Long Island has produced an outsized number of musicians who went on to dominate radio, MTV, and global charts. From hip hop and hard rock to pop and emo, these artists didn’t just break through – they helped define entire eras of music. Here are ten musicians and groups who grew up on Long Island before becoming household names.
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Public Enemy
Formed on Long Island in 1985, Public Enemy changed hip hop forever. Flavor Flav was born in Roosevelt and raised in Freeport, while Chuck D attended W. Tresper Clarke High School before enrolling at Adelphi University, where the group’s roots came together. -
Blue Öyster Cult
Hailing from Stony Brook, Blue Öyster Cult emerged in the early 1970s with a heavy, mysterious sound that produced rock staples like “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and “Godzilla.” -
Twisted Sister
A fixture of Long Island clubs in the 1970s, Twisted Sister built a massive following before breaking through nationally with Stay Hungry and rebellious anthems that became MTV staples. -
Taking Back Sunday
Formed in Amityville, Taking Back Sunday became one of the defining bands of the early-2000s emo scene, earning a devoted fan base with Tell All Your Friends and Louder Now. -
Billy Joel
Though born in the Bronx, Billy Joel grew up in Hicksville, where his Long Island upbringing shaped the songs that would turn him into one of the best-selling artists of all time. -
Mariah Carey
Born in Huntington, Mariah Carey went on to dominate pop and R&B with a five-octave range and a run of No. 1 hits that cemented her place in music history. -
Pat Benatar
Raised in Lindenhurst, Pat Benatar became a defining voice of late-’70s and ’80s rock, winning multiple Grammys and delivering enduring power anthems. -
Eddie Money
Eddie Money was born in Brooklyn but raised in Levittown, graduating from Island Trees High School in 1967 before launching a career packed with radio hits. -
Lou Reed
Raised in Freeport, Lou Reed attended local schools before becoming a founding member of The Velvet Underground and a towering influence on punk and alternative music. -
Ashanti
Born and raised in Glen Cove, Ashanti dominated early-2000s R&B and hip hop with chart-topping singles and Grammy recognition.
