Four Of The Biggest Musical Artists To Come Out Of Birmingham

Some cities just resonate with music, and one of the finest examples of that is Birmingham. It isn’t hard to see why when you take into account the wide number of excellent music venues around the city, but some artists that have made their name in the second city have gone on to achieve global dominance. But, which four artists are the most well known to have come from Birmingham?

UB40

There aren’t many bigger reggae bands in the world of music that comes close to UB40. Their music was the sound of a generation, and their hits have been passed down throughout history.

It’s hard to believe that one of the world’s biggest-selling artists played their first-ever show in the Hare & Hounds in Birmingham back in 1979. Ali Campbell fronted the bands, and some of the biggest hits that they had included ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘I Got you Babe’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’.

Dexys Midnight Runners

It may not mean a lot for the general music fan when you read the name of this group, but when you take into account some of the music that they released, you will immediately realize that you’re a huge fan. Dexys Midnight Runners are most well known for their timeless hit ‘Come On Eileen’, which remains one of the most played songs across the world.

After all, it’s unlikely that you’re able to go to a wedding and not hear this song at least once. They are also credited with being one of the pioneering groups that led the Second British Invasion in the United States.

Ozzy Osbourne

It’s a well-known secret that Ozzy Osbourne is from Birmingham, but it is impossible to leave him out when talking about the biggest music acts to come from the second city. Ozzy revolutionized rock music as part of the iconic group Black Sabbath, and their legacy remains to this day. The rockstar enjoyed solo success, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He is also in the UK Music Hall of Fame individually and with Black Sabbath. Osbourne has also been honored with having stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the equivalent in Birmingham.

The Streets

Mike Skinner leads the project called The Streets, and the group played a huge role in the success that hip-hop music has achieved in the United Kingdom. The group become an immediate success, as their debut album ‘Original Pirate Material’ was awarded with a nomination for the Mercury Prize. The Streets continued their dominance with follow-up albums titled’ A Grand Don’t Come For Free’ and ‘The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living’.

The group remains a firm favorite with millions around the country, with hits such as ‘Dry Your Eyes’, ‘Fit But You Know It’ and ‘Prangin Out’ remaining popular songs on music fans Spotify playlists around the country.