Top 100 Favorite Artists/Bands
Artists/Bands are in alphabetic order. Songs include solo endeavors and such. Still very much a work in progress.
List activity
442 views
• 4 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
100 people
- Music Department
- Actor
- Producer
Favorite songs:
Electric Relaxation (Midnight Marauders; 1993)
Award Tour (Midnight Marauders; 1993)
Check the Rhime (The Low End Theory; 1991)
Scenario (The Low End Theory; 1991)
Can I Kick It? (People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm; 1990)
I Left My Wallet in El Segundo (People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm; 1990)
Find a Way (The Love Movement; 1998)
1nce Again (Beats, Rhymes and Life; 1996)
Bonita Applebum (People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm; 1990)
Stressed Out (Beats, Rhymes and Life; 1996)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
AC/DC is a legendary rock band from Australia, formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. AC/DC have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 71.5 million albums in the United States, adding them to the list of highest-certified music artists in the United States and the list of best-selling music artists. "Back in Black" has sold an estimated 50 million units worldwide, making it the second-highest-selling album by any artist - and the highest-selling album by any band. AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on 10 March 2003.Favorite songs:
Back in Black (Back in Black; 1980)
It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) (T.N.T.; 1975)
Highway to Hell (Highway to Hell; 1979)
You Shook Me All Night Long (Back in Black; 1980)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap; 1976)
T.N.T. (T.N.T.; 1975)
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (For Those About to Rock We Salute You; 1981)
Thunderstruck (The Razors Edge; 1990)
Have a Drink on Me (Back in Black; 1980)
Hells Bells (Back in Black; 1980)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Producer
Alice in Chains is an American rock band from Seattle, Washington, formed in 1987 by guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney. Since its formation, Alice in Chains has released five studio albums. Their debut album, Facelift, featuring the hit single "Man In The Box", was released in 1990 and has been certified double-platinum by the RIAA, selling over two million copies. In 1992, the band's second album, Dirt, was released to critical acclaim and was certified quadruple platinum.Favorite songs:
Man in the Box (Facelift; 1990)
Would? (Dirt; 1992)
I Stay Away (Jar of Flies; 1994)
Heaven Beside You (Alice in Chains; 1995)
Rooster (Dirt; 1992)
Again (Alice in Chains; 1995)
Them Bones (Dirt; 1992)
Angry Chair (Dirt; 1992)
No Excuses (Jar of Flies; 1994)
Bleed the Freak (Facelift; 1990)
Down in a Hole (Dirt; 1992)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
The Beach Boys is an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Carl Wilson; their cousin Mike Love; and their friend Al Jardine. The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and widely influential bands of all time. The group had over eighty songs chart worldwide, thirty-six of them US Top 40 hits (the most by an American rock band), four reaching number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Beach Boys have sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling bands of all time.Favorite songs:
Don't Worry Baby (Shut Down Volume 2; 1964)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (Pet Sounds; 1966)
God Only Knows (Pet Sounds; 1966)
Good Vibrations (single; 1966)
Surf's Up (Surf's Up; 1971)
I Get Around (All Summer Long; 1964)
It's About Time (Sunflower; 1970)
Feel Flows (Surf's Up; 1971)
Forever (Sunflower; 1970)
California Girls (Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!); 1965)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Favorite songs:
Pass the Mic (Check Your Head; 1992)
Sabotage (Ill Communication; 1994)
So What'cha Want (Check Your Head; 1992)
Intergalactic (Hello Nasty; 1998)
Alive (Beastie Boys Anthology: The Sounds of Science; 1999)
Sure Shot (Ill Communication; 1994)
Hey Ladies (Paul's Boutique; 1989)
Ch-Check It Out (To the 5 Boroughs; 2004)
Gratitude (Check Your Head; 1992)
Looking Down a Barrel of a Gun (Paul's Boutique; 1989)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
The Beatles were an English rock band that became arguably the most successful act of the 20th century. They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations. Their songs and images carrying powerful ideas of love, peace, help, and imagination evoked creativity and liberation that outperformed the rusty Soviet propaganda and contributed to breaking walls in the minds of millions, thus making impact on human history.
In July of 1957, in Liverpool, Paul McCartney met John Lennon. Both were teenagers. Paul impressed John with his mastery of acoustic guitar, and was invited to join Lennon's group, The Quarrymen. George Harrison joined them in February of 1958. In 1959 they played regular gigs at a club called The Casbah. They were joined by vocalist Stuart Sutcliffe, and by drummer Peter Best, whose mother owned The Casbah club. Early incarnations of the band included The Quarrymen, Johnny & the Moon Dogs, and The Silver Beetles. John Lennon dreamed up the band's final name, The Beatles, a mix of beat with beetle. In 1960 The Beatles toured in Hamburg, Germany. There they were joined by Ringo Starr, who previously played with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. In Hamburg, The Beatles made their first studio work as a backing band for singer Tony Sheridan's recordings for the German Polydor label, however, in the credits the band's name was changed to The Beat Brothers. From February 1961 to August 1963, The Beatles played a regular gig at the Cavern. They were paid five pounds for their first show, rising to three hundred pounds per show in 1963. In two and a half years The Beatles gave 262 shows at the Cavern in Liverpool.
Brian Epstein was invited to be the manager of the Beatles in November 1961. His diplomatic way of dealing with the Beatles and with their previous manager resulted in a December 10, 1961, meeting, where it was decided that Epstein would manage the band. A 5-year management contract was signed by four members at then-drummer Pete Best's home on January 24, 1962. Epstein did not put his signature on it, giving the musicians the freedom of choice. At that time McCartney and Harrison were under 21, so the paper wasn't technically legal. None of them realized this and it did not matter to them. What mattered was their genuine trust in Epstein. He changed their early image for the good. Brian Epstein made them wear suits and ties, classic shoes, and newer haircuts. They were advised to update their manners on stage and quit eating and drinking in public. Brian Epstein worked hard on both the Beatles' image and public relations. He improved their image enough to make them accepted by the conservative media. Most if not all of their communication off-stage was managed by Brian Epstein.
On January 1, 1962, The Beatles came to London and recorded fifteen songs at the Decca Records. They were not hired, but the material helped them later. During the year 1962, they made several trips to London and auditioned for various labels. In May of 1962 Epstein canceled the group's contract with Tony Sheridan and the German label. Brian Epstein was persistent in trying to sign a record deal for the Beatles, even after being rejected by every major record label in UK, like Columbia, Philips, Oriole, Decca, and Pye. Epstein transferred a demo tape to disc with HMV technician Jim Foy, who liked their song and referred it to Parlophone's George Martin. On June 6, 1962, at the Abbey Road studios, they passed Martin's audition with the exception of Pete Best. George Martin liked them, but recommended the change of a drummer. Being asked by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison; Epstein fired Pete Best. After a mutual decision the band was completed with Ringo Starr, who duly became the fourth Beatle. In September of 1962 The Beatles recorded their first hit Love Me Do, which charted in UK, and reached the top of the US singles chart.
London became their new home since 1963. On February 11, 1963, The Beatles recorded the entire album 'Please, Please me' in one day, working non-stop during ten-hour studio session. In May and June, 1963, the band made a tour with Roy Orbison. In August of 1963, their single She Loves You became a super hit. Their October 1963 performance at the London Palladium made them famous in Great Britain and initiated the Beatlemania in the UK. The show at the London Palladium was broadcast live and seen by twelve million viewers. Then, in November 1962, The Beatles gave a charity concert at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London. There, performing for the rich and famous, John Lennon made his famous announcement: Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you'll just rattle your jewelry.
In early performances the Beatles included popular songs from the 40s and 50s. They played rock-n-roll and R&B-based pop songs while they gradually worked on developing a style of their own. Their mixture of rock-n-roll, skiffle, blues, country, soul, and a simplified version of 1930s jazz resulted in several multi-genre and cross-style sounding songs. They admitted their interest in the music of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Little Richard and other entertainers of the 40s, 50s and early 60s. Beatles' distinctive vocals were sometimes reminiscent of the Everly Brothers' tight harmonies. By 1965 their style absorbed ethnic music influences from India and other Oriental cultures, and later expanded into psychedelic experiments and classical-sounding compositions. Their creative search covered a range of styles from jazz and rock to a cosmopolitan cross-cultural and cross-genre compositions.
Initially the Beatles were a guitars and drums band. In the course of their career every member became a multi-instrumentalist. George Harrison played the lead guitar and also introduced such exotic instruments as ukulele, Indian sitars, flutes, tabla, darbouka, and tampur drums. John Lennon played a variety of guitars, keyboards, harmonicas and horns. Paul McCartney played bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitars, piano and keyboards, as well as over 40 other musical instruments. The Beatles were the first popular band that used a classical touch of strings and keyboard instruments; their producer George Martin scored Baroque orchestrations in several songs, such as Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, In My Life, and a full orchestra in Sgt. Pepper. John Lennon and Paul McCartney played piano in many of their songs. Their jamming on a piano together led to creation of their best-selling hit I Want to Hold Your Hand in 1963.
At first the Beatles were rejected by Dick Clark after testing a recording of their song on his show. Then Brian Epstein approached Ed Sullivan, who discussed them with Walter Cronkite after seeing them on his CBS Evening News in 1963. Brian Epstein also managed to get their music played by influential radio stations in Washington and New York. The US consumer reaction was peaking, a single 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' was released in December 1963 by the Capitol Records. Their sensational tour in the USA began with three TV shows at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, in February of 1964. After that The Beatles endured several years of extremely intensive recording, filming, and touring. They stopped public performances after 1966, but continued their recording contracts. By 1985 The Beatles had sold over one billion records. Music became their ticket to ride around the world. Beatlemania never really ended since its initiation. It still lives as a movable feast in many hearts and minds, as a sweet memory of youth, when all you need is love and a little help from a friend to be happy.
The Beatles' first two feature films, A Hard Day's Night (1964) and Help (1965), were made in collaboration with an American director, Richard Lester. Their humorous, ironic, and farcical film performances are reminiscent of the Marx Brothers' comedies. Later The Beatles moved into the area of psychedelic innovations with the animated film Yellow Submarine (1966). Their surrealistic TV movie The Magical Mystery Tour (1967) became the cause for the first major criticism of their work in the British press. Their film music was also released as studio albums. Original music by The Beatles as well as re-makes of their songs has been also used, often uncredited, in music scores of feature films and documentaries. Some of The Beatles concert and studio performances were filmed on several occasions and were later edited and released after the band's dissolution. In 1999 the remastered and remixed film The Beatles Yellow Submarine Adventure (2000) delighted a younger audience with incredible animation and songs.
All four members were charismatic and individually talented artists, they sparked each other from the beginning. Eventually they made a much better group effort under the thorough management by Brian Epstein. His coaching helped consolidate their talents and mutual stimulation into beautiful teamwork. Paul McCartney had the privilege of a better musical education, having studied classical piano and guitar in his childhood. He progressed as a lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, as well as a singer-songwriter. McCartney wrote more songs for the Beatles than other members of the band. His songs Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, Blackbird, When I'm 64, Let It Be are among the Beatles' best hits. Yesterday is considered the most-covered song in history with over three thousand versions of it recorded by various artists. McCartney accepted the agreement that was offered by John Lennon in 1957, about the 50/50 authorship of every song written by either one of them. Most of The Beatles' songs are formally credited to both names, regardless of the fact that many of the songs were written individually.
On June 25, 1967, The Beatles made history becoming the first band globally transmitted on TV to an estimated 400 million people worldwide. The Beatles were a segment in the first-ever worldwide satellite hook-up and their new song "All You Need Is Love" was broadcast live during the show. Two months later The Beatles lost their creative manager Brian Epstein, whose talent for problem-solving was unmatched. "That was it, the beginning of the end", said Lennon. Evolution of each member's creativity and musicianship also led to individual career ambitions.
John Lennon was experimenting with psychedelic poetry and art. His creativity was very unique and innovative. Lennon wrote Come Together, Girl, Revolution, Strawberry Fields and many other Beatles' hits. An out-of-context reprinting of Lennon's remarks on the Beatlemania phenomenon caused problems in the media. His comparison of Beatles' popularity to that of Jesus Christ was used to attack them publicly, causing cancellations of their performances and even burning of their records. Lennon had to apologize several times in press and on TV, including at a Chicago press conference. In 1967 John Lennon met Japanese artist Yoko Ono, whom he later married. George Harrison was the lead guitar player and also took sitar lessons from Ravi Shankar. Harrison had his own inner light of creativity and spirituality, he wrote Something, Taxman, I me mine, and other hits. Ringo Starr sang 'Yellow Submarine' and a few other songs. He has made a film career and also toured with his All Stars Band and released several solo albums. His 1973 release "Ringo" was the last album to feature all four living Beatles, although not on the same song.
The Beatles created over 240 songs, they recorded many singles and albums, made films and TV shows. Thousands of memorable pictures popularized their image. In their evolution from beginners to the leaders of entertainment, they learned from many world cultures, absorbed from various styles, and created their own. Their cross-style compositions covered a range of influences from English folk ballads to Indian raga; absorbing from Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Elvis Presley, Everly Brothers, Little Richard, and others. The songwriting and performing talents of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, fused in the Beatles' music. Lennon and McCartney initiated changes in music publishing industry by breaking the Tin Pan Alley monopoly of songwriting. Their legacy became possible due to highly professional work by Brian Epstein and George Martin. In 1994 three surviving members reunited and produced Lennon's previously unknown song 'Free as a Bird'. It was preserved by Yoko Ono on a tape recording made by Lennon in 1977. The song was re-arranged and re-mixed with the voices of three surviving members. The Beatles Anthology TV documentary was watched by 420 million people in 1995.
