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You are here > Ideas & Inspiration > Famous People > Entertainers & Musicians > Musicians and Composers
Nottinghamshire's Famous Musicians
Nottinghamshire has a rich musical heritage, producing some of the most influential and diverse musicians across various genres. From rock legends to pioneers of electronic music, the county has been a birthplace of talent that has left a significant mark on the global music scene. Here, we celebrate some of the most notable musicians who have called Nottinghamshire their home.
One of Nottingham's finest guitar legends, Alvin Lee was born in 1944 and began playing guitar at 13. By 15, he became the core of the band Ten Years After. Lee's super-stardom was cemented with the 1970 film release of the Woodstock Festival, where his electrifying performance made history. He went solo in the late 1980s, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of his time.
Born Bernard Jewry in North London and raised in Nottinghamshire, Alvin Stardust first found fame in the 1960s under the name Shane Fenton. He rose to international stardom in the 1970s with his leather-clad persona and hit single "My Coo Ca Choo." Stardust became famous worldwide and won multiple awards, including the British Pop Awards Best Live Performance. His impact on the music scene remains unforgettable.
Hailing from Worksop, Bruce Dickinson is the iconic frontman of the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Bruce has influenced countless musicians and fans. Beyond music, he is a published author, qualified pilot, and radio presenter. His contributions to music and culture extend far beyond the stage.
Born in Nottingham in 1941, Christopher Hogwood was a world-renowned harpsichordist, musicologist, and founder of the Academy of Ancient Music. He was instrumental in the revival of early music, bringing historical performances to modern audiences. Hogwood's influence as a conductor, writer, and broadcaster left an indelible mark on classical music.
Corrine Drewery, the stylish lead singer of Swing Out Sister, grew up in Beeston and Long Eaton. With no formal training, she joined the band in the 1980s, helping to create a unique sound that blended pop and jazz. The band's hits, including "Breakout" and "Surrender," became anthems of the decade, making Drewery an iconic figure in British pop.
The legendary soul singer Edwin Starr, originally from the USA, made Nottingham his home. Best known for his powerful anti-war anthem "War," Starr's influence on soul and Motown music is immense. He lived in Beeston, Nottingham, where he continued to perform and create music until his passing.
Born in Nottingham in 1945, Elton Dean was a gifted saxophonist whose contributions to jazz and rock were groundbreaking. He played with the influential band Soft Machine and became a key figure in the jazz fusion movement. His innovative style continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
The Hucknall-born composer Eric Coates (1886-1957) is best known for his orchestral works, including the famous "Dambusters March" from the 1954 film. A gifted violinist and composer, Coates' music has become synonymous with British heritage, and his legacy as a composer remains strong.
A pioneer of house music, Graeme Park began his career working in Nottingham's Select-A-Disc record shop before becoming one of the most influential DJs of the 1980s. His role in the evolution of dance music and club culture is legendary, and he remains a prominent figure in the scene today.
Rob Birch and Nick Hallam, the founders of the Stereo MCs, hail from Ruddington, Nottinghamshire. The band's unique blend of hip-hop, dance, and electronic music produced the critically acclaimed album "Connected." The album's title track became an iconic anthem of the 1990s, earning them Brit Awards for Best Album and Best Band.
Graham Russell, born in Arnold, Nottingham, is one-half of the soft-rock duo Air Supply. Known for their romantic ballads and harmonious melodies, Air Supply became a global sensation in the 1980s. With multiple gold and platinum albums, Russell's contribution to the soft-rock genre is undeniable.
Born in Nottingham, Mistajam (Peter Dalton) is a key figure in the UK's music scene, known for his work as a DJ, radio presenter, and music producer. He has played a significant role in popularizing genres like grime, dubstep, and UK garage. Mistajam's influence on contemporary music continues to grow, making him one of Nottingham's most successful modern musicians.
