New York, a state in the northeastern United States, has a long and rich musical history, and has produced some of the most famous singers of all time. From jazz legends to pop superstars, New York has been a hotbed of musical talent for over a century.
One of the most famous singers from New York is Frank Sinatra, a legendary crooner who was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from New York City. Sinatra’s smooth voice and charming personality made him one of the most popular singers of the 20th century.
Another notable singer from New York is Billy Joel, a rock and pop singer-songwriter who has sold over 150 million records worldwide. Joel was born in the Bronx and raised in Hicksville, Long Island, and has written some of the most beloved and enduring songs in popular music.
Other famous singers from New York include Barbra Streisand, a Broadway and film star who has won numerous awards for her powerful voice and acting abilities, and Lady Gaga, a pop icon who has pushed the boundaries of music and fashion with her avant-garde style.
From Broadway to the Bowery, New York has produced a diverse range of talented singers who have made their mark on the music industry. Their contributions have helped put New York on the map as a hub of musical talent and continue to inspire a new generation of musicians.
1. Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis And The News)
Huey Lewis, the Grammy Award-nominated American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s with his band Huey Lewis and the News, is a popular figure from New York's music scene. With hits like "The Power of Love" and "Hip to be Square", his music has touched people all over the world. Moreover, Huey is an accomplished harmonica player, adding a unique touch to his performances.
Huey was born in New York City, but grew up in Marin County, California. However, he eventually returned to the East Coast when he attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. During this time, he played in various local bands before moving to San Francisco Bay Area where he formed Huey Lewis and The News.
One interesting fact about Huey is that despite becoming one of the most well-known musicians of his time, his path to success was not smooth sailing. He started performing at small venues before getting noticed by industry professionals who saw potential in him. Eventually, after years of hard work and perseverance, he achieved worldwide fame with his music.
Huey Lewis may have left New York as a child but he undoubtedly became an iconic figure among the city's famous singers. His unique style and talent continue to inspire musicians around the world today.
Even though he was born in East Harlem, Tupac's flow was straight outta Compton.
2. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Amaru Shakur, a rapper from New York, was famous for his poetic style and controversial lyrics. His music often revolved around social issues like racism and poverty, and he became an icon for the hip-hop community in the 1990s. Shakur's albums, including All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World, were top sellers during his career, which unfortunately ended prematurely due to a drive-by shooting in 1996. Despite his tragic death, Shakur's legacy lives on through his music and numerous posthumous releases.
Tom Morello's guitar skills are so fiery, if he played outside during winter, he'd melt all the snow within a 50-foot radius.
3. Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine)
Tom Morello, the guitarist for Rage Against The Machine, hails from New York and is well-known for his politically charged lyrics and unique style of playing. He has had a massive impact on the music industry, both through his work with RATM and through collaborations with other artists such as Bruce Springsteen. With numerous awards and accolades to his name, Tom Morello is one of the most iconic figures in American rock music. His skills as a musician are unrivaled, and his ability to inspire audiences worldwide is second to none.
Tom Morello's career began in the late eighties when he formed a band called Lock-Up with fellow Harvard University students. After this period, he joined forces with Zack de la Rocha, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk to form Rage Against The Machine which became one of the most important rock bands of their time. Tom Morello was a driving force behind RATM's political message and unique sound, blending heavy metal with hip hop rhythms.
One interesting fact about Tom Morello is that he is known for using a guitar that has a "Kill Switch" which can turn the sound of the guitar off at will. This unique device allows him to create sounds that cannot be achieved through conventional methods.
To become an accomplished guitarist like Tom Morello, aspiring musicians should focus on developing their own musical voice while studying different styles and techniques. Finding inspiration from various sources is essential in order to develop your own signature style (italics). It takes years of practice and dedication to get where he is today, but it's not impossible if you stay focused on your goals.