The Beatles represent the collective consciousness of several generations. Millions of viewers and listeners across the universe became conditioned to the sounds and images of The Beatles. Their influence on the modern world never stopped. Numbers may only show the tip of the iceberg (record sales, shows admissions, top hits, etc.). As image-makers and role models they pushed boundaries in lifestyle and business, affecting customers behavior and consumption beyond the entertainment industry by turning all life into entertainment. A brilliant blend of music and lyrics in their songs made influence on many minds by carrying messages like: give peace a chance and people working it out. A message more powerful than political control, it broke through second and third world censorship and regulations and set many millions free.
Steve Jobs, being a big fan of Paul McCartney and The Beatles, referred to them on many occasions and also was interviewed on a showing of a Paul McCartney concert. When asked about his business model, Steve Jobs replied: My model for business is The Beatles: They were four guys that kept each other's negative tendencies in check; they balanced each other. And the total was greater than the sum of the parts. Great things in business are never done by one person, they are done by a team of people.
The Beatles made impact on human history, because their influence has been liberating for generations of nowhere men living in misery beyond the Iron Curtain. Something in their songs and images appealed to everybody who wanted to become free as a bird. Their songs carrying powerful ideas of real love, peace, help, and imagination evoked creativity that outperformed the rusty Soviet propaganda and contributed to breaking chains and walls in the minds of millions. The Beatles expressed themselves in beautiful and liberating words of love, happiness, freedom, and revolution, and carried those messages to people across the universe. Their songs and images helped many freedom-loving people to come together for revolutions in Prague and Warsaw, Beijing and Bucharest, Berlin and Moscow. The Beatles has been an inspiration for those who take the long and winding road to freedom.
Even after The Beatles had gone, the individual members continued to spread their message; from the concert for Bangladesh by George Harrison and Ringo Starr in 1971, to 2003 "Back in USSR" concert by Paul McCartney on the Red Square in Moscow, and his 2004 show near the Tsar's Winter Palace in St. Petersburg where the Communist Revolution took place, just imagine.
In 2005 the Entertainment magazine poll named The Beatles the most iconic entertainers of the 20th Century. In July of 2006, the guitar on which Paul McCartney played his first chords and impressed John Lennon, was sold at an auction for over $600,000.
In July 2012, Paul McCartney rocked the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He delivered a live performance of The Beatles's timeless hit "Hey Jude" and engaged the crowd of people from all over the world to join his band in a sing along finale. The show was seen by a live audience of 80000 people at the Olympic Park Stadium in addition to an estimated TV audience of two billion people worldwide.Favorite songs:
Yesterday (Help!; 1965)
Instant Karma! (JL; single; 1970)
Hey Jude (single; 1968)
Revolution (The White Album; 1968)
Imagine (JL; Imagine; 1971)
A Day in the Life (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band; 1967)
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band; 1967)
Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five (PMaW; Band on the Run; 1973)
#9 Dream (JL; Walls and Bridges; 1974)
My Sweet Lord (All Things Must Pass; 1970)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Born William Michael Albert Broad in Middlesex, England, in 1955, the first child of Bill and Joan Broad. When he was 2, his father moved the family to Long Island, New York, in pursuit of the American dream. They returned 4 years later (now with a baby sister, Jane) to Dorking. America made a big impression on Billy; he loved the big cars and rock music. The family moved next to the Running Horses Public House in Mickleham, until 1963, while their home in Goring, Sussex, was being built.
The time in Goring would be a happy period for the Broads. Billy enjoyed a fairly normal childhood, hanging out with his pals and getting up to the usual mischief strong-willed boys are wont to. The Broads were a religious family who regularly attended church, Billy joined the Boy Scouts in Goring, though was reputedly asked to leave after getting caught kissing a girl. Idol was a bright student, and passed his 11 plus, but he was bored at school. When a teacher wrote "Billy is Idle" in the margin of one of his works, it stuck in his mind and later inspired his stage name. Nevertheless, Billy progressed well and, when the family moved to Bromley in Kent in 1971, he transferred to the Ravensbourne Grammar School.
The distractions of London, however, were not conducive to studying, and he failed to achieve the requirements for university entrance. His disappointed parents arranged for him to retake his exams at Orpington College of further education. Idol enjoyed the more relaxed environment here and, a year later, had secured his place at Sussex University. He began his course in English and Philosophy in September 1975. This coincided with the explosion of punk rock, which captured the imagination of Idol far more than his studies. He started hanging out with a group of like-minded friends at the in-venues in London, instantly recognizable by their Malcolm Mclaren SEX shop clothes and peg pants. They became known as the Bromley Contingent (the contingent included Susan Dallion (Siouxsie Sioux), later of Siouxsie and the Banshees) and began following the anarchic Sex Pistols to every gig. At this time, Bill Broad changed his name to Billy Idol and decided he wanted to be a real part of the musical revolution. This meant dropping out of university and forming his first band, The Rockettes, with his classmate, Steve Upstone. They played covers of various bands, The Animals, The Beatles and The Doors. They gigged in the campus cafeteria and did one gig outside the University at the local youth hall, though they never recorded. They also did an audition for famed music managers Malcolm McLaren and Bernie Rhodes, who told Steve that he was the real star. This and his father's doubt and disapproval only served to make Billy more determined.
When Billy met Tony James, a fellow student, and became Chelsea, then Generation X, they started to get noticed. The final Generation X lineup - Tony James on bass, John Towe on drums, Bob Andrews on guitar and Idol as lead vocals, played their first live show in November 1976 and began writing and recording original material. In 1977, Chrysalis Records offered them a contract. After 3 albums and with management problems, band discord and the decline of the punk movement, Billy decided it was time to go solo. He relocated to New York and hooked up with Kiss manager Bill Aucoin. In 1981, the EP "Don't Stop" (comprising a cover of Tommy James' 1960s hit "Mony Mony" and a pair of remixed Generation X tracks, including "Dancing With Myself") landed him a solo deal with Chrysalis. He found the perfect collaborator and partner in guitarist Steve Stevens and released the self-titled "Billy Idol" in 1982. Idol made full use of the MTV explosion - the hugely successful videos for "White Wedding" and "Dancing With Myself" showcased his peroxide spiky hair, sneer and leathers to great effect. The stage was set for the hugely successful "Rebel Yell" in 1984. These early years were wild with Billy's hell-raising antics generating as much (if not more) publicity than his music. An eight-track best-of, "Vital Idol", was released in 1985 and the popularity of the live video of "Mony Mony" on MTV kept him in the spotlight. 1986 saw a new release, "Whiplash Smile" - it sold well and saw him nominated for a second Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance (the first was for "Rebel Yell"), but some felt it failed to live up to expectations. Stevens left to form his own band shortly afterwords.
Idol was ready to try new things, moving to Los Angeles, taking on a new band and appearing in an all-star stage version of The Who's "Tommy". In 1990, however, around the time of the release of his new album, "Charmed Life", Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident when he ran a stop sign on his Harley. He almost lost a leg and was confined to bed for 6 months. He battled back bravely - the video for the first single, "Cradle of Love", showed him from the waist up - at the time, he was paralysed below. The album was a success, his fourth in a row to achieve, at least, platinum sales. Idol decided to take a break and try his hand at acting, making his screen debut in Oliver Stone's The Doors (1991) in 1991. His next appearances before the camera were less auspicious, after pleading guilty to punching companion Amber Nevel outside a West Hollywood restaurant in 1992. He paid $2700 in fines and was required to appear in a series of anti-drug commercials.
The year 1993's "Cyberpunk" saw a new-look Idol, he had changed his famous peroxide spikes to dreadlocks, and his sound to synthesized techo beats. The album flopped, and Idol sank into drug addiction. He had another brush with death in 1994 when he overdosed and had to be treated in a Los Angeles hospital. Upon his discharge, he calmed down and began to focus more on fatherhood. Although he has never married, Idol has two children - a son from his long term relationship with former Hot Gossip Dancer Perri Lister, William Broad, born in June 1988, and a daughter, Bonnie Blue, from another relationship, born 1989. The next few years were quiet until 1998, when a cameo appearance in the hit movie, The Wedding Singer (1998), began an Idol revival. In 1999, his recognition was confirmed with his second wax model opening in Las Vegas. He teamed up with Stevens, once more, and found the old magic was still there. A more extensive "Greatest Hits" was released in 2001 and sold over half a million copies in the USA alone, 2002 saw two VH1 specials - Behind the Music and Storytellers.
Idol is currently working with Stevens on new material, some of which has featured in the most recent tours over the past four years. It may be some time since the hedonistic, hell-raising days but his unbridled passion for music and performing remain and the shows are still no-holds barred. Despite his bad-boy image, offstage Idol is said to be quite gentle and sensitive, knowledgeable with a good sense of humour and vegetarian.Favorite songs:
Rebel Yell (Rebel Yell; 1983)
Cradle of Love (Charmed Life; 1990)
Dancing with Myself (Don't Stop; 1981)
White Wedding (Billy Idol; 1982)
Mony Mony (Don't Stop; 1981)
Scream (Devil's Playground; 2005)
Eyes Without a Face (Rebel Yell; 1983)
Prodigal Blues (Charmed Life; 1990)
John Wayne (The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself; 2008)
Endless Sleep (Charmed Life; 1990)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actress
Born in 1965 in the Icelandic capital city of Reykjavik, the daughter of Gudmundur Gunnarsson (an electrician) and Hildur Hauksdóttir who divorced before her second birthday, Björk grew up in a hippie-type community with her mother and her seven siblings. She started to study classical music at the age of 5 and released her first album in 1977 (mainly traditional Icelandic folk songs and international hits translated to Icelandic) when she was only 11. During her teenage years Björk became involved in several bands, most of them punk: Spit & Snot (1977), Exodus (1979-80), Jam 80 (1980), Tappi Tíkarrass (1981-83) (featured the documentary Rock in Reykjavik (1982)) and Kukl (1984-86). She then formed the pop group The Sugarcubes with Einar Örn Benediktsson and Sigtryggur Baldursson and eventually other members Þór Eldon (with whom she had a son in 1986), Margrét Örnólfsdóttir and Bragi Ólafsson. The band released its first single in 1986 and its first album, "Life's Too Good", in 1988, and discovered international success, especially in UK. While touring in the US with the Sugarcubes, Björk met Boris Acosta, a music connoisseur and now a film producer and director, who told her she would be very successful in the years to come. She was shocked to hear that and gracefully thanked him for his sweet words. During her Sugarcubes years, Björk also collaborated with the Icelandic jazz group Gudmundar Ingólfssonar Trio for the album "Gling-Glo" in 1990, and featured 808 State's "Ooops", which was the start of her electronic music interest. The Sugarcubes eventually split after a few albums in 1992 and in 1993. Björk released her first solo album, "Debut", in collaboration with producer Nellee Hooper. The worldwide success of the album (nearly 3 million copies sold) made possible her second album, "Post", in 1995, also with help of not only Nellee Hooper but techno gurus Graham Massey (from 808 State), Howie B. and Tricky, followed by the remix album "Telegram" the year after. After some problems in the UK, where she lived, she decided to go to Spain to record her third album, "Homogenic", released in 1997. Her main collaborators were the 'Icelandic String Octet', Mark Bell (from LFO), Mark Stent and again Howie B, and the album may be her most electronic. After Danish director Lars von Trier discovered her in the music video of "It's Oh So Quiet", he asked her to play the main role and to compose the music for his new movie Dancer in the Dark (2000). She won the Best Actress Prize in the Cannes Festival, and said that it would be her only cinema performance (although she'd already acted in the Icelandic movie The Juniper Tree (1990)) because it was too painful for her and because she considered herself a music artist and not a cinema artist. The original soundtrack was re-worked by her before being released as an album under the title "Selmasongs" in September 2000 (including a new version of the duet song "I've Seen it All" with Thom Yorke). Her fourth album, probably the most quiet, "Vespertine", featured a chamber orchestra, an Icelandic choir and harpist Zeena Parkins, and was also a successful collaboration with Matmos. She then successively released a book of photos and texts, series of DVD, a Greatest Hits album and two special boxes ("Family Tree" and "Björk Box"). She also took time to marry artist Matthew Barney, with whom she had a daughter in 2002. In August 2004 she composed and sang "Oceania" for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens. This song was featured on her fifth album, "Medúlla", released about two weeks after the ceremony. It is mostly made with vocals and some titles are close to experimental music, featuring choirs, Inuit singer Tanya Tagaq, Japanese artist Dokaka, Robert Wyatt, Rahzel and Mike Patton, but also collaborating again with programmers Matmos, Mark Bell and Mark "Spike" Stent.Favorite songs:
Venus as a Boy (Debut; 1993)
Hyperballad (Post; 1995)
Human Behaviour (Debut; 1993)
Birthday (TS; Life's Too Good; 1987)
It's Oh So Quiet (Post; 1995)
Play Dead (The Young Americans soundtrack; 1993)
Hit (TS; Stick Around for Joy; 1991)
Gling glo (Gling-Gló; 1990)
Bachelorette (Homogenic; 1997)
Army of Me (Post; 1995)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Black Sabbath were an English rock band, formed in Birmingham in 1968, by guitarist and main songwriter Tony Iommi, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward and singer Ozzy Osbourne. Black Sabbath are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes, with Iommi being the only constant member throughout its history. On 7 March 2017, Black Sabbath announced they had disbanded.Favorite songs:
Paranoid (Paranoid; 1970)
War Pigs (Paranoid; 1970)
Heaven and Hell (Heaven and Hell; 1980)
Iron Man (Paranoid; 1970)
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Sabbath Bloody Sabbath; 1973)
Fairies Wear Boots (Paranoid; 1970)
Sweet Leaf (Master of Reality; 1971)
The Wizard (Black Sabbath; 1970)
Electric Funeral (Paranoid; 1970)
Children of the Grave (Master of Reality; 1971)- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Actor
Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Miles, Saint Ann, Jamaica, to Norval Marley and Cedella Booker. His father was a Jamaican of English descent. His mother was a black teenager. The couple were married in 1944 but Norval left for Kingston immediately after. Norval died in 1957, seeing his son only a few times.
