New Jersey, the Garden State of the United States, has been a breeding ground for some of the most talented musicians and singers in the entertainment industry. From rock to pop, hip-hop to jazz, New Jersey has produced a diverse array of singers who have made their mark on the music industry. With their unique style, soulful voices, and chart-topping hits, these famous singers from New Jersey have earned a special place in the hearts of music lovers around the world. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 famous singers from New Jersey and explore their journey to success. We will delve into their background, early influences, and their rise to stardom. From the legendary “Chairman of the Board” to the Queen of Pop, this list of iconic New Jersey singers spans across generations and genres. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or modern pop, this list is sure to have something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of music and explore the top 10 famous singers from the Garden State of New Jersey.
1. Frankie Valli
Frankie Valli rose to fame as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, one of the most successful American rock and pop groups in the 1960s. Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Valli's mesmerizing falsetto voice has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. With hits like "Walk Like a Man," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," he is undoubtedly one of the most iconic singers from New Jersey.
Continuing with the trend of renowned musicians from the Garden State, singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen holds a special place in many hearts. Born in Long Branch, this Grammy Award winner's music is synonymous with working-class themes and Americana. He has delivered anthems like "Born to Run," "Dancing in the Dark," and "The Rising."
A lesser-known but nevertheless talented musician from New Jersey is jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan. Known as the "Divine One" for her rich musicality and mastery over melodies, she earned four Grammy awards throughout her career. Her impressive range and improvisation skills have solidified her position as one of history's greatest jazz singers. "Sarah Vaughan had a voice so smooth, it could make a bald eagle grow hair."
On a more contemporary note, R&B superstar Lauryn Hill grew up in South Orange, NJ. This multi-talented artist commanded attention both as a soloist and as part of hip-hop group The Fugees. Her debut album 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' garnered five Grammy wins and critical acclaim worldwide.
To truly appreciate music from New Jersey, we must also acknowledge Whitney Houston, who was born in Newark. A true icon who needs no introduction, her powerful vocal abilities are still celebrated today through hits like "I Will Always Love You" and "Greatest Love of All."
Interestingly enough, singer-songwriter Charlie Puth also hails from Rumson, NJ. Known for his soulful pop sound featuring elements of R&B and jazz, Puth has topped charts with hits such as "Attention" and "See You Again."
New Jersey is also home to the infamous Bon Jovi, a band formed in Sayreville. Known for their anthemic rock compositions and catchy choruses, their discography is full of memorable tracks like "Livin' On A Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "It's My Life".
Another noteworthy artist from New Jersey is singer-songwriter Halsey, who hails from Clark. With her unique alternative-pop style and frank lyrics, she has solidified herself as one of today's biggest pop stars. Her debut album 'Badlands' propelled her to international fame with hits like "New Americana" and "Colors."
Finally, the incomparable Frank Sinatra must be included. Born in Hoboken, he has remained an influence on popular music since his rise to fame in the 1940s. Known for his distinguished voice and charisma, the Chairman of the Board's hits like “Fly Me To The Moon,” “My Way,” and “New York, New York” are classic American songs.
Despite coming from various genres and time periods, these famous artists have all put New Jersey on the map as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
2. Sarah Vaughan
With her powerful and distinctive voice, Sarah Vaughan made a name for herself as one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. Her career spanned several decades, during which she recorded numerous hits and won multiple Grammy Awards. Vaughan was born in Newark, New Jersey, and began singing at a young age in church choirs and local talent shows.
Vaughan's early success came as a member of the Earl Hines Band, where she gained a reputation as a true vocal virtuoso. She went on to perform with other legendary jazz musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Throughout her career, Vaughan experimented with different styles of music, from bebop to pop to orchestral ballads.
Interestingly, Vaughan was known for her ability to improvise and always put her own unique spin on any song she performed. Her signature rich tone and impressive vocal range set her apart from other singers of her era.
