List of musicians from Chicago explained

The following list includes notable musicians who were born or have lived in Chicago, Illinois.

A

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Operatic soprano and impresarioBorn in Chicago[1]
Pianist and bandleaderLived and performed in Bronzeville, Chicago neighborhood
Violindustrial singer, violinist, poet, and author

B

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Jazz singer, songwriter, and pianistBorn in Chicago
Musician, associated with The Academy Is...Lived in Chicago
Guitarist, composer, and multi-instrumentalistBorn in Chicago
RapperBorn in Chicago
Violinist, "Ambassador of Music for Chicago"Lived in Chicago
Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalistBorn in Chicago
Guitarist for Rise Against
Harold Bradley Jr.Oct 13, 1929Apr 13, 2021Singer of spirituals and blues, painter, actor, TV host, former football player, founder of Italy's iconic Folkstudio music clubBorn in Chicago
Oscar Brown Jr.Musician, poetBorn in Chicago
Drummer of My Chemical RomanceBorn in Chicago
LyricistRaised in Chicago[2]
Blues musicianBorn in Chicago

C

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Frontman of the rock band LovehammersBorn in Chicago
Former singer and bassist of ChicagoBorn in Chicago
Drummer for The Smashing Pumpkins
(born Chancelor Bennett)RapperBorn in Chicago
SingerBorn in Chicago
(born Keith Cozart)RapperBorn and lived in the Washington Park and Englewood neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago
Operatic baritone and vocalist teacherLived in Chicago[3]
SingerLived in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago
Jazz saxophonistBorn in Chicago
SaxophonistBorn in Chicago
Singer
Singer and guitarist for The Smashing PumpkinsLived in Chicago[4]
Blues musician

D

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Drummer and pianistBorn in Chicago
Famous DexRapperLived in Chicago[5]
Singer and keyboardist of Styx
(born Ellas Otha Bates)Rock and roll guitarist, singer, and songwriterLived in Chicago[6]
Blues songwriter and record producer
Bill DoerrfeldClassical and jazz pianistBorn in Chicago
RapperBorn in Chicago
Classical pianist
Lil DurkRapperBorn in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago

E

ImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
SingerBorn and began his career in Chicago
SingerBorn in Chicago

F

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
bassistBorn in Chicago
(a.k.a. Jeremih)SingerBorn in Chicago
Chicago blues musicianBorn in Chicago[7]
Guitarist for Bang Tango, Chuck Mosley, Stephen Shareaux, and Zen From MarsBorn and raised in Chicago[8] [9]
Jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composerBorn, worked and died in Chicago
Jazz saxophonistBorn, worked and died in Chicago
Conductor, pianist, organist, harpsichordist and composerBorn and grew up in Chicago
(born Richard S. Friedman)Singer, songwriter, novelist, humorist, politician and former columnistBorn in Chicago

G

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Polo GRapperBorn in the Old Town district of Chicago
SingerBorn and grown up in Chicago
BandleaderBorn in Chicago
SingerBorn in Chicago
Singer
Blues guitarist
(a.k.a. Shawnna)RapperBorn in Chicago

H

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
May 1, 2008SingerBorn in Chicago
Jan 9, 2009SingerBorn in Chicago
Blues saxophonist and singerBorn in Chicago[10]
Jazz pianist, bandleader and composerBorn in Chicago
Jazz saxophonistBorn in Chicago
Elizabeth Eden Harris (a.k.a. CupcakKe)RapperBorn in Chicago
(a.k.a. Da Brat)RapperBorn in Chicago
(a.k.a. Juice Wrld)Rapper, SingerBorn in Chicago
Jazz pianistRaised in Chicago, worked there for many years
SingerBorn in Chicago
SingerBorn in Chicago
(born Chester Arthur Burnett)Musician
Singer, actress, spokesperson, American Idol finalistBorn in Chicago
Drummer for Fall Out Boy

