New York City isn’t just a place—it’s a pulse, a rhythm, a lifelong muse. From the smoky jazz clubs of Harlem to the hip-hop cyphers of Brooklyn and the pop powerhouses of Manhattan, the Big Apple has birthed some of the most iconic voices in music history. These streets don’t just inspire greatness—they demand it. Whether they grew up riding the subway or performing in local talent shows, these ten artists emerged from the city’s endless noise with something unforgettable: a sound, a story, a spark. Their music echoes the grit of the boroughs, the dreams of immigrants, the hustle of the sidewalk, and the heartbeat of millions. In this list, we’re diving into the lives and legacies of the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from New York—artists who not only shaped the sound of their city but transformed global music forever. From soulful ballads to revolutionary rap verses, each of these voices carries a piece of New York with them, wherever they go. So crank up your headphones and get ready to journey through the concrete jungle’s finest—because in a city that never sleeps, the music never stops.
1. Frank Sinatra
Though born across the river in Hoboken, Frank Sinatra’s legacy is forever entwined with the soul of New York City. His smooth baritone and charismatic swagger turned him into a symbol of mid-century cool, but it was his larger-than-life rendition of “New York, New York” that immortalized him in the city’s soundtrack. Beyond the tuxedos and Rat Pack glamor, Sinatra was a master interpreter of emotion, effortlessly shifting between heartbreak and bravado. He dominated stages from the Paramount Theatre to Carnegie Hall, leaving behind a blueprint for what it means to be an American music icon. Even decades after his passing, his voice continues to echo from penthouses to dive bars, a reminder that some voices are simply timeless.
2. Billy Joel
No artist captures the working-class spirit and poetic grit of New York quite like Billy Joel. Hailing from The Bronx and raised on Long Island, Joel infused his songs with sharp storytelling and blue-collar authenticity. From the smoky balladry of “Piano Man” to the anthemic “New York State of Mind”, Joel became the voice of the everyday New Yorker—cynical yet hopeful, worn but never broken. His enduring residency at Madison Square Garden is a testament to his citywide devotion and universal appeal. With a catalog that spans decades and never feels dated, Joel remains the bard of the Big Apple.
3. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand is nothing short of a phenomenon. Born and raised in Brooklyn, she rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most decorated and influential vocalists in music history. Her voice—crystalline, commanding, and emotionally layered—has graced Broadway stages, Hollywood films, and concert halls around the globe. Streisand’s ability to blend vulnerability with power made songs like “The Way We Were” and “People” deeply personal yet universally resonant. She shattered glass ceilings in the entertainment industry, not only as a singer but also as a director and producer. Streisand didn’t just break into the industry—she rewrote its rules.
4. Jay-Z
From the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to the boardrooms of billion-dollar empires, Jay-Z’s rise is the stuff of modern legend. As a rapper, he’s revered for his razor-sharp wordplay, unflinching honesty, and unmatched consistency. Albums like “Reasonable Doubt” and “The Blueprint” solidified his status as a lyrical savant, while “Empire State of Mind” became a love letter to his hometown. But Jay-Z’s influence stretches far beyond music—he’s a mogul, trendsetter, and cultural architect. Whether he’s dissecting the American dream or elevating the voices of others, Jay-Z represents the relentless ambition and hustle that defines New York itself.
5. Lady Gaga
Born Stefani Germanotta on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Lady Gaga is the epitome of reinvention and fearless artistry. Bursting onto the scene with “Just Dance”, she quickly transformed pop music with her theatrical style, boundary-pushing visuals, and powerhouse vocals. Yet beneath the glitter and wigs lies a classically trained musician with a deep love for her roots. Her turn toward jazz with Tony Bennett and her Oscar-winning ballad “Shallow” revealed the depth of her talent. Gaga’s connection to New York pulses through her music, a city that shaped her resilience and inspired her boldest ideas. She’s not just a pop star—she’s a movement.
6. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys emerged at the dawn of the 2000s like a breath of fresh soul. Born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen, her classical piano training met streetwise sensibility in a style that was both polished and raw. With her debut album “Songs in A Minor”, Keys immediately set herself apart—melodic, thoughtful, and proudly rooted in R&B tradition. Her voice, warm and expressive, carries a quiet strength, evident in tracks like “Fallin’” and “If I Ain’t Got You”. More than just a musician, Keys is a philanthropist and activist, using her platform to uplift and inspire. She is New York grace with Harlem grit.
7. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez, affectionately known as J.Lo, is a Bronx-born powerhouse whose talent transcends genre and medium. From her early days as a dancer on In Living Color to her breakout in film and explosive music career, Lopez has never stopped evolving. Her music, a vibrant blend of pop, R&B, and Latin influences, reflects her bicultural upbringing and global appeal. With hits like “Jenny from the Block”, she proudly represents her roots, proving that authenticity and glamor can coexist. J.Lo isn’t just a singer—she’s a brand, a trailblazer, and arguably one of the most versatile entertainers of her generation.
8. Mariah Carey
With a vocal range that defies physics and a songwriting pen dipped in pure emotion, Mariah Carey is one of the most influential artists to come out of New York. Raised in Huntington, Long Island, Carey broke barriers with her self-titled debut, showcasing a five-octave range and an uncanny gift for melody. Her songs have become cultural milestones, from the emotionally soaring “Hero” to the festive juggernaut “All I Want for Christmas Is You”. Mariah’s blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop helped reshape the industry. She’s not only a diva in the best sense—she’s the blueprint for modern pop superstardom.
9. Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, remains a towering figure in hip-hop, even decades after his untimely death. Born Christopher Wallace in Brooklyn, Biggie’s storytelling was unmatched—his rhymes painted vivid pictures of street life with chilling honesty and effortless flow. His debut album “Ready to Die” didn’t just introduce a rapper—it unveiled a poet of the pavement. Tracks like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” became instant classics, blending swagger with soul. Biggie’s legacy is inseparable from the DNA of New York rap, and his influence continues to echo through generations of emcees who still look to him as the gold standard.
10. Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett’s career is a masterclass in elegance, endurance, and artistic excellence. Born in Astoria, Queens, Bennett’s voice carried the warmth of a bygone era while remaining remarkably relevant across generations. Known for timeless renditions of classics like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, his connection to New York was omnipresent—he was a frequent performer in the city’s most historic venues and a vocal advocate for the arts. Bennett defied industry trends, remaining true to the American songbook while embracing collaborations with modern artists like Lady Gaga. Few performers have embodied class and consistency quite like him.
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.
