When you think of music meccas, places like Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles might come to mind—but don’t sleep on Delaware. The First State may be small in size, but it’s produced some seriously big voices. From blues-rock legends and country chart-toppers to jazz pioneers and soulful storytellers, Delaware has quietly built a legacy of musical talent that punches far above its weight. Whether they were born on its soil or shaped by its spirit, these artists have carved their names into the fabric of American music in bold, unforgettable ways.
In this exciting list, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from Delaware, celebrating the voices that have moved millions and made the state proud. You’ll find genre-defying icons, boundary-breaking newcomers, and even a reggae legend who once called Delaware home. Each artist brings a unique flavor, but they all share something in common: roots that trace back to the Diamond State.
So crank up the volume and get ready to explore the sounds of Delaware. You might just discover your next favorite artist—or gain a whole new appreciation for the musical gems that have emerged from this often-overlooked corner of the country.
1. George Thorogood
George Thorogood is Delaware’s loudest, proudest export—a true embodiment of snarling, barroom blues-rock with a punch-you-in-the-gut swagger. Born in Wilmington in 1950, Thorogood found his calling in the raw energy of slide guitar and the gritty storytelling of classic blues. With his band, The Destroyers, he roared into the national spotlight in the early ’80s, just when polished pop and synth beats were taking over the airwaves. His 1982 hit “Bad to the Bone” became more than a song—it became a cultural staple, used in movies, sports arenas, and countless jukeboxes across America. But Thorogood was more than just that one riff. Tracks like “Move It On Over” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” proved he could take old blues standards and inject them with rock ‘n’ roll adrenaline, making them feel fresh and dangerous. Known for relentless touring and high-octane shows, he’s built a legacy on sweat, distortion, and sheer presence. George Thorogood didn’t just play the blues—he put a beer-soaked, denim-clad American stamp on it. And in doing so, he placed Delaware on the national rock map with a snarl, a slide, and a smirk.
2. Chuck Wicks
Chuck Wicks is Delaware’s homegrown country crooner, a Smyrna native whose smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics have earned him a well-deserved place in the Nashville spotlight. He made an unforgettable entrance with 2007’s “Stealing Cinderella,” a tender ballad that became an instant hit and a wedding playlist staple. But Wicks is more than just one song—he’s a storyteller with a gift for blending emotion, melody, and small-town authenticity. His debut album, Starting Now, revealed a range that moved from reflective to radio-ready, gaining him loyal fans across the country scene. Wicks’ journey has included more than music—he danced his way onto Dancing with the Stars and charmed listeners as a radio personality, showing off his down-to-earth charisma and genuine love for the genre. While he may not chase flash or fame, his dedication to his craft and ability to connect with listeners make him a standout. In a genre built on roots, heart, and honest lyrics, Chuck Wicks delivers. And from the quiet streets of Smyrna to country music’s biggest stages, he proves that Delaware’s voice is just as capable of tugging heartstrings as any Southern twang.
3. Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen isn’t just a rising star—he’s a game-changer. Hailing from Milton, Delaware, Allen broke onto the country scene with a confidence and voice that made people sit up and listen. His debut single, “Best Shot,” made history in 2018 by topping the Billboard Country Airplay chart and doing it again months later—a rare feat for a debut artist, let alone a Black man in a genre still working on its diversity. With a style that blends heartfelt country lyrics with smooth R&B inflections and pop-savvy hooks, Allen brings something undeniably fresh to the table. Songs like “Make Me Want To” and collaborations with artists ranging from Brad Paisley to Elton John show his ability to cross genres without losing his core. His charisma lights up stages, and his story—rising from homelessness to headliner—adds real depth to his success. In 2021, the ACM named him New Male Artist of the Year, further cementing his place among country’s elite. Allen’s presence is helping to redefine who belongs in country music, and with every chart-topper and heartfelt performance, he’s making sure the world knows that Delaware has something powerful to say.
4. Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown didn’t just play the trumpet—he sang through it. Born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1930, Brown packed more brilliance into his short life than most musicians manage in a lifetime. His tone was clear, warm, and deeply lyrical, and his solos had an elegance that made even the most complex improvisations feel effortless. As a founding member of the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet, he helped reshape the sound of modern jazz, creating music that was both virtuosic and soulful. Albums like Study in Brown and Clifford Brown with Strings remain essentials in any jazz collection, not just for their technical mastery but for the emotional depth Brown brought to every note. Known for his clean lifestyle and professional dedication during an era plagued by addiction, Brown was a role model as well as a genius. Tragically, he died in a car accident at just 25, cutting short a career that was already legendary. But his influence echoes through generations of jazz musicians and vocalists alike. Delaware may be a small state, but in Clifford Brown, it gave the world one of jazz’s purest voices—one that still resonates with clarity and grace.
5. Bob Marley (Delaware Connection)
Bob Marley’s name is synonymous with Jamaica, reggae, and global consciousness—but tucked quietly into his remarkable story is a chapter set in Wilmington, Delaware. During the mid-1960s, long before he became a global icon, Marley lived in Wilmington, working at a Chrysler plant and spending time with his mother who had moved there earlier. This lesser-known period gave Marley a firsthand look at American life—its industrial grind, social contrasts, and urban rhythm—all of which subtly informed the depth of his later songwriting. While Delaware was far from the sun-soaked streets of Kingston, it provided space for reflection during a formative time in his life. It’s no coincidence that themes of struggle, resilience, and unity took deeper root in his lyrics not long after. Songs like “Redemption Song” and “Exodus” carry the weight of a man who’d seen multiple worlds. Though his heart always remained in Jamaica, Marley’s time in Delaware is a powerful reminder that even legends walk among us before the world knows their name. For Wilmington, it’s a point of pride—knowing that the voice of One Love once called it home, however briefly.
