The Sound of Jersey

And no, I'm not talking about a certain incident in a red rental car on the way to the NJ conference or a certain orange-tinged group of also-rans.  Instead, I'm thinking about all the great musicians to come out of the state.  The train of thought started when my husband treated me to seeing Jersey Boys for my birthday.  The musical is about the lives of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (having typed that I'm not going to be singing "Grease is the word…is the word…is the word" for the rest of the day.)  And it's sparkles in part because of the world they came from.

But as we were standing on 8th Avenue trying to hail a taxi, I found myself segueing off into Jersey music, and who else, besides Frankie and company claimed New Jersey as home.  The obvious choices for me formed a triad, starting with the late great Frank Sinatra, who hailed for Hoboken, although probably got serious flak from the home crowd for singing New York, New York.   

Next up, a clear leader in the 'New Jersey singers make good' category, none other than the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen.  I'll admit I'm not huge fan (although Wendy strapped to that motorcycle evokes some pretty vivid images), but the boy from Long Branch along with his E-Street Band certainly knows how to carry a tune and a state right to the top.

And forming the third side of our top NJ triad the hard rocking sounds of Bon Jovi, led by pint sized pretty boy, Jon Bon Jovi.  Hailing from Sayreville, this group has been together since 1983, with only one change in personnel.  With over fifteen albums they even named their fourth after the state—New Jersey spent four consecutive weeks at number one.  Not bad for a state with attitude.

But the list doesn't stop there.  Looking Glass, the creator of one hit wonder, Brandy, was formed in 1969 at Rutgers University.  And Connie 'Where the Boys Are' Francis was from Newark, along with Whitney Houston.  Both women belting the tunes out with the best of them.  East Orange can claim both Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick.  (Do you know the way to San Jose?—most definitely not in New Jersey).

Debby Harry (of Blondie fame) grew up in Hawthorne, NJ.  And the Jersey Shore brought us not only Snooki (does she sing?) but also the Jonas Brothers.  And Patti Smith hails from South Jersey, which I'm told is practically another country. Never mind that I can drive from one end of Jersey to the other in less time than it takes to drive from San Antonio to Dallas.  (I know, I know, it's all about perspective).

Anyway, bottom line, over the years New Jersey has produced a pretty impressive list of major musical talent.  And if I were inclined to go for a singing career, I think I'd head for the Garden State.  Anyone up for a road trip?

So can you guys name any other famous NJ musicians?   Can you think of another state that's produced a list as impressive (Tennessee doesn't count, Nashville is its own entity!)  Any favorites among the singers listed above?  And mostly….who was Sherry baby? Okay, I actually know the answer…but do you?

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