Virginia is known for its rich musical heritage, particularly in the genres of blues, country, and bluegrass. Many famous singers and musicians have called Virginia home, and the state has produced some of the most iconic and influential musicians in history.
One of the most legendary singers from Virginia is Ella Fitzgerald, who was born in Newport News. Fitzgerald is known as the “First Lady of Song” and is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
Another famous singer from Virginia is Pharrell Williams, who was born in Virginia Beach. Williams has had a successful career as a singer, songwriter, and producer, and has won numerous awards for his work in the music industry.
Virginia has also produced a number of notable country and bluegrass singers, including Patsy Cline, who was born in Winchester, and Ralph Stanley, who was born in Dickenson County. These artists have had a major impact on their respective genres and continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
In summary, Virginia has a rich and diverse musical heritage that has influenced countless artists around the world. From jazz and blues to country and bluegrass, the state continues to be a hotbed of musical talent and creativity.
1. Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz is a renowned American singer, songwriter and musician who was born and raised in Mechanicsville, Virginia. His music style comprises reggae, pop, rock and folk genres with lyrics that are often described as thoughtful and poignant. Mraz has won two Grammy Awards and has sold over 7 million albums worldwide. He gained mainstream popularity with his hit song 'The Remedy (I Won't Worry)' in 2002 which peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Additionally, Jason Mraz's environmentally friendly farm tour aims to promote sustainable farming practices and has helped raise awareness for local food banks. He also founded the Jason Mraz Foundation which supports inclusive arts education and equal opportunities.
Pro Tip: Apart from his successful music career, Jason Mraz is also an advocate for various social causes including LGBT rights, gender equality and environmental conservation.
Wayne Newton may be known as Mr. Las Vegas, but let's not forget he's also Mr. Virginia, because apparently one state isn't enough for his charisma.
2. Wayne Newton
Wayne Newton, a legendary performer from Virginia known as "Mr. Las Vegas," has entertained audiences for more than five decades with his charm and powerful vocals. He began his career at a young age and quickly gained fame for his captivating stage presence and love ballads. His iconic hits, such as "Danke Schoen" and "Red Roses for a Blue Lady," have become timeless classics that continue to resonate with fans worldwide. Newton's voice, combined with his impressive showmanship and dazzling costumes, make for an unforgettable concert experience.
Who needs auto-tune when you have the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald from Virginia?
3. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald – The Legendary Jazz Vocalist
With a career spanning six decades, Ella Fitzgerald is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential jazz vocalists of all time. Her rich and soulful voice, impeccable phrasing, and impressive range have made her an icon in the world of music.
Born in Newport News, Virginia, on April 25th, 1917, Fitzgerald began singing in church as a child. At just sixteen years old, she won a talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and soon thereafter started recording with some of the biggest names in jazz. Nicknamed "The First Lady of Song," she went on to release over 200 albums and earn countless awards throughout her illustrious career.
What sets Fitzgerald apart from other singers is her ability to improvise and scat-sing. She was known for being able to create melodies spontaneously on stage that still managed to be both beautiful and coherent. Her signature ballads like "Summertime" and "Someone to Watch Over Me" remain classics to this day.
If you're looking for some inspiration or just want to enjoy some beautiful music, give Ella Fitzgerald's discography a listen. You won't regret it!
Bruce Hornsby proves that Virginia isn't just for lovers, but also for talented musicians with piano skills that could make even Beethoven jealous.
4. Bruce Hornsby
Bruce Hornsby, the acclaimed musician, hails from Virginia. He gained fame with his band The Range and produced several top chart hits in the 80s. In addition to his piano playing and songwriting skills, he is also a master of the dulcimer and accordion. His unique blend of jazz, rock, and bluegrass music has garnered him numerous accolades throughout his career.
Hornsby's notable contributions to the music industry include winning three Grammy awards, collaborating with legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Elton John, and composing film scores. Apart from music, he is also an avid philanthropist who supports various charitable organizations such as ALS Association and No Kid Hungry.
Interestingly, Hornsby was initially trained as a classical pianist before venturing into popular music. He has credited his diverse musical influences, including jazz legends like Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans and rock icons like The Band and Grateful Dead, for shaping his unique sound.
One story that exemplifies Hornsby's dedication to his craft occurred during a live performance in Europe where he damaged two of his fingers midway through the show. Despite the excruciating pain, he continued playing until the end of the concert without missing a beat. This dedication and resilience have made him one of Virginia's most iconic musicians.
Patsy Cline may have left us too soon, but her powerful voice still echoes through the hills of Virginia.
5. Patsy Cline
An acclaimed country music artist, Patsy Cline hailed from Winchester, Virginia. Her music broke the barriers of traditional gender roles in the industry and paved the way for future female artists. Cline's distinctive voice and emotional performances earned her fame with hits like "Crazy" and "Walkin' After Midnight". She tragically passed away in a plane crash at the young age of 30, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Did you know that Patsy Cline was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame?
Timbaland puts the 'beat' in Virginia's music scene, and now you can too with his famous producing techniques!
