20 Famous Musicians From Maryland

The wonderful state of Maryland has long been a hotbed for musical talent, with a rich history of producing some of the biggest names in the music industry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of jazz, country, or pop, there’s no doubt that Maryland’s best musicians will leave you inspired and in awe.

So without further ado, let’s explore Maryland’s famous musicians and discover their musical legacies:

1. Logic

Logic ft. Alessia Cara, Khalid - 1-800-273-8255 (Live At The MTV VMAs)Logic ft. Alessia Cara, Khalid – 1-800-273-8255 (Live At The MTV VMAs)

With Sir Robert Bryson Hall II as his real name, Logic is a famous rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. He gained popularity with his mixtapes and debut album “Under Pressure” which earned critical acclaim and commercial success. 

Logic’s music is often introspective and addresses social issues such as mental health and racial inequality. He has been nominated for two Grammy Awards and his famous songs include “1-800-273-8255,” “Homicide,” and “Everyday.”

2. Toni Braxton

Unbreak my Heart - Toni Braxton - LiveUnbreak my Heart – Toni Braxton – Live

As a recipient of a total of seven Grammy awards, Toni Braxton is a legendary R&B and pop singer, songwriter, and actress. Her self-titled debut album in 1993 went multi-platinum and earned her numerous Grammy Awards.

Toni is known for her powerful vocals, soulful ballads, and hits like “Un-Break My Heart,” “Breathe Again,” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” She has sold over 70 million units worldwide and continues to tour and perform to this day.

3. Frank Zappa

FRANK ZAPPA COSMIK DEBRISFRANK ZAPPA COSMIK DEBRIS

Frank Zappa was a highly influential musician and bandleader known for his eclectic and experimental approach to music. He was a pioneer of the fusion of rock and jazz and his band, The Mothers of Invention, released over 60 albums.

Zappa was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and his famous songs include “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow,” “Cosmik Debris,” and “Valley Girl.”

4. Eva Cassidy

Eva Cassidy - Over The RainbowEva Cassidy – Over The Rainbow

Eva Cassidy was a singer and guitarist who gained popularity after her death in 1996. Her soulful voice and unique interpretation of classic songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “Fields of Gold” earned her a loyal following.

Eva’s posthumous album “Songbird” went to the top of the charts in the UK and she continues to inspire new generations of musicians with her talent and artistry.

5. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday - "Strange Fruit" Live 1959 [Reelin' In The Years Archives]Billie Holiday – “Strange Fruit” Live 1959 [Reelin’ In The Years Archives]

Famed as ‘Lady Day,’ Billie Holiday was a legendary jazz singer and songwriter. Her emotive voice and intimate style made her one of the greatest singers of all time.

She was posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and her famous songs include “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Lover Man.”

6. Sisqó

Sisqo - Incomplete LiveSisqo – Incomplete Live

Sisqó is a famous R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. He gained fame as the lead vocalist of the group Dru Hill, but he is best known for his solo hit songs “Incomplete” and “Thong Song” which topped the charts.

Sisqó has won several awards, including four Grammy nominations and six Billboard Music Awards, and he continues to make music and tour to this day.

7. David Byrne

David Byrne Performs 'Everybody's Coming To My House'David Byrne Performs ‘Everybody’s Coming To My House’

David Byrne is a singer, songwriter, record producer and musician known for his work with the band Talking Heads. He has also collaborated with many other artists and has released several solo albums.

Byrne is known for his eclectic and experimental approach to music and his innovative use of visuals in his live performances. He has won several awards, including a Grammy Awards for his work on the soundtrack of “The Last Emperor.”

8. Tamar Braxton

Tamar Braxton - Love And War Live on Wendy Williams 12/11/12Tamar Braxton – Love And War Live on Wendy Williams 12/11/12

Tamar Braxton is a singer, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame as a member of the R&B group The Braxtons, but she is best known for her solo work.

Tamar has released several albums and has won several awards, including a Soul Train Music Award and a BET Award. Her famous songs include “Love and War,” “All the Way Home,” and “The One.”

9. Good Charlotte

Good Charlotte "The Anthem" Live at Java Rockingland 2011Good Charlotte “The Anthem” Live at Java Rockingland 2011

Good Charlotte is a rock band known for their punk rock and pop punk sound. The band was formed in 1996 by twin brothers Joel and Benji Madden and has released several albums over the years.

Their famous songs include “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” “Girls & Boys,” and “The Anthem.” Their album “The Young And The Hopeless” has sold over 4.9 million units.

10. Adam Duritz

Counting Crows “Round Here” on the Howard Stern Show (2008)Counting Crows “Round Here” on the Howard Stern Show (2008)

Adam Duritz is a singer-songwriter who is best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band Counting Crows. The band gained popularity with their hit songs “Mr. Jones” and “Round Here” and has released several successful albums over the years.

Duritz has also collaborated with many other artists and has contributed to movie soundtracks like co-writing Shrek 2’s “Accidentally in Love.”

