1. The Shirelles
This famous girl group from the early 60s is from Passaic, New Jersey. They started when they were only teenagers, and they paved the way for future girl groups and other female artists. Their repertoire includes songs such as “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “Baby It’s You,” and “I Met Him On A Sunday.”
2. Mayday Parade
Wikipedia says they’re from Florida, but they have New Jersey Pride. They have a song dedicated to the Garden State, and they sing “New Jersey taught me how to let go.”
2. The Front Bottoms
This indie/pop punk band are the masters of unapologetic angst. All of their albums are great, and over the years their sound has become a bit more polished. And they frequently mention New Jersey in their songs. (ie. "I bought fireworks, a big bag in Pennsylvania / I'm gonna light 'em up when I get thome to Jersey.")
3. Frank Sinatra
The Voice himself is from Hoboken, New Jersey. His timeless songs and velvety croon have stood the test of time.
4. The Bouncing Souls
The Bouncing Souls are a punk band from New Brunswick, Jersey. Their songs have an edgy sound, but they're structured enough that it doesn't just sound like pure cacophony.
5. Bruce Springsteen
The Boss is from Freehold, New Jersey, and we have him to thank for countless hits such as “Born To Run,” “Rosalita,” and “Glory Days.”
6. Misfits
A “horror punk” band from Lodi, New Jersey, Misfits are for when you want to listen to some edgy, grungy punk music.
7. My Chemical Romance
They've transformed their look countless times, and each album tells another story. While they've all ventured into different projects, we'll always remember the leaders of The Black Parade.
8. Penney Prep
MCR's guitarist Frank Iero was the lead singer of Pencey Prep from 1998-2002. Their sound ranges from the sweet “Lloyd Dobler” to the screaming “Attention Reader.” If their name sounds familiar, it’s because it was the school in "Catcher in the Rye," and they have a few songs that refer to the classic novel.
Everyone’s favorite Disney Channel band is from Wyckoff, New Jersey. Sadly, the brothers have gone their separate ways and found more adult projects (ie. Joe’s DNCE, Kevin’s acting, and Nick being well, Nick Jonas.)
10. Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi started in 1983, and they're still going strong. He’s given us power-anthems like “It’s My Life” and the post-breakup theme-song “You Give Love A Bad Name." He’s still making music, but Jon Bon Jovi also seems to be dabbing into acting with projects such as “New Year’s Eve” and "Ally McBeal."
11. Count Basie
A big band legend, Count Basie formed the Count Basie orchestra, which lasted nearly half a century. He’s also collaborated with many other musical legends, such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tony Bennett. His birth-town commemorates his legacy with The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey.
12. Someone Say Something
I saw these guys play while I was waiting in line for the AP Fall Ball in Sayreville, New Jersey. They’re acoustic songs aren’t showy, but they’re just as wonderful as any showstopper. My favorites are “Less Than Lazy” and “Because of You,” and it’s a shame I haven’t found anything besides the 6-song CD they sold on line.
13. Sarah Vaughan
The Grammy-winning jazz singer was from Newark, New Jersey. She launched her career at an Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre, and two of her songs are now honored in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
14. Senses Fail
Senses Fail originated in River Vale, New Jersey. When you were a teenager, you had at least one friend who was obsessed with them.
15. The Smithereens
This rock band is from Carteret, New Jersey. They have ten studio albums, and they've been making music for 36 years.
