Massachusetts has been a hub of music and art for centuries, producing some of the world’s most iconic musicians across various genres. From folk to rock, jazz to pop, Massachusetts has birthed numerous legendary singers whose music has left an indelible mark on the world. The state’s rich musical legacy is evident in the plethora of talented musicians who have made it to the top of the charts and attained worldwide fame. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 famous singers from Massachusetts who have made a significant impact on the music industry.
The list includes singers who were born or raised in Massachusetts and went on to achieve massive success in their musical careers. From the soulful sound of Donna Summer to the smooth vocals of James Taylor, Massachusetts has produced some of the most recognizable voices in music history. The list also includes some contemporary artists like JoJo and Meghan Trainor, who have achieved international success in recent years.
Whether you’re a music lover or simply interested in the state’s rich cultural history, this article is sure to provide an entertaining and informative read. So, let’s dive into the world of music and explore the top 10 famous singers from Massachusetts!
1. New Kids on the Block
This group has been widely known by their stage name, 'New Kids on the Block.' One of Massachusetts' most famous musical exports, the New Kids on the Block were formed in 1984 in Boston. The band's original lineup included five members: brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Danny Wood, Donnie Wahlberg, and Joey McIntyre. They released their debut album in 1986 and went on to become one of the biggest boy bands of the '80s and '90s. Their music featured a mix of pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences that helped to define a generation. To provide more insight into this topic, we've created a table below that outlines some essential details about each member:
| Name | Birth Year | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Knight | 1970 | Worcester |
| Jonathan Knight | 1968 | Dorchester |
| Danny Wood | 1969 | Boston |
| Donnie Wahlberg | 1969 | Dorchester |
| Joey McIntyre | 1972 | Needham |
It's worth noting that despite breaking up for several years during the late '90s and early 2000s, they reunited in 2008 for a successful tour that reignited their popularity with fans young and old. These days, many people still hold great admiration for this musical group. If you're looking to become a fan or simply relive the nostalgia they embody, consider streaming some of their music or following them on social media to stay updated on what they've been up to lately. From 'All About That Bass' to 'No Excuses', Meghan Trainor proves that Massachusetts has a lot more to offer than just baked beans and crappy sports teams.
2. Meghan Trainor
One of the most successful singers from Massachusetts, Meghan Trainor's unique pop style has captured hearts worldwide. With numerous hit songs and awards under her belt, she has become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Her ability to blend modern beats with classic 1950s influence sets her apart from others in the industry. Fans admire Trainor for being an advocate for body positivity and self-love through her music and message.
Beyond her catchy tunes, Trainor is also recognized for her songwriting skills and has written songs for many popular artists. She collaborated with some renowned names such as John Legend, Harry Styles, and Rascal Flatts, indicating that Trainor is not just limited to singing but, her talent extends beyond.
However, what sets her apart from others are the awards that she has won over time such as Billboard Women in Music Award for 'Rising Star' and two Grammy nominations. In 2021, she announced that she was pregnant with their first child on live TV which made headlines immediately.
Missing out on the songs of this dynamic artist could mean missing out on some upbeat tracks with positive messages about self-love and body image. Don't miss out on adding some Meghan Trainor tracks to your playlist today!
JoJo's voice is so powerful, she could probably shatter a glass house while singing 'Leave (Get Out)'.
3. JoJo
This multi-talented singer, JoJo, hails from Massachusetts and is one of the most acclaimed pop artists of her time. She skyrocketed to fame with her 2004 hit single "Leave (Get Out)" when she was just thirteen years old. JoJo's powerful voice has earned her numerous awards and nominations, including Billboard Women in Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
In addition to her singing career, JoJo has also dabbled in acting and appeared in movies like Aquamarine and G.B.F. She has been vocal about her struggles with mental health issues and teenage stardom, which she addresses in her music.
Fun fact: JoJo's real name is Joanna Noëlle Levesque.
Ricky Bell may have had a heart attack, but with his killer vocals, he's always ready to push it to the limit, limit.
4. Ricky Bell
Ricky Bell is a renowned singer hailing from Massachusetts who has made significant contributions to the music industry. With his incredible vocal range and passion for music, Ricky Bell has been able to produce numerous chart-topping hits that have earned him fame and recognition. He started his career as a member of the popular R&B group, New Edition, before moving on to form his own band, Bell Biv DeVoe. This group also enjoyed tremendous success with hit songs such as "Poison" and "Do Me!"
In addition to his musical career, Ricky Bell has also made several appearances in television shows and movies. He featured in The New Edition Story, a biographical miniseries about the group that aired on BET in 2017. Ricky Bell's contribution to the music industry has not gone unnoticed as he has received numerous awards and nominations including a Grammy nomination in 2018.
One unique detail about Ricky Bell is that he had initially planned on playing professional football but opted instead for a career in music after discovering his passion for singing.
If you are a fan of Ricky Bell's work or are interested in starting your career in the music industry, it's important to note that dedication and hard work are essential ingredients for success. It takes years of practice and patience before one can achieve their dreams. Additionally, networking with industry professionals and keeping up-to-date with new trends can also help one break into the competitive world of music.
Linda Perry's voice is like a fine wine, it gets better with age…or maybe that's just me needing to drink more to tolerate this article.
5. Linda Perry
Linda Perry, a talented singer-songwriter and record producer, hails from Massachusetts. Her unique voice and songwriting skills have made her a top choice for collaborations with renowned artists such as Christina Aguilera and Pink. Perry's hit songs like "What's Up?" and "Beautiful" showcase her passion for music and the meaningful messages she conveys through them.
