Music of New Jersey - Definition and Overview

The biggest superstar from New Jersey is probably Bruce Springsteen, who became a 1980s icon with complex lyrical stories about teens growing up in Freehold and other economically depressed areas of New Jersey. In addition, Jersey native Frank Sinatra became one of the most popular singers of the 20th century. Francis Hopkinson of Bordentown, is perhaps the first American composer. William Dunlap wrote the first American opera, The Archers. Other famous Jersey musicians include Lauryn Hill and Jon Bon Jovi.

Jazz

In the early 20th century, Newark was an important center for jazz innovation. James P. Johnson and other pioneers helped invent stride. Other famous New Jersey jazzmen include Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie.

Punk rock

New Jersey had several early punk bands, circa 1978-'80, and several regional, overlapping hardcore punk scenes by 1981-'82. Proximity to New York and Philadelphia tended to draw successful bands away from New Jersey, including The Misfits and members of Cause for Alarm, Agnostic Front, and briefly-important (but unrecorded) bands such as Death Before Dishonor. Adrenalin OD was perhaps the most popular hardcore punk band to identify primarily with New Jersey. Also see: List of Early New Jersey Hardcore Bands

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