List of Top 20 Famous Musicians from New York

For decades, New York City has been a breeding ground for musical talent and creativity, birthing some of the most influential and iconic musicians of all time. The city has played a pivotal role in the evolution of various music genres, from jazz to hip-hop, and from rock to pop.

New York City is home to some of the most renowned musicians in the world, and in this piece, we’re going to introduce you to 20 of them. What makes this city’s music scene so special is the wide range of genres and styles that have originated from here. These musicians have made a significant contribution to the industry and have influenced countless artists who came after them. Let’s take a closer look at these legendary musicians and the incredible impact they’ve had on the music world.

1. Ella Fitzgerald – A Vocal Legend

Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the “First Lady of Song”, was born in Virginia but raised in New York. She gained widespread recognition for her exceptional voice and remarkable scat singing skills that made her a prominent figure in jazz music.

2. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, who spent her childhood in New York, has made a name for herself as a highly accomplished singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress. Her soulful voice and powerful songwriting have earned her recognition with an impressive 15 Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades.

3. Blondie

In the mid-1970s, New York witnessed the formation of Blondie, a unique punk rock band that quickly became known for their fusion of punk, new wave, and pop music. Their contribution to the new wave movement earned them a reputation as pioneers in the genre. The band’s hit songs, such as “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” and “Rapture,” have become timeless classics in the music world.

4. Jay-Z

Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is an American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is one of the most successful musicians in the world, with over 100 million records sold and 22 Grammy Awards won. Jay-Z is also known for his business ventures, including his clothing line Rocawear and his record label Roc Nation.

Jay-Z was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He began his music career in the late 1980s, rapping under the name Jazzy. He later changed his name to Jay-Z and released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. The album was a critical success and helped establish Jay-Z as a major force in the rap industry.

Throughout his career, Jay-Z has released numerous hit albums, including The Blueprint, The Black Album, and 4:44. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyonce, Kanye West, and Rihanna. In addition to his music career, Jay-Z has also been involved in various business ventures, including co-owning the 40/40 Club and investing in companies like Uber and JetSmarter

5. Beastie Boys

In the late 1970s, The Beastie Boys, a hip-hop group hailing from New York, gained widespread recognition through their one-of-a-kind sound and witty lyrics. It was their contribution to the music industry that helped propel hip-hop into the mainstream during the 1980s.

6. Billy Joel

Billy Joel, a renowned singer-songwriter and pianist, hails from New York and has gained immense global recognition for his exceptional musical talent. He has a unique style of blending rock, pop, and classical music, which has won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. With over 150 million records sold, he has become a household name in the music industry.

7. The Velvet Underground

In the mid-1960s, the world was introduced to the Velvet Underground, an iconic rock band hailing from New York. Their experimental sound and avant-garde lyrics quickly earned them a reputation as one of the most influential bands of the 20th century. Indeed, their contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark on the genre and continue to inspire artists today.

8. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, a native of New York, has established herself as a distinguished singer, songwriter, and actress. Her exceptional style and diverse musical approach have garnered her several accolades, such as a Golden Globe for her performance in “American Horror Story.”

9. Notorious B.I.G.

Hailing from New York, The Notorious B.I.G. gained fame in the 90s as a rapper renowned for his commanding lyrics and captivating performances. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of rap music.

10. 50 Cent

Hailing from New York, 50 Cent is a renowned rapper and business magnate. His music is widely recognized for its addictive hooks and clever lyrics, having sold more than 30 million albums globally.

11. Sean Combs

Sean Combs, who also goes by the name P. Diddy, has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. His contribution as a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur has earned him numerous accolades for his groundbreaking beats and captivating performances on stage.

12. Marc Anthony

Marc Anthony, a renowned singer, songwriter, and actor, hails from New York. His remarkable talent is reflected in his soothing voice and captivating on-stage performance. Being the recipient of three Grammy Awards and several other accolades, he is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional salsa singers ever.

13. Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper, a native New Yorker, gained global recognition in the 80s for her distinct style and offbeat music. Her powerful vocals and captivating tunes, including chart-toppers like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “True Colors,” have cemented her status as an icon in the music industry.

14. Sonic Youth

Formed in the early 1980s, Sonic Youth is an alternative rock band hailing from New York. Their experimental sound and innovative style have earned them a reputation as one of the most influential bands in the genre.

15. Kiss

Formed in the 1970s, Kiss is a renowned rock band hailing from New York. Their flamboyant stage presence and memorable tunes have won them a massive global audience, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. Today, they are widely regarded as one of the most successful rock bands in history.

16. Tupac Shakur

In the 1990s, Tupac Shakur, a New York rapper, gained fame for his impactful lyrics and captivating performances. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers of all time and his legacy continues to resonate in the genre even today.

17. Ramones

In the 1970s, a punk rock band named Ramones emerged from New York. Its simplicity, catchiness, and high-energy stage performances characterised their music. They are widely regarded as one of the pioneers of punk rock.

18. Ashanti 

Ashanti, a talented singer, songwriter, and actress, hails from New York. Her soulful voice and poignant lyrics have earned her numerous accolades, including a coveted Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.

19. Luther Vandross

New York-born singer, songwriter, and record producer Luther Vandross was known for his powerful voice and smooth sound. He is considered one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, having won multiple awards, including eight Grammy Awards.

20. Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz, a renowned singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, hails from New York. His innovative style and eclectic sound have earned him numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards, for his remarkable contributions to the world of rock and roll music.

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