Most Famous Musicians with Connections To New York

# 43

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant on June 21, 1985, in New York City, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter known for her cinematic music style, which blends contemporary pop with a retro flair. Her melancholic and nostalgic lyrics, coupled with her ethereal voice, have made her a defining figure in modern music. Lana's career is marked by her artistic vision and ability to create evocative, atmospheric songs.

# 42

Freddie Hubbard

Freddie Hubbard was born on April 7, 1938, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He showed an early aptitude for music and began playing the trumpet at the age of six. Hubbard's talent quickly became apparent, and he was recognized as a prodigy, earning scholarships to study at the prestigious Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.

In 1958, Hubbard moved to New York at age 20 and quickly established himself as one of the bright young trumpeters on the scene. Hubbard was signed to Blue Note on recommendation of Miles Davis.

# 41

Bill Evans

William John Evans was born on August 16, 1929, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He began playing piano at a young age and showed exceptional talent early on. Evans pursued music studies at Southeastern Louisiana University and later at Mannes School of Music in New York City. His early influences included jazz pianists like Bud Powell and Lennie Tristano, as well as classical composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel.

# 40

Steve Gadd

1968 Graduates from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.

1972 Moves to New York City and begins his career as a session drummer.

# 39

Barbra Streisand

1942 Barbra Joan Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York.

# 38

Charles Mingus

He settled in New York where he played and recorded with the leading musicians of the 1950's-- Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Bud Powell, Art Tatum and Duke Ellington

In 1971 Mingus was awarded the Slee Chair of Music and spent a semester teaching composition at the State University of New York at Buffalo. In the same year his autobiography, Beneath the Underdog, was published by Knopf.

# 37

Duke Ellington

In 1923 he moved to New York and by1927, Ellington’s band had found a small base of fans and secured an engagement at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club. This proved to be a major turning point in Ellington’s career, providing him with access to larger audiences through radio and recordings.

# 36

Ginger Baker

2005 Reunites with Cream for a series of concerts in London and New York.

# 35

Ice Spice

Ice Spice, born Isis Naija Gaston on January 1, 2000, in The Bronx, New York, is an emerging American rapper known for her energetic style and unique voice. Ice Spice gained prominence in the mid-2020s with a series of viral hits that showcased her distinct approach to hip-hop. Her music, characterized by catchy hooks and bold lyrics, has resonated with a young audience and positioned her as a rising star in the rap scene.

# 34

Run-DMC

Run-D.M.C., one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, was formed in Hollis, Queens, New York, in 1981. Comprised of Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, the trio revolutionized rap music and left a lasting legacy in both the music and fashion industries. They are widely credited with bringing hip-hop into mainstream culture.

# 33

Frank Sinatra

1980 Records "Trilogy Past Present Future” which includes the hit "Theme from New York, New York."

2. "New York, New York” Another iconic hit that has become synonymous with Sinatra and the city itself.

# 32

Wu Tang Clan

The Wu-Tang Clan is a pioneering hip-hop group from Staten Island, New York, known for their unique style and significant impact on the genre. Formed in the early 1990s, the group brought a raw, gritty sound and innovative lyrical content that drew heavily from kung-fu movies, chess, and the streets of New York. Their debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)," is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The group's influence extends beyond music into fashion, business, and pop culture, making them one of the most iconic and influential hip-hop groups ever.

The Wu-Tang Clan was formed in Staten Island, New York, by primary members RZA, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa.

# 31

Beastie Boys

The Beastie Boys, an American hip-hop group from New York City, are widely regarded as one of the pioneering acts in the genre. Over their three-decade-long career, the Beastie Boys sold millions of albums worldwide and became one of the most influential groups in the history of hip-hop.

Debut Single - They released their debut single, "Cooky Puss” which gained attention in the New York underground music scene.

"To the 5 Boroughs" - This politically charged album paid tribute to New York City post-9/11

# 30

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez, AKA J.Lo, is an American singer, actress, dancer, and businesswoman. Born on July 24, 1969, in the Bronx, New York City, Lopez has become a multifaceted entertainment powerhouse. Known for her dynamic presence on stage and screen, she has achieved significant success in both the music and film industries. Her journey from a dancer to a global superstar is marked by numerous chart-topping hits, critically acclaimed performances, and a lasting impact on popular culture.

# 29

Simon and Garfunkel

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in elementary school in Queens, New York. They began performing together under the name "Tom and Jerry" and had a minor hit with "Hey Schoolgirl."

# 28

Wayne Shorter

Born on August 25, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Shorter’s musical journey began in the 1950s when he attended New York University and played in various bands. In 1959, he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, becoming the band’s musical director and contributing numerous compositions.