Bob Marley started his career with the Wailers, a group he formed with Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston in 1963. Marley married Rita Marley in February 1966, and it was she who introduced him to Rastafarianism. By 1969 Bob, Tosh and Livingston had fully embraced Rastafarianism, which greatly influence Marley's music in particular and on reggae music in general. The Wailers collaborated with Lee Scratch Perry, resulting in some of the Wailers' finest tracks like "Soul Rebel", "Duppy Conquerer", "400 Years" and "Small Axe." This collaboration ended bitterly when the Wailers found that Perry, thinking the records were his, sold them in England without their consent. However, this brought the Wailers' music to the attention of Chris Blackwell, the owner of Island Records.
Blackwell immediately signed the Wailers and produced their first album, "Catch a Fire". This was followed by "Burnin'", featuring tracks as "Get Up Stand Up" and "I Shot the Sheriff." Eric Clapton's cover of that song reached #1 in the US. In 1974 Tosh and Livingston left the Wailers to start solo careers. Marley later formed the band "Bob Marley and the Wailers", with his wife Rita as one of three backup singers called the I-Trees. This period saw the release of some groundbreaking albums, such as "Natty Dread", "Rastaman Vibration".
In 1976, during a period of spiraling political violence in Jamaica, an attempt was made on Marley's life. Marley left for England, where he lived in self-exile for two years. In England "Exodus" was produced, and it remained on the British charts for 56 straight weeks. This was followed by another successful album, "Kaya." These successes introduced reggae music to the western world for the first time, and established the beginning of Marley's international status.
In 1977 Marley consulted with a doctor when a wound in his big toe would not heal. More tests revealed malignant melanoma. He refused to have his toe amputated as his doctors recommended, claiming it contradicted his Rastafarian beliefs. Others, however, claim that the main reason behind his refusal was the possible negative impact on his dancing skills. The cancer was kept secret from the general public while Bob continued working.
Returning to Jamaica in 1978, he continued work and released "Survival" in 1979 which was followed by a successful European tour. In 1980 he was the only foreign artist to participated in the independence ceremony of Zimbabwe. It was a time of great success for Marley, and he started an American tour to reach blacks in the US. He played two shows at Madison Square Garden, but collapsed while jogging in NYC's Central Park on September 21, 1980. The cancer diagnosed earlier had spread to his brain, lungs and stomach. Bob Marley died in a Miami hospital on May 11, 1981. He was 36 years old.Favorite songs:
Redemption Song (Uprising; 1980)
Is This Love (Kaya; 1978)
No Woman, No Cry (Live!; 1975)
Concrete Jungle (single; 1971)
Could You Be Loved (Uprising; 1980)
Forever Loving Jah (Uprising; 1980)
Soul Rebel (Soul Rebels; 1970)
Kaya (Soul Revolution; 1971)
One Love/People Get Ready (Exodus; 1977)
Three Little Birds (Exodus; 1977)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is known for Small Soldiers (1998), Pineapple Express (2008) and Lady Bird (2017).Favorite songs:
Thug Luv (The Art of War; 1997)
Tha Crossroads (E. 1999 Eternal; 1996)
Shoot 'Em Up (The Great White Hype soundtrack; 1996)
1st of tha Month (E. 1999 Eternal; 1995)
Thuggish Ruggish Bone (Creepin on ah Come Up; 1994)
Everyday Thang (BE; Faces of Death; 1993)
Days of Our Livez (Set It Off soundtrack; 1996)
Home (Thug World Order; 2002)
No Shorts, No Losses (E. 1999 Eternal; 1995)
Creepin on ah Come Up (Creepin on ah Come Up; 1994)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actor
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen was born September 23, 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey, USA. His father, Douglas Frederick Springsteen, worked as a bus driver, and was of Irish and Dutch ancestry. His mother, Adele Ann (Zerilli), worked as a legal secretary, and was of Italian descent. He has an older sister, Virginia, and a younger sister Pamela Springsteen. Bruce was raised as a Catholic. He was inspired to take up music when he, at the age of seven, saw Elvis Presley on The Ed Sullivan Show (1948). When he was thirteen he bought his first guitar for 18 dollars. His mother took out a loan when Bruce was 16 and bought him a Kent guitar for 60 dollars.
In 1965, he became the lead guitarist in the band "The Castiles", he would later become lead singer in the band. The Castiles recorded two original songs at a public recording studio in Brick Township, New Jersey. From 1969 to 1971 he performed with Steven Van Zandt, Danny Federici and Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez in a band called "Child", that was renamed later to "Steel Mill" when guitarist Robbin Thompson joined the band.
In 1972, he signed a record deal with Columbia Records and released his debut album, "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.", with his New Jersey-based colleagues, who would later be called "The E Street Band", In January, 1973. The album had critical success and so did their second album, "The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle", released in September, 1973, but had little commercial success. In 1975, after more than 14 month of recording, their third album was released, "Born to Run", which had both critical and commercial success for Springsteen and the band.
In 1977, he returned to the studio, after a two-year legal battle with former manager Mike Appel, and produced the album, "Darkness on the Edge of Town", released in 1978 and became a turning point musically for his career. In 1980 came the release of "The River", the album sold well and he followed up with the album "Nebraska" which had critical success but had little commercial success. Springsteen came back with a bang with the release of the album "Born in the U.S.A." in 1984, which sold 15 million copies in the U.S. alone and had seven top ten singles. It became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
After the huge success of the "Born in the U.S.A." album he released a more calm and sedate album in 1987, "Tunnel of Love", which included songs about love lost and the challenges of love, after the break-up with first wife, Julianne Phillips. The albums released in 1992, "Lucky Town" and "Human Touch" were also popular, Human Touch being the most popular of the two, hitting the number one spot of the best-selling albums in the UK. In 1994 he won an academy award for the song "Streets of Philadelphia" featured in the film Philadelphia (1993).
In 1995, he released the album "The Ghost of Tom Joad", which was mostly a solo guitar album and was inspired by "Journey to Nowhere: The Saga of the New Underclass," a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Dale Maharidge. After being apart from the E Street Band for several years they reunited with a successful tour which ended in Madison Square Garden in New York in the year 2000. In 2002 he released the first studio album with the full band in over 18 years, "The Rising", and it became a critical and commercial success. In 2005 he released his third folk album (after "Nebraska" and "The Ghost of Tom Joad"), "Devils & Dust" It was followed by "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" in 2006 and "Magic" in 2007. His 16th album will be released on January 27, 2009 and is called "Working on a Dream".
He married for the first time at the age of 35 to actress Julianne Phillips. The marriage helped boost her acting career, but his traveling took it's toll on the marriage and the final blow came when she found out his affair with the American singer/songwriter/guitarist Patti Scialfa. Their marriage ended in 1989. He then married Patti Scialfa on June 8th, 1991, They had lived together since the separation between him and his first wife and they had a child before they married. They have three children together: Evan James Springsteen (born July 25, 1990), Jessica Rae (born December 30, 1991) and Sam Ryan Springsteen (born January 5, 1994).Favorite songs:
Dancing in the Dark (Born in the U.S.A.; 1984)
Glory Days (Born in the U.S.A.; 1984)
Born to Run (Born to Run; 1975)
The River (The River; 1980)
Hungry Heart (The River; 1980)
Atlantic City (Nebraska; 1982)
Streets of Philadelphia (Philadelphia soundtrack; 1993)
Tunnel of Love (Tunnel of Love; 1987)
Born in the U.S.A. (Born in the U.S.A.; 1984)
Nebraska (Nebraska; 1982)- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Writer
Charles Hardin Holley, known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer and songwriter who was a central and pioneering figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, to a musical family during the Great Depression, and learned to play guitar and sing alongside his siblings. His style was influenced by gospel music, country music, and rhythm and blues acts, which he performed in Lubbock with his friends from high school.Favorite songs:
Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly; 1957)
Rave On (Buddy Holly; 1958)
Oh, Boy! (The "Chirping" Crickets; 1957)
Not Fade Away (The "Chirping" Crickets; 1957)
That'll Be the Day (The "Chirping" Crickets; 1957)
It's So Easy (Single; 1958)
Everyday (Buddy Holly; 1958)
It's Too Late (The "Chirping" Crickets; 1957)
Heartbeat (Single; 1958)
I'm Gonna Love You Too (Buddy Holly; 1958)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actor
The Chemical Brothers are a British electronic music duo composed of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons, which originated in Manchester in 1989. They were pioneers at bringing the big beat genre to the forefront of pop culture. In film industry they have composed the soundtrack for the 2011 movie Hannah. The Chemical Brothers' live shows comprise large screens displaying psychedelic images, strobe lights, and lasers that project over the crowd.Favorite songs:
Hey Boy Hey Girl (Surrender; 1999)
Let Forever Be (Surrender; 1999)
Block Rockin' Beats (Dig Your Own Hole; 1997)
Music: Response (Surrender; 1999)
Chico's Groove (Exit Planet Dust; 1995)
Got Glint? (Surrender; 1999)
Setting Sun (Dig Your Own Hole; 1997)
The Test (Come with Us; 2002)
Galvanize (Push the Button; 2004)
Get Up on It Like This (Dig Your Own Hole; 1997)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in 1976 as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock. The Clash achieved commercial success in the United Kingdom with the release of their self-titled debut album, The Clash, in 1977. Their third album, London Calling, released in the UK in December 1979, earned them popularity in the United States when it was released there the following month. It was declared the best album of the 1980s a decade later by Rolling Stone.Favorite songs:
Straight to Hell (Combat Rock; 1982)
Rock the Casbah (Combat Rock; 1982)
London Calling (London Calling; 1979)
(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais (The Clash; 1977)
Train in Vain (London Calling; 1979)
Complete Control (The Clash; 1977)
White Riot (The Clash; 1977)
Should I Stay or Should I Go (Combat Rock; 1982)
Spanish Bombs (London Calling; 1979)
The Guns of Brixton (London Calling; 1979)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
The Cranberries is known for Army of the Dead (2021), Mission: Impossible (1996) and Thunder Force (2021).Favorite songs:
Ode to My Family (No Need to Argue; 1994)
Linger (Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?; 1993)
Dreams (Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?; 1992)
Zombie (No Need to Argue; 1994)
Ridiculous Thoughts (No Need to Argue; 1994)
Free to Decide (To the Faithful Departed; 1996)
Just My Imagination (Bury the Hatchet; 1999)
Salvation (To the Faithful Departed; 1996)
When You're Gone (To the Faithful Departed; 1996)
I Just Shot John Lennon (To the Faithful Departed; 1996)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
Creedence Clearwater Revival, also referred to as Creedence and CCR, was an American rock band formed in El Cerrito, California. The band initially consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter John Fogerty; his brother, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty; bassist Stu Cook; and drummer Doug Clifford. These members had played together since 1959, first as the Blue Velvets and later as the Golliwogs, before settling on the Creedence Clearwater Revival name in 1967.
CCR's musical style encompassed roots rock, swamp rock, blues rock, Southern rock, country rock, and blue-eyed soul. Belying their origins in the East Bay sub-region of the San Francisco Bay Area, the band often played in a Southern rock style, with lyrics about bayous, catfish, the Mississippi River and other elements of Southern United States iconography. The band's songs rarely dealt with romantic love, concentrating instead on political and socially conscious lyrics about topics such as the Vietnam War. The band performed at the 1969 Woodstock festival in Upstate New York, and was the first major act signed to appear there.
CCR disbanded acrimoniously in late 1972 after four years of chart-topping success. Tom Fogerty had officially left the previous year, and John was at odds with the remaining members over matters of business and artistic control, all of which resulted in subsequent lawsuits among the former band-mates. Fogerty's ongoing disagreements with Fantasy Records owner Saul Zaentz created further protracted court battles, and John Fogerty refused to perform with the two other surviving members at Creedence's 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Though the band has never officially reunited, John Fogerty continues to perform CCR songs as part of his solo act, while Cook and Clifford have performed as Creedence Clearwater Revisited since the 1990s.
CCR's music is still a staple of U.S. classic rock radio airplay; 28 million CCR records have been sold in the U.S. alone. The compilation album Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits, originally released in 1976, is still on the Billboard 200 album chart and reached the 500-weeks mark in December 2020. It has been awarded 10× platinum.Favorite songs:
Lookin' Out My Back Door (Cosmo's Factory; 1970)
Bad Moon Rising (Green River; 1969)
The Midnight Special (Willy and the Poor Boys; 1969)
Fortunate Son (Willy and the Poor Boys; 1969)
Proud Mary (Bayou Country; 1969)
I Put a Spell on You (Creedence Clearwater Revival; 1968)
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (Pendulum; 1970)
Who'll Stop the Rain (Cosmo's Factory; 1970)
Green River (Green River; 1969)
The Old Man Down the Road (JF; Centerfield; 1984)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Favorite songs:
Lovesong (Disintegration; 1989)
Just Like Heaven (Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me; 1987)
Friday I'm in Love (Wish; 1992)
In Between Days (The Head on the Door; 1985)
Pictures of You (Disintegration; 1989)
A Forest (Seventeen Seconds; 1980)
Lullaby (Disintegration; 1989)
A Letter to Elise (Wish; 1992)
Cold (Pornography; 1982)
Fascination Street (Disintegration; 1989)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actor
Favorite songs:
Get Lucky (Random Access Memories; 2013)
Music Sounds Better with You (S; Single; 1998)
Around the World (Homework; 1997)
Lose Yourself to Dance (Random Access Memories; 2013)
Teachers (Homework; 1997)
Da Funk (Homework; 1996)
One More Time (Discovery; 2000)
Revolution 909 (Homework; 1997)
Derezzed (Tron: Legacy soundtrack; 2010)
Technologic (Human After All; 2005)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
David Bowie was one of the most influential and prolific writers and performers of popular music, but he was much more than that; he was also an accomplished actor, a mime and an intellectual, as well as an art lover whose appreciation and knowledge of it had led to him amassing one of the biggest collections of 20th century art.