In summary, Tom Morello's contribution to rock music encompasses more than just his impressive discography; it also includes his activism for social justice issues such as systematic racism and police brutality. His passion for making positive change through music makes him an inspiration for musicians globally.
Move over Empire State Building, Alicia Keys' voice can reach higher heights.
4. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys, born in Manhattan, is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who has sold over 65 million records worldwide. She gained recognition after the release of her debut album, 'Songs in A Minor', featuring hit singles such as "Fallin'" and "A Woman's Worth." Alicia is known for her soulful voice and ability to blend various music genres seamlessly. Besides music, she has also acted in movies and television shows. Alicia is an activist who raises awareness on issues such as poverty and HIV/AIDS.
Rivers Cuomo may be from New York, but with his signature nerd glasses and sweater vests, he looks like he belongs at a West Coast university.
5. Rivers Cuomo (Weezer)
Rivers Cuomo, the lead vocalist of Weezer, is a renowned singer-songwriter from New York. He has gained popularity for his unique vocals and lyrics that resonate with his fans. Cuomo was born in Manhattan but raised in Connecticut. He started his music career at a young age and formed Weezer in 1992, which gained immense success with the release of their debut album "Weezer: The Blue Album" in 1994.
Cuomo's style is distinct, reflecting his personality and personal experiences. The emotional depth in his music resonates with the masses and makes him one of the most revered singers from New York. His songs like "Buddy Holly," "Say It Ain't So," and "Island In The Sun" are still popular among fans worldwide.
Furthermore, besides being a talented singer-songwriter, Cuomo is also an accomplished guitarist and pianist. He often blends different musical genres to create unique sounds that define Weezer's music. Additionally, he has worked with several other artists like YO-YO MA, Brian Bell, Scott Shriner to produce hit tracks.
The impact of Cuomo's music goes beyond borders; he has won accolades and awards for his outstanding contribution to the field of music. Overall it can be concluded that Rivers Cuomo remains an iconic musician whose influence extends far beyond geographical boundaries.
As fans continue to enjoy more of Weezer's tunes, they don't want to miss out on attending its gigs or hearing fresh releases!
Give a man a guitar and he'll entertain you for a night, but give Lou Reed a guitar and he'll make you think about life, death and everything in between.
6. Lou Reed
This renowned songwriter from New York City, known for his distinct sound and experimental style, is Lou Reed. His music has inspired many and continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide. The late artist's career was marked by iconic songs such as "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Perfect Day", which exemplify his innovative approach to rock music. Lou Reed's legacy extends beyond his music, as he also contributed to the city's art scene with collaborations alongside Andy Warhol in the 1960s.
Lou Reed is a distinguished figure in the world of rock music, thanks to his unconventional style that broke norms and brought an artistic edge to its genre. He was a founding member of the band The Velvet Underground, which became famous for pioneering experimental rock music in the 1960s. Lou wrote many hits for them, such as "Sweet Jane" and "Rock & Roll", which helped them gain popularity among enthusiasts of radical sounds. His later solo projects were equally significant, culminating in various critically acclaimed albums that cemented his position as one of New York's most influential singer-songwriters.
In addition to his musical achievements, Lou Reed was a vivid persona who immersed himself in NYC's thriving creative climate during the 1970s. Alongside luminaries like Andy Warhol, he contributed significantly to various fields such as visual arts and poetry. Exhibitions featuring Reed's artwork have been showcased at galleries worldwide over time.
Lou Reed once shared the story behind "Walk on the Wild Side" during interviews: he envisioned it as a lyrical tribute to people he knew who identified as transgender or were part of the LGBTQ+ community while blending elements drawn from reality with fictionalized scenarios alluding towards sex work culture in Bohemian neighborhoods of NYC during earlier years – piquing public interest while creating controversy following its release on Transformer album II (1972).
Move over Sinatra, Billy Joel proves that New York state of mind never goes out of style.