I

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Guitarist for The Smashing PumpkinsBorn in Chicago
Blues guitarist and vocalistRaised and lives in Chicago

J

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
(a.k.a. Lupe Fiasco)Rapper Born in Chicago
(a.k.a. Cashis)RapperBorn in Chicago
Singer
Singer and composerBorn in Chicago
Record producerBorn in Chicago align= center
Electronic musician

K

Name King vonImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Folk singer Born in Chicago
Singer and guitarist of ChicagoBorn in Chicago
Bassist and vocalist of punk band The Lawrence Arms
R&B singer-songwriter, record producer and convicted sex offenderBorn in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, lived in Douglas' Bronzeville area[11]
Singer ("Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing" which she wrote for her then husband Richard Holland, "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire")Born in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago
Founder of Kimball Piano Company
Arranger, composer, conductorBorn in Chicago
Drummer and bandleaderBorn in Chicago

L

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Singer and keyboardist of ChicagoGrew up in Chicago
Jazz pianist and composerBorn in Chicago
(a.k.a. Zim Zum)Guitarist and songwriter for Marilyn Manson, The Pop Culture SuicidesBorn in Chicago
Member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, former backing musician for Neil YoungBorn in Chicago
Croatian American MusicianLives in Chicago
LuckiRapperBorn in Chicago
(a.k.a. Common)RapperBorn in Chicago
Lil DurkOct 19, 1992RapperSingerBorn In Chicago

M

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Keyboardist of The DoorsBorn in Chicago
Singer and songwriterBorn in Chicago
Songwriter and guitaristBorn in Chicago
80pxRapper and activistBorn in Chicago
Lead singer and guitarist for Rise Against
(a.k.a. Twista)RapperBorn in Chicago
Guitarist
(a.k.a. Muddy Waters)Blues musicianLived in Chicago

N

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Lead singer of Little River Band
(a.k.a. Anastacia)SingerBorn in Chicago
Francis Warren Nicholls, Jr.(a.k.a. Frankie Knuckles)House music pioneer, called the "Godfather of House"Lived in Chicago, developed Chicago house genre

P

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Singer actress
Bass guitarist for StyxBorn in Chicago
Drummer for StyxGrew up in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago
Woodwind player for ChicagoBorn in Chicago
Rapper and poetBorn and resides in Chicago[12]
Folk singer, songwriterBorn in Chicago
Jim PeterikFounding member of Survivor and member of The Ides of MarchBorn and raised in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn
Singer
ViolinistBorn in Chicago
Rapper, known professionally as SmokepurppBorn in Chicago
Bassist for Rise AgainstBorn in Chicago
Apr 7, 2020Folk singer, songwriterBorn in Chicago
Vicky PsarakisVocalist for The AgonistBorn in Chicago

R

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
"Kal" David RaskinGuitarist, singer, songwriter, Illinois Speed PressBorn in Chicago
we don't know-->Operatic sopranoBorn in Chicago
(a.k.a. Kaskade)Electronic musicianBorn in Chicago
Singer and actor
SingerBorn in Chicago
Rapper Born in Chicago
SingerBorn in Chicago

S

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
RapperBorn in Chicago
Drummer of the band ChicagoBorn in Chicago
Rapper and vocalist for BtoB
Silver SphereSinger-songwriterBorn and raised in Chicago[13]
Lead singer and guitarist of Alkaline Trio and blink-182Born in Chicago
(a.k.a. Rhymefest)RapperBorn in Chicago
Singer, songwriter and poetBorn in Chicago
Composer
Lead singer, rhythm guitarist and founder of bands L7 and Donita Sparks and the Stellar Moments; one of the founders of the pro-choice organisation Rock for Choice and of CASH MusicBorn in Chicago [14]
SingerBorn in Chicago
Lead singer and guitarist for Fall Out BoyBorn in the Chicago suburb of Evanston
Drummer for the band StyxBorn in Chicago
Johnny SuhFeb 2, 1995Lead dancer, sub vocalist and sub rapper for NCT 127.Born in Chicagohttps://web.archive.org/web/20221020013245/https://www.mtv.com/news/fosc2g/nct-127-guide
Composer
Earl SweatshirtFeb 24, 1994Rapper, producer, and songwriterBorn and raised in Chicago
Smokepurpp. May 15, 1997Rapper,Singer,SongwriterBorn In Chicago and raised Miami