Born David Jones, he changed his name to Bowie in the 1960s, to avoid confusion with the then well-known Davy Jones (lead singer of The Monkees). The 1960s were not a happy period for Bowie, who remained a struggling artist, awaiting his breakthrough. He dabbled in many different styles of music (without commercial success), and other art forms such as acting, mime, painting, and play-writing. He finally achieved his commercial breakthrough in 1969 with the song "Space Oddity", which was released at the time of the moon landing. Despite the fact that the literal meaning of the lyrics relates to an astronaut who is lost in space, this song was used by the BBC in their coverage of the moon landing, and this helped it become such a success. The album, which followed "Space Oddity", and the two, which followed (one of which included the song "The Man Who Sold The World", covered by Lulu and Nirvana) failed to produce another hit single, and Bowie's career appeared to be in decline.
However, he made the first of many successful "comebacks" in 1972 with "Ziggy Stardust", a concept album about a space-age rock star. This album was followed by others in a similar vein, rock albums built around a central character and concerned with futuristic themes of Armageddon, gender dysfunction/confusion, as well as more contemporary themes such as the destructiveness of success and fame, and the dangers inherent in star worship. In the mid-1970s, Bowie was a heavy cocaine abuser and sometime heroin user.
In 1975, he changed tack. Musically, he released "Young Americans", a soul (or plastic soul as he later referred to it) album. This produced his first number one hit in the US, "Fame". He also appeared in his first major film, The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). With a permanently-dilated pupil and skeletal frame, he certainly looked the part of an alien. The following year, he released "Station to Station," containing some of the material he had written for the soundtrack to this film (which was not used). As his drug problem heightened, his behavior became more erratic. Reports of his insanity started to appear, and he continued to waste away physically. He fled back to Europe, finally settling in Berlin, where he changed musical direction again and recorded three of the most influential albums of all time, an electronic trilogy with Brian Eno "Low, Heroes and Lodger". Towards the end of the 1970s, he finally kicked his drug habit, and recorded the album many of his fans consider his best, the Japanese-influenced "Scary Monsters". Around this time, he appeared in the title role of the Broadway drama The Elephant Man, and to considerable acclaim.
The next few years saw something of a drop-off in his musical output as his acting career flourished, culminating in his acclaimed performance in Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983). In 1983, he released "Let's Dance," an album which proved an unexpected massive commercial success, and produced his second #1 hit single in the United States. According to producer Nile Rodgers, the album was made in just 17 days and was "the easiest album" he'd ever made in his life. The tour which followed, "Serious Moonlight", was his most successful ever. Faced with this success on a massive scale, Bowie apparently attempted to "repeat the formula" in the next two albums, with less success (and to critical scorn). Finally, in the late 1980s, he turned his back on commercial success and his solo career, forming the hard rock band, Tin Machine, who had a deliberate limited appeal. By now, his acting career was in decline. After the comparative failure of Labyrinth (1986), the movie industry appears to have decided that Bowie was not a sufficient name to be a lead actor in a major movie, and since that date, most of his roles have been cameos or glorified cameos. Tin Machine toured extensively and released two albums, with little critical or commercial success.
In 1992, Bowie again changed direction and re-launched his solo career with "Black Tie White Noise", a wedding album inspired by his recent marriage to Iman. He released three albums to considerable critical acclaim and reasonable commercial success. In 1995, he renewed his working relationship with Brian Eno to record "Outside." After an initial hostile reaction from the critics, this album has now taken its place with his classic albums. In 2003, Bowie released an album entitled 'Reality.' The Reality Tour began in November 2003 and, after great commercial success, was extended into July 2004. In June 2004, Bowie suffered a heart attack and the tour did not finish its scheduled run.
After recovering, Bowie gave what turned out to be his final live performance in a three-song set with Alicia Keys at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York in November 2006. He also returned to acting. He played Tesla in The Prestige (2006) and had a small cameo in the comedy David Bowie (2006) for fan Ricky Gervais. In 2007, he did a cartoon voice in SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) playing Lord Royal Highness. He had a brief cameo in the movie ''Bandslam'' released in 2009; after a ten year hiatus from recording, he released a new album called 'The Next Day', featuring a homage cover to his earlier work ''Heroes''. The music video of ''Stars are Out Tonight'' premiered on 25 February 2013. It consists of other songs like ''Where Are We Now?", "Valentine's Day", "Love is Lost", "The Next Day", etc.
In 2014, Bowie won British Male Solo Artist at the 2014 Brit Awards, 30 years since last winning it, and became the oldest ever Brit winner. Bowie wrote and recorded the opening title song to the television miniseries The Last Panthers (2015), which aired in November 2015. The theme used for The Last Panthers (2015) was also the title track for his January 2016 release, ''Blackstar" (released on 8 January 2016, Bowie's 69th birthday) was met with critical acclaim. Following Bowie's death two days later, on 10 January 2016, producer Tony Visconti revealed Bowie had planned the album to be his swan song, and a "parting gift" for his fans before his death. An EP, No Plan, was released on 8 January 2017, which would have been Bowie's 70th birthday. The day following his death, online viewing of Bowie's music skyrocketed, breaking the record for Vevo's most viewed artist in a single day.
On 15 January, "Blackstar" debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart; nineteen of his albums were in the UK Top 100 Albums Chart, and thirteen singles were in the UK Top 100 Singles Chart. The song also debuted at #1 on album charts around the world, including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the US Billboard 200. At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, Bowie won all five nominated awards: Best Rock Performance; Best Alternative Music Album; Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical; Best Recording Package; and Best Rock Song. The wins marked Bowie's first ever in musical categories. David Bowie influenced the course of popular music several times and had an effect on several generations of musicians.Favorite songs:
The Man Who Sold the World (The Man Who Sold the World; 1970)
Starman (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars; 1972)
Rebel Rebel (Diamond Dogs; 1974)
Life on Mars? (Hunky Dory; 1971)
Ashes to Ashes (Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps); 1980)
Look Back in Anger (Lodger; 1979)
Ziggy Stardust (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars; 1972)
Under Pressure (Q; Hot Space; 1981)
Golden Years (Station to Station; 1975)
Fame (Young Americans; 1975)- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Actor
Depeche Mode is an English electronic band formed in Basildon, Essex in 1980. The group consists of founders Dave Gahan (lead vocals, co-songwriting), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, chief songwriting), and Andrew Fletcher (keyboards). Depeche Mode have had 50 songs in the UK Singles Chart and seventeen top 10 albums in the UK chart and they have sold over 100 million records worldwide. Depeche Mode also rank number 98 on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".They were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.Favorite songs:
Enjoy the Silence (Violator; 1990)
Policy of Truth (Violator; 1990)
People Are People (Some Great Reward; 1984)
Never Let Me Down Again (Music for the Masses; 1987)
Strangelove (Music for the Masses; 1987)
Personal Jesus (Violator; 1989)
Just Can't Get Enough (Speak & Spell; 1981)
Stripped (Black Celebration; 1986)
John the Revelator (Playing the Angel; 2005)
Walking in My Shoes (Songs of Faith and Devotion; 1993)- Music Department
- Actor
- Composer
Dion DiMucci was born on 18 July 1939 in Bronx, New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor and composer, known for The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996), Behind Enemy Lines (2001) and Road House (1989). He has been married to Susan Butterfield since 23 March 1963. They have three children.Favorite songs:
Runaround Sue (Runaround Sue; 1961)
I Wonder Why (Presenting Dion and the Belmonts; 1958)
The Wanderer (Runaround Sue; 1961)
A Teenager in Love (single; 1959)
In and Out of the Shadows (Born to Be with You; 1975)
No One Knows (Presenting Dion and the Belmonts; 1958)
We Went Away (single; 1958)
Lovers Who Wonder (Lovers Who Wander; 1962)
Donna the Prima Donna (Donna the Prima Donna; 1963)
Ruby Baby (Ruby Baby; 1963)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Considered by many to be hip-hop's greatest producer, Dr. Dre (b. André Young, February 18, 1965) pioneered gangsta hip-hop and his own variation of the sound, dubbed G-Funk. His very early albums were violent but cautionary tales of the criminal mind, but Dre's records with NWA celebrated the hedonistic, amoralistic side of gang life. Being around during the birth of west coast hip-hop during the early 1980s, Dre found himself performing at house parties and clubs with the World Class Wreckin' Cru around South-Central Los Angeles. Wearing a Doctor's mask when he performed, he called himself Dr. Dre, Dre being a nickname from André. In 1986, Dre met Ice Cube. Instantly becoming good friends, the two MCs began writing songs for Ruthless Records, a label started by former drug pusher Eazy-E. Initially they were rejected by the record-buying public, but Eazy formed NWA', with Dre, Cube, and newcomers MC Ren and DJ Yella, releasing their first album in 1987. Then, in 1989, with distribution from Bryan Turner and his Priority Records label (now a part of EMI), N.W.A. delivered "Straight Outta Compton," a vicious, violent, and misogynistic record that became an underground hit with virtually no support from radio, the press, or the still hip-hop-free MTV. N.W.A. became notorious for their violent lyrics, which resulted in the FBI sending a warning letter to Ruthless and its distributor, Priority Records, suggesting that the group should watch their step. Dre would have several bad falls with the police during his life. While it seemed that the group was strong, Ice Cube suddenly departed in late 1989 amidst many financial disagreements with Dre. Suddenly the the music was in Dre's hands. Dre left the group the next year to form Death Row Records with Suge Knight. Knight held NWA's manager at gunpoint and threatening to kill him if he refused to let Dre out of his contract. Dre didn't know how he got out, nor did he care, he was making music. Then Dre discovered Snoop Dogg through his stepbrother 'Warren G', and he immediately began working with the brilliantly talented MC. Snoop would become great friends with the Doctor and was on Dre's 1992 debut "The Chronic" as much as Dre himself. But trouble was soon to follow. Dre grew frustrated with Knight's strong-arm techniques. At the time, Death Row was devoting itself to Tupac Shakur's label debut, "All Eyez on Me," and Snoop was busy recovering from his draining murder trial. Dre, fed up, left the label in the summer of 1996 to form Aftermath, declaring gangsta hip-hop was dead. Soon thereafter, both 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. were murdered, putting a sudden end to the East Side/West Side hip-hop war, and Suge was later arrested and sent to prison. It would be at least three years before anything big came out of the great producer. It wasn't until he began working on his 2001 album, and discovering an underground MC by the name of Eminem that Dre would make his comeback.Favorite songs:
Nuthin' But a G Thang (The Chronic; 1992)
California Love (2; All Eyez on Me; 1995)
Still D.R.E. (2001; 1999)
Forgot About Dre (2001; 1999)
Deep Cover (Deep Cover soundtrack; 1992)
Let Me Ride (The Chronic; 1992)
Guilty Conscience (E; The Slim Shady LP; 1999)
*beep* wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin') (The Chronic; 1992)
Keep Their Heads Ringin' (Friday soundtrack; 1995)
The Next Episode (2001; 1999)- Actor
- Composer
- Director
Echo & The Bunnymen is known for Donnie Darko (2001), Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) and I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017).Favorite songs:
The Killing Moon (Ocean Rain; 1984)
Pictures on My Wall (Crocodiles; 1979)
Over the Wall (Heaven Up Here; 1981)
Lips Like Sugar (Echo & the Bunnymen; 1987)
When It All Blows Over (What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?; 1999)
Rust (What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?; 1999)
Baby Rain (What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?; 1999)
Bring On the Dancing Horses (Songs to Learn & Sing; 1985)
Nocturnal Me (Ocean Rain; 1984)
Silver (Ocean Rain; 1984)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Deborah R. (Nelson) and Marshall Bruce Mathers, Jr., who were in a band together, Daddy Warbucks. He is of English, as well as some German, Scottish, and Swiss-German, ancestry. Marshall spent his early childhood being shoved back and forth from Kansas City and Detroit. He settled on the Eastside of Detroit when he was 12. Switching schools every two to three months made it difficult to make friends, graduate and to stay out of trouble. Marshall attended Lincoln High School in Warren, Michigan, 1986-1989.
Being a rap fan for most of his life, Marshall began rapping at the early age of 4. Rhyming words together, battling schoolmates in the lunchroom brought joy to what was otherwise a painful existence. At the age of 14, he began to get very serious about his rapping but it wasn't until he was 17 that he actually made a name for himself, becoming M&M, which he would later respell as "Eminem". Being rejected by most fellow rappers because of his race, Marshall grew an anger that flows through his music to this day. After failing the 9th grade for three times in a row, he quit school, but has remarked that he does not consider himself stupid and does not advise that people should follow his example. He says that it just wasn't for him. Forcing himself on radio shows, freestyle battles, Marshall threw himself head first into the rap game, where he was swallowed up most of the time. His very first album was titled "Infinite" and, while the album sold less than a thousand copies, it was the gearing up stages for the rapper who became a millionaire. It was then that his daughter, Hailie Jade Scott, was born on December 25th of 1995 with long time girlfriend Kim Scott.
