Maryland, known for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage, has produced a plethora of talented singers who have captivated audiences around the world. From soulful R&B to chart-topping pop and genre-defying artistry, the state boasts an impressive array of musical talent. In this article, we will explore the top 10 famous singers hailing from Maryland who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. These artists have not only achieved great commercial success but have also been influential in shaping the sound and direction of contemporary music. With their distinctive voices, electrifying performances, and heartfelt lyrics, these singers have garnered global recognition and continue to inspire aspiring musicians. Whether they were born and raised in Maryland or found their artistic voice within its borders, each of these individuals has a unique story to tell through their music. Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary talent that has emerged from the Old Line State and explore the accomplishments of these top 10 famous singers who have made Maryland proud on the world stage.
1. Sisqó
A highly talented singer, Sisqó has been ruling the music scene worldwide. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he started his career with Dru Hill before going solo. With hits like "Thong Song" and "Incomplete", he has carved a niche for himself in the R&B world. His soulful voice and stage presence make him one of Maryland's most famous singers.
Sisqó's unique style blends R&B, pop, and hip-hop. He has sold millions of records worldwide and won several awards including three Grammy nominations. Apart from his singing career, he has also dabbled in acting and appeared on reality TV shows like "Celebrity Big Brother". Fans continue to adore Sisqó because of his charisma, energy, and musical talent.
Interestingly, Sisqó is known for wearing eccentric clothing on stage – such as leather pants with elephant prints or metallic body suits. He's also known for his bright hairstyles that have included everything from platinum blond to bright pink hair.
Don't miss out on listening to Sisqó's music and watching his performances – you'll definitely regret it!
Move over, Beyoncé, Tamar Braxton is in town and ready to snatch some wigs with her powerhouse vocals and killer style.
2. Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton, a Grammy-nominated singer from Maryland, is widely known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. With multiple chart-topping hits to her credit, Braxton has built a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile vocalists in the music industry. Her distinctive sound draws inspiration from R&B, soul, hip-hop, and gospel music.
Aside from her musical career, Tamar Braxton has also appeared on several television shows as a reality star and talk show host. She continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment world.
Notably, Tamar Braxton's debut single "If You Don't Wanna Love Me" reached number 14 on the Billboard charts in 2000. She later released numerous successful albums such as "Love and War" and "Calling All Lovers". In addition to her music career, Braxton has appeared on shows like "Braxton Family Values", "Dancing with the Stars", and "The Real".
A lesser-known fact about Tamar Braxton is that she cofounded The Sheen Magazine with partner Kim Chapman in 2005. The publication covers fashion, beauty, celebrity news, health tips, and more.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for inspiration from a multi-talented artist with a wealth of industry knowledge, look no further than Tamar Braxton.
Bill Callahan's voice is so soothing, it's like a warm blanket on a cold Maryland night.
3. Bill Callahan
Bill Callahan, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter from Maryland, has gained immense popularity for his unique blend of indie rock and country music. His introspective lyrics and distinct baritone voice have captured the hearts of many fans worldwide. In addition to his solo career, Callahan was also an integral member of the bands Smog and The High Llamas. He continues to tour extensively and release new music to this day.
Callahan's musical style is known for its minimalism and simplicity, often featuring just a few chords on repetitive guitar riffs as the framework for his deeply personal songs. He has been highly praised for his ability to convey complex emotions through his lyrics, which often touch on themes such as love, loss, and spirituality.
Furthermore, Bill Callahan is a notoriously private individual who rarely grants interviews or provides insight into his personal life. Despite this reclusiveness, he remains one of Maryland's most famous singers and an influential figure in contemporary music.
It is interesting to note that Callahan initially began making music under the pseudonym Smog before transitioning to using his given name for later releases. This early work helped establish him as a pioneer in the lo-fi indie rock scene of the 1990s.
Sources: Rolling Stone Magazine
Gina Schock proves that not all 'gogo' dancing comes with a hefty gym membership – her killer drumming skills make sure of that.
