New Jersey is a surprising hub for amazing art. While most people outside of this area don't give this state its just due, there are so many great artists in all genres from New Jersey. Looking at the actors from New Jersey, the list is extensive. James Gandolfini, Danny DeVito, John Travolta, Joe Pesci, Kirsten Dunst, Bruce Willis, and Meryl Streep are just some of the incredible actors who were either born or raised in New Jersey. Yet, with this much talent on the acting side, the music scene is even better.
There are some bands and musicians that are famously New Jersey. The Bruce Springsteen-Bon Jovi debate is completely surrounded by the fact that they are both from New Jersey. They both have referenced the state in their songs and have done great work across the state. My Chemical Romance had a New Jersey license plate to start the music video for "I'm Not Okay," their breakout hit. Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, and Franki Valli are all known as New Jersey artists and Hall of Famers.
However, there are some musicians that aren't screaming "New Jersey." It's just a part of their makeup, but it's not obvious in their music. Who are some of the biggest "surprises" in New Jersey music?
Paul Simon
Born in Newark, NJ
Paul Simon is so synonymous with New York City that he just opened the 50th anniversary special for Saturday Night Live with Sabrina Carpenter. He's a known asset to that show, which also feels very NYC. But many would be floored to know that he started his life in the Garden State.
Simon was born 83 years ago in Newark, with his parents commuting to New York City for work. His father worked for City College of New York, and his mother was an elementary school teacher. He wasn't in New Jersey for long. His family moved him to New York when he was around four years old, but he will always have that origin in Newark in the 1940s.