Having nothing to lose at all, flat broke and not knowing where he would be living the next week, Marshall set out to rant about life in general, the set quickly caught the ear of hip-hop's difficult-to-please underground. What came out of this was the Slim Shady EP, the early work for the later Dr. Dre revised Slim Shady LP. Down to nearly his last dime, he went into the 1997 Rap Olympics in Los Angeles, basically hoping to win the $1,500 cash prize which he badly needed. After battling for an hour and throwing back every race diss thrown at him, Marshall made it to second place losing in a slip up. Furious that he had lost, Marshall didn't even notice that he had been spotted. In the crowd were a few producers from Interscope, and they were handed a copy of the "Infinite" tape by way of a demo.
Dr. Dre got to hear it and eventually tracked him down. The two instantly hit it off, recording four songs in their first six hours of working - three which made it to his first LP. After the album was finished, Dr. Dre asked Marshall to come work with him on his new album. He helped produce several tracks and was on the best songs of the album. Now officially making it, Marshall and Dre set to make his second LP. The album became the Marshall Mathers LP and won 3 Grammies and was the first rap album ever to be nominated "Album of the Year", selling more than 8 million records in the United States alone. He also stunned critics when he shot down all homophobic remarks by performing "Stan" with Elton John. Eminem made a movie, 8 Mile (2002). Though 2001 was a rough year for the rapper, being charged with weapon offenses, divorcing his wife, and almost going to prison, Marshall has explained his life in one word: "Claimer".Favorite songs:
Stan (The Marshall Mathers LP; 2000)
Lose Yourself (8 Mile soundtrack; 2002)
My Name Is (The Slim Shady LP; 1999)
Guilty Conscience (The Slim Shady LP; 1999)
My Fault (The Slim Shady LP; 1999)
Cleanin' Out My Closet (The Eminem Show; 2002)
Forgot About Dre (DD; 2001; 1999)
Sing for the Moment (The Eminem Show; 2002)
Without Me (The Eminem Show; 2002)
Purple Pills (D; Devil's Night; 2001)- Composer
- Writer
- Music Department
Eric B. was born in 1965 in Elmhurst,New York and Rakim was born in 1968 in Wyandanch, New York.They first met at the radio station WBLS , and the two officially formed a partnership in 1985.The singles "I Ain't No Joke" and "I Know You Got Soul" sampled James Brown began to revolutionize the sound of hip-hop.The duo recorded its debut album which is named Paid in Full In 1987, Eric B. & Rakim signed with MCA subsidiary Uni and consolidated their reputation with another landmark hip-hop album, 1988's Follow the Leader.Then in 1990 they released another album "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em". Their last album "Don't Sweat the Techniquehe" but their contract with MCA was due to expire and after some quarrels they broke up and each one followed his own-solo career.They are considered the most influential DJ/MC combo in contemporary pop music period and one of the ten Greatest Hip-Hop Duos of All-Time!Favorite songs:
Follow the Leader (Follow the Leader; 1988)
Paid in Full (Paid in Full; 1987)
New York (Ya Out There) (The 18th Letter; 1997)
Eric B. Is President (Paid in Full; 1986)
I Know You Got Soul (Paid in Full; 1987)
Know the Ledge (Don't Sweat the Technique; 1992)
Microphone Fiend (Follow the Leader; 1988)
The 18th Letter (The 18th Letter; 1997)
When I B on tha Mic (The Master; 1999)
I Ain't No Joke (Paid in Full; 1987)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Music Department
Eric Clapton was born in Ripley, Surrey, England, on March 30, 1945. His real father was a Canadian pilot but he didn't find that out until he was 53. When he was 2 his mother felt she was unable to look after him, so Eric then went to live with his grandparents. When he was 14 he took up the guitar, having been influenced by blues artists such as B.B King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker.
In 1963, after he was chucked out of art college, he joined Paul Samwell-Smith, as he was in art school with Keith Relf. He stayed for about 18 months before beginning a stint with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Eric became known as "god", as he impressed the whole English music scene with his amazing guitar playing.
After about a year Eric had had enough of impersonating his blues idols and decided to form a group of his own, so in 1966 he formed a band with bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker (who had the idea) that became known as Cream. This band was not a purist blues group but a hard-driving rock and blues trio. They first performed together at a jazz and blues festival in Surrey before signing a record contract. In November 1966 their debut single, "Wrapping Paper", hit UK #34, but their next single, "I Feel Free", made more of an impression, hitting UK #11 the following January. At the same time they released their debut album "Fresh Cream", which was a top-ten hit, going to UK #6 and went on to make US #39 later in the year.
Cream spent most of 1967 either touring or writing, recording and producing "Disreali Gears", which was to be one of their finest efforts. The first single that confirmed the group as a mainstream success was "Strange Brew", which went to #17 in the UK. After a hectic worldwide tour, their second album "Disreali Gears" was released and became an enormous worldwide hit, rising to UK #5 and US #4. The album's success r4esulted in one of its tracks, "Sunshine Of Your Love", a hit in the US, going to #36. In February 1968 Cream set out on a six-month US tour, the longest time that a British band ad ever been in America. The tour took in hundreds of theaters, arenas and stadiums, but in April 1968 the band was exhausted and decided to take a short break from touring. However, during their break disaster struck. While Cream was in America Eric had given an interview to the magazine "Rolling Stone" which had Eric the editor make critical points about his guitar playing. This led to an eruption within the band, which was the beginning of the end. Despite this setback, the band's US tour carried on until June, during which they had been recording their most popular project, "Wheels Of Fire", a double album that was released in August 1968; the live album shot to UK #3 and the studio effort to UK #7, but both went directly to US #1 for four weeks. Despite the fact that the band had sold so many records, had sold out nearly every concert, had made millions and even managed to boost "Sunshine Of Your Love" to hit US #5 and UK #25, they decided that after a farewell tour of America Cream would split. The band toured North America in October, played two concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London in November and then Cream was no more - as Clapton explained, "The Cream has lost direction."
In the winter of 1969 Eric began jamming with former Traffic front man Steve Winwood, with Ginger Baker also joining in Eric's mansion in Surrey. With bassist Ric Grech added to the lineup, the band became Blind Faith and started rehearsing and recording material. In June 1969, after the band finished a recording session for their first and only album, they made their live debut in Hyde Park to a crowd of over 200,000 fans. Despite the fact that Baker and Grech felt that the concert was a triumph, Clapton and Winwood, however, were more or less convinced that Blind Faith had blown it first time round. However, despite their feelings, Blind Faith set out on a summer sellout tour of the US, playing in arenas and stadiums all over the country. The tour itself earned the band a fortune, but the band members were convinced that the music itself was unsatisfying.
After the tour was over their only album, "Blind Faith", was released, and it topped the charts worldwide. Despite the success of the album and tour Blind Faith still decided to disband, though, and Clapton went on tour with Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, who were Blind Faith's support act on the tour, and also performed at times with The Plastic Ono Band. In March 1970 Eric launched his highly successful solo career, by releasing a first solo album, which featured Delaney & Bonnie.Favorite songs:
Sunshine of Your Love (C; Disraeli Gears; 1967)
Layla (DatD; Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs; 1970)
Tales of Brave Ulysses (C; Disraeli Gears; 1967)
Badge (C; Goodbye; 1969)
I Feel Free (C; Fresh Cream; 1966)
Crossroads (C; Wheels of Fire; 1968)
I'm So Glad (C; Fresh Cream; 1966)
White Room (C; Wheels of Fire; 1968)
Forever Man (Behind the Sun; 1985)
Cocaine (Slowhand; 1977)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actor
Faith No More is one of the more unorthodox bands on the big metal scene with their mix of traditional heavy metal and a myriad of other music genres. They formed in San Francisco, California in late 1981 and settled under their current name in the autumn of 1983. The band has had several lineup changes during their career and has released seven full-length studio albums. Faith No More has been widely praised for their significance and influence and the band helped to pave the way for the Nu Metal-genre that fused hip-hop and rock together. Bands like Slipknot, Korn, System of a Down, Deftones, Sepultura, Papa Roach and Sevendust, has credited Faith No More for their influence. Their biggest selling album is the "The Real Thing" from 1989 with its breakthrough hit single "Epic" that peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100-chart. Faith No More's best known song is probably their cover version of The Commodores "Easy" that became their highest-charting UK hit, reaching #3 in 1993.Favorite songs:
Epic (The Real Thing; 1989)
Stripsearch (Album of the Year; 1997)
Falling to Pieces (The Real Thing; 1989)
She Loves Me Not (Album of the Year; 1997)
Land of Sunshine (Angel Dust; 1992)
Midlife Crisis (Angel Dust; 1992)
We Care a Lot (We Care a Lot; 1985)
Carousel (MB; Mr. Bungle; 1991)
Ashes to Ashes (Album of the Year; 1997)
None of Them Knew They Were Robots (MB; California; 1999)- Music Department
- Composer
- Actor
The Flaming Lips is known for The Fearless Freaks (2005), Ender's Game (2013) and Good Luck Chuck (2007).Favorite songs:
What Is the Light? (The Soft Bulletin; 1999)
Race for the Prize (The Soft Bulletin; 1999)
Waitin' for a Superman (The Soft Bulletin; 1999)
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1 (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots; 2002)
Turn It On (Transmissions from the Satellite Heart; 1993)
A Spoonful Weighs a Ton (The Soft Bulletin; 1999)
Do You Realize?? (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots; 2002)
Take Meta Mars (In a Priest Driven Ambulance; 1990)
She Don't Use Jelly (Transmissions from the Satellite Heart; 1993)
Love Yer Brain (Oh My Gawd!!!; 1987)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band, formed in London in 1967. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling bands. In 1998, select members of Fleetwood Mac were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.Favorite songs:
Edge of Seventeen (SN; Bella Donna; 1981)
Rhiannon (Fleetwood Mac; 1975)
Holiday Road (LB; National Lampoon's Vacation soundtrack; 1983)
Talk to Me (SN; Rock a Little; 1985)
Little Lies (Tango in the Night; 1987)
Hold Me (Mirage; 1982)
Gypsy (Mirage; 1982)
Everywhere (Tango in the Night; 1987)
Dreams (Rumors; 1977)
Go Your Own Way (Rumors; 1976)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Foo Fighters is an American rock band, formed in Seattle, Washington in 1994. It was founded by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of Nirvana after the death of Kurt Cobain. The group got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War II, which were known collectively as "foo fighters". Over the course of the band's career, four of its albums have won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album. As of 2015, the band have sold 12 million copies in the United States alone.Favorite songs:
Everlong (The Colour and the Shape; 1997)
Big Me (Foo Fighters; 1995)
My Hero (The Colour and the Shape; 1997)
Learn to Fly (There Is Nothing Left to Lose; 1999)
Best of You (In Your Honor; 2005)
Low (One by One; 2002)
The Pretender (Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace; 2007)
Generator (There Is Nothing Left to Lose; 1999)
I'll Stick Around (Foo Fighters; 1995)
Monkey Wrench (The Colour and the Shape; 1997)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
One of the most successful British bands of all time, Genesis made their mark in the 1970s as a progressive rock band influenced by classical music, folk and even jazz fusion, before becoming a huge stadium band in the 1980s with a series of big pop hits fronted by a singer who was also a solo superstar. Genesis began with pupils Peter Gabriel (vocals), Tony Banks (keyboards), Anthony Phillips (guitars) and Mike Rutherford (guitars and bass) at one of England's most prestigious schools, Charterhouse. They were signed to a recording contract by an ex-pupil, Jonathan King, who had enjoyed a chart hit as a singer with "Everyone's Gone to the Moon" in 1965 and was impressed by Gabriel's distinctive voice.
Genesis' first album, "From Genesis to Reveation", was released in 1969 on the Decca label, produced by King. It showed signs of Genesis' early ambition, being a concept album which attempted to tell the story of the Bible. It received some good reviews but did not sell. Genesis split from King's guidance and in 1970 released "Trespass". The album showed the band were moving into the progressive rock which would define them in the new decade, displaying significant songwriting and musical development from their debut, with the songs longer and far less commercial.
Like many bands, their early years were fraught with line-up changes. By 1971, Anthony Phillips had left and they had managed to get through three drummers. Their third album, "Nursery Cryme", featured what would become regarded as their classic 1970s line-up with the addition of Londoners Steve Hackett on lead guitar and Phil Collins on drums. It was followed by "Foxtrot" in 1972, which became their first album to reach the UK charts, peaking at number 12. The band were noticeably improving as musicians and songwriters with each release, with their compositions becoming more and more ambitious. "Foxtrot" featured a track called "Supper's Ready", which was almost 23 minutes long and has become regarded by critics as one of the key songs in the whole of progressive rock. As well as their increasingly ambitious music, Peter Gabriel was earning a reputation as one of British rock's most theatrical live performers, telling fantastical stories on stage and dressing in a variety of weird and wonderful costumes.
In 1973, Genesis released what many consider to be their best album of the decade, "Selling England by the Pound". It showed that as Genesis' music became more and more complex and idiosyncratic, their popularity was growing in equal measure. The album produced their first UK hit single, "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)", which reached number 21, and the album itself became their biggest success yet, reaching the top three and staying on the chart for 21 weeks. However, behind the scenes, all was not well. Tensions were growing over the way Gabriel's theatrical performances were attracting all the press attention and stealing the limelight from the rest of the band. He also insisted on writing all the lyrics for the band's next album, "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway", a mammoth concept album which took up four sides of vinyl and lasted over 90 minutes.
Opinion is divided on "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway". Some consider it Genesis' greatest work as a progressive band and their most ambitious work. Others (including Tony Banks) felt it fell short, believing it didn't match "Selling England By the Pound" in quality or focus. The public seemed to agree with the latter view, with it failing to sell in anything like the numbers of its predecessor, peaking at number 10 and dropping from the chart after six weeks.
