10 Famous Singers from Maryland

From the charming Chesapeake Bay to the vibrant city streets of Baltimore, the state of Maryland has not only gifted the world with stunning natural beauty and rich history but has also been a fertile ground for exceptional musical talent. Nestled on the East Coast of the United States, this culturally diverse state has produced some of the most influential and beloved voices in the music industry. In this article, we will explore the realm of melodies and rhythms as we dive into the world of Maryland’s top 10 famous singers. These extraordinary artists have captured the hearts of millions with their powerful vocals, captivating performances, and unique musical styles. From the soulful crooners to the energetic rockers, the singers hailing from the Old Line State have made a profound impact on various genres, including R&B, rock, pop, and hip-hop. Their contributions to the music landscape have not only put Maryland on the map but have also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of music enthusiasts worldwide. Join us as we celebrate the diverse talents and remarkable journeys of the top 10 famous singers from Maryland, uncovering the stories behind their sensational success and the lasting legacies they have created.

1. Greg Kihn

Greg Kihn, a famous singer from Maryland, has made noteworthy contributions to the music industry. With his unique style and captivating vocals, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the rock music scene. He gained recognition through hits like 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' which topped the charts in the 1980s. Kihn's passion for blending various styles of music has made him an inspiration to many aspiring musicians.

His journey began when he first formed The Greg Kihn Band in the mid-1970s in Baltimore, Maryland. The group released several albums that showcased Kihn's musical abilities and earned critical acclaim. As his career progressed, he continued to explore different genres, including new wave and power pop.

Kihn's love for writing also led him to become an author. He penned several popular books such as 'Rubber Soul' and 'Painted Black' inspired by his experiences in the music industry.

It is fascinating to note that Kihn was once considered for the role of protagonist Marty McFly in the movie 'Back To The Future.' However, eventually, Michael J.Fox played the character, becoming a household name overnight.

Bill Callahan may not be a household name, but in Maryland, he's like Old Bay seasoning – mildly controversial, but a staple nonetheless.

2. Bill Callahan

Bill Callahan is an accomplished folk singer and songwriter who hails from Maryland. With a career spanning several decades, he has released numerous albums featuring his distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics. His music blends elements of Americana, country, and indie rock, making him a unique presence in the music world. Callahan's introspective and emotive songs have won him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. He continues to create inspiring music that touches listeners' hearts.

Callahan's success as a musician can be attributed to his dedication to craft and attention to detail. He spends countless hours crafting each song, ensuring that every note, every word, resonates with his audience. Through his music, he explores themes such as love, loss, identity, and human connection. His artistry is deeply personal yet relatable to many listeners.

One interesting fact about Callahan is that he began his musical career under the pseudonym "Smog." This persona allowed him to distance himself from his own vulnerabilities while experimenting with different styles and sounds. However, he eventually abandoned this alter ego in favor of performing under his given name.

As an artist from Maryland, Bill Callahan represents the state's vibrant musical culture. His contributions have helped put the state on the map as a hub for talented musicians across genres.

Who knew that a thong song would be the only thing we remember from Sisqó's career?

3. Sisqó

This Maryland native rose to fame as a member of the R&B group Dru Hill before achieving solo success. Sisqó's memorable hits include "Thong Song" and "Incomplete." He has also appeared in several reality TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Wife Swap. Sisqó's unique music style and innovative fashion sense continue to capture the attention of audiences worldwide.

Despite facing some personal challenges in recent years, Sisqó has continued to pursue his passion for music and entertainment. In addition to his own projects, he has collaborated with various artists such as Mýa, Will Smith, and Lil' Kim. Aside from singing and performing, Sisqó has also ventured into acting and even appeared in the 2001 film Get Over It.

Sisqó's success can be attributed to his talent, hard work, and willingness to take risks. With his distinctive sound and show-stopping stage presence, he has built a loyal fan base over the years. To aspiring artists looking to follow in his footsteps, Sisqó advises staying true to one's self-expression while always striving for improvement through practice and experimentation.

