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PEOPLE
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Life Events
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- Awards & Honors
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  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Adoption
  Life Events Adoption
  
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  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Business Launches
  Life Events Business Launches
  
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  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Education
  Life Events Education
  
  Amherst College
  
  Arizona State University
  
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  Boston University
  
  Brown University
  
  Cambridge University
  
  City College of New York
  
  Columbia University
  
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  Oxford University
  
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  Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
  
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  University of Illinois
  
  University of Kansas
  
  University of Michigan
  
  University of Minnesota
  
  University of North Carolina
  
  University of Oxford
  
  University of Paris
  
  University of Pennsylvania
  
  University of Southern California
  
  University of Texas
  
  University of Toronto
  
  University of Washington
  
  University of Wisconsin
  
  Vanderbilt University
  
  Vassar College
  
  Wellesley College
  
  West Point
  
  Yale Law School
  
  Yale School of Drama
  
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  Famous Philanthropists
  
  Browse notable philanthropists such as John D Rockefeller Jr., Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.
  
  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Discoveries
  Life Events Discoveries
  
  Made Geographic Discoveries
  
  Made Medical Discoveries
  
  Made Scientific Discoveries
  
  Featured Groups
  
  Famous Philanthropists
  
  Browse notable philanthropists such as John D Rockefeller Jr., Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.
  
  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Immigration
  Life Events Immigration
  
  U.S. Ex-pats
  
  U.S. Immigrants
  
  Featured Groups
  
  Famous Philanthropists
  
  Browse notable philanthropists such as John D Rockefeller Jr., Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.
  
  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Political Office
  Life Events Political Office
  
  Removed from Office
  
  Resigned From Office
  
  Supreme Court Justices
  
  U.S. Presidents
  
  U.S. Vice Presidents
  
  Featured Groups
  
  Famous Philanthropists
  
  Browse notable philanthropists such as John D Rockefeller Jr., Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.
  
  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Scandals
  Life Events Scandals
  
  Drug Scandals
  
  Election Scandals
  
  Financial Scandals
  
  Sex Scandals
  
  Featured Groups
  
  Famous Philanthropists
  
  Browse notable philanthropists such as John D Rockefeller Jr., Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.
  
  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Unnatural Deaths
  Life Events Unnatural Deaths
  
  Assassinated
  
  Committed Suicide
  
  Died in an Accident
  
  Died in Military Battle
  
  Executed
  
  Murdered
  
  Overdosed
  
  Featured Groups
  
  Famous Philanthropists
  
  Browse notable philanthropists such as John D Rockefeller Jr., Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.
  
  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
- Wealth
  Life Events Wealth
  
  Billionaires
  
  Self-Made Millionaires
  
  Went Bankrupt
  
  Featured Groups
  
  Famous Philanthropists
  
  Browse notable philanthropists such as John D Rockefeller Jr., Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.
  
  The 27 Club
  
  The 27 club is a group of artists who died tragically at the young age of 27. They were some of the most talented minds of their generation, and in their short lives each made an enormous impact. Sadly, many led hard-partying lifestyles, abusing drugs and alcohol. These are the musicians and artists who make up the 27 club.
Nationality
Choose One
- Argentine
- Australian
- Austrian
- Belgian
- Brazilian
- British
- Canadian
- Chilean
- Chinese
- Colombian
- Cuban
- Czech
- Dominican
- Dutch
- Egyptian
- Filipino
- French
- German
- Ghanaian
- Greek
- Hungarian
- Indian
- Iranian
- Irish
- Israeli
- Italian
- Jamaican
- Japanese
- Mexican
- New Zealander
- Nigerian
- Norwegian
- Pakistani
- Peruvian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Romanian
- Russian
- Scottish
- Serbian
- South African
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Swiss
- Turkish
- Ukrainian
Date

BORN DIED

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Famous Black Musicians a to z

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r

Sonny Rollins
- In these groups:
- Famous Jazz Musicians
- Famous Virgoans
- Famous Saxophone Players
Sonny Rollins

Saxophonist / 1930 -

Sonny Rollins is a jazz saxophonist and composer associated with the "hard bop" movement.

