If you’re from New Jersey, you know the deep sense of pride that comes with living in The Garden State. Whether it’s the bustling cities, scenic beaches, or charming suburbs, New Jersey has something for everyone. It’s no wonder that many people who move here end up staying.
But did you know that some of the biggest names in music also have roots in New Jersey? While many celebrities call Hollywood home, several renowned musicians were born and raised right here. Learning about their hometowns gives us a deeper connection to their music and helps us appreciate their journey to fame.
Here are 13 famous musicians you may not have known are from New Jersey:
1. Halsey (Edison, NJ)
Halsey, born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, is one of the most influential pop artists of this generation. With her distinctive voice and emotionally raw lyrics, she gained widespread fame with hits like Without Me and Bad at Love. Her alternative-pop sound has earned her a dedicated fan base worldwide.
2. Frankie Valli (Newark, NJ)
A true legend in the music industry, Frankie Valli became famous as the lead singer of The Four Seasons. With an unmistakable falsetto, he gave us timeless hits like Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Grease. His music continues to inspire generations of artists.
3. SZA (Maplewood, NJ)
SZA, one of today’s most prominent R&B artists, was born in Maplewood, NJ. Known for her soulful voice and deep, poetic lyrics, she gained massive recognition with songs like Kill Bill and Good Days. Her influence on modern R&B is undeniable.
4. Whitney Houston (Newark, NJ)
Arguably one of the greatest vocalists of all time, Whitney Houston’s roots trace back to Newark, NJ. Her powerful voice and unforgettable performances in songs like I Will Always Love You and I Wanna Dance with Somebody cemented her place in music history.
5. 070 Shake (North Bergen, NJ)
Rising hip-hop and alternative artist 070 Shake hails from North Bergen. Known for her experimental sound and deep, emotional lyrics, she gained fame with Guilty Conscience and her feature on Escapism by Raye.
6. AJR (Metuchen, NJ)
The pop trio AJR, consisting of three brothers, started their journey in Metuchen, NJ. Their unique mix of indie pop and electronic music has resulted in chart-topping hits like Bang! and Weak.
7. Charlie Puth (Rumson, NJ)
Charlie Puth, a singer, songwriter, and producer, grew up in Rumson, NJ. With smooth vocals and an undeniable knack for catchy melodies, he became famous for songs like Attention and See You Again, the latter being a tribute to Paul Walker.
8. Bruce Springsteen (Long Branch, NJ)
The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen, was born in Long Branch, NJ. His storytelling ability and working-class anthems like Born to Run and Dancing in the Dark have made him one of the most celebrated rock musicians of all time.
9. The Jonas Brothers (Wyckoff, NJ)
Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas grew up in Wyckoff, NJ, before becoming international superstars. From their early Disney Channel days to their hit song Sucker, the Jonas Brothers have maintained a strong fan following.
10. My Chemical Romance (Newark, NJ)
Formed in Newark, NJ, My Chemical Romance (MCR) became one of the most iconic rock bands of the 2000s. Their theatrical style and emotionally charged lyrics made hits like Welcome to the Black Parade and Teenagers anthems of a generation.
11. Jack Antonoff (Bergenfield, NJ)
Jack Antonoff, the mastermind behind the band Bleachers and a Grammy-winning producer, was raised in Bergenfield, NJ. He has worked with big names like Taylor Swift and Lorde, crafting some of the most memorable pop songs of recent years.
Why So Many Musicians Come from New Jersey
New Jersey has a rich cultural and musical history, offering aspiring musicians a diverse environment to develop their craft. With its close proximity to New York City, the state has long been a hub for artists trying to break into the industry.
Whether it’s the rock legends, pop sensations, or rising hip-hop stars, New Jersey has produced some of the biggest names in music. And who knows? The next chart-topping artist could be growing up in the Garden State right now!
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