# 27

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige is an iconic singer, songwriter, and actress AKA as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul”. Mary was born on January 11, 1971, in The Bronx, New York, Blige has influenced a generation of artists with her unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop. She revolutionized R&B music by infusing it with a raw, emotional honesty and hip-hop beats. Blige is celebrated for her soulful voice and hits like "Real Love” "Family Affair” and "Be Without You”. Mary’s career, which soared in the early 1990s, has seen her win nine Grammy Awards and numerous other honors. She has also made a significant impact in acting, with acclaimed roles in films and television. Blige continues to be active in the industry

# 26

Billy Cobham

Billy Cobham , arguably the best drummer in the World for decades, was born on May 16, 1944, in Colón, Panama. He moved to New York City with his family at the age of three. Cobham showed an early interest in percussion and attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City, followed by a stint in the U.S. Army Band during the Vietnam War.

# 25

Mark Ronson

Ronson began his career as a DJ in New York City, gaining a reputation for his eclectic sets

# 24

Sean Diddy Combs

Sean John Combs, better known by his stage names Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, or simply Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, entrepreneur, and actor. Born on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, New York, Combs has been a dominant force in the music industry since the early 1990s. His influence extends beyond music into fashion, television, and business, making him one of the most versatile and successful figures in entertainment.

# 23

Chic

1976 Chic was formed in New York City by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. The two were already successful session musicians before they decided to create their own band.

# 22

Eddie Martinez

Birth Eddie Martinez was born and raised in New York City.

# 21

Dave Grohl

3. MTV Unplugged in New York (1994)

Nirvana "Nevermind," "In Utero," "MTV Unplugged in New York"

1996 Best Alternative Music Performance for "MTV Unplugged in New York" (with Nirvana).

# 20

Bob Dylan

1961 Moves to New York City and begins performing in Greenwich Village.

# 19

Carole King

Born Carol Joan Klein on February 9, 1942, in Manhattan, New York, King's music journey began in the late 1950s at Queens College, where she met Gerry Goffin. Together, they formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in history. By the early 1960s, they were staff songwriters at the Brill Building, a hub for music production.

# 18

Biggie Smalls

Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known by his stage names Biggie Smalls or AKA The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper who became one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie's storytelling ability, deep voice, and flow quickly established him as a dominant force in the rap scene. Despite his brief career, his impact on hip-hop is immeasurable, with his music continuing to influence artists and listeners worldwide. Biggie's life was tragically cut short when he was murdered in 1997, but his legacy endures through his iconic music and lasting influence on the genre.

1972 Christopher Wallace was born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York.

# 17

Steely Dan

Formed by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen in 1971 after they met at New York’s Bard College in the late ’60s they famously took over longtime guitarist Denny Dias’ band

# 16

Jay-Z

Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, is a renowned American rapper, songwriter, record executive, and businessman. He is widely considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists and has played a significant role in the evolution of the genre.

1. "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys) A tribute to New York City, this song became an anthem and won multiple awards.

# 15

Madonna

1979 Madonna moved to New York City to pursue a career in modern dance.

# 14

Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock, born on April 12, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, is a legendary jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. Hancock began playing piano at age seven and quickly showed prodigious talent. He performed a Mozart piano concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age eleven. After studying at Grinnell College, he moved to New York City in the early 1960s, where his career took off.

# 13

Tupac Shakur

Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, is one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of hip-hop. Born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York, and raised in various parts of the United States, Tupac's life and career were marked by his poetic lyricism, raw storytelling, and advocacy for social justice. His music explored themes of violence, poverty, and racism, resonating with millions of fans around the world. Despite his untimely death at the age of 25, Tupac's legacy continues to impact music, culture, and social issues. Not just the name of Ali-G’s dog!

Legal Troubles - Tupac was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to prison. During this time, he was also shot five times in a New York recording studio, an incident that fueled the East Coast-West Coast rap feud.

# 12

Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller is an American jazz bassist, composer, and producer known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the jazz, R&B, and fusion genres. Born on June 14, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, Miller has worked with numerous legendary artists and has a successful solo career. His innovative techniques and musical versatility have made him a prominent figure in the music industry.

# 11

Cream

2005 The band reunited for a series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London and Madison Square Garden in New York.

# 10

Miles Davis

1944 Moved to New York City to attend the Juilliard School of Music but soon began playing with Charlie Parker and other bebop pioneers.

# 9

John McLaughlin

McLaughlin's early career involved playing with several British groups and session work. He collaborated with notable artists such as Graham Bond and Brian Auger. In 1969, he moved to New York and began working with jazz luminaries like Miles Davis.

# 8

Nirvana

MTV Unplugged - Recorded the iconic "MTV Unplugged in New York" performance.

1996 Best Alternative Music Performance for "MTV Unplugged in New York" (posthumously)

# 7

Nile Rodgers

Nile Gregory Rodgers Jr., born on September 19, 1952, in New York City, is an American musician, composer, arranger, and producer. As the co-founder of Chic, Rodgers' pioneering work in the late 1970s helped shape the sound of disco, funk, and pop music. Known for his distinctive "chucking" guitar style, Rodgers has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his extensive collaborations and production work with a wide array of artists.

1970 Began his professional career as a session guitarist in New York, playing with the house band at the Apollo Theater.

# 6

Sting

"...Nothing Like the Sun" (1987) Included "Englishman in New York" and "Fragile."

"Englishman in New York"

# 5

# 1

The Beatles

1980 John Lennon died, shot by a lowlife outside his home in New York.