Andy Fletcher, born in Nottingham, was one of the founding members of the legendary electronic band Depeche Mode. As a keyboardist and manager, Fletcher played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound, which has influenced countless electronic and synth-pop artists. Depeche Mode’s global success and enduring popularity underscore Fletcher’s significant impact on the music world.
Henry Cow, a progressive rock band formed in 1968, included members who were based in Nottingham during their formative years. The band's avant-garde approach to music, blending rock with elements of classical and jazz, made them pioneers in the genre. Their experimental sound continues to inspire artists across various musical landscapes.
Jake Bugg grew up in Clifton in Nottingham and is one of our most contemporary world-wide musical phenomenons to be stomping through the music charts.
Both his mum and dad were musical talents but separated when he was young. His father, whose last name is Bugg, was a nurse, and his mother worked in sales, both having previously made recordings. Jake started playing guitar at the age of 12 after being introduced to the instrument by his uncle.
The triumph of Bugg’s career came he was chosen by the BBC to appear on their ‘Introducing’ stage at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival when he was aged 17, and because of this was given a contract by Mercury Records.
Bugg has been nominated for many prestigious awards including a BRIT Award, two NME Awards, Ivor Novello Award, a Mercury Prize and two awards at the 2013 Q Awards where he won the category for Best New Act. In 2014 he won a Japan Gold Disk Award for Best New Artist and in 2015 won the NME for Best Solo Artist and the Silver Clef Award for Best Male.
On 15 October 2012, Bugg released his debut album which reached number one in the music charts. From it, expect to hear tracks such as Country Song, Broken and Lightning Bolt. His second album, Shangri La, was released on 18 November and the music video for Slumville Sunrise follows the star through St Ann’s, Sneinton Market, Holme Peirrepont and other locations in Nottingham before ending up in his home town of Clifton.
He has appeared on many prestigeous late night shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Graham Norton Show and the The Ellen DeGeneres Show to name just a few.
In June 2017, Bugg was confirmed as the shirt sponsor of his favourite and local football team, Notts County, taking the November slot in a season-long rotation. In September 2020 the club announced that Bugg would sponsor their away shirt during the 2020–2021 season.
A versatile artist from Nottinghamshire, Jonny Owen is known not only for his work in film and television but also for his involvement in music. As a musician, he has been part of several bands and has contributed to the rich tapestry of Nottinghamshire's musical history.
Born in Nottingham, Tony Kofi is an award-winning jazz saxophonist who has gained international recognition for his exceptional talent. Kofi has played with some of the biggest names in jazz and is known for his improvisational skills and deep understanding of the jazz tradition. His work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
Ronnie Hazlehurst, born in Dukinfield but raised in Nottingham, was a composer and conductor famous for his work on many British television themes. Though primarily known for his TV work, his contributions to music, particularly in creating memorable theme tunes, have made him a notable figure in British musical history.
Chris Urbanowicz, a guitarist from Nottingham, was a founding member of the indie rock band Editors. Known for his distinctive guitar sound, Urbanowicz helped shape the band's early success with hits like "Munich" and "An End Has a Start." His influence on the post-punk revival of the early 2000s is well-recognized.
Callum Burrows, known professionally as Saint Raymond, is a singer-songwriter from Nottingham whose catchy indie-pop tunes have garnered him a loyal fan base. With hits like "Young Blood," Saint Raymond has made a name for himself in the UK music scene, continuing Nottingham’s tradition of producing talented musicians.
Sleaford Mods, the post-punk duo from Nottingham, consists of Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn. Known for their raw and minimalist sound, blending electronic beats with sharp, politically charged lyrics, the band has gained a significant following both in the UK and internationally. Their music captures the frustration and discontent of modern life, making them one of the most influential contemporary acts to emerge from Nottinghamshire.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the internationally acclaimed cellist, was born in Nottingham in 1999. He gained global recognition after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2016, becoming the first black musician to win the award. Sheku's performances, including playing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have brought classical music to new audiences, and his contributions to music continue to elevate Nottingham's reputation on the world stage.
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