The Music of Pennsylvania dates from the pre-colonial-era through the 21st century, and Pennsylvania has been the birthplace for some of the most prominent musicians of their respective eras and the introduction of entire new genres of music to the nation and world.
Rock band Poison from Mechanicsburg, whose song "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", released in 1988, was a number one hit
Lizzy Hale, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Halestorm, a rock band from Red Lion has had six number one Mainstream Rock hits since 2013 with "Freak Like Me" (2013), "Apocalyptic" (2015), "Amen" (2015), "Uncomfortable", "Back from the Dead" (2021), and "The Steeple" (2022)
Will Smith, a rapper from West Philadelphia, known for "Gettin' Jiggy wit It", "Wild Wild West", and other songs
Pink, an American pop singer from Doylestown, launched her music career in 1995.
Philadelphia is home to one of the world's most vibrant and well-documented musical heritages, stretching back to the colonial era. Innovations in classical music, opera, R&B, jazz, soul, and rock have earned the music of Philadelphia national and international renown. Philadelphia's musical institutions have long played an important role in the music of Pennsylvania and that of the nation, especially in the early development of hip hop music. Philadelphia's diverse population has also given it a reputation for styles ranging from dancehall to Irish traditional music, as well as a thriving classical and folk music scene.
Philadelphia's Academy of Music at Broad and Locust streets, the city's oldest performance venue, presenting operas and concerts annually since 1857
South Philadelphia native Marian Anderson, one of the most celebrated classical contraltos of the 20th century
Chubby Checker, one of Philadelphia's first mainstream stars
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts at 300 South Broad Street in July 2007