When Toni Braxton sings, even her bankruptcy filing sounds like gold.

4. Toni Braxton

One of the most acclaimed singers from Maryland is Toni Braxton, who rose to immense fame in the 1990s. A multi-talented artist, Braxton is known for her soulful and emotive voice that brings out the essence of every song she sings. Her hit singles like Unbreak my Heart and Breathe Again are touted as classics even today. With over seven Grammy Awards in her career, Braxton stands as one of the most successful R&B singers of our time.

Apart from her songs, Braxton has also won many admirers for her performances on TV shows like Dancing with The Stars and Celebrity Family Feud. Her memoir 'Unbreak My Heart', released in 2014, gave readers a glimpse into her personal life and struggles with lupus.

Many know that Toni Braxton almost lost everything to bankruptcy in the early 2000s. She had to discontinue her Las Vegas residency due to ill-health, culminating in financial turmoil. However, she fought back and bounced back stronger than ever before, proving herself as a true icon among Maryland's music greats.

Philip Glass, the minimalist composer from Maryland, proves that less is more – unless you're talking about his talent and achievements.

5. Philip Glass

Philip Glass, one of the famous singers from Maryland, is widely regarded as a pioneer of minimalism. His unique musical compositions, which feature repetitive patterns and minimalist structures, have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. Glass has collaborated with several renowned artists from various genres, including David Bowie and Paul Simon. His notable works include "Einstein on the Beach," "Koyaanisqatsi," and "Glassworks."

Glass's innovative style of music draws inspiration from classical composers such as Bach and Mozart, but he infuses it with contemporary elements to create a fresh sound that resonates with modern audiences. He has also composed operas and film scores for several acclaimed movies, including Martin Scorsese's "Kundun" and Woody Allen's "Cassandra's Dream." Despite his success, Glass remains committed to pushing the boundaries of musical creativity.

Interestingly, Glass initially pursued a career in mathematics before turning to music. His background in math has greatly influenced his approach to composing music, as he employs numerical sequences to create complex rhythms and melodies.

As you continue reading about other famous singers from Maryland, take note that Philip Glass's contributions to the world of music are not to be missed. Don't miss out on exploring his extensive discography and experiencing his unique brand of creativity firsthand.

Frank Zappa may be from Maryland, but listening to his music feels like taking a trip to another dimension.

6. Frank Zappa

One of the ten famous singers from Maryland is known for his avant-garde music and satirical wit. Frank Zappa was a multi-genre artist who produced over 60 albums. His compositions included rock, jazz, orchestral, and experimental genres. Zappa's eccentricity made him a controversial figure in the industry. Zappa also dabbled in filmmaking during his career.

A pioneer of fusion, Frank Zappa's unorthodox style set him apart from the mainstream. Zappa's eclectic tastes ranged from doo-wop to classical music which he blended with rock and roll to create a unique sound. His lyrics were often humorous, satirical and critical of American society. As one of the most innovative musicians of his time, Zappa remains an influential figure among many artists worldwide.

Zappa was also politically active throughout his life, advocating for free speech and civil rights. He famously testified before Congress about censorship in music and art in the 1980s. Despite a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 1990, Zappa continued to work on various projects until his death in 1993 at age 52.

Pro Tip: If you're looking for something different than the typical pop or country fare, check out Frank Zappa's extensive catalog for some musical inspiration that defies expectations. "Why use logic when you can just make wild assumptions and hope for the best?"

7. Logic

One of Maryland's most acclaimed hip-hop artists is a man known by the moniker 'Young Sinatra,' who later went on to simply use his last name as his stage name. Logic, born Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, hails from Gaithersburg and has gained popularity for his positive attitude, catchy beats, and optimistic lyrics. After releasing over a dozen mixtapes in the early 2010s, Logic made his major debut with Under Pressure in 2014. His popularity has continued to surge since then, with five studio albums under his belt and collaborations with several big-name musicians in the industry.