Perry's journey to success is marked by challenges, including overcoming addiction and fighting against the male-dominated music industry's stereotypes. Nevertheless, her tenacity and talent earned her recognition as one of the most influential musicians of our time.
As a pioneer of LGBTQ+ representation in music, Perry established We Are Hear Records alongside Kerry Brown with a mission to support other musicians from marginalized communities. She continues to inspire aspiring artists through her narrative-driven music that explores themes of identity, self-worth, and acceptance.
Donnie Wahlberg may have found success as a singer, but he'll always be Mark Wahlberg's less-famous brother.
6. Donnie Wahlberg
This Massachusetts born singer, actor and producer is renowned in the entertainment industry for his contribution to music. He's a former member of 'New Kids on the Block' and has started in various successful movies and television shows. Donnie Wahlberg has been able to connect with audiences due to his unique skills as an entertainer.
Donnie Wahlberg was born and raised in Boston, which explains his distinctive accent that he hasn't lost even after living in Los Angeles for years. Over time, the artist collaborated with other renowned singers such as Britney Spears and Joey McIntyre, pivoted towards acting and producing various successful shows like 'Blue Bloods'.
Notably, Donnie Wahlberg has been a prominent philanthropist in Massachusetts. He regularly donates to charities and supporting causes such as autism awareness organizations. His activism is apparent through his social media platforms, where he uses his influence for positive change.
One remarkable fact about Donnie Wahlberg is that he had an unconventional start in entertainment. Before success hit him hard while performing "Please Don't Go Girl" at a local nightclub in 1984, he had previously served as a custodian at Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. Despite the challenges he faced throughout his life, this legendary singer didn't give up on his dreams – this can inspire other creatives who might be facing hardships today.
Move over Ben Affleck, there's a new pearl in town – Amerie, the R&B gem from Massachusetts.
7. Amerie
This talented Massachusetts-born artist has made a name for herself in the music industry. Known by her stage name Amerie, this singer/songwriter has been entertaining fans since the early 2000s. Her unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip hop has garnered much acclaim from music critics and fans alike.
Amerie's impressive discography includes hits like "1 Thing" and "Why Don't We Fall in Love," which showcase her powerful vocals and effortless flow. In addition to singing, she also writes and produces most of her own music, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
What sets Amerie apart is her ability to infuse different genres into her music, creating a sound that is entirely her own. Her creative approach to music has earned her numerous accolades throughout her career.
Despite taking a hiatus from music in recent years to focus on family life and other projects, Amerie remains an influential figure in the industry. With nearly two decades under her belt, she continues to inspire new artists with her innovative style and captivating presence on stage.
Did you know that Amerie grew up in Washington D.C., where she was exposed to a diverse range of musical styles? She cites everything from gospel to go-go as sources of inspiration for her unique sound. Even while attending Georgetown University, she continued to write and produce music on the side before ultimately launching a successful career in the industry.
Jonathan Richman's music may not be for everyone, but with lyrics like "Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole," you can't deny his unique perspective.
8. Jonathan Richman
One of the prominent Massachusetts-born, singer-songwriters is Jonathan Richman. He is popular for his quirky tales narrated through his music. Starting with The Modern Lovers, Richman went ahead to influence several musicians from the New Wave and Punk movements. His unique blend of classic rock and avant-garde style has earned him a cult following over the years.
Richman's lyrical ingenuity is what caught many people's attention. One of his most significant inspirations for songwriting is the state itself. He has composed several songs about Massachusetts and Boston, which locals often resonate with. He never fails to deliver an engaging performance, showcasing his idiosyncratic stage presence.
Richman started performing live shows way before he entered a recording studio, taking gigs wherever he could find them in Harvard Square clubs like Club 47 and others. This dedication to live performance ultimately helped him develop a signature style that resonates diversely from generation to generation.
If you haven't had the chance to listen to Jonathan Richman's music yet, make sure you don't miss out on it!
Who needs a guitar solo when you can just listen to Susan Tedeschi's powerful voice shred through the speakers?
9. Susan Tedeschi
Susan Tedeschi, a popular singer-songwriter hailing from Massachusetts, has made a name for herself in the music industry. With her soulful voice and bluesy guitar playing, Tedeschi has captivated audiences across the globe.
Not only is she an accomplished musician, but she is also a three-time Grammy Award nominee and has collaborated with legendary artists such as B.B. King. Tedeschi's music incorporates elements of rock, blues, gospel, and R&B, creating a unique style that sets her apart from other singers.
Tedeschi's talent extends beyond just singing and playing guitar; she's also a skilled songwriter who co-writes many of her songs with her husband Derek Trucks. The couple frequently performs together in their band called the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Tedeschi continues to be an influential figure in the music industry and serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere. Don't miss out on listening to this talented artist from Massachusetts!
Joey McIntyre: the only singer from Massachusetts who can make a middle-school crush last well into your 30s.
10. Joey McIntyre
Musical artist from Massachusetts, Joey McIntyre gained fame as a member of the widely popular boy band 'New Kids on the Block'. His music career spans beyond his time with the group, and he has released several solo albums throughout the years.
McIntyre made his mark as an actor too, appearing in various films and TV shows such as 'Boston Public' and 'The Heat.' In addition to his entertainment career, he is also known for philanthropic work, including involvement with organizations that support education and healthcare.
Joey Mcintyre's contribution to music and entertainment industry solidifies him as one of the most legendary artists from Massachusetts.
Don't miss out on discovering more famous singers from Massachusetts!
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.
