New Hampshire may be known for its scenic mountains, maple syrup, and quiet charm—but don’t let the Granite State’s peaceful exterior fool you. It has produced some seriously powerful voices that have echoed across genres and generations. From the smoky folk ballads of Ray LaMontagne to the thunderous metal anthems of Ronnie James Dio, New Hampshire’s musical roots run deeper than you might expect. This small but mighty state has been a surprising launchpad for talent spanning pop, rock, punk, country, and even children’s music. Whether it’s a former boy band heartthrob who once topped the Billboard charts or a shock-punk icon who shattered every rule in the book, New Hampshire’s contributions to the music world are as diverse as its landscapes.
In this article, we’re counting down the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from New Hampshire—artists who’ve not only made their mark on the industry but also carry a piece of New Hampshire’s spirit with them. Some were born here, others found their creative spark in the state’s quiet corners. But all of them have one thing in common: they’ve taken New Hampshire’s legacy and turned it up to eleven. Let’s meet the voices behind the sound.
1. Ray LaMontagne
Ray LaMontagne doesn’t just sing songs—he channels emotion. Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Ray’s journey into music began unexpectedly. Working in a shoe factory, he heard a Stephen Stills tune that changed everything. Soon after, he quit his job and began writing music, eventually releasing Trouble in 2004, a debut that felt like a whisper and a storm all at once. With a voice that’s rough around the edges yet achingly beautiful, Ray weaves together folk, soul, and rock into songs that are deeply personal and universally resonant. He’s known for keeping a low profile, rarely doing interviews or chasing fame, but his music has built him a fiercely loyal following. Albums like Till the Sun Turns Black and God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise have been praised for their introspective depth and sonic warmth. Despite his quiet nature, LaMontagne’s live shows are intense and immersive, with fans often sitting in awed silence. He proves that in a world full of noise, there’s still power in subtlety. Ray is a reminder that true artistry doesn’t need to shout to be heard—it just needs to be honest.
2. Joey McIntyre
Joey McIntyre might be best known as the youngest member of New Kids on the Block, but his career has gone far beyond boy band fame. Born in Massachusetts and deeply connected to New Hampshire through years of touring and personal appearances, Joey captured hearts in the late ’80s and ’90s with his soaring vocals and boy-next-door charm. NKOTB became a cultural phenomenon, and Joey was a standout with his ability to bring emotion into every note. When the group disbanded, he didn’t fade away—instead, he proved his musical depth with a solo career that included the hit single Stay the Same. He also made a name for himself on Broadway, starring in shows like Wicked, and took on roles in film and TV. Over the years, he’s reunited with his NKOTB bandmates for wildly successful tours that continue to pack arenas. Through it all, Joey has stayed grounded, humble, and grateful to his fans. His connection to New England—especially New Hampshire—is part of what makes him feel like one of their own. More than a pop star, Joey McIntyre is a multifaceted performer who has grown gracefully in the public eye.
3. Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio is a legend in the world of heavy metal—a singer with a voice so powerful it could shake arenas, yet so precise it felt like opera. Though born in New York, he spent part of his formative years in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where his passion for music took root. Known for fronting some of the most iconic metal bands in history—Rainbow, Black Sabbath (after Ozzy Osbourne), and his own band Dio—he left an indelible mark on the genre. Songs like Holy Diver and Rainbow in the Dark are anthems that blend fantasy, mythology, and raw emotion. Dio wasn’t just a vocalist—he was a storyteller, a showman, and a pioneer. He’s even credited with popularizing the “devil horns” hand gesture that became synonymous with rock rebellion. Despite his larger-than-life presence on stage, Ronnie was known for his humility offstage. His legacy continues through tribute concerts, fans, and musicians who cite him as an influence. Even in death, his voice lives on—a thunderous, melodic roar that began, in part, in the quiet corners of New Hampshire.
4. Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis is a man of many musical moods—grunge-laced angst and country-tinged storytelling wrapped into one compelling voice. Although he’s strongly associated with Massachusetts, Lewis has forged a powerful bond with fans across New Hampshire through frequent performances and his genuine blue-collar ethos. As the frontman of Staind, he became a voice of post-grunge heartbreak with hits like It’s Been Awhile and Outside, songs that captured emotional vulnerability with raw precision. But Aaron didn’t stop there. He surprised many when he made a successful pivot to country music, releasing albums like Town Line and Sinner, which reflected his rural roots and love of classic country themes. His solo material often delves into personal and patriotic themes, marked by a rough-edged honesty that resonates deeply. Whether he’s singing over heavy guitar riffs or gentle acoustics, Lewis stays true to his emotional core. In a region like New England, where authenticity is cherished, Aaron Lewis stands out as an artist who says exactly what he feels—and plays exactly how he lives.