See full bio
(1930-)
Saxophonist
Diana Ross
- In these groups:
- Apollo Legends
- The Supremes
- African-American Biopics
Diana Ross

Actress, Singer / 1944 -

Singer and actress Diana Ross was part of the 1960s trio the Supremes as well as a solo artist, and starred in such films as Lady Sings the Blues and The Wiz.

See full bio
(1944-)
Actress, Singer
Kelly Rowland
- In these groups:
- Judges of The X Factor
- Celebrities Caught Naked
- Destiny's Child
Kelly Rowland

Singer / 1981 -

Kelly Rowland is a member of the top-selling American R&B girl group Destiny's Child.

See full bio
(1981-)
Singer
Darius Rucker
- In these groups:
- Contemporary Country Stars
- USO Entertainers
- Famous Taureans
Darius Rucker

Songwriter, Singer / 1966 -

Darius Rucker is a singer/songwriter known as the frontman of the musical group Hootie & the Blowfish and as a solo country artist.

See full bio
(1966-)
Songwriter, Singer
Ja Rule
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- USO Entertainers
- Name Changers
Ja Rule

Film Actor, Rapper / 1976 -

Ja Rule is one of the biggest rappers from the early '00s, known for hits like "Between Me and You," "Always on Time" and "Put It on Me."

See full bio
(1976-)
Film Actor, Rapper

s

Tupac Shakur
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Mysterious Deaths
- Famous Geminis
Tupac Shakur

Actor, Rapper / 1971 - 1996

A hip-hop legend, with explicit and controversial lyrics, Tupac Shakur was embroiled in a feud between East Coast and West Coast rappers.

See full bio | Watch video
(1971-1996)
Actor, Rapper
Bobby Short
- In these groups:
- Famous Singers
- Famous Pianists
- Famous People Named Bobby
Bobby Short

Pianist, Singer / 1924 - 2005

With his casual but intimate renditions, Bobby Short was the quintessential café and supper-club singer of his time.

See full bio
(1924-2005)
Pianist, Singer
Wayne Shorter
- In these groups:
- Famous Virgoans
- Famous Saxophone Players
- Famous Songwriters and Composers
Wayne Shorter

Songwriter, Saxophonist / 1933 -

Wayne Shorter is a jazz musician and composer, a major jazz saxophonist and a pioneer of jazz-rock fusion music.

See full bio
(1933-)
Songwriter, Saxophonist
Nina Simone
- In these groups:
- African-American Expats
- African-American Biopics
- Famous Harlem Residents
Nina Simone

Civil Rights Activist, Pianist, Singer, Journalist / 1933 - 2003

Nina Simone sang a mix of jazz, blues and folk music in the 1950s and '60s. A civil rights activist, she wrote songs promoting the Civil Rights Movement.

See full bio
(1933-2003)
Civil Rights Activist, Pianist, Singer, Journalist
Noble Sissle
- In these groups:
- Famous Cancerians
- Famous Singers
- Famous Songwriters and Composers
Noble Sissle

Songwriter, Singer, Playwright / 1889 - 1975

Noble Sissle was a pioneering jazz singer, bandleader and composer known for his work on the musical Shuffle Along, among other productions.

See full bio
(1889-1975)
Songwriter, Singer, Playwright
Bessie Smith
- In these groups:
- Apollo Legends
- Foremothers of Rock
- Famous Jazz Musicians
Bessie Smith

Singer / 1894 - 1937

Jazz and blues vocalist Bessie Smith's powerful, soulful voice won her countless fans and earned her the title "Empress of the Blues."

See full bio | Watch video
(1894-1937)
Singer
Jaden Smith
- In these groups:
- Famous Cancerians
- Famous Actors
- Famous Film Actors
Jaden Smith

Film Actor, Rapper / 1998 -

Jaden Smith is an actor best known for his starring role in the remake of The Karate Kid, and as the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith.

See full bio
(1998-)
Film Actor, Rapper
Will Smith
- In these groups:
- Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith
- Famous Fathers
- Hollywood Heartthrobs
Will Smith

Actor, Entrepreneur, Rapper / 1968 -

Will Smith was on the TV show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and has had a successful career as a film actor in several blockbusters since 1992.