7. Billy Joel
Joel, a famous singer from New York, is an iconic figure who has sold over 150 million records worldwide. His music career began in the 1970s with his debut album "Cold Spring Harbor" but it was his 1977 album "The Stranger" that made him a household name. With hit songs like "Piano Man", "Uptown Girl" and "We Didn't Start the Fire", Joel's music has made a lasting impact on the industry.
Joel is not only a singer but also a songwriter, pianist and composer. He has received numerous honors including six Grammy Awards as well as induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to his musical achievements, he is known for his philanthropic work supporting various causes including music education.
Interestingly, Billy Joel was born in The Bronx but grew up in Long Island where he still lives today. He credits his childhood experiences and local surroundings as inspiration for many of his songs such as "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" which references a real-life restaurant named Fontana Di Trevi located near his high school. Joel's connection to New York is evident in his music as well as his passionate support for the city after September 11 attacks.
Billy Joel remains a relevant figure in the music industry today despite retiring from touring in 2019. His legacy lives on through his timeless music and contributions to both the industry and society.
Carole King proves that you don't need to be a New Yorker by birth to rock the city's music scene.
8. Carole King
One of the most influential songwriters of all time, this New York native showed an unmatched talent for crafting unforgettable melodies and emotional lyrics. With hits like "So Far Away" and "You've Got a Friend", she became a staple in the music industry and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Furthermore, King's successful career extended beyond music as she also found success on Broadway with the hit musical "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical." Learn more about this iconic singer-songwriter from New York. Don't miss out on her amazing story.
Art Garfunkel's hair may have reached new heights in the '70s, but his angelic voice always kept him grounded.
9. Art Garfunkel
This gifted singer-songwriter has been a notable figure in the music industry for decades. Art Garfunkel, born in New York City, rose to fame as one half of the famous duo, Simon & Garfunkel. His solo career also saw immense success with hit records such as "All I Know" and "Bright Eyes". Garfunkel's hauntingly beautiful tenor voice and inspired harmonies have earned him numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Garfunkel's musical career spans over five decades and he has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry such as James Taylor, Billy Joel, and Linda Ronstadt. While his music is known worldwide, Garfunkel is also an accomplished actor who has appeared in films such as Carnal Knowledge and Boxing Helena.
Despite his success in both music and acting, Garfunkel has also had to overcome personal challenges. In 2010, he lost his voice due to vocal cord problems but was able to regain it after medical treatment.
Fans looking to experience Garfunkel's musical magic can catch him live at concerts or delve into his extensive discography full of classics that continue to captivate audiences around the world.
Joey and Johnny Ramone of The Ramones may not be the best singers in New York, but they sure as hell knew how to punk rock their way to the top.
10. Joey and Johnny Ramone (The Ramones)
The Ramones, comprising Joey and Johnny Ramone, are celebrated musicians from New York with a significant contribution to the punk rock genre. Their music has repeatedly been listed among the best works of rock & roll history. The band influenced the emerging punk rock scene in New York City during the mid-70s, and their impact continues to inspire future generations of musicians worldwide.
Throughout their career, The Ramones released more than 20 studio albums and toured relentlessly, showcasing their excellent songwriting skills and energetic performances. Joey was known for his distinct vocals, whereas Johnny's guitar playing blended seamlessly into every piece they performed. They infused elements of classic rock n roll with modern punk influences to create unique tracks that continue to have a profound impact on contemporary artists.
Among Joey and Johnny's many accomplishments is their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2002, cementing their legacy as pioneers of punk music. In addition to their impressive musical achievements, they were also known for their distinctive aesthetic style, influencing popular fashion both within and outside the realm of music.
One captivating story involving The Ramones occurred when they appeared on talk show host Tom Snyder's show in 1979. During the interview segment, Snyder admitted that he had never heard of them before that moment. The group proceeded to play three songs live on air without any pre-recordings or backup tracks. Their electrifying performance left Snyder speechless and helped expose The Ramones to a much broader audience than before.