Spanning jazz to soul to funk, to more contemporary genres like R&B, rap and pop, African-American musicians are responsible for chart-topping hits like "I Feel Good," "Respect," "Georgia on My Mind," "Let The Good Times Roll," "Good Golly Miss Molly" and "Thriller." Explore our collection of famous black musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, B.B. King, Duke Ellington, James Brown, Little Richard, Beyoncé Knowles, and more.
Browse notable guitarists such as Ruben Blades, Paul Simon, and Johnny Cash.
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.
Take a look at famous people named Jackson, such as Michael Jackson, Jesse L. Jackson Jr., and Janet Jackson.
Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael were five brothers from Gary, Indiana, who became one of the biggest pop groups in music history. One of Motown's most successful acts in the 1970s, The Jackson 5 had four of their first singles hit the top of the Billboard chart, but the group's appeal was more than just musical - they were among the first black teen idols to appeal to a white audience. The Jackson 5's mix of mind-blowing musical talent and sheer charisma earned the family the status of pop royalty in the music business and later helped launch Michael's legendary solo career.
The Jackson family is arguably one of the most famous families in entertainment. Originating from Gary, Indiana, this iconic group influenced musical genres from R&B and soul, to pop. The nine Jackson children Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Michael, Randy, and Janet have all made their mark on the music industry. From the early success of "The Jackson 5" to Michael's reign as the "King of Pop," the siblings became important figures in popular culture, however not without controversy. Here we look at the members of this unforgettable family and their rise to fame.