See full bio | Watch video
(1968-)
Actor, Entrepreneur, Rapper
Willow Smith
- In these groups:
- Famous Scorpios
- Famous Actresses
- Famous Film Actresses
Willow Smith

Film Actress, Singer / 2000 -

Willow Smith, the daughter of stars Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, gained musical fame in 2010 with her first hit single "Whip My Hair".

See full bio
(2000-)
Film Actress, Singer
Trey Songz
- In these groups:
- Hollywood Heartthrobs
- Name Changers
- Soul Train Guests
Trey Songz

Children's Activist, Songwriter, Singer / 1984 -

Trey Songz is a Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter known for hits like "Can't Help but Wait."

See full bio
(1984-)
Children's Activist, Songwriter, Singer
Ronnie Spector
- In these groups:
- Famous Leos
- Famous Singers
- Musicians Who Topped the Charts
Ronnie Spector

Singer / 1943 -

Ronnie Spector became famous in the 1960s as the lead singer of the Ronettes, whose hits include "Be My Baby" and "Walking in the Rain".

See full bio
(1943-)
Singer
Mavis Staples
- In these groups:
- Influential Female Musicians of the 1960s
- Soul Train Guests
- Famous Cancerians
Mavis Staples

Civil Rights Activist, Singer / 1939 -

Mavis Staples is best known for her extensive gospel career with the Staples Singers.

See full bio
(1939-)
Civil Rights Activist, Singer
Rex Stewart
- In these groups:
- Famous Pisceans
- Famous Trumpet Players
- Famous People Named Stewart
Rex Stewart

Trumpet Player, Publisher / 1907 - 1967

Jazz master Rex Stewart is best known for his work with the Duke Ellington orchestra. Duke Ellington arranged many of his pieces to showcase Stewart's talent.

See full bio
(1907-1967)
Trumpet Player, Publisher
William Grant Still
- In these groups:
- Famous Taureans
- Famous Conductors
- Famous Songwriters and Composers
William Grant Still

Songwriter, Conductor / 1895 - 1978

William Grant Still was a conductor and composer and the first African-American to conduct a professional symphony orchestra in the U.S.

See full bio
(1895-1978)
Songwriter, Conductor
Shawn Stockman
- In these groups:
- Boyz II Men
- Famous Libras
- Reality TV Stars
Shawn Stockman

Music Producer, Singer, Reality Television Star / 1972 -

Shawn Stockman has made a name for himself by harmonizing with Philadelphia's Boyz II Men, serving as a judge on television's The Sing-Off and raising awareness about autism.

See full bio
(1972-)
Music Producer, Singer, Reality Television Star
Billy Strayhorn
- In these groups:
- Famous Sagittarians
- Famous Pianists
- Famous Songwriters and Composers
Billy Strayhorn

Songwriter, Pianist / 1915 - 1967

Billy Strayhorn is best known for his musical collaborations with Jazz legend Duke Ellington, including "Take the 'A' Train".

See full bio
(1915-1967)
Songwriter, Pianist
Ruben Studdard
- In these groups:
- American Idol
- Tax Truants
- Famous Virgoans
Ruben Studdard

Singer / 1978 -

Ruben Studdard is a R&B, pop, and gospel singer. He rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol.

See full bio
(1978-)
Singer
Donna Summer
- In these groups:
- Influential Female Musicians of the 1970s
- Soul Train Guests
- Musical Monikers
Donna Summer

Songwriter, Singer / 1948 - 2012

Donna Summer was a singer-songwriter who became the "Queen of Disco" in the 1970s with such hits as "Love to Love You Baby," "I Feel Love" and "Last Dance."

See full bio | Watch video
(1948-2012)
Songwriter, Singer

t

Ice-T
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- Celebrity Enlistees
- Name Changers
Ice-T

Rapper / 1958 -

Ice-T is best known for his raps about street life and violence, and his influence on the gangster rap genre.