Pro Tip: Check out Sarah Vaughan's live recordings for an even deeper appreciation of her unparalleled improvisational skills.
Dionne Warwick may have walked on by, but she sure left a lasting impression on the music industry.
3. Dionne Warwick
One of the 10 famous singers from New Jersey is a talented woman, known for her soulful voice and distinctive style. Throughout her career, she has released numerous hits and won multiple Grammy Awards, making her a true icon in the music industry. With an impressive range and unforgettable performances, she has left her mark on audiences worldwide. Her name may be synonymous with excellence in the entertainment world, but it is not solely due to her musical prowess. She also supports various philanthropic causes such as the fight against HIV/AIDS and hunger relief efforts. Truly a multifaceted artist.
Bill Evans may have been born in Plainfield, New Jersey, but his piano skills were anything but plain.
4. Bill Evans
A renowned jazz pianist hailing from Plainfield, New Jersey, Bill Evans paved the way for modern jazz music. With more than 50 albums under his belt, Evans' unique musical style and technique continue to influence musicians today. He performed alongside some of the greats including Miles Davis and Chet Baker.
Evans was known for his use of impressionistic harmony, which helped shape the direction of contemporary jazz for years to come. His seminal album "Explorations" remains a centerpiece in the world of jazz today, reflecting his fluidity as both a composer and improviser.
What sets Evans apart from other famous New Jersey-born musicians is his ability to blend traditional harmonic structures with unique chord progressions and melodies. This innovative approach propelled him to stardom during the 1950s and 60s.
Fun fact: Evans was inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1981.
Born to run…away from New Jersey's industrial wasteland, Bruce Springsteen became the Boss of rock and roll.
5. Bruce Springsteen
One of the most iconic singers from the state of New Jersey is known for his passionate and heartwarming performances. With a distinctive voice that can instantly captivate audiences, he has been entertaining fans for decades. He has also achieved enormous success as a songwriter and musician, selling millions of records around the world. His name has become synonymous with rock and roll, and his music has inspired countless musicians over the years.
Born in Freehold, New Jersey, this singer began his career playing in local bars and clubs with his band. He quickly gained a following and signed a record deal in the early 1970s. Since then, he has released numerous albums filled with hits such as "Born to Run," "Thunder Road," and "Dancing in the Dark." He is also known for his energetic live shows, which have become legendary among fans.
What sets this singer apart from others is not just his talent but also his dedication to social causes. Throughout his career, he has used his platform to speak out on issues ranging from political corruption to poverty. He even wrote an entire album about working-class America that became an instant classic.
If you're a fan of great music and unforgettable performances, you definitely don't want to miss out on this singer's work. Be sure to check out some of their greatest hits and experience the magic for yourself – you won't be disappointed!
Whitney Houston may have sung about the greatest love of all, but apparently that didn't include paying her taxes on time.
6. Whitney Houston
This phenomenal artist from the Garden State left an indelible mark on the music industry. Whitney Houston was a gifted singer, actress, and producer whose powerful voice and emotional performances touched the hearts of millions around the world. She achieved numerous accolades throughout her career, including seven Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards, and two Emmy Awards. Houston's musical influence is still felt today, as she continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Her timeless ballads like "I Will Always Love You" and "Greatest Love Of All" are classics that will be remembered for decades to come.
Houston's musical talent was evident from a young age when she sang in her church choir in New Jersey. After signing a record deal with Arista Records in the early 1980s, she quickly rose to fame with her self-titled debut album, which featured hits like "Saving All My Love For You" and "How Will I Know." Her subsequent albums were equally successful, cementing her status as one of the most formidable performers of her time. Houston also acted in several movies over the years, including The Bodyguard and Waiting To Exhale.
One unique aspect of Houston's career was her ability to break down racial barriers in music. She was one of the first African-American women to achieve mainstream success in pop music and helped pave the way for other Black artists who followed in her footsteps.