In 1975, following the tour for "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway", Peter Gabriel left the band, wishing to spend more time with his wife and new child. Gabriel would be back on the charts in 1977 with his debut solo album and the top 20 single "Solsbury Hill", followed by a series of albums into the 1980s which would firmly establish him as one of the most critically acclaimed musicians to come out of progressive rock.
Without the flamboyant Gabriel, many critics were already predicting the demise of Genesis. The band, however, had other ideas. In 1976, having decided not to bring in a new singer, they released "A Trick of the Tail" with drummer Phil Collins on vocals. The album proved the band's audience was still very much there, matching "Selling England by the Pound"'s chart position of number 3 and easily surpassing it in sales, spending 39 weeks on the chart. It was followed in 1977 by "Wind and Wuthering", which established that Genesis were still a popular progressive rock band, reaching number 7 and spending 22 weeks on the chart, despite radical changes in the UK music industry which that year saw the rise of punk rock bands such as The Clash and Sex Pistols. "Wind and Wuthering" also spawned the band's second chart single, "Your Own Special Way", which became a minor hit at number 43. Genesis followed this with their "Spot the Pigeon" EP and a live album, "Seconds Out" but Steve Hackett had had enough and decided to leave. His relationship with the band had broken down, believing they were becoming too safe and rejecting too many of own compositions.
Now a three-piece of Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, Genesis released "And Then There Were Three" in 1978. The album found the band moving into simpler, and for the most part shorter, compositions. One particular song, "Follow You Follow Me", a ballad with lyrics by Rutherford, would become the first Genesis single to gain widespread radio airplay, becoming their first top ten hit in the UK and their first top 40 hit in the United States.
In 1980, Genesis released "Duke", which produced their second UK top ten single, "Turn It On Again" and featured several firsts. It was the first Genesis album to feature substantial songwriting contributions by Phil Collins, who wrote two tracks on his own, "Misunderstanding" and "Please Don't Ask", both inspired by his recent marital breakdown. It was also the first Genesis album to feature a drum machine (on "Duchess") and became their first album to top the UK chart.
In early 1981, Phil Collins released his first solo album, "Face Value". The album spawned a bigger hit single than any Genesis album had done with "In the Air Tonight", which reached number two in the UK. Collins could now be said to be bigger than the band he was in and the album would spawn further hit singles, eventually spending an incredible 274 weeks on the album chart. Genesis released "Abacab" later in the year and were now a very different band from the one which had made its mark in the previous decade. As the 1980s progressed, Phil Collins would become established as one of the decade's definitive pop stars, becoming a huge star in Britain and America, but decided to stay as a member of Genesis too. In 1983 Genesis released "Genesis" (their inspiration for album titles deserting them on that occasion), which included "Mama", their highest charting UK single (number four).
In 1985, Collins reached his commercial zenith with his solo album "No Jacket Required", which went 12 times platinum in the United States. Mike Rutherford also launched his own successful pop band, Mike + The Mechanics, later in the year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the following year's Genesis release, "Invisible Touch", also became the band's biggest commercial success, going six times platinum. The band's mega-stardom came at a price. Many early fans felt they had sold out to commercialism and deserted the eccentric Englishness and classical influences which had been their trademark in the 1970s. The public had come to see Genesis as being a vehicle for Phil Collins and many found their songs were becoming difficult to distinguish from his solo work, featuring a similar pop production and being played enthusiastically on the same radio stations and MTV. Ironically, 1986 saw Peter Gabriel achieve his biggest success with the album "So", which also went multi-platinum and found him competing on the pop charts and MTV with his former band.
Five years passed before Genesis released their final album with Collins, "We Can't Dance", which continued the band's pop success. Collins continued to be a major star in the 1990s, although his popularity was waning from its 1980s peak. In 1996 he announced he was leaving the band to concentrate on other projects. The following year, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford released "Calling All Stations" with Scottish singer Ray Wilson replacing Collins as the voice of the band. It was a commercial disappointment and sales in the United States were so poor a tour of the country was cancelled.
In 2007 Collins returned for a final tour with the band but didn't record further music with them. In 2010 Genesis were inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, having sold an estimated 130 million albums worldwide, making them one of the 30 best-selling acts in music history.Favorite songs:
In the Air Tonight (PC; Face Value; 1981)
Invisible Touch (Invisible Touch; 1986)
Throwing It All Away (Invisible Touch; 1986)
That's All (Genesis; 1983)
Mama (Genesis; 1983)
Land of Confusion (Invisible Touch; 1986)
Tonight, Tonight, Tonight (Invisible Touch; 1986)
Don't Lose My Number (PC; No Jacket Required; 1985)
The Carpet Crawlers (The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway; 1974)
[tied] Dancing with the Moonlit Knight (Selling England by the Pound; 1973)
[tied] In the Cage (The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway; 1974)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1985. The lineup, when first signed to Geffen Records in 1986, consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. Guns N' Roses has released six studio albums, accumulating sales of more than 100 million records worldwide, including 45 million in the United States, making them the 41st best-selling artist of all time.Favorite songs:
Sweet Child o' Mine (Appetite for Destruction; 1987)
Paradise City (Appetite for Destruction; 1987)
Welcome to the Jungle (Appetite for Destruction; 1987)
Estranged (Use Your Illusion II; 1991)
Mr. Brownstone (Appetite for Destruction; 1987)
Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Use Your Illusion II; 1991)
Patience (G N' R Lies; 1988)
November Rain (Use Your Illusion I; 1991)
Civil War (Use Your Illusion II; 1991)
Live and Let Die (Use Your Illusion I; 1991)- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Huey Lewis and the News is an American pop rock band based in San Francisco, California. They had a run of hit singles during the 1980s and early 1990s, eventually achieving 19 top ten singles across the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Mainstream Rock charts. Their most successful album, Sports, was released in 1983. The album, along with its videos being featured on MTV, catapulted the group to worldwide fame. That expanded when the song "The Power of Love" was featured in the hit film Back to the Future.Favorite songs:
Stuck with You (Fore!; 1986)
The Power of Love (Back to the Future soundtrack; 1985)
If This Is It (Sports; 1983)
Do You Believe in Love (Picture This; 1982)
Doing It All for My Baby (Fore!; 1986)
Heart and Soul (Sports; 1983)
I Want a New Drug (Sports; 1983)
Back in Time (Back to the Future soundtrack; 1985)
Jacob's Ladder (Fore!; 1986)
The Heart of Rock & Roll (Sports; 1983)- Actor
- Soundtrack
Favorite songs:
Celebrated Summer (New Day Rising; 1984)
Pink Turns to Blue (Zen Arcade; 1984)
Makes No Sense At All (Flip Your Wig; 1985)
I Apologize (New Day Rising; 1985)
Books About UFOs (New Day Rising; 1985)
Don't Want to Know If You Are Lonely (Candy Apple Grey; 1986)
If I Told You (New Day Rising; 1985)
She Floated Away (Warehouse: Songs and Stories; 1987)
Sorry Somehow (Candy Apple Grey; 1986)
Ice Cold Ice (Warehouse: Songs and Stories; 1987)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Producer
Ice Cube was born in South Central Los Angeles, to Doris (Benjamin), a custodian and hospital clerk, and Hosea Jackson, a UCLA groundskeeper. He first came to public notice as a singer and songwriter with the controversial and influential band N.W.A. His compositions with that group included many of the classic cuts from their debut LP "Straight Outta Compton" (Ruthless/Priority, 1989), including the title track, "Gangsta Gangsta" and "Express Yourself". He quit the band over business differences in 1990 and began a still-growing series of commercially and critically acclaimed solo albums, starting with "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" (Priority, 1990). His second solo album, "Death Certificate" (Priority, 1991), a concept album about the fall and rise of the Black man, sold two million copies, and his subsequent solo output (six albums to date total) has sold over ten million copies. He has also discovered Yoyo, Del the Funky Homosapien, K-Dee and Mack 10. He has also produced, written, toured and recorded with Public Enemy, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, George Clinton, The D.O.C., Michel'e, Big Daddy Kane, WC & The Madd Circle (which spawned the solo career of Coolio), former N.W.A. bandmate Dr. Dre and Cypress Hill. He has also recorded with two post-N.W.A. side-project bands, Da Lench Mob ("Guerillas In Tha Mist", Street Knowledge/East-West, 1991) and Westside Connection ("Bow Down", Priority, 1996). His movie career has been no less stellar. Ice Cube's debut in Boyz n the Hood (1991) led to more roles in such films as Trespass (1992), Dangerous Ground (1997) and Anaconda (1997). He also appeared as himself in the comedy CB4 (1993). He is also no stranger to the other side of the camera, directing videos for himself as well as Prince and Color Me Badd, as well as co-writing his screenwriting debut, Friday (1995).Favorite songs:
It Was a Good Day (The Predator; 1992)
Straight Outta Compton (N; Straight Outta Compton; 1988)
No Vaseline (Death Certificate; 1991)
Wicked (The Predator; 1992)
Express Yourself (N; Straight Outta Compton; 1988)
Check Yo Self (The Predator; 1992)
A Gangsta's Fairytale (AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted; 1990)
Pushin' Weight (War & Peace Vol. 1 (The War Disc); 1998)
You Know How We Do It (Lethal Injection; 1993)
Once Upon a Time in the Projects (AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted; 1990)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
INXS were an Australian rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. The band would achieve international success with a series of hit recordings in the mid-to-late 1980s and the early 1990s, including the albums Listen Like Thieves, Kick, and X, and the singles "What You Need", "Need You Tonight" (the band's first and only number-one single in the United States), "Devil Inside", "Never Tear Us Apart", and "Suicide Blonde". After singer Michael Hutchence death in November 1997 the band tried different guest vocalists but finally disbanded in 2012.Favorite songs:
Never Tear Us Apart (Kick; 1987)
Need You Tonight (Kick; 1987)
New Sensation (Kick; 1987)
What You Need (Listen Like Thieves; 1985)
Disappear (X; 1990)
Elegantly Wasted (Elegantly Wasted; 1997)
Stay Young (Underneath the Colours; 1981)
Mystify (Kick; 1987)
Time (Full Moon, Dirty Hearts; 1993)
Devil Inside (Kick; 1987)- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Actor
The Jam is known for Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019) and The Gentlemen (2019).Favorite songs:
Town Called Malice (The Gift; 1982)
Going Underground (Dig the New Breed; 1982)
That's Entertainment (Sound Affects; 1980)
The Changingman (PW: Stanley Road; 1995)
Monday (Sound Affects; 1980)
Wild Wood (PW; Wild Wood; 1993)
Private Hell (Setting Sons; 1979)
Man in the Corner Shop (Sound Affects; 1980)
Start! (Dig the New Breed; 1982)
The Eton Rifles (Setting Sons; 1979)- Music Department
- Actor
- Composer
Jane's Addiction is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1985. As of 2023, The band's current official lineup of the band as a trio, comprising of vocalist and guitarist Perry Farrell, drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Eric Avery. guitarist Dave Navarro was a member of the band he played all releases up until his departure from the band in 2022. The band has recorded four studio albums. Since 1985, The band has gone multiple lineup changes with Perry Farrell and Perkins are the only members who appeared both studio albums.Favorite songs:
Jane Says (Nothing's Shocking; 1988)
Stop! (Ritual de lo habitual; 1990)
Been Caught Stealing (Ritual de lo habitual; 1990)
Tahitian Moon (PFP; Good God's Urge; 1996)
Mountain Song (Nothing's Shocking; 1988)
Superhero (Strays; 2003)
Just Because (Strays; 2003)
Pets (PFP; Porno for Pyros; 1993)
Irresistible Force (The Great Escape Artist; 2011)
Ocean Size (Nothing's Shocking; 1988)- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Jeff Mangum was born on 24 October 1970 in Ruston, Louisiana, USA. He is an actor and composer, known for Wallet Sized Photo (2019), Curse of the Seven Jackals (2001) and Knock It Down (1998). He has been married to Astra Taylor since January 2008.Favorite songs:
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (In the Aeroplane Over the Sea; 1998)
Two-Headed Boy (In the Aeroplane Over the Sea; 1998)
Oh Comely (In the Aeroplane Over the Sea; 1998)
The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One (In the Aeroplane Over the Sea; 1998)
April 8th (On Avery Island; 1996)
You've Passed (On Avery Island; 1996)
Holland, 1945 (In the Aeroplane Over the Sea; 1998)
Unborn (Everything Is; 1994)
Two-Headed Boy Pt. Two (In the Aeroplane Over the Sea; 1998)
Everything Is (Everything Is; 1994)- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Composer
The Jimi Hendrix Experience is known for Forrest Gump (1994), Hit and Run (2012) and Apollo 13 (1995).Favorite songs:
All Along the Watchtower (Electric Ladyland; 1968)
Little Wing (Axis: Bold as Love; 1967)
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (Electric Ladyland; 1968)
Hey Joe (Are You Experienced; 1966)
Purple Haze (Single; 1967)
Foxy Lady (Are You Experienced; 1967)
Fire (Are You Experienced; 1967)
Machine Gun (Band of Gypsys; 1970)
If 6 Was 9 (Axis: Bold as Love; 1967)
The Wind Cries Mary (Are You Experienced; 1967)- Actor
- Soundtrack
Favorite songs:
Forever My Lady (Forever My Lady; 1991)
Feenin' (Diary of a Mad Band; 1993)
Come and Talk to Me (Forever My Lady; 1991)
Freek'n You (The Show, the After Party, the Hotel; 1995)
Stay (Forever My Lady; 1991)
Sweaty (Diary of a Mad Band; 1993)
My Heart Belongs to U (Diary of a Mad Band; 1993)
Lately (Uptown MTV Unplugged; 1993)
U&I (Forever My Lady; 1991)
What About Us (Diary of a Mad Band; 1993)- Music Artist
- Actress
- Composer
Kate Bush began playing piano at a young age and, by her mid-teens, had composed over 200 songs. Her talent caught the notice of David Gilmour (of Pink Floyd) who assisted in arranging her contract with EMI. The first song she released, "Wuthering Heights", soared to #1 in England in 1978. Since then, Kate has achieved a notable career as a singer and musician. Kate began producing her own albums and videos early on. Her growing interest in film was highly evident in the 1985 video for her song, "Cloudbusting", which starred Donald Sutherland, which is a mini-film in itself. Another 1985 video, "Hounds of Love", is a tribute to Alfred Hitchcock. Following the release of her 1993 album, "The Red Shoes", influenced by filmmaker Michael Powell, Kate produced the short film, The Line, the Cross & the Curve (1993), using five songs from the album as a basis for the film in a mysterious, mythical retelling of the tale of "The Red Shoes".Favorite songs:
Babooshka (Never for Ever; 1980)
Running Up That Hill (Hounds of Love; 1985)
The Big Sky (Hounds of Love; 1985)
Army Dreamers (Never for Ever; 1980)
Hounds of Love (Hounds of Love; 1985)
Cloudbusting (Hounds of Love; 1985)
Love and Anger (The Sensual World; 1989)
This Woman's Work (The Sensual World; 1989)
December Will Be Magic Again (Single; 1980)
King of the Mountain (Aerial; 2005)- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Actor
Led Zeppelin are a popular British band best known for their iconic "Stairway to Heaven" as well as for co-creating the music genre of heavy metal. Since their nine albums were recorded between 1968 and 1979, Led Zeppelin has been one of the most popular bands of all time, having sold more than 300 million records and millions of concert tickets worldwide.
