New York City, often referred to as the “Big Apple,” is renowned for its vibrant music scene and has produced some of the world’s most celebrated singers. From Frank Sinatra to Mariah Carey, the city has been a breeding ground for top-notch vocal talent that has taken the world by storm. The city’s rich musical heritage can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it became a hub for jazz, blues, and gospel music. Since then, New York has continued to inspire and influence musicians across various genres, producing some of the most iconic and unforgettable singers in history. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 famous singers from New York who have made a lasting impact on the music industry. From their unique vocal styles to their captivating performances, we will delve into the stories behind their rise to fame, their achievements, and their legacies. Join us on this journey as we celebrate the extraordinary talent that has emerged from the bustling city that never sleeps.
1. Lou Reed
Lou Reed, New York-born rock legend who rose to stardom in the 60s, was known for his gritty lyrics and unconventional sound. Despite facing initial resistance from critics and fans alike, Reed's influence on the alternative music scene cannot be overstated. With hits like "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Sweet Jane", he continued to push boundaries in his work until his death in 2013.
Reed's career spanned over four decades and included collaborations with artists like David Bowie and Metallica. Apart from singing, he was also an accomplished guitarist, songwriter and poet. His music remains a celebrated part of New York's cultural heritage.
Interestingly, Reed was once a staff songwriter at Pickwick Records where he penned novelty songs for other artists including a tune about Batman!
(Source: Biography.com)
Despite being from Long Island, Billy Joel still counts as a New York City icon – mostly because he's crushed more than his fair share of dreams at Madison Square Garden.
2. Billy Joel
One of the most celebrated musicians to come out of New York is a singer-songwriter who has released thirteen studio albums with unparalleled success: Billy Joel. With hit songs like "Piano Man," "Uptown Girl," and "We Didn't Start the Fire," Joel has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards. His talent as a musician goes beyond just songwriting, he is also a talented pianist and harmonica player. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide, cementing his place as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. In recent years, he has taken on a residency at Madison Square Garden where he performs monthly shows continuing to dazzle audiences each time with his timeless classics and classic rock ballads.
Interestingly enough, Billy Joel initially struggled to find commercial success, even resorting to playing in piano bars under a different name before ultimately being signed by Columbia Records in the early 1970s. Despite facing challenges along the way, his perseverance and undeniable talent have led him to become one of New York's best-known singers.
Carole King proves that you don't need a flashy stage setup or wild dance moves to be a legendary singer – just a piano, some heartfelt lyrics, and a killer voice.
3. Carole King
This songwriter, Carole King, is a celebrated name in the music world hailing from New York. With her soulful voice and poetic songwriting skills, she has inspired generations. Her most iconic compositions include “Natural Woman” and “You’ve got a friend”. King has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for her exemplary contributions to the music industry.
Art Garfunkel's hair may have been the real star of Simon & Garfunkel.
4. Art Garfunkel
Art Garfunkel, an American singer and songwriter born in Queens, New York, is known for his iconic folk rock music with Paul Simon in the 60s. He has released several successful solo albums and attained fame as a lead vocalist. Apart from singing, he is also an actor and has appeared in several films and TV shows. With his soulful voice and unique style, Art Garfunkel has left an everlasting impression on the music industry. Pro Tip: Listen to his hit singles "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Bright Eyes" for a musical experience like no other.
They may have been from Queens, but Joey and Johnny Ramone paved the way for punk rock straight outta New York City.
5. Joey and Johnny Ramone (The Ramones)
Joey and Johnny Ramone were two of the founding members of The Ramones, a pioneering punk rock band from New York. They shaped the genre with their unique sound and style, prominently featuring power chords and fast tempo. The band's influence has been felt across music ever since, inspiring generations of artists. With Joey on vocals and Johnny on guitar, their chemistry kept The Ramones at the forefront of punk in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Despite their global success, both Joey and Johnny remained rooted in their hometown Queens, New York. They exemplified the city's working-class spirit through their hard-hitting lyrics about everyday life struggles. Their songwriting often touched upon social issues such as drug abuse, mental health, and poverty.
Interestingly, Joey was born Jeffrey Ross Hyman while Johnny was John William Cummings – they later adopted stage names that have become legendary among fans worldwide. Together with fellow band members Dee Dee Ramone and Tommy Ramone (also hailing from New York), they produced some of the most iconic tracks in music history.
Pro Tip: Listen to 'Blitzkrieg Bop', 'I Wanna Be Sedated', and 'Rockaway Beach', among many other hits, for a great introduction to The Ramones' music.
Sonny Rollins blows his saxophone like a madman, making the streets of New York feel like a jazz club.
6. Sonny Rollins
As a jazz legend, his saxophone melodies have influenced successive generations of musicians. Rollins, originating from Harlem, New York City, was one of the first to incorporate bop and swing styles in his music. He received worldwide recognition and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. His compositions are complex yet distinctive, often featuring rhythmic interplay between bass and drums. He has won numerous awards including a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement in music.