See full bio
(1958-)
Rapper
Art Tatum
- In these groups:
- Famous Libras
- Famous Pianists
- Famous People Named Arthur
Art Tatum

Pianist / 1909 - 1956

Art Tatum was a highly influential 20th century jazz pianist known for his radical reinventions of pop standards.

See full bio
(1909-1956)
Pianist
Jack Teagarden
- In these groups:
- Famous Leos
- Famous People Named Jack
- Famous People Born in 1905
Jack Teagarden

Musician / 1905 - 1964

Jack Teagarden was an influential jazz trombonist - regarded as the "Father of Jazz Trombone."

See full bio
(1905-1964)
Musician
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
- In these groups:
- Foremothers of Rock
- Famous Pisceans
- Famous Singers
Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Singer / 1915 - 1973

American singer Rosetta Tharpe is credited with popularizing gospel music among secular audiences during the 1930s and '40s.

See full bio
(1915-1973)
Singer
Questlove
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- Famous Aquarians
- Famous Music Producers
Questlove

Drummer, Music Producer, Television Personality, Blogger / 1971 -

Ahmir Khalib Thompson, also known as Questlove, is known as a founding member of the hip-hop/neo-soul group the Roots.

See full bio
(1971-)
Drummer, Music Producer, Television Personality, Blogger
Big Mama Thornton
- In these groups:
- Famous Sagittarians
- Famous Singers
- Famous Songwriters and Composers
Big Mama Thornton

Songwriter, Singer / 1926 - 1984

Big Mama Thorton was a classic blues singer and songwriter whose influential work has been covered by artists including Elvis and Janis Joplin.

See full bio
(1926-1984)
Songwriter, Singer
Timbaland
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- Name Changers
- Famous Pisceans
Timbaland

Rapper, Singer / 1972 -

Timbaland is a rapper and music producer known for smash hits like "Cry Me a River," "4 Minutes," "The Way I Are" and "Give It to Me."

See full bio
(1972-)
Rapper, Singer
Toni Braxton
- In these groups:
- Ladies of Pop Music
- Super Bowl Halftime Performers
- Soul Train Guests
Toni Braxton

Theater Actress, Television Actress, Singer / 1967 -

Toni Braxton is an R&B singer-songwriter and actress best known for the hits "Un-Break My Heart," "You Mean the World to Me" and "Breathe Again."

See full bio
(1967-)
Theater Actress, Television Actress, Singer
Ike Turner
- In these groups:
- Ike and Tina Turner
- Soul Train Guests
- Famous Scorpios
Ike Turner

Musician / 1931 - 2007

Ike Turner made a string of R&B hits with singer and wife Tina Turner. He struggled with drug addiction and died of an accidental cocaine overdose.

See full bio
(1931-2007)
Musician
Tina Turner
- In these groups:
- Ike and Tina Turner
- Influential Female Musicians of the 1960s
- African-American Biopics
Tina Turner

Singer / 1939 -

Tina Turner is an American singer and actress who topped the pop music charts in the 1980s.

See full bio | Watch video
(1939-)
Singer

u

Usher
- In these groups:
- Super Bowl Halftime Performers
- Soul Train Guests
- Fashion Front Row
Usher

Television Actor, Entrepreneur, Singer / 1978 -

Usher is a successful American R&B and pop musician who began making music at age 15. His hit albums include My Way, Confessions and Looking 4 Myself.

See full bio
(1978-)
Television Actor, Entrepreneur, Singer

v

James Van Der Zee
- In these groups:
- Famous Black Artists
- Famous Cancerians
- Famous Harlem Renaissance People
James Van Der Zee

Photographer, Musician / 1886 - 1983

James Van Der Zee was a renowned, Harlem-based photographer known for his posed, storied pictures capturing African-American citizenry and celebrity.

See full bio
(1886-1983)
Photographer, Musician
Luther Vandross
- In these groups:
- Apollo Legends
- Soul Train Guests
- Famous Taureans
Luther Vandross

Songwriter, Singer / 1951 - 2005

Luther Vandross was a singer and songwriter whose smooth style and voice lent themselves to romantic ballads.