The quartet was conceived at the end of the Hippie love era, in a group marriage of blues, rock and roll, soul, rockabilly, folk ballad, jazz, classical and Eastern music, and something else scattered over some woozy sounds of their songs. It was their mutual artistic stimulation, their group interplay and imagination that incorporated mythology and mysticism, and concocted their inimitable style, and established the concept of album-oriented rock career.
Jimmy Page was already an experienced lead guitarist who worked with multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones in 1967, and they agreed to work on the next project. In August 1968 Page invited Robert Plant and John Bonham to join his band, the New Yardbirds, for a September tour in Scandinavia. In October 1968 they took the name Led Zeppelin, which stemmed from a humorous conversation among several musicians about their chances of going down like a lead balloon. However, British bands were highly anticipated in the USA, and the Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun signed the new band without even seeing them.
Their debut album, 'Led Zeppelin', recorded and mixed in just about 36 hours in October 1968, at Olympic Studios in London, kicked open the door for all extremes and experiments. The phallic image of the blown up Hindenburg airship on the cover, designed by George Hardie, announced the hardening of rock and coming of the new super-group. While ascending to musical success as a powerhouse band, Led Zeppelin explored a variety of styles, from English folk ballads to blues and rock, and created their own inimitable style.
Prior to the release of their first album, Led Zeppelin made live appearances at the University of Surrey and in London in October 1968, then went on their first American tour in December 1968. In their first year, Led Zeppelin made four concert tours in the USA, and another four tours in the UK. Their second album was recorded entirely on the road at several American recording studios, and was an even greater success than the first one. "Whole Lotta Love", "Heartbreaker", "Living, Loving Maid", and "Ramble On" became big international hits.
Each member of the quartet contributed to their compositions, thus setting a fine example of group creativity. Their songs and albums rambled on with the highly versatile voice-guitar interplay. Plant's incredible vocal range and Page's enchanting guitar solos were as responsible for the band's singularity as its musical wanderlust. Plant's and Page's musicianship was supported by the tight playing by John Paul Jones on bass, and John Bonham on drums. The intense interaction of all four players on stage gave their live performances a visual counterpoint to well intertwined harmonic and rhythmic structures of their compositions.
Their third album, Led Zeppelin III, influenced by folk and Celtic music, offered more inventiveness with acoustic/electric sound-work, and revealed more of the band's versatility with such compositions as the "Immigrant Song" and "Since I've Been Loving You". With the release of their fourth, and most popular album, Led Zeppelin achieved a reputation of the biggest band in the world. 'Stairway to Heaven' became the most played radio hit, several other songs became rock classics, and nobody knows how many more times their lines would help other musicians (like the opening riff from "How Many More Times" was later used by Pink Floyd in their hit "Money").
Capitalizing on the success of their first four albums, the band toured extensively in the 1970s. At that time they chartered a private jet, nicknamed the Starship, that carried the band's name and later added the famous 'Swan Song' winged Apollo image on the tail. Going to California turned into a ritual of wildness and excess, most notably at the Hyatt House hotel on the Sunset strip in Los Angeles, known colloquially as the "Riot House" for a series of some most exciting off-stage events, such as riding a motorcycle inside the hotel and throwing TV set out of the window. One of their concerts under a heavy thunderstorm in Florida ended with police using tear gas, and led to a temporary pause in their concert tours.
During the 70s their career was interrupted several times by accidents, deaths and other unfortunate events. In September 198O on the eve of an American tour, John Bonham accidentally died from pulmonary edema after a day of drinking. In December 1980, Led Zeppelin disbanded, albeit the public could still feel their presence. In 1982 a collection of out-takes from various sessions from the 70s was released as their last album, Coda. During the 80s the remaining three members experienced a serious communication breakdown, until they briefly united for a short set in 1985, and once again, in 1988, with Bonham's son, Jason, for the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary show.
In 1994 Page and Plant showed their softer side when they performed live together on 'MTV Unplugged', which was released the same year as album titled 'No quarter'. Then they made an international tour with an orchestra. In 1995 Page and Plant were joined by Jones when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, albeit the three former band-mates did not perform together. By that time Jimmy Page as well as Robert Plant had pursued individual careers touring and recording with their own bands.
Another ten years gone. Page's and Plant's call-and-response interplay took them through good times and bad times. Their sonic originality had sparked imagination and creativity in millions of open minds. Singers, songwriters, armies of music fans and a rainbow of dedicated 'led heads', as well as guitarists and guitar collectors worldwide remained united through the acquired experience and conditioning to the Led Zep sounds.
Hats off to Led Zeppelin, who opened the new extremes of musical expression, and are now back in the light confirming their presence. Their long anticipated reunion in December 2007 was a true celebration day. Their live performance was as tight as a rock band can be, and their living, loving song remains the same since we've been loving them. That's the way!
Thank you, Friends.Favorite songs:
Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin IV; 1971)
Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin II; 1969)
Kashmir (Physical Graffiti; 1975)
Black Dog (Led Zeppelin IV; 1971)
Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin IV; 1971)
All My Love (In Through the Out Door; 1979)
Ramble On (Led Zeppelin II; 1969)
D'yer Mak'er (Houses of the Holy; 1973)
Over the Hills and Far Away (Houses of the Holy; 1973)
The Battle of Evermore (Led Zeppelin IV; 1971)- Lost Boyz is known for Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996), Woo (1998) and Caught Up (1998).Favorite songs:
Renee (Legal Drug Money; 1996)
Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz (Legal Drug Money; 1995)
Music Makes Me High (Legal Drug Money; 1996)
Lifestyles of the Rich & Shameless (Legal Drug Money; 1995)
Get Up (Legal Drug Money; 1996)
Lights, Camera, Action! (MC; John P. Kelly; 2001)
Is This da Part (Legal Drug Money; 1996)
Love, Peace, & Nappiness (Love, Peace & Nappiness; 1997)
1, 2, 3 (Legal Drug Money; 1996)
Channel Zero (Legal Drug Money; 1996) - Music Artist
- Music Department
- Composer
Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. (known professionally as Marvin Gaye; April 2, 1939 - April 1, 1984) was an American singer and songwriter. He helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of successes, earning him the nicknames "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul".
Gaye's Motown songs include "Ain't That Peculiar", "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". Gaye also recorded duets with Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell, and Diana Ross. During the 1970s, Gaye recorded the albums What's Going On and Let's Get It On and became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from the reins of a production company.
His later recordings influenced several contemporary R&B sub-genres, such as quiet storm and Neo-Soul. He was a tax exile in Europe in the early 1980s; he released "Sexual Healing" in 1982, which won him his first two Grammy Awards on the album Midnight Love. Gaye's last televised appearances were at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game, where he sang "The Star-Spangled Banner"; Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever; and Soul Train.
On April 1, 1984, the eve of his 45th birthday, Gaye was shot and mortally wounded by his father, Marvin Gay Sr., at their house in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, after an argument. Gay Sr. later pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter, and received a six-year suspended sentence and five years of probation. Many institutions have posthumously bestowed Gaye with awards and other honors including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and inductions into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Favorite songs:
Let's Get It On (Let's Get It On; 1973)
Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) (What's Going On; 1971)
Sexual Healing (Midnight Love; 1982)
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (I Heard It Through the Grapevine; 1968)
What's Going On (What's Going On; 1971)
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) (What's Going On; 1971)
Soldier's Plea (That Stubborn Kinda Fellow; 1962)
Turn On Some Music (Midnight Love; 1982)
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You; 1964)
That's the Way Love Is (That's the Way Love Is; 1969)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joe Jackson (no relation to Joe Jackson, also a musician), had been a guitarist, but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Michael's mother Katherine Jackson (née Katherine Esther Scruse). Together, they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home. By the early 1960s, the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964, Michael and Marlon had joined in.
A musical prodigy, Michael's singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature, and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of the Jackson 5. An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown, it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross) who officially brought the group to Berry Gordy's attention, and by 1969, the boys were producing back-to-back chart-busting hits as Motown artists ("I Want You Back," "ABC," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Got to Be There," etc.). As a product of the 1970s, the boys emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop / soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a group like The Temptations to a disco phenomenon.
Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 1980s, he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller" in 1982. A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had much better luck with elaborate music videos.