Logic is not only famous for his music but also for his activism. In support of mental health awareness, he released a song called "1-800-273-8255," which doubles as the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in America. In addition to this charitable endeavor, Logic's music has also led him to other ventures such as book-writing (Supermarket) and film-making (an adaptation of Supermarket).

Despite being relatively young compared to some of Maryland's other famous singers like Billie Holiday or Toni Braxton, Logic has cemented himself in the history books as one of Gathersburg's biggest successes. With millions of fans worldwide and plenty more projects yet to come from him, it seems that this former Maryland native will stay on top for years to come. Don't miss out on staying up-to-date with what comes next from Logic!

Good Charlotte's Benji Madden may be from Maryland, but his music makes me want to escape to another state.

8. Benji Madden (Good Charlotte)

Benji Madden is a renowned singer and songwriter hailing from the state of Maryland. He is famously known for being a part of the rock band Good Charlotte, which he formed with his identical twin brother Joel Madden in 1996.

Benji Madden and his brother founded Good Charlotte in Waldorf, Maryland. The band initially played at local venues and gained popularity through their self-titled debut album released in 2000. They gained wider recognition for their subsequent releases, including 'The Chronicles of Life and Death' and 'Cardiology'. Their music mainly falls under the pop punk, alternative rock, and punk rock genres.

As a standout musician from Maryland, listeners can expect quality work from Benji Madden. Fans who enjoy the music of Good Charlotte may also want to check out his other musical projects or explore his songwriting skills for genre variation.

Maryland may be known for crabs, but Tamar Braxton proves they also have a talent for singing soulful ballads.

9. Tamar Braxton

With her powerful vocals and magnetic persona, this Maryland native, known for hits like "Love and War," has established herself as a force in modern R&B. Tamar Braxton's career took off after joining the girl group The Braxtons, alongside her sisters. She later ventured into a solo career, releasing several successful albums. In addition to music, Braxton has also made a name for herself as a television personality, appearing on reality shows like "Braxton Family Values" and winning "Celebrity Big Brother."

Braxton's music is well-known for blending contemporary R&B with pop elements and old-school soul sounds. Her style has earned her critical acclaim, including seven Grammy nominations. In the entertainment industry, Braxton has also gained recognition for her personal life drama captured in reality TV shows. Despite some tumultuous relationships and struggles with mental health issues, she remains an inspiration to many of her fans.

Interestingly, Braxton is not just a talented singer but also an actress who has made appearances on Broadway during her short sabbaticals from music albums. She is also regarded for establishing several businesses outside the entertainment industry such as real estate ventures and her beauty line empire 'Tamar Collection.'

One time while performing in D.C area she was brought to tears when fans sang along to every word of her track “All The Way Home,” feeling honored and overwhelmed by expressions of love towards her artistry.

Looks like Maryland's got the beat with Gina Schock, the drummer of The Go-Gos.

10. Gina Schock (The Go-Gos)

Gina Schock, a famous musician hailing from Maryland, was an original member and drummer of the all-female rock band The Go-Go's. Bringing her energetic and dynamic music style to the stage, Schock helped shape the band's unique sound that earned them fame in the early 80s.

Throughout her career, Schock gained recognition for being one of the most influential drummers in rock music history. Her impressive performances ranged from pop-rock to hardcore beats and everything in between that truly made her stand out in the industry.

Adding to her success as a musician, Gina Schock also co-wrote several hit singles such as "Vacation" and "Head Over Heels," which were responsible for skyrocketing The Go-Go's to international stardom.

Despite having faced numerous challenges throughout her life, Gina Schock still continues to inspire aspiring musicians across the world with her dedication towards achieving musical excellence.

A true fact about Gina Schock is that she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside members of The Go-Gos in 2021.

Samuel Moore

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.