See full bio
(1951-2005)
Songwriter, Singer
Sarah Vaughan
- In these groups:
- Apollo Legends
- Jazz Singers
- Famous Arians
Sarah Vaughan

Singer / 1924 - 1990

Sarah Vaughan was an American jazz vocalist known for her impressive three octave range. She was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame in 1990.

See full bio
(1924-1990)
Singer

w

T-Bone Walker
- In these groups:
- Guitar Heroes
- Famous Geminis
- Famous Singers
T-Bone Walker

Songwriter, Guitarist, Singer / 1910 - 1975

Blues guitarist and singer-songwriter T-Bone Walker is best known for his hit song "Stormy Monday" and has been called the Charlie Parker of Blues guitar.

See full bio
(1910-1975)
Songwriter, Guitarist, Singer
Dionne Warwick
- In these groups:
- Influential Female Musicians of the 1960s
- U.N. Goodwill Ambassadors
- Soul Train Guests
Dionne Warwick

Singer / 1940 -

Soul singer Warwick became a superstar with early hits like "Walk On By" and "I Say a Little Prayer," and later with albums like Dionne and Heartbreaker.

See full bio
(1940-)
Singer
Dinah Washington
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Apollo Legends
- Name Changers
Dinah Washington

Singer / 1924 - 1963

Dinah Washington was a singer noted for her gospel-inspired delivery and string of top 10 rhythm-and-blues hits.

See full bio
(1924-1963)
Singer
Ethel Waters
- In these groups:
- Gap-Toothed Grinners
- Elementals
- The Ed Sullivan Show Guests
Ethel Waters

Film Actress, Theater Actress, Television Actress, Singer / 1896 - 1977

Ethel Waters was a blues and jazz singer and dramatic actress whose singing, based in the blues tradition, featured her full-bodied voice and slow vibrato.

See full bio
(1896-1977)
Film Actress, Theater Actress, Television Actress, Singer
Muddy Waters
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- Name Changers
- Elementals
Muddy Waters

Songwriter, Guitarist, Singer / 1915 - 1983

American singer and guitarist Muddy Waters may have been born in Mississippi, but he defined Chicago blues with songs like "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man."

See full bio
(1915-1983)
Songwriter, Guitarist, Singer
André Watts
- In these groups:
- Famous Geminis
- Famous Pianists
- Famous People Named André
André Watts

Pianist / 1946 -

André Watts is an award-winning, renowned pianist known for his virtuosic playing and rhapsodic interpretations of classical music greats.

See full bio
(1946-)
Pianist
Ben Webster
- In these groups:
- Famous Arians
- Famous Saxophone Players
- Famous People Named Benjamin
Ben Webster

Saxophonist / 1909 - 1973

Jazz musician Ben Webster (1909–1973) played tenor saxophone with jazz greats like Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington and Art Tatum.

See full bio
(1909-1973)
Saxophonist
Dicky Wells
- In these groups:
- Famous Geminis
- Famous People Born in 1907
- Famous People Born in Tennessee
Dicky Wells

Musician / 1907 - 1985

Dicky Wells was a leading American jazz trombonist noted for his melodic creativity and expressive techniques.

See full bio
(1907-1985)
Musician
Kanye West
- In these groups:
- Celebrity Self-Imploders
- Hotheads
- Celebrity Death Hoaxes
Kanye West

Songwriter, Music Producer, Rapper, Singer / 1977 -

Kanye West is a Grammy-winning rapper and sought-after producer who is as well known for his outrageous statements as he is for his broad musical palette.

See full bio
(1977-)
Songwriter, Music Producer, Rapper, Singer
Barry White
- In these groups:
- Soul Train Guests
- Famous Virgoans
- Famous Singers
Barry White

Music Producer, Singer / 1944 - 2003

Grammy Award–winning singer Barry White's smooth, deep voice produced sexy soul hits like "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe."

See full bio
(1944-2003)
Music Producer, Singer
Cootie Williams
- In these groups:
- Famous Leos
- Famous Trumpet Players
- Famous People Named Williams
Cootie Williams

Trumpet Player / 1908 - 1985

Cootie Williams was a jazz trumpeter best known for his longtime work and recorded legacy with composer and bandleader Duke Ellington.