6. David Bromberg
David Bromberg is the kind of musician who defies definition. A virtuoso guitarist, fiddler, and mandolinist, Bromberg has spent over five decades carving out a singular space in American roots music. Though born in Philadelphia, he planted deep roots in Wilmington, Delaware, where he’s become a beloved figure—not just for his music, but for his contributions to the community. His genre-blending style spans blues, folk, bluegrass, and Americana, all delivered with a storyteller’s wit and a sideman’s humility. He’s played with giants—Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Emmylou Harris—and yet always returned to the music that feels lived-in and handmade. His live shows are unpredictable, joyful affairs, full of spontaneous jams and hilarious asides. Offstage, Bromberg runs a violin shop in Wilmington and has helped nurture the city’s cultural revival through festivals, mentorship, and local initiatives. He’s not just a performer—he’s a keeper of traditions and a spark for new ones. In Delaware, he’s more than a musician—he’s a musical institution. Seeing him live in his adopted hometown is like watching American roots music happen in real time, from a master who knows every note has a story to tell.
7. Matthew Shipp
Matthew Shipp is not your typical jazz pianist—he’s an explorer, constantly dismantling musical norms and building something entirely his own. Though born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Shipp found his artistic home in New York’s avant-garde scene, where he’s become a towering figure in modern jazz. His compositions are challenging, cerebral, and deeply expressive—pushing the piano to its emotional and structural limits. With early classical training and an insatiable curiosity, Shipp developed a style that incorporates dissonance, silence, and rhythmic abstraction in ways that feel more like philosophical meditations than songs. He’s collaborated with a wide array of artists, from saxophonist David S. Ware to electronic and spoken-word experimenters, always staying true to his boundary-pushing instincts. Though not a household name, he’s revered by critics and fellow musicians alike as one of the most original voices in jazz today. For Delaware, Shipp represents a different kind of musical legacy—introspective, intellectual, and uncompromising. He may not fill stadiums, but in the world of modern jazz, Matthew Shipp is a bold and vital presence, forever reshaping what’s possible on 88 keys.
8. Christine Ohlman
Christine Ohlman is the kind of singer who leaves a trail of soul wherever she goes. With her towering blonde beehive and powerhouse vocals, she’s earned her nickname “The Beehive Queen”—but it’s her gritty blend of rock, blues, and R&B that really defines her. Though not born in Delaware, Ohlman has become a beloved fixture in the state’s music scene thanks to her electrifying performances and deep ties to the region. For decades, she’s fronted the Saturday Night Live Band, delivering smoky, soul-drenched vocals to millions each week. But her solo work with Rebel Montez is where her artistry truly shines. Ohlman’s songs cut deep—equal parts vulnerability and fire—with lyrics that explore heartbreak, strength, and the soul’s resilience. Her voice is raw, textured, and unmistakably real, a throwback to vintage soul queens with a rock edge all her own. Beyond the stage, she’s a passionate advocate for American roots music, preserving its legacy while keeping it vibrant for new generations. When she hits the stage in Delaware, it’s not just a show—it’s a revival. Christine Ohlman doesn’t just sing songs; she lives them, and every performance is a testament to rock and soul’s enduring power.
9. Richard Julian
Richard Julian is one of those rare songwriters whose work feels like a secret you’re lucky to discover. Raised in Delaware, Julian brings a smoky, laid-back charm to his music, blending folk, jazz, and Americana with a literate, wry lyrical touch. He doesn’t chase trends or headlines—instead, his songs unfold like short stories, full of offbeat characters, dry humor, and emotional undercurrents that sneak up on you. Albums like Slow New York and Smash Palace have made him a favorite among critics and fellow musicians, even if mainstream fame has eluded him. His collaborations with Norah Jones and The Little Willies gave his voice a broader platform, but Julian remains a quintessential artist’s artist. There’s an intimacy to his music—like he’s playing just for you, in the corner of a quiet café. His melodies linger, his words invite you back. For Delaware, Julian is a gem—an understated voice with a sharp pen and a warm soul. He may not be a chart-topper, but in the world of modern American songwriting, Richard Julian is a name whispered with admiration and discovered with delight.
10. Johnny Neel
Johnny Neel is a musical powerhouse—an explosive combination of blues, rock, and Southern soul packed into one gravel-voiced, keyboard-wielding dynamo. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, and blind since birth, Neel’s gift for music showed early and never let up. He rose to prominence as a member of the Allman Brothers Band during their late ’80s comeback, injecting new life into their sound with his keyboard wizardry and raspy, passionate vocals. But Neel is far more than a sideman—his solo work reveals a fearless artist with deep roots in funk, blues, and gospel, always delivered with unfiltered emotion and a deep musical groove. He’s written songs for Gov’t Mule, Delbert McClinton, Montgomery Gentry, and many others, proving his range and staying power across genres. Onstage, Neel is a force of nature—his improvisational chops and raw energy can turn any set into a spiritual experience. For Delaware, he’s a symbol of unfiltered talent—proof that world-class music can emerge from unlikely places. Whether pounding the keys or belting out the blues, Johnny Neel plays with his whole heart. And when he does, you don’t just hear it—you feel it.
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.
