Delaware, although small in size, has been home to several notable singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Among them is the legendary George Thorogood, whose gravelly voice and electrifying guitar riffs have defined the blues-rock genre for decades. Hailing from Wilmington, Thorogood rose to prominence in the 1970s with his band The Destroyers, delivering hits like “Bad to the Bone” and “Move It On Over” that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
In addition to Thorogood, Delaware boasts the talent of Teri Moïse, a soulful singer-songwriter born in Brussels but raised in Wilmington. Moïse’s captivating vocals and poignant lyrics garnered attention in the 1990s with her debut album “Teri Moïse,” which featured the hit single “Les Poèmes de Michelle.”
Furthermore, Delaware is proud to claim Clifford Brown, a jazz trumpeter whose virtuosity and innovation earned him a revered place in music history. Born in Wilmington, Brown’s extraordinary talent and tragically short life cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in jazz.
Through their remarkable contributions to music, these singers from Delaware have not only achieved personal success but have also enriched the cultural landscape of the state and beyond, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.
1. George Thorogood
George Thorogood is an American musician known for his blues-rock style and energetic live performances. He was born on February 24, 1950, in Wilmington, Delaware. Thorogood gained popularity in the 1980s with his band, The Destroyers, and hits like “Bad to the Bone,” “Move It On Over,” and “Who Do You Love?” He often covers classic blues songs but infuses them with his own high-energy, rock ‘n’ roll style.
Throughout his career, Thorogood has released numerous albums, toured extensively, and built a dedicated fan base. His music is characterized by his gritty vocals, slide guitar playing, and a no-nonsense approach to the blues-rock genre.
Thorogood’s influence extends beyond his music; he’s also known for his distinctive look, often wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless black shirt during performances. He continues to tour and perform, showcasing his enduring appeal to fans of blues and rock music.
2. Chuck Wicks
Chuck Wicks is an American country music artist and radio personality. He was born on June 20, 1979, in Smyrna, Delaware. Wicks gained prominence in the country music scene with his debut single “Stealing Cinderella” in 2007, which reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Following the success of “Stealing Cinderella,” Wicks released his debut album “Starting Now” in 2008, which produced additional hits like “All I Ever Wanted” and “Man of the House.” He continued to release music and found success with songs such as “Hold That Thought” and “Old School.”
Apart from his music career, Chuck Wicks has also ventured into television and radio. He participated in the eighth season of the reality TV show “Dancing with the Stars” in 2009. Additionally, he has hosted several radio shows on country music stations.
Wicks remains active in the country music industry, releasing new music and engaging with fans through various platforms. His music often blends traditional country elements with contemporary production, appealing to a wide audience within the genre.
3. Cisco Houston
Cisco Houston was an American folk singer and songwriter, born on August 18, 1918, in Wilmington, Delaware, and died on April 29, 1961. He was a significant figure in the American folk music revival of the mid-20th century, known for his rich baritone voice and skilled guitar playing.
Houston was closely associated with folk icon Woody Guthrie and was a member of Guthrie’s folk group, the Almanac Singers. He also collaborated with other notable folk musicians of the time, including Lead Belly and Pete Seeger.
Houston’s repertoire included traditional folk songs, labor songs, and songs with social and political themes. He recorded several albums and performed extensively, contributing to the popularization of folk music during the 1940s and 1950s.
While Houston never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of his contemporaries, his influence on the folk music scene was significant. He helped preserve and popularize traditional folk songs while also contributing original compositions to the genre. Today, he is remembered as a vital figure in American folk music history.
4. Matthew Shipp
Matthew Shipp, a pioneering figure in contemporary jazz, hails from Wilmington, Delaware. Renowned for his innovative approach to piano playing, Shipp has carved out a distinctive niche in the jazz world, pushing boundaries and defying conventions with his avant-garde style. His career spans over three decades, during which he has collaborated with an array of esteemed musicians and released numerous albums that showcase his unique blend of free jazz, classical influences, and electronic experimentation.
Shipp’s improvisational prowess and fearless exploration of sound have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following. He has established himself as a trailblazer, constantly evolving and pushing the limits of what jazz can be. His contributions to the genre have not only cemented his place in jazz history but have also influenced a new generation of musicians.
Beyond his musical achievements, Shipp’s roots in Delaware have played a significant role in shaping his artistic sensibilities. His experiences growing up in Wilmington undoubtedly inform his music, imbuing it with a depth and complexity that reflect his personal journey.
Matthew Shipp’s impact on the world of jazz is undeniable, and his continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of the genre ensures that his legacy will endure for years to come.
5. Vinnie Moore
Vinnie Moore, a celebrated guitarist, was born in New Castle, Delaware, and rose to prominence as a virtuoso in the world of rock and heavy metal. Known for his exceptional technical prowess and emotive playing style, Moore first gained widespread recognition in the 1980s with his solo albums and collaborations with bands like UFO. His lightning-fast guitar solos and melodic compositions quickly earned him a devoted following among guitar enthusiasts and fans of the genre.
Moore’s influence extends beyond his solo work; his contributions to the metal scene have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless musicians and shaping the evolution of the genre. He has toured extensively around the world, showcasing his remarkable talent on stage and solidifying his status as one of the premier guitarists of his generation.
