Pennsylvania, a state in the northeastern United States, has been home to a number of famous singers over the years. From pop stars to rock legends, Pennsylvania has produced some of the most influential and talented musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries.
One of the most famous singers from Pennsylvania is Taylor Swift, a pop and country music superstar who has sold over 50 million records worldwide. Swift was born in Reading and got her start performing in local talent shows and festivals.
Another notable singer from Pennsylvania is Billie Holiday, a jazz singer known for her distinctive voice and emotive performances. Holiday was born in Philadelphia and became one of the most important and influential singers of the 20th century.
Other famous singers from Pennsylvania include Hall & Oates, a pop duo known for their catchy melodies and soulful harmonies, and Christina Aguilera, a pop singer and actress who has won numerous awards for her powerful vocals and charismatic performances.
From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has produced a diverse range of talented singers who have made their mark on the music industry. Their contributions have helped put Pennsylvania on the map as a hub of musical talent and continue to inspire a new generation of musicians.
1. Taylor Swift
This multi-platinum singer-songwriter is a native of Pennsylvania. With chart-topping hits such as “Love Story” and “Blank Space”, Taylor Swift is renowned for her storytelling through music that speaks to millions around the world. She has won numerous accolades, including seven Grammy Awards and was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world. Her versatile musical style has seen her transcend multiple genres, making her a household name in the music industry.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift's unique talent for songwriting and performing was evident from an early age. She released her debut single, "Tim McGraw" at just 16 years old and hasn't looked back since. Over the years, she has collaborated with other notable musicians such as Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar, demonstrating her ability to adapt and evolve within the industry.
Despite achieving worldwide success, Taylor remains humble and continually uses her platform to speak out on issues close to her heart, including politics and social justice. In addition to music, she is also heavily involved in philanthropic work and has donated millions towards various causes such as education and disaster relief.
It's a little-known fact that Taylor Swift learned how to play guitar from a computer repairman who visited their family home when she was just 12 years old. (Source: Good Housekeeping)
Move over Philly cheese steak, Sabrina Carpenter is the real treasure from Pennsylvania.
2. Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter is a famous singer who hails from Pennsylvania. With a passion for music and acting, she has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Her catchy tunes and soulful voice have won the hearts of many fans worldwide. One of her most popular hits, "Thumbs," showcases her unique vocal range and songwriting abilities.
Carpenter started her career as an actress in several television shows and movies. She also appeared in Disney's hit show, Girl Meets World, which provided her with the opportunity to showcase her musical talent. She released her debut album, Eyes Wide Open, in 2015 at just 16 years old. Since then, she has released various albums and singles that have charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
In addition to her successful music career, Carpenter is also an advocate for various social causes like mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. She uses her platform to raise awareness about these issues and supports organizations that work towards bringing change.
Pro Tip: Check out Sabrina Carpenter's latest album, Singular: Act II, for some fresh and upbeat tracks! If you're not a fan of Pink, then clearly you're not ready to get the party started.
3. Pink
Pink, also known as Alecia Beth Moore, is a well-known singer-songwriter from the state of Pennsylvania.
- With over 90 million records sold worldwide, Pink has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
- Pink has won three Grammy Awards, seven MTV Video Music Awards, and various other accolades for her contributions to music.
- Known for her powerful vocals and fierce attitude, Pink has used her platform to advocate for social and political issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
Interestingly, Pink initially got her start in the music industry as a member of an R&B girl group called Choice. After the group disbanded in 1998, Pink set out on launching her solo career which skyrocketed with hits like "Get This Party Started", "Raise Your Glass" and many more.
Fans of Pink can take inspiration from her commitment to using music as a form of activism by getting involved with local organizations or donating to causes that align with their values. Additionally, taking lessons from Pink's ability to remain authentic can help aspiring singers stay true to themselves and create meaningful connections with audiences.
Christina Aguilera may be from Pennsylvania, but her voice could take her to another galaxy…which is probably where she keeps all her Grammy awards.
4. Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera, a renowned pop icon, hails from the state of Pennsylvania. With her powerful vocals and range, she has won numerous accolades and fans worldwide. Aguilera rose to fame in the late 1990s with her debut single "Genie in a Bottle" and continued to release chart-topping hits throughout her career.
Aside from her music, Christina Aguilera is known for being a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and raising awareness about various social issues. She has also appeared as a judge on popular singing competition shows such as The Voice and RuPaul's Drag Race.
Aguilera's influence in the music industry has been recognized by Billboard, who named her one of the 100 Greatest Women in Music. In addition to this honor, she has received multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 75 million records worldwide.
Fun Fact: Christina Aguilera was born in Staten Island, New York but spent most of her childhood in Wexford, a suburb located outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Joan Jett may be from Pennsylvania, but I Love Rock 'n' Roll was heard all around the world – proving that even in the City of Brotherly Love, everyone likes to turn up the volume.
5. Joan Jett
One of the famous singers from Pennsylvania is a trailblazing rock artist who has made significant contributions to music. Joan Jett, a native of Philadelphia, shot to fame in the 1980s with hits like "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and "Bad Reputation." Known for her rebellious attitude and energetic performances, Jett's influence on the rock scene earned her a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as accolades throughout her career.
Jett first rose to prominence as part of the all-female rock band The Runaways before embarking on a successful solo career. Her music has been described as revolutionary, with themes of empowerment and individuality conveyed through catchy guitar riffs and powerful vocals. Beyond her musical endeavors, Jett has also been an advocate for animal rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and various social causes.
In addition to her solo success, Jett has collaborated with various artists throughout her career. In 1994, she produced punk legend The Ramones' final album, Adios Amigos! She has also worked with other notable musicians such as Iggy Pop, Nirvana's Dave Grohl, and Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong.