5. GG Allin
GG Allin wasn’t just a punk rocker—he was a walking Molotov cocktail, igniting controversy everywhere he went. Born in Lancaster, New Hampshire, GG’s life was turbulent from the start, shaped by poverty, instability, and an early rejection of societal norms. His music was abrasive and aggressive, but it was his live performances—chaotic, violent, and self-destructive—that etched his name into punk history. GG saw himself not as an entertainer, but as a living critique of mainstream culture. While most dismissed him as a shock artist, others saw a raw, uncompromising figure who used his body and voice to challenge everything fake or sanitized. His shows often ended in chaos, but for GG, that was the art. He remains one of the most polarizing figures in music—a punk purist to some, a cautionary tale to others. Love him or hate him, GG Allin forced people to confront the boundaries of rebellion, performance, and personal freedom. And it all began in the quiet woods of New Hampshire—a sharp contrast to the storm he would become.
6. Raymond Scott
Raymond Scott was a rare fusion of composer and inventor, a man whose genius touched everything from jazz clubs to cartoons to early electronic music. While born in Brooklyn, New York, Scott spent his later years in New Hampshire, where his experimental spirit never waned. In the 1930s, his playful, high-speed compositions became staples of American animation—Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies used his music extensively, though often without direct credit. Beyond jazz, Scott pushed into uncharted territory, inventing machines like the Electronium and the Clavivox—precursors to modern synthesizers. He envisioned a future where machines could help create music, and in many ways, he helped build it. His New Hampshire years were quieter but no less creative, marked by continued innovation and invention. Raymond Scott may not be a household name, but his fingerprints are everywhere in modern music and media. From Bugs Bunny antics to synth-pop evolution, his legacy hums beneath the surface, proving that some of the most important contributions to culture come from those working quietly behind the scenes.
7. Tom Rush
Tom Rush is a master storyteller, a folk troubadour with a rich voice and a gift for bringing emotion to life through song. Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Rush came of age during the American folk revival and quickly became one of its key figures. With a deep appreciation for traditional music and a knack for discovering new talent, he helped launch the careers of artists like Joni Mitchell and James Taylor by performing their early work before the world knew their names. His own songs—like No Regrets and Merrimack County—reflect the landscapes and emotions of New England, blending blues, country, and folk into something timeless. Rush’s live performances are legendary for their warmth, humor, and intimacy, and he’s remained a steady presence in the folk world for over five decades. He’s more than just a performer; he’s a curator of stories, a mentor to emerging artists, and a beloved figure in the community. With New Hampshire in his blood and folk music in his soul, Tom Rush continues to embody the quiet, enduring power of song.
8. Dan Zanes
Dan Zanes brings a burst of color and joy to everything he touches, from gritty rock clubs to family singalongs. Raised in Exeter, New Hampshire, Zanes first gained attention as the lead singer of The Del Fuegos, a Boston-based garage rock band that made waves in the 1980s. But his most impactful transformation came after becoming a father—he began creating children’s music that wasn’t sugary or dumbed down but smart, inclusive, and musically rich. With albums like Catch That Train! and Family Dance, he invited listeners of all ages to join in, blending global rhythms, folk melodies, and rock energy. His concerts are lively, inclusive affairs—often featuring sign language interpreters and multilingual lyrics. Dan Zanes isn’t just entertaining families; he’s fostering community, connection, and understanding. He treats young audiences with respect and believes music can be a bridge between cultures and generations. His roots in New Hampshire helped cultivate that authenticity and heart, making him not just a performer, but a force for good in modern music.
9. Recycled Percussion
Recycled Percussion proves that rhythm is everywhere—you just have to bang on the right things. Hailing from Goffstown, New Hampshire, the group began by turning trash into treasure, using buckets, ladders, and power tools to create high-energy percussion performances that are part concert, part spectacle. They hit the national stage in 2009 as finalists on America’s Got Talent, wowing audiences with their originality and sheer adrenaline. But even before the TV spotlight, Recycled Percussion had been building a grassroots following in New Hampshire, known for their explosive shows and commitment to their local community. Now headliners in Las Vegas, they still return home often, hosting free performances and giving back through school programs and outreach events. Their message is simple: creativity has no limits. By making music out of “junk,” they teach people—especially kids—that imagination is more powerful than equipment. They’ve become icons of innovation, energy, and New Hampshire pride.
10. Ernie Boch Jr.
Ernie Boch Jr. is a true original—a business mogul with the heart of a rock star. Though best known for his leadership in the auto industry, Boch is also an accomplished guitarist and lifelong music enthusiast. Raised in New Hampshire, he formed Ernie and the Automatics, a blues-rock band that included former members of Boston and the J. Geils Band. Their music, filled with soulful guitar licks and vintage rock vibes, proved Boch wasn’t just playing at being a musician—he was one. Beyond performing, Ernie uses his platform to support the arts in big ways. He’s a champion of music education, hosting benefit concerts, promoting local talent, and giving generously to causes that bring music to schools and communities. He’s even jammed on stage with legends, treating rock and roll not just as a hobby, but as a way of life. In New Hampshire, Boch’s name is synonymous with both entrepreneurial success and artistic passion. He’s not a typical CEO—he’s a rock-and-roll renaissance man.
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.
