New Hampshire, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, has produced a number of talented singers who have made their mark on various genres, from folk and rock to classical and opera. These artists have not only showcased the Granite State’s musical diversity but have also left an indelible impact on the global music landscape. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 famous singers from New Hampshire and delve into their remarkable careers and the contributions they have made to the world of music.
1. Ray LaMontagne
Ray LaMontagne, born in Nashua, New Hampshire, is a singer-songwriter known for his soulful, raspy vocals and his introspective, emotionally charged lyrics. With a career spanning over two decades, LaMontagne has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, showcasing his ability to blend elements of folk, rock, and soul into a unique, captivating sound. His music often explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth, delivered with a raw, honest intensity that has resonated with fans around the world. LaMontagne’s debut album, “Trouble,” released in 2004, garnered significant attention for its haunting, atmospheric sound and the singer’s powerful, expressive voice. Subsequent releases, such as “Till the Sun Turns Black” and “Gossip in the Grain,” have further demonstrated his growth as a songwriter and his willingness to experiment with various musical styles. Throughout his career, LaMontagne has collaborated with a wide range of artists and has earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. With his timeless songwriting, his unforgettable voice, and his commitment to crafting deeply personal, meaningful music, Ray LaMontagne has become one of New Hampshire’s most celebrated and influential musical exports.
2. JoJo
JoJo, born Joanna Noëlle Levesque in Brattleboro, Vermont, and raised in Keene, New Hampshire, is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful, soulful vocals and her ability to navigate various genres, from R&B and pop to rock and hip-hop. JoJo first gained recognition as a teenage sensation with her self-titled debut album, released in 2004, which featured the hit singles “Leave (Get Out)” and “Baby It’s You.” Her precocious talent, combined with her mature, emotive delivery, quickly established her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Despite facing legal battles with her record label, which delayed the release of her subsequent albums, JoJo continued to hone her craft and evolve as an artist. Her later releases, such as “Mad Love.” and “good to know,” showcased her growth as a songwriter and her willingness to explore more personal, introspective themes. Throughout her career, JoJo has also pursued acting, appearing in films such as “Aquamarine” and “G.B.F.,” and has been praised for her dynamic live performances. With her undeniable vocal talent, her versatility as an artist, and her commitment to staying true to herself, JoJo has become one of New Hampshire’s most successful and inspiring musical exports.
3. Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore, born in Nashua, New Hampshire, is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her sweet, melodic vocals and her successful crossover from music to film and television. Moore first rose to fame as a teenage pop star in the late 1990s and early 2000s, releasing hit singles such as “Candy” and “I Wanna Be with You.” Her debut album, “So Real,” released in 1999, showcased her fresh-faced charm and her ability to deliver catchy, radio-friendly tunes. As Moore matured as an artist, she began to explore more complex, adult-contemporary sounds, as evidenced by her later albums like “Coverage” and “Amanda Leigh.” These releases featured Moore’s interpretations of classic songs, as well as original compositions that highlighted her growth as a vocalist and songwriter. In addition to her music career, Moore has also achieved significant success as an actress, starring in films such as “A Walk to Remember” and “Tangled,” and earning critical acclaim for her role in the hit television series “This Is Us.” With her multi-faceted talents, her down-to-earth personality, and her commitment to both music and acting, Mandy Moore has become one of New Hampshire’s most recognizable and beloved entertainment figures.
4. Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio, born Ronald James Padavona in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was a legendary heavy metal singer, songwriter, and musician known for his powerful, operatic vocals and his influence on the genre. With a career spanning over five decades, Dio fronted several iconic bands, including Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his own eponymous band, Dio. His distinctive voice, which could seamlessly transition from soaring highs to menacing lows, became a hallmark of the heavy metal sound and inspired countless vocalists who followed in his footsteps. Dio’s lyrics often explored themes of fantasy, mythology, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, creating a unique and immersive musical experience for fans. Some of his most famous songs, such as “Holy Diver,” “Rainbow in the Dark,” and “The Last in Line,” have become classics of the genre and continue to be celebrated by metal enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond his musical achievements, Dio was also known for his charitable work, particularly his efforts to combat world hunger through his “Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.” Although he passed away in 2010, his legacy as one of the greatest heavy metal vocalists of all time and his enduring impact on the genre have solidified his status as a true icon and a source of pride for his home state of New Hampshire.
5. Alli Beaudry
Alli Beaudry, born in Concord, New Hampshire, is a pop and country singer known for her powerful, expressive vocals and her ability to craft catchy, heartfelt songs. With a passion for music that began at a young age, Beaudry honed her skills performing at local events and competitions before making the move to Nashville to pursue her dreams. Her debut EP, “All of the Above,” released in 2019, showcased her talent for blending pop and country influences into a fresh, contemporary sound, earning her a growing fanbase and critical acclaim. Beaudry’s music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of chasing one’s dreams, delivered with a mix of vulnerability and strength that resonates with listeners. Some of her most popular songs, such as “Secrets” and “Lighter,” have garnered significant streaming numbers and radio airplay, cementing her status as a rising star in the music industry. Beyond her musical pursuits, Beaudry is also known for her charitable work and her commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact on the world. With her undeniable talent, her infectious personality, and her dedication to her craft, Alli Beaudry has become one of New Hampshire’s most promising and inspiring young musical exports.
