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.
Bob Dylan revamped the 1929 hit love song ‘She’s Funny That Way’ with same-sex pronouns for a new 6-song EP, ‘Universal Love: Wedding Songs Reimagined.’ The album, Funded by MGM, is meant to be inclusive of LGBT couples and features Kesha among other artists.
Richard Starkey, better known as Ringo Starr, has become the second member of The Beatles to be knighted, after Sir Paul McCartney. Ringo, who was honored for “services to music,” said, “It means recognition for the things we've done. I was really pleased to accept this."
Queen Latifah is a Grammy Award-winning rapper, record producer and actress, known for her roles in the big screen adaptation of 'Chicago' and the HBO film 'Bessie.'
Tina Turner told ‘The Times’ that she has forgiven ex-husband and bandmate Ike Turner, who died in 2007, for years of abuse. “As an old person, I have forgiven him, but it would not work with him...Ike wasn’t someone you could forgive and allow him back in,” she said.
Miley Cyrus is facing a $300 million copyright infringement over her 2013 hit ‘We Can’t Stop.’ Jamaican singer and songwriter Michael May alleges the lyrics “We run things / Things don’t run we” and that significant vocal melody, rhythm, cadence and inflection were taken from his 1988 song.
British musician Ozzy Osbourne fronted the heavy metal band Black Sabbath before becoming a reality TV star with 'The Osbournes.'
Tony Bennett is an American jazz vocalist, best known for performing standards and his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."
Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Bruno Mars is up for an impressive six nominations at the Grammy Awards, where he will also be among the featured performers.
Sir Elton John has announced he’s retiring from global touring after his three-year concert series kicks off this September. The singer told Entertainment Tonight his two young sons are too important for him to continue playing more than 100 shows a year.
Nikki Sixx founded and played bass in the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. He also has written multiple autobiographies and hosts the radio show 'Sixx Sense.'
Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. She had a thriving career for many years before she lost her battle with addiction.
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 multi-generational hit songs include "My Cherie Amour," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "Superstition," "Living in the City," "Boogie on Reggae Woman," "Sir Duke," "That Girl" and "Part-Time Lover."
Singer Ricky Martin has married artist Jwan Yosef. The couple privately exchanged vows, with a proper wedding reception in the works. "My kids ask me about having two daddies and I tell them we are a part of a modern family," Martin recently told ‘Out’ magazine.
A 90-minute documentary David Bowie: The Last Five Years, has begun airing on HBO. Previously broadcast on British TV, the film includes new Bowie footage and interviews with musicians, producers, and directors who worked with him on his final tour.
After the Carolina Panthers announced plans to sell his team, P Diddy Tweeted his interest in buying it. "There are no majority African American NFL owners," he wrote, adding he'd make history and put Colin Kaepernick in the running for QB.
Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, responsible for hits such as "Both Sides Now" and "Big Yellow Taxi," is widely considered 1960s and '70s folk royalty.
American singer and pianist Fats Domino was a rhythm-and-blues star who became one of the first rock-and-roll stars and who helped define the New Orleans sound.