The Empire State has given rise to some of the most iconic voices in music history. From the gritty streets of Brooklyn to the glitzy lights of Manhattan, New York has been a breeding ground for talent that has shaped genres, topped global charts, and influenced pop culture for generations. Whether it’s the soulful melodies of Alicia Keys or the lyrical genius of Jay-Z, these artists don’t just represent New York—they are New York. Their stories are woven into the fabric of the city: bold, resilient, and unforgettable.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from New York—a powerful lineup of stars who’ve left an indelible mark on the music industry. These are the voices that defined eras, sparked movements, and brought the sound of the city to the world stage. From hip-hop legends and pop superstars to jazz crooners and R&B icons, this list celebrates the artists who continue to inspire millions. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering them for the first time, get ready to be reminded why New York remains the heartbeat of music innovation. Let’s hit play on greatness—these are the voices that made the city sing.
1. Jay-Z
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter in Brooklyn’s gritty Marcy Projects, is more than a rapper—he’s a living blueprint of ambition, resilience, and brilliance. Rising from a tough upbringing, he turned his street smarts into lyrical gold, crafting vivid tales of hustling and survival in albums like Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint. But Jay didn’t stop at music—he built an empire. From co-founding Roc-A-Fella Records to launching Roc Nation and becoming the first hip-hop billionaire, he transformed the business of rap into a boardroom success story. Albums like 4:44 revealed a more introspective, evolved Jay-Z—an artist unafraid to show vulnerability while still owning his legacy. Collaborations with Kanye West (Watch the Throne) and appearances alongside Beyoncé have only magnified his cultural footprint. Jay-Z has reshaped what it means to be a rapper, merging street poetry with corporate strategy. His impact isn’t limited to music; he’s a political voice, an art collector, a sports agent, and a symbol of Black excellence. Few artists have evolved as fearlessly or as successfully. Whether he’s trading bars or building billion-dollar brands, Jay-Z remains a titan whose story continues to inspire. He didn’t just change the game—he rewrote the rules.
2. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta in Manhattan, is one of the boldest and most innovative pop icons of the 21st century. From the moment she burst onto the scene with 2008’s The Fame, she’s challenged conventions with a fearless mix of performance art, raw talent, and boundary-pushing fashion. Gaga’s artistry spans synth-heavy bangers like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” to emotionally rich, stripped-down ballads like those on Joanne and A Star Is Born. Her voice is a powerhouse—equally at home belting arena anthems or crooning jazz classics alongside legends like Tony Bennett. Beyond the music, Gaga is a cultural changemaker: an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and creative authenticity. From her infamous meat dress to her Oscar-winning turn in A Star Is Born, she’s never shied away from reinvention. Gaga’s work is deeply emotional, theatrical, and unapologetically herself. She’s an artist who thrives on transformation, turning vulnerability into spectacle and art into activism. Whether she’s headlining the Super Bowl or championing self-love through her Born This Way Foundation, Gaga remains a force who constantly redefines what pop stardom looks—and sounds—like. Dazzling, daring, and deeply human, she’s a true original.
3. Billy Joel
Billy Joel is the musical heartbeat of New York—an artist whose songs are as much a part of the city’s fabric as its skyline. Born in The Bronx and raised on Long Island, Joel’s music is steeped in the working-class spirit and gritty romance of his surroundings. With his signature piano-driven sound and everyman lyrics, he’s crafted timeless hits that tell deeply human stories. Whether painting scenes of young love and regret in “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” or saluting the city in “New York State of Mind,” Joel captures emotion with wit and melody. His 1977 masterpiece The Stranger cemented his status as a songwriting powerhouse, while albums like 52nd Street and An Innocent Man showcased his ability to span genres—from jazz to doo-wop to pop rock. A record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden speaks to his enduring appeal. Billy Joel doesn’t rely on trends or gimmicks—just heartfelt storytelling and unforgettable hooks. With over 150 million albums sold, he remains a beloved fixture in American music. To many, he isn’t just the “Piano Man”—he’s the voice of nostalgia, resilience, and New York soul.
4. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is a rare kind of artist—someone whose voice, presence, and message resonate with a quiet, commanding strength. Born and raised in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, she was a musical prodigy who blended classical piano training with the raw soul of R&B and the poetry of hip-hop. Her 2001 debut, Songs in A Minor, was a revelation, earning her five Grammys and launching a career defined by authenticity and empowerment. Songs like “Fallin’,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” and “Girl on Fire” showcase her ability to move seamlessly between vulnerability and boldness. Beyond the music, Keys is a champion for causes close to her heart, including racial justice, women’s rights, and mental health. She co-founded Keep a Child Alive and has consistently used her platform to uplift others. Over the years, Alicia has evolved into a creative force who writes, produces, and performs with soulful precision. Her stripped-back performances, often with just a piano, remind audiences of the power of pure artistry. In an industry often driven by spectacle, Alicia Keys stands out by staying grounded, honest, and fiercely human. She’s more than an R&B icon—she’s a voice of her generation.
5. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand is not just a singer—she’s a towering figure in American entertainment. Born in Brooklyn, Streisand rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most decorated performers in history. Her voice, powerful yet nuanced, is instantly recognizable—able to convey longing, strength, humor, and heartbreak in a single note. With chart-topping hits across six decades, she’s delivered unforgettable songs like “The Way We Were,” “Evergreen,” and “People,” each a showcase of her dramatic vocal talent. But Streisand’s influence doesn’t end at the microphone. She broke barriers as a female director in Hollywood, became a champion for liberal causes, and earned the coveted EGOT—an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Her perfectionism and creative control set new standards, proving that women could lead not just on stage, but behind the scenes as well. Streisand’s artistry is defined by excellence, whether on Broadway, in film, or on the concert stage. Her legacy is one of fearlessness, sophistication, and enduring relevance. In a world of fleeting fame, Barbra Streisand’s brilliance remains as strong as ever—a timeless icon who continues to inspire through both her voice and her vision.
6. Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo)
Jennifer Lopez is a pop culture powerhouse—a triple threat who turned determination into global superstardom. Born and raised in the Bronx, J.Lo started as a backup dancer before breaking through in the ’90s with her acclaimed performance in Selena. From there, she launched a music career that blended Latin rhythms, pop hooks, and R&B beats into irresistible hits like “If You Had My Love,” “Jenny from the Block,” and “On the Floor.” Lopez brings energy and charisma to everything she touches—whether it’s the dance floor, the silver screen, or the boardroom. She’s also a successful businesswoman with fashion lines, fragrances, and production credits under her belt. Her electrifying Super Bowl halftime show alongside Shakira was a triumphant celebration of culture and endurance. Through every reinvention, J.Lo has stayed true to her roots, proudly representing her Puerto Rican heritage and her Bronx upbringing. She’s more than a singer or actress—she’s a brand, a symbol of ambition, and proof that talent paired with relentless drive can break barriers. With every new project, Jennifer Lopez reminds the world that being multifaceted isn’t a challenge—it’s a superpower.
7. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey burst onto the music scene in the early 1990s like a sonic supernova. With a five-octave range, an astonishing whistle register, and a songwriting talent that matched her voice, she quickly became one of the best-selling female artists in history. Raised in Long Island, Carey’s debut single “Vision of Love” introduced the world to her signature blend of pop, R&B, and soul. Throughout the ’90s and beyond, she stacked up chart-toppers like “Hero,” “Fantasy,” “We Belong Together,” and of course, the holiday juggernaut “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Mariah didn’t just sing—she innovated. Collaborating with hip-hop artists like Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, she helped pioneer the pop-rap crossover long before it was mainstream. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Carey has shared her struggles and triumphs with grace and candor, embracing her biracial identity, mental health journey, and personal evolution. Her glamour, independence, and unapologetic diva persona have made her both a legend and a meme icon. Mariah Carey isn’t just the Queen of Christmas—she’s a vocal trailblazer, a cultural icon, and a testament to the power of enduring talent.
8. 50 Cent
50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson in South Jamaica, Queens, redefined what it means to turn pain into power. His life reads like a movie script: a troubled upbringing, a near-fatal shooting, and a meteoric rise to global fame. With the backing of Dr. Dre and Eminem, 50’s debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ exploded onto the charts in 2003, driven by massive hits like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions.” His rugged voice and streetwise storytelling made him an instant icon. But 50 Cent didn’t stop at music—he built an empire. From launching G-Unit Records to producing the hit TV series Power, he evolved into a savvy entrepreneur with a sharp business mind. Endorsement deals, investments (like Vitaminwater), and television success turned him into a mogul far beyond his rap roots. Known for his unfiltered personality and relentless drive, 50 has maintained relevance in a notoriously fickle industry. Whether he’s dropping bars or breaking into new ventures, Curtis Jackson remains a symbol of hustle, resilience, and survival. He’s not just a rapper—he’s a brand, a businessman, and a reminder that success can come from the unlikeliest of places.
9. Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey is a singular voice in modern music—dreamy, cinematic, and soaked in vintage melancholy. Born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant in Manhattan and raised in Upstate New York, she emerged onto the scene with a sound that felt like a faded Hollywood postcard: glamorous, tragic, and deeply emotional. Her breakthrough album Born to Die introduced the world to her noir-pop universe, where heartbreak and Americana meet orchestral swells and whispered confessions. Lana’s music doesn’t chase chart trends—it builds entire atmospheres, pulling listeners into wistful narratives of doomed romance, lost innocence, and complex femininity. Songs like “Video Games,” “Summertime Sadness,” and “Young and Beautiful” became anthems for a generation longing for beauty in sadness. Once polarizing, she’s now celebrated as a true artist who plays by her own rules. Her poetic lyrics, haunting vocals, and vintage aesthetic have influenced countless artists. Lana Del Rey isn’t interested in being pop’s shiny center—she’s its haunted, soulful fringe. With every album, she creates a world unto itself, blurring the line between fiction and autobiography. She’s not just a singer—she’s a storyteller, a mood, a myth.
10. Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett was the embodiment of timeless elegance in music. Born in Queens in 1926, he brought warmth, sincerity, and effortless charm to every note he sang. With a career that spanned over 70 years, Bennett became a defining voice in traditional pop and jazz. His 1962 signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” became a standard of American songcraft. But his legacy goes far beyond one hit—he recorded over 70 albums, won 20 Grammy Awards, and maintained a reputation as one of music’s most beloved and respected performers. What made Bennett truly special was his ability to bridge generations. He introduced classic songs to new audiences through collaborations with contemporary artists like Lady Gaga, whom he called his “musical soulmate.” Their Grammy-winning albums together showcased his enduring vocal talent well into his 80s and 90s. Offstage, Bennett was a dedicated humanitarian and painter, always grounded in humility despite his fame. Even as he battled Alzheimer’s in his later years, he remained a beacon of grace. Tony Bennett wasn’t just a crooner from another era—he was a living masterclass in artistry, kindness, and class. A true gentleman of music, his voice will echo for generations.
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.
