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Musical Monikers
When musicians land big fame, there typically comes a moment of reinvention in which the "rock star" identity is born. This new persona often requires a new name, a way to differentiate between the private and public versions of themselves. Musical monikers take different forms, from the simple, last-name changes aimed at boosting celebrity appeal—like Steven Tyler—to the glamorized version of a childhood nickname—like Jay-Z. Musicians' nicknames and aliases tend to take on an identity all their own over time, often becoming as full of personality as the artists they represent.
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Featured People
See all Musical Monikers (108)
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Chubby Checker
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- Name Changers
- Super Bowl Halftime Performers
Chubby Checker
Singer / 1941 -
Chubby Checker was an early rock 'n' roller who had a hit with the song and dance sensation, "The Twist."
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Freddie Mercury
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- Queen
- Famous Virgoans
Freddie Mercury
Songwriter, Singer / 1946 - 1991
Freddie Mercury is best known as the rock worlds most versatile and engaging performers and for his mock operatic masterpiece, Bohemian Rhapsody.
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Sid Vicious
- In these groups:
- Loved to Death
- Musical Monikers
- Name Changers
Sid Vicious
Bassist, Singer / 1957 - 1979
Punk rocker Sid Vicious became famous as bassist for the Sex Pistols before his entanglement with drugs and Nancy Spungen ended his career and life.
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Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah
Film Actress, Television Actress, Entrepreneur, Music Producer, Rapper, Singer / 1970 -
Queen Latifah is an American rapper, record producer and actress known for her roles in the films Set it Off, Bone Collector, Last Holiday and Chicago.
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Screamin' Jay Hawkins
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- People with Animal Names
- Famous Cancerians
Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Songwriter, Pianist, Singer / 1929 - 2000
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a blues/soul singer known for his over-the-top theatricality and the hit “I Put a Spell on You.”
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Shania Twain
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- Name Changers
- Sober Celebs
Shania Twain
Songwriter, Singer / 1965 -
Shania Twain is a Canadian country and pop singer and songwriter, best known for the albums The Woman in Me and Come on Over.
profile name: Chubby Checker profile occupation: Singer
profile id: 246010
profile name: Sid Vicious profile occupation: Bassist, Singer
profile id: 9542419
profile name: Queen Latifah profile occupation: Film Actress, Television Actress, Entrepreneur, Music Producer, Rapper, Singer
profile id: 9406228
profile name: Freddie Mercury profile occupation: Songwriter, Singer
profile id: 246007
profile name: Screamin' Jay Hawkins profile occupation: Songwriter, Pianist, Singer
profile id: 9542122
profile name: Shania Twain profile occupation: Songwriter, Singer
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