Despite her many professional successes, Houston had personal struggles that plagued her throughout her life. In 2012, she passed away tragically at the age of just 48 years old. However, Whitney Houston's contributions to music will always be remembered as incredibly influential and inspiring to countless aspiring artists who are hoping to follow in her footsteps.
Even if she survived, we'll still be hearing Gloria Gaynor singing '‘I Will Survive’' for decades to come.
7. Gloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor, a legendary American singer and songwriter from New Jersey, made history with her iconic hit song "I Will Survive". Her talents have paved the way for female artists in the music industry and earned prestigious awards like the Grammy Hall of Fame. Gaynor's energetic performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Her voice reaches sublime heights in every contemporary music genre she performs, making her one of the most versatile singers today. Known for her charitable work and advocacy against human trafficking, Gaynor is more than just a musical icon; she is an inspiration to many aspiring performers.
Gaynor's passion for music began at an early age when she joined local gospel choirs in Newark, New Jersey. She eventually branched out into secular genres and created her unique sound that has stood the test of time. Aside from her work as a performer, Gaynor has written several books on faith, hope, and perseverance. She has also become an advocate against human trafficking, using her platform to raise awareness and support survivors.
Despite facing numerous personal challenges throughout her career, including health issues and financial difficulties, Gaynor remains one of the most influential singers to come out of New Jersey. Her accomplishments have inspired countless musicians worldwide to pursue their dreams relentlessly. With decades of experience under her belt and an unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes, Gloria Gaynor continues to be a force in the music industry and beyond.
Paul Simon may have left New Jersey, but his melodies will forever echo in the Garden State's soul.
8. Paul Simon
As a legendary singer and songwriter hailing from the Garden State, this artist has left an astounding impact on the music industry. With his introspective lyrics and innovative musical arrangements, he has made a name for himself as one of the most respected figures in American music history.
Throughout his career spanning over six decades, he has explored various genres ranging from folk to rock to world music. His iconic partnership with Art Garfunkel gave birth to timeless classics such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Mrs Robinson". After going solo, he continued to produce hit albums like Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints.
Beyond his successful discography, Paul Simon is also recognized for his humanitarian work and political activism. He has been a staunch advocate for various causes such as environmental conservation, anti-apartheid movements, and gun control.
One interesting fact about Paul Simon is that he was the first recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2007.
Pro Tip: Check out his Grammy-winning album Graceland for a diverse collection of musical influences such as African rhythms and gospel harmonies.
Move over Springsteen, there's a new Boss in town and his name is Wesley Schultz.
9. Wesley Schultz
Wesley Schultz, a renowned musical artist hailing from the state of New Jersey, made his mark with folk-rock band The Lumineers. With a distinctive voice and guitar skills, he has written chart-topping songs such as "Ho Hey", "Ophelia", and "Cleopatra". Schultz's upbringing in Ramsey played a crucial role in shaping his musical journey. His early encounters with the works of artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Young inspired him to pursue music as a career.
Count Basie put New Jersey on the map not just for being his birthplace, but also for his incredible talent and swingin' music.
10. Count Basie
Count Basie – Legendary Jazz Pianist from New Jersey
One of the most renowned Jazz pianists in American history, Count Basie was born in Red Bank, New Jersey. He rose to fame during the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. His music was characterized by a distinctive style that combined elements of blues, gospel, and boogie-woogie. Basie's career spanned several decades, during which he performed with some of the greatest musicians of his time.
Basie moved to Harlem in his late teens, where he played with various ensembles before forming his own band in the mid-1920s. The Count Basie Orchestra became famous for its unique sound and toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe.
Interestingly, at that time when jazz music often had restricted publicity for black musicians and artists, Count Basie found himself on mainstream radio shows performing his music.
Pro Tip: Listen to Count Basie's recordings to appreciate the enduring legacy left behind him on modern jazz music.
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.