Despite his success and acclaim, Vinnie Moore remains humble and dedicated to his craft, continually pushing himself to new heights of creativity and musical expression. His roots in Delaware serve as a source of inspiration, grounding him in a rich musical heritage while propelling him forward as a driving force in the global music scene.
With a career spanning several decades and a legacy that continues to grow, Vinnie Moore stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the enduring allure of rock and heavy metal music.
6. Stephen Marley
Stephen Marley is a Jamaican-American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, born on April 20, 1972, in Wilmington, Delaware. He is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Rita Marley and a member of the renowned Marley musical dynasty.
Stephen Marley began his music career at a young age, performing with his siblings in the group Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. The group achieved considerable success, winning several Grammy Awards and releasing numerous albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
In addition to his work with the Melody Makers, Stephen Marley has pursued a solo career, releasing albums that blend reggae, hip-hop, and other musical influences. His solo debut album, “Mind Control,” was released in 2007 and won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.
Marley’s music often explores themes of love, spirituality, and social justice, echoing the messages of his father’s music. He is known for his soulful vocals, skilled instrumentation, and innovative production techniques.
Throughout his career, Stephen Marley has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, both within the reggae genre and beyond. He continues to perform and record music, carrying on the musical legacy of his family while also forging his own path as a solo artist.
7. Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown, born in Wilmington, Delaware, is revered as one of the most influential and talented jazz trumpeters in history. His tragically short life, cut short in a car accident at the age of 25, belies the immense impact he had on the world of jazz during his brief career.
Brown’s extraordinary technical skill, virtuosic improvisation, and emotionally charged performances set him apart from his peers. He possessed a distinctive tone and lyrical style that captivated audiences and fellow musicians alike. His collaborations with luminaries such as Max Roach, Art Blakey, and Sarah Vaughan further solidified his reputation as a true jazz innovator.
Despite his untimely death, Clifford Brown’s legacy endures through his recordings, which continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians. His compositions, including classics like “Joy Spring” and “Daahoud,” remain standards in the jazz repertoire, showcasing his genius as both a performer and a composer.
In addition to his musical contributions, Brown’s legacy lives on through the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, held annually in Wilmington, which celebrates his life and legacy while promoting jazz education and appreciation.
Clifford Brown’s impact on jazz is immeasurable, and his enduring legacy ensures that his brilliance will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
8. Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen is an American country music singer and songwriter. He was born on June 18, 1986, in Milton, Delaware. Allen gained widespread recognition with the release of his debut single “Best Shot” in 2017, which reached the number one spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, making him the first black artist to have a debut single reach the top of that chart.
Following the success of “Best Shot,” Allen released his debut album “Mercury Lane” in 2018. The album featured a mix of heartfelt ballads and upbeat tracks, showcasing Allen’s versatile vocal style and songwriting talent. It received positive reviews from critics and solidified Allen as a rising star in the country music scene.
In addition to his music career, Jimmie Allen is known for breaking barriers in the country music industry as a black artist. He has spoken out about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the genre, aiming to inspire others and pave the way for more diverse voices in country music.
Allen has continued to release new music and tour, building a dedicated fan base with his authentic storytelling and charismatic stage presence. His music often incorporates elements of traditional country with modern production, appealing to a wide audience within the genre.
9. John Gallagher Jr.
John Gallagher Jr., though not primarily known as a singer, is a versatile and talented performer who has showcased his vocal abilities on stage and screen. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Gallagher initially gained recognition for his work in theater, earning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Spring Awakening.”
While Gallagher is perhaps best known for his acting roles in television shows like “The Newsroom” and films like “10 Cloverfield Lane,” he has also demonstrated his musical talents in various projects. In addition to his acclaimed performance in “Spring Awakening,” Gallagher has appeared in other musical productions both on and off Broadway, showcasing his singing and acting abilities in shows such as “American Idiot” and “Jerusalem.”
Beyond his theater work, Gallagher has occasionally lent his vocals to film and television projects, further demonstrating his musical range. His ability to seamlessly transition between acting and singing roles speaks to his versatility as a performer.
Although Gallagher may not be primarily recognized as a singer, his roots in Delaware and his diverse talents across multiple artistic mediums underscore his status as a multifaceted and accomplished artist.
10. Travis Greene
Travis Greene is an American gospel musician, singer, and songwriter. He was born on January 17, 1984, in Delaware. Greene emerged as a prominent figure in contemporary gospel music with his debut studio album, “Stretching Out,” released in 2010. However, it was his second album, “The Hill,” released in 2015, that brought him significant recognition and success.
“The Hill” featured the popular singles “Intentional” and “Made a Way,” both of which became anthems within the gospel music community. “Intentional” topped the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart and earned Greene nominations for several awards, including Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Performance/Song and Best Gospel Album.
Greene’s music is characterized by its powerful messages of faith, hope, and perseverance, delivered through his soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. He is known for blending contemporary gospel with elements of R&B, pop, and rock, creating a sound that resonates with diverse audiences.
In addition to his music career, Travis Greene is a pastor and the founder of Forward City Church in Columbia, South Carolina. He continues to release new music, tour internationally, and inspire listeners with his uplifting songs and messages of spiritual encouragement.