Delaware provides a lot in its history in producing talented and influential artists across a diverse range of genres. From pop to soul and R&B to rock, the state has been home to many exceptional singers, songwriters, and even music producers. Whether you’re a fan of country music or rock, there’s an artist that can be found in the First State.
Let’s explore the best of the best musicians that Delaware has to offer and their remarkable contributions to the music industry:
Contents
- 1. George Thorogood
- 2. Stephen Marley
- 3. Cab Calloway
- 4. Jimmie Allen
- 5. Clifford Brown
- 6. Travis Greene
- 7. The Enfields
- 8. Cisco Houston
- 9. John Gallagher Jr.
- 10. Chuck Wicks
- 11. Hezekiah
- 12. Antje Duvekot
- 13. The Spinto Band
- 14. Bill Carroll
- 15. BoySetsFire
- 16. Plow United
- 17. The Caulfields
- 18. Smashing Orange
- 19. The Crash Motive
- 20. Betty Roché
- Conclusion
1. George Thorogood
George Thorogood is a blues rock musician and singer-songwriter from Wilmington, Delaware. He is best known for his hit songs “Bad to the Bone,” “Move It On Over, ” and “I Drink Alone.”
Thorogood has released several successful albums throughout his career and has sold over 15 million units worldwide.
2. Stephen Marley
Stephen Marley is a multi Grammy Award-winning reggae singer-songwriter and producer. He is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and has had a successful solo career, as well as collaborating with other artists such as Lauryn Hill and Pitbull.
Other than his solo career, he is also known for being a member of his family reggae group called Ziggy Marly & The Melody Makers.
3. Cab Calloway
Cab Calloway was a jazz singer, dancer, and bandleader who was known for his energetic performances and signature style of scat singing. Calloway had several hit songs in the 1930s and 1940s, including “Minnie the Moocher” and “St. James Infirmary Blues.”
4. Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen is a country music singer-songwriter who gained national attention with his debut single “Best Shot” in 2018. Allen has released two successful albums, including “Mercury Lane” and “Bettie James.”
He has collaborated with other artists over the years, such as Noah Cyrus and Abby Anderson.
5. Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown was a composer and jazz trumpeter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He had a brief but incredibly influential career, recording with other jazz legends like Max Roach and Sonny Rollins.
Some of his great compositions are “Joy Spring,” “Daahoud,” and “Sandu.” Brown’s unique style and technical mastery of the trumpet continue to inspire musicians to this day, and his recordings are considered essential listening for jazz enthusiasts.
6. Travis Greene
Travis Greene is a gospel musician who is known for his powerful vocals and uplifting songs that blend contemporary gospel and R&B styles. Greene has released several albums and has won multiple Stellar Awards and Grammys for his work in music.
His most successful album is “Crossover: Live From Music City” and “Stretching Out” which contained singles that topped the charts and won awards.
7. The Enfields
The Enfields were a garage rock band that gained popularity in the 1960s. They are best known for their hit song “She Already Has Somebody” b/w “I’m For Things You Do.” The Enfields had a distinctive garage rock and psychedelic sound and were popular performers in the mid-Atlantic region.
8. Cisco Houston
Cisco Houston was a folk singer from Wilmington, Delaware. He was a close friend and collaborator of Woody Guthrie, and the two musicians played together on many occasions.
Houston’s songs often dealt with social and political issues, and he was known for his rich baritone voice and intricate guitar playing.
9. John Gallagher Jr.
John Gallagher Jr. is an actor and musician who is known for his work on Broadway, including his Tony Award-winning role in “Spring Awakening.” Gallagher is also an accomplished musician and has released several albums, including “Six Day Hurricane.”
10. Chuck Wicks
Chuck Wicks is a country musician and radio host who gained national attention with his hit single “Stealing Cinderella” in 2007, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Wicks has released several albums and singles which also performed well in the charts.
11. Hezekiah
Hezekiah Davis, also known by his stage name Hezekiah, is a hip-hop musician who gained popularity in the early 2000s with his socially conscious lyrics and soulful beats.
He has released several solo albums, including “Hurry Up and Wait” and “Conscious Porn.” Hezekiah is known to produce music for various artists, including Eric Robertson, Wordsworth, Zap Mama, and Blu.
12. Antje Duvekot
Antje Duvekot is a singer-songwriter whose music is a blend of folk, rock, and pop. She is known for her emotive vocals and introspective lyrics. Duvekot has released several acclaimed albums, including “The Near Demise of the Highwire Dancer” and “New Siberia.”
13. The Spinto Band
The Spinto Band is an indie rock band from Wilmington, Delaware. The band’s music is characterized by its catchy melodies, harmonies, and clever lyrics. The Spinto Band has released several albums and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe.
14. Bill Carroll
Bill Carroll is a musician and music producer who has been active in the music industry since the mid-1980s. He has been associated with several bands, including Doubting Thomas, No Such Thing, and The Real Underground.
15. BoySetsFire
BoySetsFire is a post-hardcore band who are known for their intense live performances. The band has been involved in various social and political causes. Some of their albums are “After The Eulogy,” and “While A Nation Sleeps…”
16. Plow United
Plow United is a punk rock band formed in Wilmington, Delaware in 1992. The band consists of Brian McGee, Joel Tannenbaum, and Sean Rule, and they are known for their energetic live performances and socially conscious lyrics.
17. The Caulfields
The Caulfields are an alternative rock band who is led by John Faye. They gained recognition in the 1990s for their hit single “Devil’s Diary” and their album “Whirligig.” Some of their songs are “Awake on Wednesday,” “Fragile” and “Disease.”
18. Smashing Orange
Smashing Orange was a psychedelic rock band formed in Wilmington, Delaware. They gained recognition in the alternative rock scene for their unique sound, blending elements of shoegaze and psychedelic rock. Some of their tracks are “My Deranged Heart” and “Not Very Much To See.”
19. The Crash Motive
The Crash Motive was a rock band formed in Newark, Delaware. They released records, such as “Consequence,” “Happy Outside,” and “When You Go.” Their music is known to be a blend of R&B and rock which became popular among college campuses.
20. Betty Roché
Betty Roché: Betty Roché was a jazz singer who gained recognition for her rendition of “Take The “A” Train.” She continued to record and perform throughout her career, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in jazz music.
She has performed with various artists, such as Lester Young, Thelonious Monk, and Hot Lips Page.
Conclusion
Delaware has indeed contributed a number of noteworthy artists across various genres. Among them are George Thorogood, Clifford Brown, and The Spinto Band, who have each made their own distinct mark in the world of music, captivating the interest of fans and fellow musicians all around the world.
George Thorogood Featured Image (Top-Left) by: Piedmontstyle at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stephen Marley Featured Image (Top-Right) by: David Koppe from Kyoto, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jimmie Allen Featured Image (Bottom-Right) by: Busterbirds1776, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