4. Gina Schock (The Go-Gos)
Gina Schock from The Go-Go's is a well-known musician hailing from Maryland. One of the founding members of the iconic all-female rock band, Schock played an influential role in their music, particularly as the drummer. Her contributions to the group helped them become one of the most successful acts of their era.
Schock grew up in Baltimore and began playing drums at a young age. She joined The Go-Go's in 1978 and played on all of their albums released until 1984. Along with playing drums, she also co-wrote several of the band's hits, including "Head Over Heels" and "Get Up and Go." With her drumming skills and songwriting abilities, Schock became an invaluable member of The Go-Go's.
Despite facing challenges along the way, such as being diagnosed with cancer in 1992, Schock persevered in her career as a musician. She continues to play with The Go-Go's on occasion while also working on her own music.
For those looking to follow in Gina Schock's footsteps, it's important to focus on honing one's musical skills and developing a unique style. Collaborating with other musicians can also be helpful for expanding one's creativity and networking within the industry. Ultimately, perseverance and passion are key qualities that can lead to success as a musician in Maryland or anywhere else.
Greg Kihn may have been "The Breakup Song," but we'll always have a soft spot for him in our hearts, especially since he's a Maryland native.
5. Greg Kihn
With a prolific career in rock music, Maryland boasts of Greg Kihn's contributions to the industry. His hits like "Jeopardy" peaked at No.2 on Billboard Hot 100 and has earned a Platinum certification. Moreover, his decades-long involvement in music resulted in several accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance.
One of the iconic singers from Maryland with over sixteen albums under his belt and various hit songs is Greg Kihn. Known for his exceptional musical prowess, he has garnered a massive following across the globe. As one of the most celebrated musicians from the state of Maryland, Greg Kihn continues to inspire many up-and-coming artists with his hard work and dedication to excellence.
Interestingly, Greg Kihn went on to become an accomplished author by venturing into writing after his music career slowed down. He eventually authored five books that consist of fiction and non-fiction genres. In addition, he hosts a weekly radio program called "The Kihncert Report," which airs on San Jose classic rock station KFOX.
Pro Tip: Having thrived in two distinct industries – music and writing – proves that a creative mind can excel beyond their field if they put their heart and soul into it.
Move over Old Bay seasoning, Maggie Rose is the new hot spice from Maryland.
6. Maggie Rose
One of the 10 famous singers from Maryland is an artist whose stage name is Maggie Rose. With her alluring voice and incredible songwriting abilities, she has gained unprecedented success in the music industry. Maggie Rose's forte lies in captivating her listeners with her fusion of country, rock and soul music. Her stunning live performances have earned her a loyal fanbase across the world.
Having grown up in Maryland, Maggie Rose was exposed to a variety of musical genres that helped shape her unique sound. She began nurturing her talent in high school where she performed in musicals and studied classical voice. After completing her education, she moved to Nashville to pursue music professionally.
Now, as an established artist, Maggie Rose continues to innovate through her music by combining traditional elements with modern sounds. With over 15 million streams on Spotify alone, she has become a household name within the industry.
A Pro Tip for aspiring musicians: Take inspiration from artists like Maggie Rose who have successfully navigated through challenges and made it big- persistency will get you there!
Ethel Ennis had a voice so powerful, it could make a bald man's hair stand on end (even though she herself had a pretty stylish 'do).
7. Ethel Ennis
Ethel Ennis was a renowned American jazz vocalist and songwriter hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. She was known for her soulful voice and smooth interpretations of classic jazz standards. Not only did Ennis showcase her musical talent with performances on television and the stage, but she also contributed greatly to the jazz community by serving as a mentor to young musicians. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists to this day.
Ennis began performing at the age of three in her church choir and continued her education in music by studying with respected local teachers. She went on to perform at various events all over the world, including the White House and Carnegie Hall. In 2004, she was inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame. Despite facing discrimination due to her gender and race during her career, Ennis persevered and created an impressive body of work that solidified her place in American music history.