6. Timbaland
Renowned for his music production skills and hit collaborations, this Virginia native has made a mark in the music industry. A creative genius, Timbaland's unique sound blends hip-hop, R&B and pop seamlessly. He has produced iconic tracks for artists including Justin Timberlake, Aaliyah and Missy Elliot, and released several chart-topping albums of his own.
In addition to his successful career as a producer, Timbaland is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He started the Timbaland Foundation in 2018 to provide opportunities and educational resources to children from disadvantaged communities.
Born under the name Timothy Mosley in Norfolk, Virginia, Timbaland grew up in a humble background with his mother who worked as a choir director. His early passion for music led him to learn how to play the keyboard at an early age, and he eventually found himself immersed in the world of production.
One story that highlights Timbaland's talent can be traced back to when he was just 19 years old. He drove eight hours from Virginia Beach to New York City with only $500 in his pocket to meet legendary rapper Nas' team. After showcasing his skills with a beat he had created on the spot, Nas' team invited him to work on one of their tracks. This experience kick-started Timbaland's career as a producer and helped him gain recognition in the industry.
"Can't nobody happy like Pharrell Williams, Virginia's own music maestro."
7. Pharrell Williams
This musician hails from Virginia and has become one of the most well-known musicians in the world. He is known for his talent and unique sound that draws in millions of fans around the globe. Pharrell Williams has been successful in many areas of the music industry, including producing, writing, and performing.
His career started in the 1990s when he formed a group called The Neptunes with Chad Hugo. They made a name for themselves as producers and worked with some of the biggest names in music like Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears. Williams later pursued a solo career and released many hit songs like "Happy," which became an international sensation. His music is known for its positive message and uplifting lyrics, making him one of the most respected artists in the industry.
One unique fact about Pharrell Williams is that he designed a line of clothing called Billionaire Boys Club, which further showcases his endless creativity.
Pharrell Williams continues to be a vital force in music today, inspiring fans through his innovative style and dedication to his craft.
Don't miss out on following this talented artist's journey as he continues to make waves in every aspect of artistry! Get ready to swoon, because D\'Angelo is the smooth operator of Virginia's music scene.
8. D’Angelo
One of the renowned singers hailing from Virginia is a musician and songwriter with the name D’Angelo. With a soulful voice and R&B tunes, his style emanates from traditional gospel music. Having achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, D’Angelo’s legacy has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
The acclaim received by D’Angelo stems from his distinct style that effectively combined R&B with Neo-soul. He rose to fame in the mid-90s as part of a new wave of R&B artists, bringing another dimension to the genre through his masterful songwriting skills. A multi-instrumentalist, he played most of the instruments on his albums making him one of the most prolific artists of his generation.
D’Angelo's crowning achievement was releasing Voodoo, an album considered as one of the best examples of Neo-Soul albums ever made. This critically acclaimed piece went platinum in 2000 due to its eclectic blend of genres and approach that demonstrated the evolution of contemporary R&B.
Besides his commercial success, D'Angelo has also won several awards for his unique singing style and contributions to music history. For instance, he won Best International Male Artist at the BRIT Awards ceremony in 1999.
Pro Tip: While D'Angelo's musical career spans decades, listen attentively to his classic albums like Brown Sugar and Voodoo for an immersive experience into early neo-soul jazz sounds.
Move over Beethoven, Hilary Hahn is bringing the fire from Virginia.
9. Hilary Hahn
Hilary Hahn is a world-renowned violinist hailing from Virginia. With more than two decades of professional experience, Hahn has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world and is known for her technical precision and captivating stage presence. She began playing the violin at just three years old and made her international debut at age ten. Hahn has won multiple Grammy Awards for her recordings and has been praised by critics for her stunning interpretation of classical music. She continues to perform regularly around the world, inspiring audiences with her musical talent.
Interestingly, in addition to her impressive career as a musician, Hahn is also an avid writer and publishes articles on music and other topics in various publications. She holds a degree in English literature from Columbia University, demonstrating a strong passion for both music and academia.
It's no wonder Hilary Hahn has become such a beloved figure in the classical music world. From her early beginnings as a child prodigy to her current status as one of the greatest violinists of our time, Hahn's dedication to her craft shines through in every performance she gives.
(Source: Biography.com)
I guess it's true what they say, Virginia is for lovers…of Chris Brown's music, that is.
10. Chris Brown
A well-known singer, dancer and actor hails from Virginia. With chart-topping hits like 'Run It' and 'Say Goodbye', his music has earned him Grammy recognition. Apart from his grand musical success, he is notably known for his energetic stage performances.
Chris Brown has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his style that transcends genres, fusing R&B, pop, and hip-hop music styles. The artist has garnered a massive fan base all over the world due to his immense vocal range and chart-topping songs. He's been featured in numerous film productions in Hollywood, such as Stomp the Yard and Takers.
Adding to Chris Brown's already impressive achievements, he is also an accomplished dancer who is widely recognized for his freestyle dance performances that audiences have raved about.
The state of Virginia homes several other successful singers who have made their mark on the American music scene.
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.
