and-response vocals, has been celebrated for its punk rock energy, catchy melodies, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics that often tackle themes of youth, rebellion, and the absurdities of modern life. The Blam’s most popular songs, such as “Vampire Weekend Sucks,” “I’m Not Yr Boyfriend,” and “Pizza Party,” have become anthems for a new generation of indie rock fans, earning them regional acclaim, spots on college radio playlists, and gigs at local venues and music festivals. Beyond their musical achievements, The Blam is also known for their commitment to the Wilmington music scene, often organizing and playing at DIY shows, collaborating with other local bands and artists, and using their platform to support grassroots activism and community building efforts. With their undeniable passion, DIY spirit, and role in nurturing the next generation of Delaware musicians, The Blam remains an exciting, vital force in the First State’s indie rock scene and a testament to the creativity and resilience of its youth culture.
In conclusion, these ten singers, bands, and musicians represent the rich and diverse musical landscape of Delaware, showcasing the state’s enduring contributions to American popular music and culture. From the pioneering jazz of Cab Calloway and Clifford Brown to the contemporary indie rock of Grizzly Bear and The Blam, Delaware has produced a remarkable array of talented and influential artists across various genres and generations. As the First State continues to nurture and inspire new generations of musical talent, we can look forward to many more incredible voices and stories emerging from its vibrant creative communities and leaving their mark on the world stage.
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.
