They’re Still an Islander to Me

This past summer fellow Long Island native, Pat Benatar, and her husband Neil Giraldo played here at The Paramount. After praising the Long Island fans who poured into the sold out venue, Giraldo said, “Long Island girls are the best” and we couldn’t agree anymore! Here are some of the famous celebrities who grew up in our neighborhoods and we’ll also include some Long Island boys too.

Powerhouse Mariah Carey was born right here in Huntington. She is known as one of the “Pop Queens” and has sold over 160 million albums worldwide. She has been seen as a judge on FOX television show American Idol, and continues to fundraise for The Fresh Air Fund, an independent nonprofit agency that has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.6 million disadvantaged New York City children since 1877.

Everyone’s favorite train wreck, Lindsay Lohan grew up in Merrick and Cold Spring Harbor. She has been seen in movies like “Mean Girls,” “The Parent Trap,” and “Freaky Friday.” Lohan has even made a breakthrough in music, staring in Disney’s Confession of a Teenage Drama Queen and released her debut album Speak in 2005. Unfortunately her pending legal issues have overshadowed her talent.

Billy Joel was born in the Bronx and later moved to Levittown/ Hicksville area where he spent his  childhood and young adult years. In 1974 his song “Piano Man” became his first top 20 single and first gold album. Years later in 1991, he was presented with the Grammy Legend Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by his idol, Ray Charles. Joel says his songs, “meant something during the time in which I lived ... and transcended that time.”

Michael Kors grew up in Merrick Long Island. I know he’s not a musician, but I had to give him a shout out. He was originally born as Karl Anderson, but at age five changed his name to Michael David Kors when his mother got remarried. In 2004, Kors was asked to be a judge on Project Runway and after eight years Kors announced his retirement from the show. The series had garnered several Emmy Award nominations, among other honors.

Other celebrities who grew up on the Island include LL Cool J, Ashanti, Ralph Macchio, and the Baldwin brothers. Bayside is also a local Long Island band and are set to play at The Paramount on December 27; it is the perfect gift for the holidays and purchase a pair of tickets to see Bayside live before they sell out. Tickets available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone @ 800-745-3000 or The Paramount Box Office (open daily from 12 noon - 6 pm). With this much talent who wouldn’t love Long Island!