T

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Chicago blues and electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriterBorn in Chicago[15]
SingerLived and died in Chicago
(a.k.a. Hound Dog Taylor)Guitarist
Guitarist of Soundgarden
Composer and songwriterBorn in Chicago
BassoBorn in Chicago
PianistBorn in Chicago
Guitarist for Fall Out Boy
Singer and songwriter, member of Wilco and Uncle Tupelo
TwistaRapperBorn In Chicago

V

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Lead singer for the band Pearl Jam
RapperBorn in Chicago

W

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Bassist for Panic at the Disco
(a.k.a. Yung Berg)RapperBorn in Chicago
Singer
Singer Born in Chicago align= center
(a.k.a. Soulja Boy)RapperBorn in Chicago
Bassist and lyricist for Fall Out Boy
Jazz drummerBorn in Chicago
Rapper and producerGrew up in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago
Bassist and Founding member for Earth Wind & FireBorn in Chicago
Jazz trumpeter, composer, educator
Singerborn in Chicago
(a.k.a. No ID)Hip hop and R&B record producerBorn in Chicago
Bassist for Smashing Pumpkins
(a.k.a. G Herbo)RapperBorn in Chicago

Y

NameImageBirthDeathKnown forAssociationReference
Singer, author, actress Born in Chicago
Guitarist for StyxBorn in Chicago
YomoRegueton SingerBorn in Chicago

Bands

NameImageFoundedDisbandedMusicAssociationReference
88 Fingers LouiePunk bandFounded in Chicago
Alacranes MusicalDuranguenseFounded in the Chicago suburb of Aurora[16]
Beach BunnyRock bandFounded in Chicago
Big BlackPunk/noise rock bandFounded in Chicago suburb of Evanston
The BuckinghamsSunshine pop bandFounded in Chicago
Cheap TrickRock groupFounded in Chicago, Cheap Trick plans to open a music complex on Motor Row in Chicago's South Loop[17]
The Chi-LitesR&B soul vocal quartet Founded in Chicago
ChicagoRock bandFounded in Chicago
Cobalt & the Hired GunsPunk rock bandBased in Chicago[18]
DisturbedHeavy metal bandFounded in Chicago
Do or Die (a.k.a. D.O.D.)Rap trioOriginally from the west side of Chicago
Earth, Wind & FireBand spanning various genres such as soul, R&B, pop, jazz, funk, disco, rock, Latin and AfricanFounded in Chicago[19]
Soul/R&B vocal group Founded in Chicago align= center
Enuff Z'NuffRock bandFounded in Chicago[20]
Fall Out BoyRock bandFounded in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette[21]
Hope in GhostsRock bandFrom Chicago
The Jesus LizardAlternative/noise rock bandMoved to Chicago in 1989, originally from Austin, Texas
Kids These DaysHip hop bandFounded in Chicago
Kill HannahRock bandFounded in Chicago
KrewellaElectronic trioFounded in Chicago
Lakeside SingersEnsembléFrom Chicago area
Louis the ChildElectronic duoFounded in Chicago[22]
MinistryPioneering industrial metal bandFounded in Chicago
Naked RaygunPunk rock bandFounded in Chicago
OK GoRock bandFounded in Chicago
Paul Butterfield Blues BandBlues rock band, performed at WoodstockFounded in Chicago by Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield
Plain White T'sPop punk bandFounded in the Chicago suburb of Lombard
Rise AgainstPunk-rock groupFounded in Chicago
Funk and R&B band Founded in Chicago align= center
Screeching Weaselpioneering pop punk bandFounded in the Chicago suburb of Prospect Heights
Slow Motion CrashRock band From Chicago [23]
The Smashing PumpkinsRock bandFounded in Chicago
Smith WesternsGarage/indie rock bandFounded in Chicago
The Staple SingersR&B singing group Founded in Chicago
TRS-80ElectronicFounded in Chicago
Twin PeaksRock bandFounded in Chicago
Urge OverkillRock bandFounded in Chicago
The White Tie AffairPop-rock bandFounded in Chicago
WhitneyIndie folk/indie rock/soul bandFounded in Chicago
WilcoAlternative rock bandFounded in Chicago

