See 9 Immigrants Who Became Famous In The United States

5. Dave Matthews, South Africa

It might surprise you that the “Crash Into Me” singer is not an American citizen. David John Matthews was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. At two years old, Matthews’ family moved to Westchester County, New York, followed by a year in England, before moving back to Johannesburg in 1977 after his father’s death. The DMB frontman moved to New York again in 1986 to avoid compulsory military service under the apartheid regime. His family had immigrated to Charlottesville, Virginia and he later joined them. Matthews began performing in local music and acting productions in Charlottesville. He founded the Dave Matthews Band in 1990 and focused primarily on songwriting and performances with the DMB from 1990 to 2003. Since 2003, Matthews has ventured outside of the band in various solo performances and records, and has toured with a group of musicians under the name Dave Matthews & Friends. The band made $60.4 million last year. Over the course of his career Dave Matthews has won two Grammy awards.