Pennsylvania has been the hub for some of the most gifted and legendary musicians across the globe. The state has given birth to numerous singers, songwriters, and celebrities who have showcased their distinct sound and style, making them stand out from the rest.
Pennsylvania has produced some of the most talented and celebrated musicians in the world. From rock to hip hop, these artists have created music that has touched the hearts of millions. Here is a list of the top 20 famous musicians from Pennsylvania whose music has left an indelible mark on our lives.
1. Joan Jett
Joan Jett is a renowned musician who gained fame as the lead singer of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. She created a lasting impression on the rock music scene during the 1970s and 80s.
A popular name in the music industry, she is recognized for her chart-topping tracks like “I Hate Myself For Loving You” and “Bad Reputation.” Besides her musical achievements, she has also been a trailblazer for women in rock music, becoming an influential figure in the feminist movement.
2. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift, the genius behind chart-toppers like “Love Story,” “Shake It Off,” and “Blank Space,” is a renowned global superstar. Born in Pennsylvania, she gained prominence with her unique country-pop music and went on to become one of the highest-selling music artists in history.
Taylor Swift is renowned for her music, which is known for its unforgettable hooks and relatable lyrics that resonate with her listeners. Her exceptional talent has earned her an impressive 12 Grammy Awards and an Emmy, as well as a legion of devoted fans. Her best-selling albums, including “1989,” “Midnights,” “Red,” and her self-titled album, continue to capture the hearts of music lovers everywhere, cementing her status as one of the most beloved artists of our time.
3. Hall & Oates
Daryl Hall and John Oates, known as Hall & Oates, are a renowned duo that gained immense popularity during the 70s and 80s. Their music is distinctive for its fusion of rock, pop, and soul genres. Over the years, they have produced several chart-topping tracks, such as “Rich Girl,” “Private Eyes,” and “Maneater.”
4. The Color Pink
Pink, the singer-songwriter hailing from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is widely recognized for her hit singles “So What,” “Just Give Me A Reason,” and “F***ing Perfect.” Her unique style of edgy pop-rock music and powerful vocals has earned her a massive following and catapulted her to stardom.
With a string of accolades under her belt, including three Grammy Awards, she is highly regarded for her exceptional work in the industry. Her live performances are nothing short of electrifying, leaving audiences in awe of her high-energy performances.
5. Breaking Benjamin
Breaking Benjamin is a renowned rock band that has made a name for itself with its heavy sound and introspective lyrics. The band has given us some of the most widely acclaimed hit songs, including “The Diary of Jane” and “Breath.” Known for its eclectic mix of hard rock, alternative metal, and post-grunge music, Breaking Benjamin’s style is truly one-of-a-kind.
6. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, a renowned jazz singer and songwriter, has left an indelible mark in the world of music. Her contributions to the jazz and swing genres are highly regarded, and she is considered one of the most influential vocalists of all time.
With her unique vocal style and powerful stage presence, she held audiences spellbound and received widespread praise for her performances. Some of her most beloved and recognizable songs include “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Lover Man.”
7. Mac Miller
Mac Miller was a multifaceted artist who made his mark as a rapper, singer, and producer. His mixtapes were the key to his success, as they highlighted his distinct style and introspective lyrics that resonated with fans.
In 2011, Mac Miller made history by becoming the first independent artist to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart with his first album, “Blue Slide Park.” This achievement was a significant milestone that marked his talent and dedication to his craft.
8. Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle is a talented singer-songwriter and actress who has won numerous awards for her exceptional performances. Her career took off in the early 1960s when she was the lead singer of the renowned group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. However, she later ventured into a successful solo career, which further cemented her status as a musical icon.
Recognized for her dynamic vocals and captivating live shows, she has unleashed a string of chart-topping hits, such as “Lady Marmalade,” “On My Own,” and “If You Asked Me To.”
9. Christina Perri
Christina Perri is an accomplished singer and songwriter who rose to fame with her viral hit single “Jar of Hearts.” This song catapulted her career and led to a recording contract, cementing her place in the music industry.
In 2011, Perri made her debut in the music industry with her album titled “Lovestrong”, which became a hit. One of the most popular tracks from the album was “A Thousand Years”, which was featured in the “Twilight” movie franchise. Perri’s music is known for its emotionally charged lyrics and her expressive vocals that have managed to capture the hearts of her fans, who remain loyal to her to this day.
10. Eve
Eve, an accomplished rapper, singer, and actress hailing from the United States, rose to prominence with her inaugural album, “Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady.” This record garnered her widespread recognition, both critically and commercially.