6. Charlie Farren
Charlie Farren, born in Concord, New Hampshire, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his powerful, energetic performances and his contributions to the Boston rock scene. Farren first gained recognition as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band The Joe Perry Project, formed by Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, before embarking on a successful solo career. His music, which blends elements of rock, blues, and Americana, showcases his dynamic vocal range and his skills as a guitarist. Farren’s solo albums, such as “Deja Blue” and “World Gone Wild,” have earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for their raw, honest songwriting and the singer’s ability to infuse his performances with passion and intensity. Throughout his career, Farren has collaborated with a wide range of artists and has been a fixture on the New England music scene, performing at various venues and festivals. Beyond his musical pursuits, Farren is also known for his work as a music educator, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians through workshops and mentorship programs. With his undeniable talent, his dedication to his craft, and his commitment to fostering the next generation of musicians, Charlie Farren has become one of New Hampshire’s most respected and influential rock artists.
7. Tom Rush
Tom Rush, born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a folk and blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his influential role in the American folk music revival of the 1960s and his enduring contributions to the genre. With a career spanning over six decades, Rush has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, showcasing his warm, expressive vocals, his fingerstyle guitar playing, and his talent for interpreting traditional folk songs and contemporary compositions. His music, which often explores themes of love, social justice, and the human experience, has earned him a devoted following and recognition as one of the most important figures in the folk music community. Rush’s early recordings, such as “Tom Rush at the Unicorn” and “The Circle Game,” helped to popularize the work of then-emerging songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and James Taylor, cementing his status as a tastemaker and a champion of new talent. Throughout his career, Rush has continued to record and perform, entertaining audiences with his engaging stage presence, his humorous storytelling, and his timeless music. With his profound impact on the folk music landscape, his dedication to preserving and promoting the genre, and his status as a beloved figure in the music community, Tom Rush remains one of New Hampshire’s most iconic and influential musical treasures.
8. Shaw Pong Liu
Shaw Pong Liu, born in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a classically trained violinist, composer, and educator known for her innovative, genre-defying approach to music and her commitment to using her art as a tool for social change. With a diverse background that includes studies in classical violin, improvisation, and Chinese folk music, Liu has developed a unique musical voice that blends elements of classical, jazz, and world music into a captivating, boundary-breaking sound. Her compositions and performances often explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the power of music to bring people together and inspire positive change. As an educator and community activist, Liu has been involved in numerous projects that use music as a means of fostering understanding, empathy, and social justice. Her work with the “Code Listen” project, which brings together police officers and community members through music and dialogue, has garnered national attention and praise for its innovative approach to building trust and promoting healing. Liu’s contributions to the music world have been recognized with various awards and grants, including a Fellowship in Music Composition from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. With her visionary approach to music, her commitment to social justice, and her tireless efforts to build bridges through art, Shaw Pong Liu has become one of New Hampshire’s most innovative and inspiring musical figures.
9. Samantha Farrell
Samantha Farrell, born in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a singer and songwriter known for her soulful, emotive vocals and her ability to blend elements of pop, R&B, and folk into a unique, captivating sound. With a passion for music that began at a young age, Farrell honed her skills performing at local events and open mic nights before making the move to Boston to pursue her dreams. Her debut album, “Luminous,” released in 2018, showcased her talent for crafting introspective, deeply personal songs that explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, delivered with a raw, honest intensity that resonates with listeners. Farrell’s music has garnered critical acclaim and a growing fanbase, with her powerful live performances and her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level setting her apart from her peers. Beyond her musical pursuits, Farrell is also known for her commitment to mental health advocacy and her efforts to destigmatize discussions around anxiety and depression. Through her music and her activism, she has become an inspiration to many, using her platform to spread messages of hope, resilience, and the importance of self-care. With her undeniable talent, her authentic approach to songwriting, and her dedication to making a positive impact on the world, Samantha Farrell has become one of New Hampshire’s most promising and influential young musical voices.
10. Senie Hunt
Senie Hunt, born in Concord, New Hampshire, is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his dynamic, genre-bending sound and his electrifying live performances. With a musical style that draws from a wide range of influences, including folk, rock, blues, and world music, Hunt has crafted a unique and compelling artistic identity that has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. His music often features intricate guitar work, foot percussion, and looping techniques, creating a rich, layered sound that showcases his virtuosic skills and his creative vision. Hunt’s lyrics, which explore themes of love, spirituality, and the search for meaning in a complex world, are delivered with a soulful, expressive voice that captivates audiences. Through his live performances, which are known for their energy, improvisation, and audience interaction, Hunt creates a powerful, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact on those who witness it. Beyond his musical pursuits, Hunt is also known for his commitment to environmental activism and his efforts to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainability. With his innovative approach to music, his charismatic stage presence, and his dedication to making a positive impact on the world, Senie Hunt has become one of New Hampshire’s most exciting and influential young musical talents.
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.
