Maryland, a state known for its diverse landscape, rich history, and vibrant culture, has also produced a remarkable number of talented singers who have made their mark on the music industry. From classic R&B and soul to contemporary pop and hip-hop, these artists have showcased the Old Line State’s musical prowess and have captivated audiences around the world with their unique voices and styles. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 famous singers from Maryland and delve into their remarkable careers and the impact they have had on the music scene.
1. Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton, born in Severn, Maryland, is an R&B icon known for her deep, sultry vocals, her emotional performances, and her chart-topping hits. With a career spanning over three decades, Braxton has released numerous multi-platinum albums and has become one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1993, showcased her powerful voice and her ability to infuse her music with raw emotion, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Braxton’s subsequent albums, such as “Secrets” and “The Heat,” further cemented her status as an R&B superstar, with hits like “Un-Break My Heart” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough” becoming timeless classics. Throughout her career, Braxton has also faced personal challenges, including health issues and financial difficulties, but has remained a beloved figure in the music world, known for her resilience, her talent, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. As one of Maryland’s most successful and influential musical exports, Toni Braxton continues to inspire and captivate audiences with her soulful, unforgettable performances.
2. Mýa
Mýa, born Mýa Marie Harrison in Washington, D.C., and raised in Maryland, is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her smooth, soulful vocals, her energetic performances, and her versatile musical style. With a career spanning over two decades, Mýa has released numerous successful albums and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Sisqó, Pink, and Christina Aguilera. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1998, showcased her talent for blending R&B, soul, and hip-hop influences, earning her critical acclaim and commercial success. Mýa’s subsequent albums, such as “Fear of Flying” and “Moodring,” further demonstrated her growth as an artist and her ability to adapt to changing musical trends. In addition to her music career, Mýa has also pursued acting, appearing in films such as “Chicago” and “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” and has been a contestant on the popular television series “Dancing with the Stars.” With her undeniable talent, her charismatic presence, and her dedication to her craft, Mýa has become one of Maryland’s most beloved and successful musical talents.
3. Sisqó
Sisqó, born Mark Althavan Andrews in Baltimore, Maryland, is a singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the lead vocalist of the R&B group Dru Hill and for his successful solo career. With his distinctive tenor voice, his flamboyant style, and his infectious energy, Sisqó has become one of the most recognizable figures in the world of R&B and hip-hop. As a member of Dru Hill, Sisqó contributed to the group’s success with hits like “Tell Me” and “In My Bed,” showcasing his vocal range and his ability to deliver smooth, sensual performances. His solo debut album, “Unleash the Dragon,” released in 1999, featured the massive hit single “Thong Song,” which became a global sensation and cemented Sisqó’s status as a pop culture icon. Throughout his career, Sisqó has collaborated with numerous artists, including Mýa, DMX, and Lil’ Kim, and has expanded his talents to acting, appearing in films such as “Get Over It” and “Snow Dogs.” With his undeniable charisma, his unique vocal style, and his lasting impact on popular music, Sisqó remains one of Maryland’s most celebrated and influential musical figures.
4. Gallant
Gallant, born Christopher Gallant in Columbia, Maryland, is a singer and songwriter known for his powerful, emotive vocals, his genre-bending sound, and his captivating live performances. With his debut album, “Ology,” released in 2016, Gallant quickly established himself as one of the most promising new talents in the world of R&B and soul, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following. His music often blends elements of R&B, electronic, and alternative styles, creating a unique, atmospheric sound that showcases his incredible vocal range and his ability to convey deep emotion through his performances. Gallant’s live shows are known for their intensity and intimacy, with the singer often engaging directly with his audience and delivering raw, vulnerable performances. Throughout his career, Gallant has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Sufjan Stevens, Seal, and Dua Lipa, and has earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album. With his innovative approach to R&B, his undeniable talent, and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft, Gallant has become one of Maryland’s most exciting and influential young musical talents.
5. Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers, born in Easton, Maryland, is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for her unique blend of folk, pop, and electronic music, her introspective lyrics, and her dynamic, engaging live performances. With her breakout hit, “Alaska,” which went viral after being played for Pharrell Williams during a master class at New York University, Rogers quickly became one of the most buzzed-about new artists in the music industry. Her debut album, “Heard It in a Past Life,” released in 2019, showcased her talent for crafting catchy, emotionally resonant songs that explore themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the search for meaning in life. Rogers’ music often incorporates elements of natural sounds and organic instrumentation, reflecting her love for the outdoors and her connection to her rural Maryland roots. Throughout her career, Rogers has been praised for her authentic, down-to-earth personality and her commitment to using her platform to promote social and environmental causes. With her distinctive voice, her innovative approach to pop music, and her ability to connect with audiences on a deep, personal level, Maggie Rogers has become one of Maryland’s most promising and influential young musical talents.
6. Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek, born Richard Theodore Otcasek in Baltimore, Maryland, was a singer, songwriter, and producer best known as the frontman and primary songwriter of the iconic new wave band The Cars. With his distinctive vocals, his quirky, intelligent lyrics, and his innovative approach to rock music, Ocasek helped to define the sound and style of the late 1970s and early 1980s. As the leader of The Cars, Ocasek co-wrote and produced a string of hit singles, including “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and “Drive,” which showcased the band’s unique blend of pop hooks, rock edge, and electronic experimentation. In addition to his work with The Cars, Ocasek also pursued a successful solo career and worked as a producer for numerous other artists, including Weezer, Bad Brains, and Suicide. Throughout his career, Ocasek was known for his enigmatic persona, his artistic integrity, and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of rock music. Although he passed away in 2019, his legacy as one of Maryland’s most influential and innovative musical figures continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists.
7. Logic
Logic, born Sir Robert Bryson Hall II in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer known for his introspective, socially conscious lyrics, his versatile flow, and his ability to blend elements of hip-hop, pop, and rock into his unique sound. With a career spanning over a decade, Logic has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and mixtapes, earning a devoted following and establishing himself as one of the most promising young talents in the world of hip-hop. His music often explores themes of mental health, race, and identity, with songs like “1-800-273-8255” and “Black SpiderMan” addressing important social issues and promoting messages of positivity and self-love. Throughout his career, Logic has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Eminem, Alessia Cara, and Marshmello, and has earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy nominations. With his honest, introspective approach to hip-hop, his dedication to using his platform for good, and his undeniable talent as a performer and songwriter, Logic has become one of Maryland’s most influential and respected musical exports.
8. Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith, born in Baltimore, Maryland, is an actress, singer, and songwriter best known for her roles in films such as “Menace II Society,” “The Matrix” franchise, and “Girls Trip.” However, her musical talents should not be overlooked, as she has made significant contributions to the world of heavy metal and rock. In 2002, Pinkett Smith formed the metal band Wicked Wisdom, serving as the band’s lead vocalist and primary songwriter. With their blend of heavy metal, punk, and alternative rock influences, Wicked Wisdom gained a cult following and performed at major music festivals, including Ozzfest. Pinkett Smith’s powerful, dynamic vocals and her fierce stage presence helped to establish her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal, defying expectations and breaking down barriers as a woman of color in a predominantly white, male-dominated genre. Although Wicked Wisdom has been on hiatus in recent years, Pinkett Smith’s impact on the music scene and her role in expanding the boundaries of heavy metal continue to inspire and influence aspiring musicians.
9. Rico Nasty
Rico Nasty, born Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter known for her aggressive, high-energy delivery, her genre-bending sound, and her unapologetic, confident persona. With her unique blend of punk, hip-hop, and electronic influences, Rico Nasty has quickly become one of the most exciting and innovative voices in the world of rap, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following. Her music often explores themes of female empowerment, self-expression, and the challenges of navigating the music industry as a young, black woman. Rico Nasty’s dynamic, unpredictable flow and her ability to switch between hard-hitting, confrontational verses and melodic, catchy hooks have helped to set her apart from her peers and establish her as a true original in the world of hip-hop. Throughout her career, Rico Nasty has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Kenny Beats, Doja Cat, and 100 gecs, and has been praised for her energetic, uncompromising live performances. With her bold, fearless approach to music and her commitment to staying true to herself, Rico Nasty has become one of Maryland’s most promising and influential young musical talents.
10. Victoria Vox
Victoria Vox, born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a singer, songwriter, and ukulele player known for her warm, soulful vocals, her clever, witty lyrics, and her innovative approach to the ukulele. With a style that blends elements of folk, jazz, and pop, Vox has released numerous independently produced albums and has become a beloved figure in the world of independent music. Her songs often explore themes of love, relationships, and the joys and challenges of everyday life, delivered with a mix of humor, honesty, and heartfelt emotion. Vox’s virtuosic ukulele playing, which incorporates elements of fingerpicking, strumming, and percussion, has helped to redefine the possibilities of the instrument and inspire a new generation of players. Throughout her career, Vox has toured extensively, performing at festivals, concert halls, and intimate venues around the world, and has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Grammy winners and indie favorites. With her undeniable talent, her engaging stage presence, and her commitment to crafting meaningful, memorable songs, Victoria Vox has become one of Maryland’s most respected and beloved musical treasures.
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.
