When you think of music meccas, places like Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles might come to mind. But tucked away on the East Coast is a small state with a surprisingly big voice — Delaware. While it may be the second smallest state in the U.S., Delaware has quietly produced or nurtured some of the most influential and exciting voices in music history. From blues-rock legends and jazz pioneers to country chart-toppers and hip-hop powerhouses, Delaware’s musical roots run deeper than most expect.
In this article, we’re spotlighting the Top 10 Most Famous Singers from Delaware — artists who’ve not only made national and international waves but have also left an indelible mark on their genres. Whether they were born and raised in the First State or spent pivotal parts of their career there, these musicians each carry a piece of Delaware’s spirit in their sound. Prepare to discover the soulful stories and electrifying careers of singers who prove that greatness knows no geographic bounds. Delaware might be small on the map, but when it comes to musical talent, it’s a giant — and these 10 stars are living proof. Let’s dive in and turn up the volume on Delaware’s finest musical exports.
1. George Thorogood
A Delaware legend through and through, George Thorogood brought gritty blues rock to the national stage with a swagger that only he could deliver. Born in Wilmington, Thorogood rose to prominence in the late ’70s with his band, The Destroyers, but it was 1982’s “Bad to the Bone” that cemented his status as a rock icon. With his raspy voice, slide guitar mastery, and devil-may-care attitude, Thorogood carved out a lane that blended Chuck Berry’s energy with the raw blues of Elmore James. His covers of blues classics and original tracks became staples of rock radio, and his no-frills, barroom-brawler persona resonated with fans across generations. Despite decades in the business, he’s never strayed far from his roots — both musically and geographically. Delawareans claim him with pride, and it’s easy to see why. Thorogood didn’t just put Delaware on the rock map — he burned a hole in it.
2. Cab Calloway
Though born in New York, Cab Calloway’s lifelong ties to Wilmington, Delaware, where he resided in his later years, earned him a cherished place in the state’s cultural heritage. A showman like no other, Calloway redefined jazz vocals with electric performances and a flair for theatricality. Best known for the iconic “Minnie the Moocher”, he captivated crowds with scat singing, big band arrangements, and boundless charisma. Calloway’s influence stretched far beyond music — he was one of the first Black entertainers to gain mainstream stardom in America, breaking racial barriers and paving the way for future generations. He was a regular at Harlem’s famed Cotton Club and a fixture of 1930s and 1940s American music. Even as the jazz scene evolved, Calloway remained timeless, later reintroducing himself to younger audiences through cameos in films like The Blues Brothers. In Delaware, his legacy lives on in schools, parks, and hearts — he’s not just a jazz legend, but a local hero.
3. Valerie Jones (The Jones Girls)
Valerie Jones, a native of Delaware, was part of the silky-smooth R&B trio The Jones Girls, whose harmonies defined the late ’70s and early ’80s soul scene. Alongside her sisters Brenda and Shirley, Valerie brought heart and sophistication to hits like “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else” and “Nights Over Egypt”. Signed to Philadelphia International Records, the trio worked under the legendary Gamble and Huff, embedding their voices into the soundscape of Philly soul. Valerie’s voice had a unique warmth — a perfect complement to her sisters that gave their music emotional depth and celestial beauty. While the group often worked behind the scenes as backing vocalists for Diana Ross and others, their own recordings earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Valerie’s Delaware roots grounded her, and although her life was cut short, her contribution to American R&B remains deeply respected. She stands as a symbol of the quiet power of harmony and sisterhood in music.
4. Matthew Shultz (Cage the Elephant)
Though not born in Delaware, Cage the Elephant frontman Matthew Shultz has meaningful ties to the state, having spent creative time there during the band’s early days. Known for his explosive stage presence and shape-shifting vocal style, Shultz is a modern rock poet — unpredictable, raw, and endlessly compelling. As the voice behind “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked”, “Come a Little Closer”, and “Cigarette Daydreams”, he helped redefine alternative rock for a new generation. His lyrics often dive into themes of identity, conflict, and redemption, delivered with a theatrical flair that recalls both punk and glam-rock traditions. What sets Shultz apart is his vulnerability — he doesn’t just perform; he exposes. Cage the Elephant’s evolution from garage rock revivalists to Grammy-winning boundary pushers mirrors Shultz’s own artistic journey. Delaware might not be where the story started, but it’s certainly part of the canvas where this dynamic artist painted pieces of his soul.
5. Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown’s brilliance burned bright but brief — a jazz trumpeter of extraordinary talent, born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. Affectionately known as “Brownie,” he was a beacon of melody and innovation during the golden era of bebop. Though his life tragically ended at just 25 in a car accident, Brown left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians. His recordings with drummer Max Roach are considered some of the most influential in jazz history. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Brown stayed away from drugs and alcohol, becoming a role model both musically and personally. His tone was warm, his improvisations lyrical, and his influence vast — impacting legends like Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. Wilmington honors his legacy with the annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, one of the largest free jazz festivals on the East Coast. Brown’s life may have been short, but his music echoes eternally — a Delaware-born genius whose trumpet still sings.
6. David Bromberg
David Bromberg is a living embodiment of America’s musical melting pot — a virtuoso guitarist and storyteller who found a home in Wilmington, Delaware. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of American roots music, Bromberg effortlessly weaves together blues, folk, bluegrass, and jazz into performances that are as witty as they are musically rich. A collaborator with the likes of Bob Dylan and Jerry Jeff Walker, Bromberg stepped into the spotlight with his own idiosyncratic style — one where a fiddle tune might segue into a blues lament and end with a comic monologue. After stepping back from performing in the ’80s, he settled in Wilmington, opening a renowned violin shop and becoming a pillar of the local arts community. His return to the stage in the 2000s was met with critical acclaim, proving that his musical spark had never dimmed. Bromberg isn’t just a Delaware artist — he’s a national treasure who chose Delaware as his creative sanctuary.
7. Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen’s rise from a small town in Delaware to the bright lights of Nashville is nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Milton, Allen broke barriers as one of the few Black artists to find mainstream success in country music. His debut single “Best Shot” topped Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, making history and proving that country music’s future is more inclusive than ever. Allen’s voice — rich, soulful, and unmistakably heartfelt — brings a fresh perspective to the genre, blending traditional country storytelling with pop and R&B influences. His personal charm and relentless work ethic have made him a favorite not just on country radio, but on TV and awards stages as well. He’s collaborated with legends like Brad Paisley and appeared on shows like Dancing with the Stars, but through it all, he proudly represents his Delaware roots. Jimmie Allen sings for the dreamers — and his voice is only getting louder.
8. Tom Verlaine (Television)
Tom Verlaine, best known as the frontman of the pioneering punk band Television, brought a cerebral, poetic approach to a genre defined by chaos. Though born in New Jersey, Verlaine spent part of his youth in Wilmington, Delaware — a place that quietly shaped his early artistic sensibilities. With Television, he helped create one of the most influential albums of the punk era, Marquee Moon, a record that fused angular guitar work with sprawling, literary lyrics. Verlaine’s playing was unlike anything else in punk: clean, intricate, and hauntingly melodic. He wasn’t about volume or speed — he was about space, tension, and mood. After Television, Verlaine carved out a solo career that, while more understated, continued to earn him a cult following. His contributions to punk, post-punk, and alternative rock are immeasurable, and his Delaware connection adds a fascinating footnote to the story of a singular talent who always walked his own path.
9. Chuck Wicks
Chuck Wicks brought a touch of small-town sincerity to modern country radio. Raised in Smyrna, Delaware, Wicks first turned heads with his romantic debut single “Stealing Cinderella”, which became a Top 10 hit and a father-daughter dance staple. His smooth vocals and clean-cut charm made him a standout in a genre often dominated by Southern accents and cowboy bravado. But Wicks was more than just a pretty voice — he brought a songwriter’s sensitivity and a storyteller’s eye to his music. His career expanded beyond music as he became a radio personality and reality TV contestant, including a stint on Dancing with the Stars. Despite his forays into entertainment, Wicks never lost touch with his roots. His songs often reflect the values of his upbringing — family, love, and the little moments that make life meaningful. Delaware may be small, but Chuck Wicks showed that big talent can come from anywhere.
10. Eve
Eve burst onto the late ’90s hip-hop scene with the force of a lyrical hurricane. While born in Philadelphia, she spent time in Delaware during her rise to stardom and maintains ties to the state. As the “First Lady of Ruff Ryders,” Eve brought a fierce yet feminine energy to a male-dominated rap era. Her debut album Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady was a chart-topping success, featuring hits like “Love is Blind” and “What Ya Want”. She later won a Grammy for “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”, her unforgettable duet with Gwen Stefani. Eve’s style combined streetwise swagger with emotional depth, and her versatility extended into acting and fashion. From starring in her own sitcom to co-hosting The Talk, she evolved into a cultural icon. Proud of her roots, Eve represents a blend of East Coast grit and global ambition — and Delaware claims her as one of its own.
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.
