Long Island has a habit of producing serious musical talent, and not just in one genre. From hip-hop pioneers to arena rock legends, the Island has launched artists who went on to shape entire eras of music. Some names you already know. Others might surprise you once you realize just how local their origins really are.
Here are ten artists and groups who started here before going global:
- Public Enemy – One of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time came together on Long Island in 1985. Chuck D and Flavor Flav both have deep local ties. Flavor Flav was born in Roosevelt and raised in Freeport, while Chuck D attended W. Tresper Clarke High School before studying graphic design at Adelphi University, where the two connected.
- Blue Öyster Cult – Formed in Stony Brook, this hard rock band broke through in the 1970s with a sound that still holds up today. Tracks like “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and “Godzilla” helped define their legacy.
- Twisted Sister – Emerging from the Long Island scene in the early 1970s, Twisted Sister became one of glam metal’s most recognizable acts. Their album Stay Hungry delivered hits like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” Click here to read our crazy facts about Twisted Sister list.
- Taking Back Sunday – Coming out of Amityville, this band carved out a signature blend of emo and post-hardcore. Albums like Tell All Your Friends and Louder Now built them a fiercely loyal following.
- Billy Joel – Born in The Bronx but raised in Hicksville, Billy Joel became one of the most iconic musicians of his generation. Songs like “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” and “New York State of Mind” are practically part of the local soundtrack. Click here to read more about Long Island’s favorite musical son.
- Mariah Carey – Known for her extraordinary vocal range and decades of chart-topping hits, Mariah Carey was born in Huntington before becoming one of the best-selling artists of all time.
- Pat Benatar – Raised in Lindenhurst, Pat Benatar went on to win multiple Grammys and deliver classics like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Love Is a Battlefield.”
- Eddie Money – Though born in Brooklyn, Eddie Money grew up in Levittown and graduated from Island Trees High School in 1967. He later found fame with hits like “Take Me Home Tonight” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.”
- Lou Reed – The legendary frontman of The Velvet Underground was raised in Freeport. He attended Atkinson Elementary School and later Freeport Junior High School before going on to influence generations of musicians.
- Ashanti – The Grammy-winning R&B artist behind hits like “Foolish” and “Always on Time” was born and raised in Glen Cove.
Long Island might not always get credit as a music capital, but the track record speaks for itself. From Freeport to Stony Brook to Hicksville, you have probably driven past the hometowns of artists who shaped entire genres without even realizing it.
Photo: Jonn Leffmann, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