She has gained a reputation for her poignant lyrics and commanding style that packs a punch. Her discography boasts of several chart-topping hits like “Who’s That Girl,” “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” and “Gangsta Lovin’.”
11. Bret Michaels
Hailing from Butler, Pennsylvania, Bret Michaels is a gifted musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He is most famous for his role as the lead vocalist of Poison, a rock band that he co-founded in the early 80s.
Michaels has given us countless hits, such as “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” and “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” through his work with Poison. Additionally, he has been successful in his solo career and has made appearances on various reality TV shows.
12. Vanessa Carlton
Vanessa Carlton is a talented musician who rose to fame through her debut single “A Thousand Miles.” As a singer-songwriter and pianist, she captivated audiences with her sensational performance, earning her three Grammy nominations and a top ten hit in the US. Her musical prowess and unique style continue to inspire and entertain fans worldwide.
With her soulful voice and piano-driven pop songs, Carlton has managed to captivate a dedicated fan base over the years. Her successful albums, which include “Be Not Nobody” and “Heroes & Thieves,” are a testament to her talent and creativity as an artist.
13. Jim Croce
In the 1970s, Jim Croce gained recognition as a prominent singer-songwriter and guitarist. His famous hits such as “Time in a Bottle,” “Operator (That’s Not What It Feels),” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” skyrocketed his fame and popularity.
Croce’s music is a one-of-a-kind combination of folk, rock, and country, which has earned him both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. His clever lyrics are another hallmark of his style, setting him apart from other artists in the genre.
14. Chris Kirkpatrick
Chris Kirkpatrick, hailing from Clarion, Pennsylvania, has gained fame as an acclaimed singer, actor, and voice actor. He is best known for his contribution as a core member of NSYNC, with whom he has released numerous hit albums, including the popular “No Strings Attached” and “Celebrity,” and has performed on several tours.
In addition to his writing career, he has also dabbled in acting and voice acting. He has landed roles in a number of projects, including the film “Longshot” and the TV show “The Fairly OddParents.”
15. Lil Peep
Lil Peep was an incredibly talented rapper, singer, and songwriter who made a name for himself in the music industry in the mid-2010s. He was known for his distinct style of music that combined elements of emo, punk, and hip-hop, which he affectionately referred to as “emo rap.”
At only 21 years old, he had already made an impact on his dedicated fan base with his emotionally charged lyrics and relatable vulnerability. However, his promising career was tragically cut short in 2017, leaving his fans and the music industry mourning his loss.
16. Jill Scott
Hailing from the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jill Scott is a multi-talented artist who has made her mark as a singer-songwriter, actress, and poet. Her first album, “Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1,” launched her career into the spotlight in the early 2000s and earned her a plethora of Grammy nominations.
Scott’s vocal abilities are renowned for their soulful and powerful qualities that captivate audiences. Her lyrics, which display a deep awareness of social issues such as racism, sexism, and poverty, are also highly regarded.
17. Perry Como
Perry Como, a renowned singer and television personality, had an illustrious and prosperous career in the music industry. He enchanted his audiences with his captivating croons and alluring vocal style in concerts and theaters, leaving a lasting impression on his listeners.
Perry Como was not only a talented singer but also a celebrated television host. His show, “The Perry Como Show,” ran for more than ten years, captivating audiences with his charm and wit. Moreover, Como’s exceptional vocal performance earned him a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance, specifically for his song “Catch A Falling Star.”
18. Meek Mill
Meek Mill, a well-known rapper and songwriter, first gained widespread recognition for his mixtapes. His debut album, “Dreams and Nightmares,” was a commercial triumph, cementing his place in the music industry. Mill is recognized for his forceful style and his lyrics that reflect his impoverished upbringing and legal woes.
19. Black Thought
Tariq Trotter, commonly known as Black Thought, is an accomplished rapper, singer, and actor. He is recognized for being the primary MC of the renowned hip hop band The Roots, which he helped establish. Black Thought has earned a reputation as one of the most exceptional wordsmiths in the history of hip hop, celebrated for his intricate wordplay and his thoughtful and socially aware lyrics.
20. Tammi Terrell
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tammi Terrell was a talented singer-songwriter who achieved immense success in the 1960s. She collaborated with Marvin Gaye on a number of hit songs, including the popular tracks “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”.
Terrell is renowned for delivering soulful and emotional performances, making her one of the most exceptional female singers of her time.