11. Greg Kihn

Greg Kihn Live at The Country Club 1981 - The Breakup SongGreg Kihn Live at The Country Club 1981 – The Breakup Song

Greg Kihn is a singer, radio personality, and musician, known for his rock and roll music. He gained popularity in the 1980s with hits such as “Jeopardy” and “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em).” Other than being a musician, he also excelled in being an author, making four fiction novels.

12. JC Chasez

JC Chasez - Build My World (Live @ 2004 Miss Teen USA) (2004/08/06) [HD]JC Chasez – Build My World (Live @ 2004 Miss Teen USA) (2004/08/06) [HD]

JC Chasez is a singer, songwriter, actor and record producer. He gained fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC and has also released solo work. Chasez has been nominated for several awards, including several MTV Video Music Awards, and has collaborated with many other artists.

His famous songs include *NSYNC hits like “Bye Bye Bye” and “It’s Gonna Be Me.” He also produced for various artists like Diplo and David Archuleta.

13. Chris Rice

Faith Cafe with Guest Chris RiceFaith Cafe with Guest Chris Rice

Chris Rice is a singer, songwriter, and musician known for his contemporary Christian music. He has released several successful albums over the years and has been acknowledged for his work, which includes several Dove Awards nominations. Rice’s famous songs include “Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)” and “Deep Enough to Dream.”

14. Lisa Loeb

Lisa Loeb “Stay” Live on the Howard Stern Show (2006)Lisa Loeb “Stay” Live on the Howard Stern Show (2006)

Lisa Loeb is a singer, songwriter, and actress who gained fame with her hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” which was featured in the movie “Reality Bites.”

Loeb has released several successful albums over the years and has won several awards, including a Grammy Award. She is also known for her work on children’s music and philanthropy.

15. Maggie Rose

Maggie Rose - I Ain't Your Mama (Bing Lounge)Maggie Rose – I Ain’t Your Mama (Bing Lounge)

Maggie Rose is a singer and songwriter known for her country music. She has released several successful albums over the years including “ Cut To Impress.”

Rose has also collaborated with many other artists and has played with country music stars like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Her famous songs include “I Ain’t Your Mama” and “Better.”

16. 6LACK

6lack: PRBLMS (Apple Music Up Next)6lack: PRBLMS (Apple Music Up Next)

6LACK is a rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his blend of hip-hop and R&B music. He gained popularity with his debut album “Free 6lack” and earned him a nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammy Awards. His famous songs include “PRBLMS,” “Waves,” and “Switch.”

17. Bill Callahan

Riding For The Feeling | Bill Callahan | TEDxKCRiding For The Feeling | Bill Callahan | TEDxKC

 Bill Callahan is a singer, songwriter, and musician. He began his career in the 1990s as the frontman for the band Smog and has since released several successful solo albums.

Callahan’s music is known for its poetic lyrics and experimental style. His famous songs include “Drover” and “Riding for the Feeling.”

18. Noel Paul Stookey

Puff The Magic Dragon -- Peter, Paul & Mary ~ Live 1965Puff The Magic Dragon — Peter, Paul & Mary ~ Live 1965

Noel Paul Stookey is a singer, songwriter, and musician known for his work as part of the folk trio called ‘Peter, Paul and Mary.’ He has released several solo albums over the years and has gained a Grammy nomination. His songs include “The Wedding Song” and “Puff The Magic Dragon.”

19. Dee Carstensen

Dee Carstensen: I Have The World in My ArmsDee Carstensen: I Have The World in My Arms

Dee Carstensen is a singer, songwriter, and musician, known for her talent in playing harp and contemporary folk music. Carstensen’s music is known for its poetic lyrics and her powerful vocals. Her famous songs include “I Have the World In My Arms” and “This Night.”

20. Mario

Mario - Let Me Love You (LIVE) (written by NE-YO)Mario – Let Me Love You (LIVE) (written by NE-YO)

Mario is a singer, songwriter, and actor known for his R&B music. He gained fame in the early 2000s with his hit song “Just a Friend 2002” and has since released several successful albums.

Mario has won several awards, including two Billboard Music Awards, and has also acted in several movies and television shows. His famous songs include “Let Me Love You” and “How Do I Breathe.”

Conclusion

Maryland has produced an impressive roster of musicians who have left a lasting effect on the music industry. From jazz to rock, country to pop, the state’s musical heritage is a testament to its rich cultural diversity and the creativity of its artists. If you’re looking for diverse and talented artists, look no further than Maryland’s finest musicians.

Logic Featured Image (Top-Left) by: Julio Enriquez from Denver,CO, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Toni Braxton Featured Image (Top-Right) by: Umusic, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Frank Zappa Featured Image (Bottom-Left) by: Jean-Luc, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eva Cassidy Featured Image (Bottom-Right) by: http://www.evacassidy.org/eva/evapix.shtml, Fair use, Link