Ennis released over 20 albums throughout her career and collaborated with countless other musicians throughout her life. Her style ranged from traditional jazz to R&B and she never stopped experimenting with new sounds even late into her career. In addition to being a talented singer, Ennis also wrote many of her own songs which were featured on albums such as "If Women Ruled The World" and "Change Of Scenery".
It is worth noting that Ennis' impact on jazz music extends far beyond Maryland–she was recognized internationally as one of the genre's most talented artists. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 86 but left behind an enduring legacy that will always be remembered fondly by those who loved and appreciated her work.
Source: https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/artsentertainment/famous-singers-from-maryland-ethel-ennis
Chick Webb may have been known for his drums, but he really killed it when it came to swingin' those jazz beats.
8. Chick Webb
This famous drummer's birth name was William Henry Webb, but he was known worldwide by his nickname Chick. He produced jazz and swing music from the late 1920s until his untimely death in 1939 at the age of only thirty-four. His band was one of the most popular of its time and included prominent musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald. Chick's legacy lives on through The Savoy Ballroom, a historic dance hall located in Maryland where he performed regularly.
Chick's style of drumming inspired others to incorporate melodic elements into their percussion work. Not only did that start influencing other drummers, but it also affected how other instruments were played in jazz music. In addition to producing hit music, Chick Webb is also remembered for breaking racial barriers during a time when segregation was still prevalent in the United States.
Interestingly, Chick was born with a spinal deformity that left him physically disabled since childhood. Despite this challenge, he never gave up on his passion for playing music and eventually became a world-famous musician. For aspiring drummers out there, listening to and studying Chick Webb's music provides valuable insight into this influential player's innovative techniques and compositions.
If you're interested in learning more about Chick Webb's life and legacy, be sure to visit The Baltimore Jazz Legend Exhibit at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center in Baltimore. There you can take a deep dive into the history of Maryland jazz legends like Chick Webb who left an indelible mark on America's musical culture.
Bill Clifton may not be a household name, but his bluegrass tunes are sure to leave your toes tapping and your moonshine thirst quenched.
9. Bill Clifton
One of the famous singers who hailed from Maryland was an artist named Bill Clifton. He established himself as a pioneer in Bluegrass music. His works are distinguished by his clean and clear voice, and his rootsy folk-country compositions. Bill Clifton also became known as an excellent guitar player, showcasing skill with acoustic songs.
Clifton has been noted for his efforts in promoting bluegrass music in the United Kingdom during the 1950s and ’60s. He was able to popularize American Folk Music in Europe while touring, publishing records, and presenting on radio shows. Even after a five-decade career, Clifton continues to perform around the world where he promotes freeranging traditional music that appeals to enthusiasts everywhere.
Bill Clifton’s history is intertwined with America's folk music heritage because of his deep admiration for early performers like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. As time progressed, he started incorporating other music styles within bluegrass that uncovered better ways of playing acoustic sounds including jazz, blues, and rock & roll beats. Ultimately, his expressive singing style made him one of America's most distinctive early voices in country-folk music performance artistry which continues to influence musicians decades later.
Chris Rice, because even though his voice is as smooth as Maryland crab dip, he's still the least famous Chris in the music industry.
10. Chris Rice
Chris Rice, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer hails from Maryland and is known for his captivating music which blends contemporary Christian and acoustic pop genres. His soulful voice and engaging lyrics have earned him both critical acclaim and a large fan following.
Sharing his musical expertise with others, Chris has also worked as a record label executive and has collaborated with artists like Michael W. Smith and TobyMac. He has written many hit songs including "Come to Jesus" and "Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)" which are still enjoyed by people globally.
What sets Chris apart is his passion for music that is aimed at spreading hope, love, and positivity in the world which resonates deeply with listeners. Releasing over 10 albums throughout his career, he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians from Maryland with his work.
Interestingly, before pursuing music full-time, Chris had completed a degree in Psychology from University of Maryland Eastern Shore. It was only after finding success as a songwriter that he decided to pursue music professionally. His powerful story serves as an inspiration to many who strive to follow their dreams like him.
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.
