Delaware may be a small state, but it has produced some big talent in the music industry. From blues and jazz legends to country and pop stars, Delaware has been home to some of the most iconic and influential singers of the 20th and 21st centuries. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 famous singers from Delaware, exploring their musical careers and legacies. We’ll start with a blues-rock musician known for his electrifying performances and gritty vocals, followed by a reggae artist who has carried on the musical legacy of his legendary father. We’ll then delve into the folk music scene of the 1950s and 1960s, exploring the contributions of a folk singer known for his warm, earthy voice. Next, we’ll move on to a country music singer and social activist who has used his platform to promote mental health awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Finally, we’ll pay tribute to a jazz legend who was known for his flamboyant stage presence and catchy tunes. These 10 singers may come from a small state, but their impact on the music industry has been anything but small.
1. Starrah
Starrah is a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter known for her genre-bending approach to pop music. With a career spanning over a decade, Starrah has written hit songs for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott. Her ability to craft catchy melodies and poignant lyrics has made her one of the most sought-after songwriters in the industry. In addition to writing for others, Starrah has also released her own music, showcasing her unique vocal style and artistry. Her sound blends elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music, with introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Her music is often characterized by lush, atmospheric production and catchy hooks that stay with the listener long after the song has ended.
2. Cori Yarckin
Cori Yarckin is a singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas, known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics. With a career spanning over a decade, Yarckin has released several albums that showcase her versatility as an artist. Her music blends elements of rock, pop, and folk, with poignant lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Yarckin’s voice is at once powerful and vulnerable, conveying a range of emotions that resonate with listeners. Her songs are often characterized by catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics that stay with the listener long after the song has ended.
3. Allen Stone
Allen Stone is a singer-songwriter from Chewelah, Washington, known for his soulful voice and retro sound. With a career spanning over a decade, Stone has released several albums that showcase his unique blend of soul, R&B, and funk. His music is characterized by lush instrumentation, powerful vocals, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and social justice. Stone’s live performances are legendary, with his dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals leaving audiences spellbound. His music has been praised for its authenticity and honesty, with Stone drawing from his own experiences to craft songs that resonate with listeners.
4. Victoria De Mare
Victoria De Mare is a singer-songwriter, actress, and model from New York City, known for her powerful voice and electrifying stage presence. With a career spanning over two decades, De Mare has released several albums that showcase her versatility as an artist. Her music blends elements of rock, pop, and electronic music, with lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and female empowerment. De Mare’s voice is at once powerful and vulnerable, conveying a range of emotions that resonate with listeners. Her live performances are legendary, with her dynamic stage presence and commanding vocals leaving audiences spellbound. In addition to her music career, De Mare has also made a name for herself in the entertainment industry as an actress and model, appearing in numerous films and television shows.
5. Betty Roché
Betty Roché was a jazz singer from Wilmington, Delaware, known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. With a career spanning over two decades, Roché became one of the most influential vocalists of her time. Her music blended elements of swing and bebop, with her powerful vocals and improvisational skills earning her praise from critics and fans alike. Roché’s voice was at once smooth and powerful, conveying a range of emotions that resonated with listeners. Her live performances were legendary, with her dynamic stage presence and commanding vocals leaving audiences spellbound. Despite facing racial discrimination and sexism in the music industry, Roché remained a trailblazer for female jazz singers, paving the way for future generations of women in music.
6. George Thorogood
George Thorogood is an American blues-rock musician known for his gritty, high-energy performances and his signature hit song, “Bad to the Bone.” With a career spanning over four decades, Thorogood has released numerous albums that showcase his virtuosic guitar playing and soulful vocals. His music blends elements of rock, blues, and boogie-woogie, with catchy hooks and powerful lyrics that have earned him a legion of fans around the world. Thorogood is also known for his dynamic live performances, often performing for hours on end and leaving audiences exhausted and exhilarated.
7. Stephen Marley
Stephen Marley is a Grammy-winning musician and son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. With a career spanning over three decades, Stephen has released several critically acclaimed albums that showcase his versatile songwriting and production skills. His music blends elements of reggae, hip-hop, and soul, with poignant lyrics that explore themes of love, unity, and social justice. Stephen’s voice is at once smooth and powerful, conveying a range of emotions that resonate with listeners. In addition to his music career, Stephen is also a social activist, using his platform to promote environmental sustainability and social justice causes.
8. Cisco Houston
Cisco Houston was an American folk musician known for his powerful voice and his role in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s. With a career spanning over two decades, Houston recorded numerous albums that showcased his distinctive sound, which blended elements of traditional folk music with a contemporary sensibility. His music was characterized by his warm, earthy voice and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Houston’s legacy as a folk musician continues to influence contemporary musicians and inspire new generations of folk music enthusiasts.
9. Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen is an American country music singer and songwriter known for his powerful voice and catchy, radio-friendly songs. With a career spanning over a decade, Allen has released several chart-topping albums that showcase his versatile songwriting and vocal skills. His music blends elements of traditional country music with a contemporary pop sensibility, with lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Allen’s voice is at once smooth and powerful, conveying a range of emotions that resonate with listeners. In addition to his music career, Allen is also a social activist, using his platform to promote mental health awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
10. Cab Calloway
Cab Calloway was an American jazz singer and bandleader known for his flamboyant stage presence and his signature hit song, “Minnie the Moocher.” With a career spanning over five decades, Calloway became one of the most popular and influential jazz musicians of his time. His music blended elements of swing, big band, and jazz, with catchy hooks and powerful lyrics that earned him a legion of fans around the world. Calloway’s voice was at once smooth and powerful, conveying a range of emotions that resonated with listeners. His dynamic stage presence and colorful personality made him a popular entertainer, with his performances often accompanied by elaborate costumes and choreography. Calloway’s legacy as a jazz musician continues to inspire new generations of musicians and jazz enthusiasts.
Samuel Moore 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.
