8 Famous Musicians Who Grew Up in Paisley

Paisley has long been known as the town that "thread built," but its most enduring exports aren't just textiles—they are the voices that have defined generations of British music. From folk legends of the 1970s to modern-day pop sensations, this Renfrewshire town has a knack for producing world-class songwriters.

Here are eight famous musicians who spent their formative years in the streets of Paisley.

1. Paolo Nutini

Perhaps the most famous modern "hometown hero," Paolo Nutini grew up in the heart of Paisley. His family famously owns the Castelvecchi fish and chip shop on New Street, where Paolo worked before his music career skyrocketed. His debut album, These Streets, was heavily influenced by his life in the town, and he remains a frequent sight in local venues like The Bungalow.

2. Gerry Rafferty

The man behind the iconic saxophone riff of "Baker Street," Gerry Rafferty was born and raised in Underwood Lane. Before his solo success, he busked in the London Underground and formed the Humblebums with Billy Connolly. Rafferty’s Paisley roots are honored today with a massive mural in Brown’s Lane and a street named in his memory: Gerry Rafferty Drive.

3. JADE (Jade Thirlwall)

While often associated with the wider Tyneside area due to her Little Mix roots, JADE has significant ties to the region and has been a vocal supporter of the North’s musical heritage. In 2026, she continues to dominate the solo charts, bagging major Brit Award nominations and cementing her status as a pop visionary who never forgets where she came from.

4. Joe Egan

A close friend and schoolmate of Gerry Rafferty at St Mirin’s Academy, Joe Egan co-founded the band Stealers Wheel. Together, they wrote the timeless classic "Stuck in the Middle with You." Egan’s contributions to the 1970s folk-rock scene are a vital part of Paisley’s musical DNA.

5. David Sneddon

Long before the era of The X Factor, David Sneddon became a household name by winning the BBC’s first series of Fame Academy in 2002. Raised in the Glenburn suburb, Sneddon made history as the first reality show winner to hit number one with a self-penned song, "Stop Living the Lie." Today, he is a highly successful songwriter for artists like Lana Del Rey and Lewis Capaldi.

6. Kelly Marie

Best known for her 1980 global disco hit "Feels Like I'm in Love," Kelly Marie was born in Paisley. The track, originally written by Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry for Elvis Presley, topped the UK charts and became an anthem of the era. Her success paved the way for many Scottish female vocalists in the pop and dance genres.

7. Kenneth McKellar

A giant of the traditional Scottish music scene, Kenneth McKellar was a tenor who brought the "Scottish songbook" to a global audience. Born in Paisley in 1927, he even represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1966. His operatic training and love for Burns' poetry made him one of the town's most respected cultural ambassadors.

8. The Tannahill Weavers

Named after Paisley’s famous "weaver poet" Robert Tannahill, this band is a staple of the traditional Celtic music world. Formed in the town in the late 1960s, they were pioneers in bringing the full sound of the Highland bagpipes into a folk band setting, ensuring that Paisley’s "weaver" heritage continues to echo through modern music.

Source - https://www.glasgowworld.com/whats-on/music/8-famous-musicians-who-grew-up-in-paisley-5483253

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