See full bio
(1908-1985)
Trumpet Player
Joe Williams
- In these groups:
- Famous Sagittarians
- Famous Singers
- Famous People Named Joe
Joe Williams

Singer / 1918 - 1999

Joe Williams was an American singer known for his mastery of jazz, blues and ballads and for his association with Count Basie in the 1950s.

See full bio
(1918-1999)
Singer
Mary Lou Williams
- In these groups:
- Famous Academics
- Famous Teachers
- Famous Taureans
Mary Lou Williams

Educator, Songwriter, Pianist / 1910 - 1981

Mary Lou Williams was a jazz pianist who performed with and composed for many of the great jazz artists of the 1940s and '50s.

See full bio
(1910-1981)
Educator, Songwriter, Pianist
Michelle Williams
- In these groups:
- Destiny's Child
- Famous Leos
- Famous Actresses
Michelle Williams

Actress, Singer / 1980 -

Michelle Williams became a top pop music star as part of the band Destiny's Child. She has also enjoyed some success as a solo gospel music artist and an actress.

See full bio
(1980-)
Actress, Singer
Vanessa Williams
- In these groups:
- People Who Played Scrooge
- Soul Train Guests
- Primetime Soap Stars
Vanessa Williams

Film Actress, Theater Actress, Television Actress, Singer / 1963 -

Vanessa Williams is an actress and singer known for her Miss America scandal and her roles on TV shows such as Ugly Betty.

See full bio | Watch video
(1963-)
Film Actress, Theater Actress, Television Actress, Singer
Sonny Boy Williamson
- In these groups:
- Famous Arians
- Famous Singers
- Famous People Born in 1914
Sonny Boy Williamson

Singer / 1914 - 1948

Sonny Boy Williamson, originally John Lee Curtis Williamson, was a blues singer and harmonica player. He was the first musician to use the nickname Sonny Boy.

See full bio
(1914-1948)
Singer
Jackie Wilson
- In these groups:
- Apollo Legends
- Celebrity Enlistees
- Soul Train Guests
Jackie Wilson

Singer / 1934 - 1984

Jackie Wilson was a dynamic and powerful soul performer during 1960s who successfully crossed over from the rhythm-and-blues charts to pop music.

See full bio
(1934-1984)
Singer
Mary Wilson
- In these groups:
- The Supremes
- Soul Train Guests
- Famous Pisceans
Mary Wilson

Singer / 1944 -

Singer Mary Wilson, along with friends Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, formed The Supremes in 1961 and soon became a Motown legend.

See full bio
(1944-)
Singer
Teddy Wilson
- In these groups:
- Famous Sagittarians
- Famous Pianists
- Famous People Named Wilson
Teddy Wilson

Pianist / 1912 - 1986

Teddy Wilson was an influential pianist of jazz and swing. He played and recorded with jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald.

See full bio
(1912-1986)
Pianist
Stevie Wonder
- In these groups:
- Apollo Legends
- Musical Monikers
- Name Changers
Stevie Wonder

Songwriter, Pianist, Singer / 1950 -

Stevie Wonder is an American musician and a former child prodigy who became one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. His hit songs include "Living in the City," "Boogie on a Reggae Woman" and "Isn't She Lovely."

See full bio | Watch video
(1950-)
Songwriter, Pianist, Singer

y

Dr. Dre
- In these groups:
- Musical Monikers
- Name Changers
- Soul Train Guests
Dr. Dre

Music Producer, Rapper / 1965 -

Rapper-producer Dr. Dre first made it big with hip hop group N.W.A. in 1980s. He has also enjoyed success as a solo act and worked with Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent.

See full bio
(1965-)
Music Producer, Rapper
Lester Young
- In these groups:
- Famous Jazz Musicians
- Famous Virgoans
- Famous Saxophone Players
Lester Young

Saxophonist / 1909 - 1959

Lester Young was a saxophonist who introduced an approach to improvisation that provided much of the basis for modern jazz solo conception.

See full bio
(1909-1959)
Saxophonist

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