New York City Musicians
One of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, New York City offers an abundance of musical selections unrivaled by few other places on earth. When visiting, one can experience any kind of music ranging from the jazz that originally filled the night clubs of Harlem, to the indie rock bands of today.
Some of the most important music establishments in the world such as, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Radio City Music Hall and The Juilliard School claim New York City as their home. Another notable venue, the Apollo Theater, is credited for beginning the careers of superstar acts such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and James Brown.
New York City is most famously known for its significant contributions to the jazz era. Venues like the Cotton Club and the, once standing, Savoy Ballroom featured some of the largest big bands of the time including the groups of New York natives, Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway.
Beginning in the 1950’s, the city’s Greenwich Village became the center for the revival of American folk music and the area later began the careers of famous artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and Peter Paul and Mary. The local coffeehouses of the neighborhood also served as the launching platform for the well known group, The Mamas and the Papas.
In the 1970’s, New York City gave rise to the latin beats of salsa, created by Puerto Rican and Cuban immigrants, the up-tempo dance music of disco, and the raw sounds of punk rock. During this time, the famous Studio 54 became the centerpiece to the disco craze that swept the nation, and the club CBGB’s showcased numerous performances of the Queens based band, The Ramones. In addition, the celebrated Copacabana has been the focal point of Latin music in the area and has hosted recent star performers such as El Gran Combo and Victor Manuelle.
In the last decade, the city has produced international pop sensations, hip hop artists, and rock bands such as The Strokes, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Interpol and Alicia Keys.