Despite facing obstacles as a female rocker in a male-dominated industry, Joan Jett continues to inspire generations with her music and activism. Her innovative style and fierce spirit have cemented her legacy as one of Pennsylvania's most iconic performers.
Dean Martin, famous for his smooth crooning and Italian charm, proves that even Pennsylvania knows how to make a killer martini.
6. Dean Martin
With a versatile singing style, Dean Martin, one of the most famous and loved crooners of all time, made his mark on American pop culture. His smooth voice and charming personality helped him achieve success in both the music and acting industries. Born in Steubenville, Ohio but raised in Steubenville, Pennsylvania, Martin started his career as part of a comedy team before embarking on a solo career. He was often called "The King of Cool" for his suave demeanor and effortlessly laid-back performances.
Martin's musical style ranged from standards to uptempo swing tunes to ballads that showcased his powerful vocal range. Many of his hits have stood the test of time including "Volare," "That's Amore," and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head." He also had great success as an actor with memorable roles in films such as Ocean's 11 and Rio Bravo.
Despite his immense talent and fame, Martin remained humble throughout his career. He once said, "I'm not a big crooner or anything fancy like that. I'm just a plain American boy who sings." Over six decades after he first hit the scene, Dean Martin remains an icon in entertainment history.
Don't miss out on discovering more about some of Pennsylvania's most famous singers!
Bret Michaels may have sung about every rose having its thorn, but little did he know, Pennsylvania was also known for producing some killer singers.
7. Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels, a renowned singer hailing from Pennsylvania, has made a significant impact on the music industry with his powerful vocal abilities and unique style. He gained immense popularity as the lead vocalist of the rock band, Poison. Bret Michaels is also known for his exceptional songwriting skills, contributing to his band's success.
His solo career has been equally remarkable, with multiple albums and chart-topping singles. Bret Michaels' fans admire his ability to connect with listeners through diverse genres such as rock, country, and pop. His musical journey has been inspiring and continues to impress many with each passing year.
It is worth noting that along with his successful musical career, Bret Michaels has ventured into other fields of entertainment as well. He appeared in various television shows and films such as 'The Apprentice' and 'Rock of Love.' His philanthropic initiatives are commendable too; he founded the Life Rocks Foundation to support charitable causes related to health and education.
To take inspiration from Bret Michaels' successful career as a musician or a multi-talented celebrity would be beneficial for aspiring artists or individuals looking to enhance their creative abilities. Being persistent, experimenting with different styles and genres, and using one's talents for making the world a better place are some ways to follow in Bret Michaels' footsteps.
Krysten Ritter may have played a superhero, but she can't save Pennsylvania from its reputation as the birthplace of the hoagie.
8. Krysten Ritter
Krysten Ritter has made a name for herself as an actress, author, and former model. She was born in Shickshinny, Pennsylvania and started her career with modeling before transitioning to acting. Her breakthrough role came in the hit TV series Breaking Bad where she played Jane Margolis. She went on to star in Marvel's Jessica Jones as the titular character which won her critical acclaim.
In addition to her acting career, Ritter is also a published author with her debut novel Bonfire released in 2017. She is also an advocate for animal rights and works closely with organizations such as the Best Friends Animal Society.
Ritter's unique voice and style make her stand out in Hollywood. Her dedication to animal welfare makes her an inspiration beyond just entertainment. Watching her performances and reading her work can be a great source of inspiration for aspiring actors and writers alike.
If you're looking to improve your own vocal control or acting abilities, it could be beneficial to watch interviews or behind-the-scenes footage of Krysten Ritter performing. This can help you understand the techniques she uses, which include breath control and vocal resonance exercises.
Another suggestion would be to study animal welfare advocacy efforts that Krysten Ritter supports such as the Best Friends Animal Society. Volunteering, donating or supporting similar initiatives can not only benefit a great cause but can also help build character and empathy which are key attributes for any actor or writer.
Tom Keifer: Proof that even a guy from Pennsylvania can rock a hairstyle that defies gravity.
9. Tom Keifer
Tom Keifer, a Pennsylvania native, is an acclaimed musician with a successful career spanning over three decades. An accomplished singer-songwriter, Tom is known for his distinctive voice and dynamic stage performances. While he initially gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band Cinderella, he has achieved significant success as a solo artist as well.
Tom's music has been appreciated by fans worldwide, thanks to his catchy tunes and relatable lyrics that resonate with listeners' emotions. He's made several successful albums throughout his career, including "The Way Life Goes" in 2013 and "Rise" in 2019. Keifer's music often includes elements of hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, which form part of his unique sound.
Apart from his music career, Keifer is also incredibly active on the touring front. He has played hundreds of shows across the USA and around the world throughout his profession. In addition to being applauded by critics for his concerts' fantastic atmosphere and energy levels, Keifer has also earned the respect of fellow musicians who admire him for his passion and dedication to performing live shows.
As a true icon of Pennsylvania's thriving music scene, Tom Keifer stands out with a musical legacy that continues to inspire young musicians today. Don't miss out on listening to this incredible musician's songs!
Looks like Daryl Hall had his own private 'Hall and Oates' all along in his vocal cords.
10. Daryl Hall
Renowned singer Daryl Hall hails from Pennsylvania, where he began his career in the 1970s with his music partner John Oates. Known for their blue-eyed soul sound and hits like "Rich Girl" and "Maneater," the duo achieved massive success during their prime. Daryl Hall's distinct voice and songwriting prowess have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004.
Aside from creating music, Daryl Hall has also spearheaded various TV shows and web series exploring music history, cultural trends, and live performance sessions. He continues to inspire and influence aspiring musicians around the world with his unique style and dedication to his craft.
Pro Tip: Explore Daryl Hall's extensive discography to discover some hidden gems that showcase his versatility as an artist.
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.