Rollins had a profound influence on many musicians, including South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and pianist Herbie Hancock. His collaboration with Miles Davis on "Bags' Groove" remains an iconic piece in the history of jazz music. In addition, he was recognized as one of the greatest improvisers in jazz by many critics and fellow musicians alike.
Rollins is regarded as a musical genius for his ability to reject conventional musical structures while maintaining melodic coherence. The "St Thomas" composition is considered one of his masterpieces and incorporates elements of Caribbean folk music with its distinct rhythms and harmonies.
In a career spanning over six decades, Rollins has made significant contributions to the development of modern jazz music. Despite facing obstacles such as addiction and health issues, he continued to create fresh sounds that have come to define his legacy – not just as one of New York's most influential artists but as a global icon whose music continues to inspire listeners today.
Biggie Smalls may have been larger than life, but it was his rhymes that truly made him a giant in the rap game.
7. The Notorious B.I.G.
The late musician known as 'The Notorious B.I.G.' was one of the most iconic rappers from New York. His real name was Christopher Wallace, and he had a massive impact on the hip-hop industry during his short-lived career in the 1990s.
Wallace was born and raised in Brooklyn, where he began his musical journey as a teenager. He signed with Sean Combs' label, Bad Boy Records, in 1992 and released his debut album 'Ready to Die' in 1994, which went on to become a classic in hip-hop history. The album included hit songs such as "Juicy," "Big Poppa," and "One More Chance."
Aside from his music, Wallace was also widely recognized for his distinctive storytelling abilities and groundbreaking delivery style. His gritty lyrics and poignant narratives about life on the streets made him one of the most influential rappers of all time.
Sadly, Wallace's life ended tragically when he was fatally shot at the age of 24 in Los Angeles in 1997. However, his legacy lives on through his music and influence on an entire generation of hip-hop artists.
Jay-Z's got 99 problems, but lack of New York pride ain't one.
8. Jay-Z
One of New York's most renowned musical exports, he rose to fame with his debut album Reasonable Doubt in 1996. Jay-Z has since established himself as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 50 million albums sold worldwide. A master wordsmith, he is known for his witty wordplay and hard-hitting rhymes that explore topics ranging from his humble origins in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects to politics and personal relationships. His collaborations with other famous musicians such as Beyoncé and Kanye West have only served to further cement his status as a true icon in the music industry.
Jay-Z is not just a musician but also a dedicated businessman who has successfully ventured into multiple industries, including fashion, sports management, and even investing in companies like Uber and Airbnb. His passion for social justice can be seen in efforts such as forming criminal justice reform organization Reform Alliance. He is also a vocal advocate for marginalized communities.
As someone who has built an empire from nothing, Jay-Z's success holds valuable lessons for aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs alike. One suggestion would be to focus on honing one's craft while simultaneously exploring opportunities outside of the mainstream music world. His success demonstrates that it's possible to break out of traditional industry molds by taking risks and thinking outside the box – something that can apply to any field, really.
She may be from New York, but Lady Gaga's fashion sense is out of this world.
9. Lady Gaga
This talented New Yorker, known for her outstanding vocals and unique style, has taken the world by storm. She's had multiple chart-topping hits and is renowned for her live performances. Lady Gaga rose to fame with her debut album 'The Fame' in 2008. Since then, she's won several awards, including nine Grammys, three Brit Awards, and a Golden Globe.
The singer has also made a name for herself as an actress with lead roles in 'A Star is Born' and 'American Horror Story: Hotel'. In addition to her music and acting career, Gaga is known for being a philanthropist. She established the Born This Way Foundation in 2012 to support youth mental health and fight against bullying.
Lady Gaga stands out amongst other singers from New York because of her distinctive voice and bold fashion sense. With over 128 million followers on Instagram alone, she is an icon that continues to inspire millions of people around the world.
If you're looking to achieve success like Lady Gaga, follow these tips:
- Believe in yourself and your abilities
- Work hard towards your goals every day
- Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn
- Never be afraid to take risks
Sammy Davis Jr. left his heart in San Francisco, but his soulful voice was born and bred in the mean streets of New York City.
10. Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr., a renowned singer and actor, was born in Harlem, New York City. He started his career at the age of three in vaudeville and later became a member of the famous Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra. Davis Jr.'s musical repertoire included genres like Jazz, Pop, and Soul. With his signature baritone voice and charismatic stage presence, he won several accolades throughout his career.
Davis Jr.'s contributions to the entertainment industry were not restricted to music alone. He also appeared in movies like Ocean's Eleven and Robin and the 7 Hoods, showcasing his acting skills on the big screen as well.
Additionally, Sammy Davis Jr. was known for his social activism and fight against racism in America. As a result of his beliefs, he faced backlash from many quarters but stood firm in his convictions.
Fun fact: Davis Jr.'s autobiography titled "Yes I Can" won the 1966 NAB Broadcasting Award for Book of the Year.
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.