Notes and References

  1. Book: Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607–1896 . Marquis Who's Who . 1967.
  2. Web site: Johnny Burke. AllMusic. November 18, 2013.
  3. Book: John William Leonard, The Book of Chicagoans: A Biographical Dictionary of Leading Living Men and Women of the City of Chicago. A.N. Marquis. 1917.
  4. News: Billy Corgan's Chicago Condo Under Contract. August 17, 2013. NBC Bay Area.
  5. Web site: Famous Dex . 2022-07-12 . IMDb.
  6. Show 3, track 5.
  7. Web site: Bluesletter : Washington Blues Society. October 2018. Wablues.org. April 30, 2019.
  8. Web site: Drew Fortier of Bang Tango Interview – Sleaze Roxx. sleazeroxx.com. September 18, 2015 . en-CA. 2018-05-30.
  9. News: ZEN FROM MARS: Drew Fortier Offers A Glimpse Inside The New All-Star Band. 2016-08-10. Icon vs. Icon. 2018-05-30. en-US.
  10. Web site: Terry Hanck - About the band. Terryhanck.net. 6 June 2016.
  11. News: Pirani . Fiza . 7 things to know about R. Kelly . English . The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . 2022-07-12 . 1539-7459.
  12. Web site: Artists. Actweb.org. 11 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161221042559/http://www.atcweb.org/artists---kill-floor. December 21, 2016. dead.
  13. News: EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Silver's "Drinking Games" is for Anyone Who Has Ever Thought They Were in Love. Ones to Watch. May 4, 2018. October 17, 2020.
  14. Web site: Donita Sparks and the Stellar Moments. Npr.org. May 25, 2018.
  15. Web site: Eddie Taylor Jr. - Biography & History. AllMusic. March 8, 2019.
  16. Web site: Long. Kyle. A Cultural Manifesto: Alacranes Musical. 2021-12-18. NUVO. May 23, 2012 . en.
  17. Web site: Cheap Trick Planning Music Complex in South Loop. November 10, 2011 .
  18. Web site: The Deli's Interview with Colbalt and The Hired Guns. https://web.archive.org/web/20110718162548/http://www.thedelimagazine.com/chicago/artists/colbalt/. dead. July 18, 2011. July 18, 2011.
  19. Web site: Earth, Wind & Fire Biography & History AllMusic. AllMusic. 1 August 2016.
  20. The High-Powered Pop Flashback of Enuff Z'Nuff. Rolling Stone. 2018-05-30.
  21. Web site: Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)" & Show in Chicago Tonight. February 4, 2013. B96 Chicago. https://web.archive.org/web/20130406043635/http://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/04/fall-out-boy-reunites-with-new-single-my-songs-know-what-you-did-in-the-dark-light-em-up-show-in-chicago-tonight/. April 6, 2013. dead.
  22. Web site: Elder. Jimmy. Q&A with USC freshman, half of Louis the Child. Daily Trojan. 1 August 2016. 18 February 2016.
  23. Web site: Sound menu - Sound Menu - Creative Loafing Atlanta. https://archive.today/20130408000556/http://clatl.com/atlanta/sound-menu/Content?oid=1265422. live. April 8, 2013. April 8, 2013. Creative Loafing. June 19, 2018.