In the 1990s, the downside as an 1980s pop phenomenon began to rear itself. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his peerless celebrity. A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically, and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts. Two brief marriages -- one to Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley -- were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes behind them appeared image-oriented.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. His passion and artistry as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman were unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his troubled adult life.Favorite songs:
Billie Jean (Thriller; 1982)
Beat It (Thriller; 1982)
Somebody's Watching Me (R; Somebody's Watching Me; 1984)
Human Nature (Thriller; 1982)
Thriller (Thriller; 1982)
Man in the Mirror (Bad; 1987)
I'll Be There (TJ5; Third Album; 1970)
I Want You Back (TJ5; Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5; 1969)
Rock with You (Off the Wall; 1979)
Smooth Criminal (Bad; 1987)- Soundtrack
Favorite songs:
The Tracks of My Tears (Going to a Go-Go; 1965)
I Second that Emotion (Greatest Hits, Vol. 2; 1967)
Shop Around (Hi... We're The Miracles; 1960)
Cruisin' (SR; Where There's Smoke...; 1979)
You've Really Got a Hold on Me (The Fabulous Miracles; 1962)
Ooo Baby Baby (Going to a Go-Go; 1965)
What Love Has Joined Together (What Love Has...Joined Together; 1970)
Baby That's Backatcha (SR; A Quiet Storm; 1975)
Money (Hi... We're The Miracles; 1961)
Going to a Go-Go (Going to a Go-Go; 1965)- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Prodigy (b. Albert Johnson) and Havoc (b. Kejuan Muchita) began making music together, after meeting as teenagers, while attending the Graphic Arts High School in Manhattan. In the early 1990s, they adopted the stage name Mobb Deep and released their debut album, "Juvenile Hell". The 1995 follow-up, "The Infamous", was an enormous success and featured hit singles "Shook Ones, Part II" and "Survival of the Fittest". It shares venerated classic hip hop status with Nas' "Illmatic" and the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die". All of their subsequent albums have sold well, but 1999's "Murda Muzik" was particularly successful, earning the duo, their first Platinum album. As natives of Queensbridge, NY, Havoc and Prodigy spoke about their experiences growing up in the projects. Their beats, produced mostly by Havoc, are characterized by heavy brushes on snare drum and haunting instrumental riffs. The result is a distinctly atmospheric, gritty sound that has become known to hip-hop heads as "Mobb Phonics". Far from glorifying gang violence, Mobb Deep can be considered the pioneers of "reality rap", a style of hip-hop that presents an accurate, observational picture of the inner-city. Their credibility, straightforward lyrics, and grimy sound earned them respect among peers and fans alike. They released several more albums, on various labels, including their own imprint. Decades later Mobb Deep remains synonymous with New York hip hop and the name continues to maintain a loyal fan base.Favorite songs:
Shook Ones Pt. II (The Infamous; 1995)
Front Lines (Hell on Earth) (Hell on Earth; 1996)
Back at You (Sunset Park soundtrack; 1996)
Quiet Storm (Murda Muzik; 1999)
Survival of the Fittest (The Infamous; 1995)
Extortion (Hell on Earth; 1996)
I'm Going Out (Murda Muzik; 1999)
Drop a Gem on 'Em (Hell on Earth; 1996)
Right Back at You (The Infamous; 1995)
U.S.A. (Aiight Then) (Murda Muzik; 1999)- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Modest Mouse is an American rock band formed in 1992 in Issaquah, Washington, and currently based in Portland, Oregon. The founding members are lead singer/guitarist Isaac Brock, drummer Jeremiah Green, and bassist Eric Judy. Strongly influenced by Pavement, Pixies, XTC, and Talking Heads, they rehearsed, rearranged, and recorded demos for almost two years before finally signing with small-town indie label K Records and releasing numerous singles. Since their 1996 debut album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About, the band's lineup has mostly centered on Brock and Green, undergoing multiple changes. The band achieved mainstream success with their fourth album, Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004), and its singles "Float On" and "Ocean Breathes Salty". Judy performed on every Modest Mouse album until his departure in 2012. Guitarist Johnny Marr (formerly of the Smiths) joined the band in 2006, shortly following percussionist Joe Plummer (formerly of the Black Heart Procession) and multi-instrumentalist Tom Peloso, to work on the album We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank (2007). Guitarist Jim Fairchild joined the band in 2009. The band's sixth album, Strangers to Ourselves, was released on March 17, 2015. Their seventh album, The Golden Casket, released on June 25, 2021.Favorite songs:
Sugar Boats (Strangers to Ourselves; 2015)
Float On (Good News for People Who Love Bad News; 2004)
Out of Gas (The Lonesome Crowded West; 1997)
Never Ending Math Equation (Single; 1998)
Lampshades on Fire (Strangers to Ourselves; 2014)
People as Places as People (We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank; 2007)
Space Travel Is Boring (This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About; 1996)
The World at Large (Good News for People Who Love Bad News; 2004)
Heart Cooks Brain (The Lonesome Crowded West; 1997)
Trailer Trash (The Lonesome Crowded West; 1997)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones on September 14, 1973, is the son of Olu Dara, an unconventional jazz musician. At age nine he was a member of the Devastatin' Seven in the mid-1980s, the fruits of which can be heard on his 1994 debut, "Illmatic," which was released on Columbia/SME later that year. It attracted attention for its depiction of ghetto life and Nas' refusal to include the misogyny and violence evident in some hip-hop. Nas's first appearance on record was on Main Source's classic "Live at the Barbecue." However, his big break came when former 3rd Bass member 'MC Serch' included his verse in "Halftime" on the soundtrack of Zebrahead (1992), which led to a management deal with Serch's management company, Serchlight Productions. Nas's follow-up albums are "It Was Written," "I Am...," "Nastradamus," "Stillmatic," "From Illmatic to Stillmatic," "The Lost Tapes Vol. 1," and "God's Son."Favorite songs:
Nas Is Like (I Am...; 1999)
If I Ruled the World (It Was Written; 1996)
Street Dreams (It Was Written; 1996)
N.Y. State of Mind (Illmatic; 1994)
Made You Look (God's Son; 2002)
One Mic (Stillmatic; 2001)
Halftime (Illmatic; 1992)
Memory Lane (Sittin' in da Park) (Illmatic; 1994)
It Ain't Hard to Tell (Illmatic; 1994)
The Message (It Was Written; 1996)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Neil Young is one of the most respected and prolific rock/folk guitarists of the late 20th century. Raised in Canada, he first became well-known as a guitarist and occasional vocalist for the band Buffalo Springfield. After the band's breakup, Young became a solo performer. However, he also has spent more than 30 years performing with the super-group Crosby Stills Nash & Young, as well as with the band Crazy Horse. He also recorded an album with the grunge band Pearl Jam in 1995. Besides his work as a musician, he has also been active in film. Young has produced and/or performed in such concert films as Rust Never Sleeps (1979), Year of the Horse (1997) and many more. He has also been involved with non-musical films, including Human Highway (1982) and Made in Heaven (1987).Favorite songs:
Heart of Gold (Harvest; 1971)
Harvest Moon (Harvest Moon; 1992)
For What It's Worth (BS; Buffalo Springfield; 1966)
The Needle and the Damage Done (Harvest; 1972)
Old Man (Harvest; 1972)
Cortez the Killer (Zuma; 1975)
I'm the Ocean (Mirror Ball; 1995)
Only Love Can Break Your Heart (After the Gold Rush; 1970)
Woodstock (CSNY; Deja Vu; 1970)
Ohio (CSNY; single; 1970)- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Favorite songs:
Poison (BBD; Poison; 1990)
Every Little Step (BB; Don't Be Cruel; 1988)
If It Isn't Love (Heart Break; 1988)
Hit me Off (Home Again; 1996)
Do Me! (BBD; Poison; 1990)
Roni (BB; Don't Be Cruel; 1988)
I'm Still In Love With You (Home Again; 1996)
Don't Be Cruel (BB; Don't Be Cruel; 1988)
B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)? (BBD; Poison; 1990)
Cool It Now (New Edition; 1984)- Actor
- Composer
- Music Department
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds is known for The Lobster (2015), Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) and About Time (2013).Favorite songs:
The Mercy Seat (Tender Prey; 1988)
Red Right Hand (Let Love In; 1994)
Do You Love Me? (Let Love In; 1994)
Henry Lee (Murder Ballads; 1996)
She Fell Away (Your Funeral... My Trial; 1986)
In the Ghetto (Single; 1984)
Ain't Gonna Rain Anymore (Let Love In; 1994)
Up Jumped the Devil (Tender Prey; 1988)
The Weeping Song (The Good Son; 1990)
The Curse of Millhaven (Murder Ballads; 1996)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
Nirvana was an American rock band formed by lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. Nirvana went through a succession of drummers, the longest-lasting and best-known being Dave Grohl, who joined in 1990. Despite releasing only three full-length studio albums in their seven-year career, Nirvana has come to be regarded as one of the most influential and important alternative bands in history. Though the band dissolved in 1994 after the death of Cobain, their music maintains a popular following and continues to influence modern rock and roll culture.Favorite songs:
All Apologies (In Utero; 1993)
Heart-Shaped Box (In Utero; 1993)
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nevermind; 1991)
About a Girl (Bleach; 1989)
Lithium (Nevermind; 1991)
The Man Who Sold the World (MTV Unplugged in New York; 1994)
Come as You Are (Nevermind; 1991)
Mr. Moustache (Bleach; 1989)
In Bloom (Nevermind; 1991)
Pennyroyal Tea (In Utero; 1993)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, was born on May 21, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Jamaican parents, Voletta Wallace, a pre-school teacher, and Selwyn George Latore, a welder and small-time politician. He was raised in the poor Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Dropping out of high school at the age of seventeen, Biggie became a crack dealer, which he proclaimed was his only source of income. Hustlin' one's way was a common life for a young Black man trying to make a living in the ghetto. His career choices involved certain risks. However, a trip to North Carolina for a routine drug exchange ended being the soon-to-be MC a nine-month stay behind bars. Once released, Biggie borrowed a friend's four-track tape recorder and laid down some hip-hop tracks in a basement. The tapes were then passed around and played at local radio station in New York.
Not extremely attractive, Wallace named himself Biggie, for his weight. Biggie was a Black man who was overweight, extremely dark skinned, and had a crook in his eye, yet he was a charmer. A young impresario and sometime producer by the name of Sean Combs heard Biggie's early tapes. Impressed, Puffy went to sign Biggie to his new label, Bad Boy Records.
Puffy and Biggie worked on the artist's first album, and the Notorious B.I.G. was born. Biggie was first heard on a remix of a Mary J. Blige song and a track on the Who's the Man? (1991) soundtrack. After these successes, the album worked on earlier went through its final touches and was released in 1994, titled "Ready to Die." The record was certified platinum quickly, and the Notorious B.I.G. was named MC of the Year at the 1995 Billboard Music Awards. After the quick success of the album, Biggie went back to get his friends, some who didn't even rhyme. He had several run-ins with the law, on charges that ranged from beatings, to drugs and to weapons, while all claimed that Biggie was a gentle person. He soon met a rapper from the west coast named Tupac Shakur, and the two became friends.
Tupac supported Biggie and was often giving him advice. However, their friendship turned into the most violent era of hip-hop music on November 30, 1994. While Biggie and Puffy were at a recording session at Quad Recording Studios in Manhattan, Tupac went there to record with another rapper for his third studio album, "Me Against The World" at the same time, but in the lobby, Tupac was held at gunpoint and robbed of $40,000 worth of jewelry. Tupac was shot five times. Biggie rushed down just in time to see Tupac being loaded into an ambulance. Extending a middle finger, Pac blamed Biggie for the shooting and said that Biggie knew about it and failed to warn him. This sparked the East Coast, West Coast rivalry. Tupac later recovered from his injuries. During this encounter, Biggie admitted that he was scared for his life. Biggie never responded to any of Tupac's disses. Tupac attacked Biggie in every way he could, even starting strong rumors that there was a love affair between Tupac and Biggie's wife, Faith Evans.
Later, The entire country became divided into two groups, the west side and the east side, which became Death Row Records versus Bad Boy Records, Marion 'Suge' Knight versus Puff Daddy, and Tupac versus Biggie. The two of them finally met again late in 1995, and Tupac secretly said to Biggie, "I'm just tryin' to sell some records." Unfortunately, it became very real when on September 7, 1996, Tupac was shot four times in a drive-by shooting off the Las Vegas strip after he left a fight he was involved in inside of the MGM Grand Hotel after a Mike Tyson boxing match. He died six days later on September 13, 1996 as a result of those gunshot wounds at the age of 25. The case is still unsolved. Biggie was scared for his life, but he wanted to put an end to the rivalry between the two coasts. Biggie went to the west coast for several events, to support for his next release album, "Life After Death," but also to make a statement that the rivalry was over. On March 7, 1997, he attended the Soul Train Music Awards and went to the after party hosted by Vibe magazine and Qwest Records on March 8. On March 9, Biggie was sitting in an SUV on the street when he was shot multiple times by an unknown assailant. He died almost instantly. Hip-Hop faced its greatest tragedy when both Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. were killed. Biggie was only 24 years old.Favorite songs:
Juicy (Ready to Die; 1994)
Big Poppa (Ready to Die; 1994)
Notorious Thugs (Life After Death; 1997)
The What (Ready to Die; 1994)
Mo Money Mo Problems (Life After Death; 1997)
One More Chance (Ready to Die; 1994)
Player's Anthem (JM; Conspiracy; 1995)
Get Money (JM; Conspiracy; 1995)
Hypnotize (Life After Death; 1997)
Dead Wrong (Born Again; 1999)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Favorite songs: The Kids Aren't Alright, Blackball, Come Out and Play, We Are One, Self Esteem- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Composer
Otis Redding was born on 9 September 1941 in Dawson, Georgia, USA. He was a music artist and composer, known for Top Gun (1986), Hamburger Hill (1987) and Road House (1989). He was married to Zelma Redding. He died on 10 December 1967 in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.Favorite songs:
(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay (The Dock of the Bay; 1968)
I've Been Loving You Too Long (Otis Blue; 1965)
Try a Little Tenderness (Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul; 1966)
There Arms of Mine (Pain in My Heart; 1964)
Hard to Handle (The Immortal Otis Redding; 1968)
Cigarettes and Coffee (The Soul Album; 1966)
Open the Door (The Dock of the Bay; 1968)
The Happy Song (Dum-Dum-De-De-De-Dum-Dum) (The Immortal Otis Redding; 1968)
Wonderful World (Otis Blue; 1965)
My Girl (Otis Blue; 1965)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Director
Outkast (sometimes written as OutKast) was an American hip hop duo formed in 1992 in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta-based rappers André "3000" Benjamin (formerly known as Dré) and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. Outkast is often regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop acts of all time. The duo achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, helping to popularize Southern hip hop with their intricate lyricism, memorable melodies and positive messages, while experimenting with diverse genres such as funk, psychedelia, jazz, and techno.Favorite songs:
SpottieOttieDopaliscious (Aquemini; 1998)
Rosa Parks (Aquemini; 1998)
ATLiens (ATLiens; 1996)
B.O.B. (Stankonia; 2000)
Elevators (Me & You) (ATLiens; 1996)
Ms. Jackson (Stankonia; 2000)
The Whole World (Big Boi and Dre Present... Outkast; 2001)
Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac) (ATLiens; 1996)
Hey Ya! (Speakerboxxx/The Love Below; 2003)
Skew It on the Bar-B (Aquemini; 1998)- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Pavement is known for The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), You, Me and Dupree (2006) and The To Do List (2013).Favorite songs:
Major Leagues (Terror Twilight; 1999)
Summer Babe (Winter Version) (Slanted and Enchanted; 1992)
Range Life (Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain; 1994)
Cut Your Hair (Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain; 1994)
Gold Soundz (Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain; 1994)
Platform Blues (Terror Twilight; 1999)
Trigger Cut (Slanted and Enchanted; 1992)
Carrot Rope (Terror Twilight; 1999)
Our Singer (Slanted and Enchanted; 1992)
Perfume-V (Slanted and Enchanted; 1992)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has consisted of Eddie Vedder (lead vocals), Mike McCready (lead guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar) and Jeff Ament (bass). The band's fifth member is drummer Matt Cameron (also of Soundgarden), who has been with the band since 1998. To date, the band has sold nearly 32 million records in the United States and an estimated 60 million worldwide.Pearl Jam has outlasted and outsold many of its contemporaries from the alternative rock breakthrough of the early 1990s, and is considered one of the most influential bands of that decade. Pearl Jam was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 7, 2017.Favorite songs:
Black (Ten; 1991)
Last Kiss (No Boundaries: A Benefit for the Kosovar Refugees; 1999)
Alive (Ten; 1991)
Daughter (Vs.; 1993)
Even Flow (Ten; 1991)
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town (Vs.; 1993)
Wishlist (Yield; 1998)
Better Man (Vitalogy; 1994)
Tremor Christ (Vitalogy; 1994)
In Hiding (Yield; 1998)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actor
Syd Barrett: vocals, guitar (born: Roger Keith Barrett; 6 January, 1946; Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK). In 1968, Syd Barrett left the band. Syd died in July, 2006 at aged 60 from pancreatic cancer.
David Gilmour: vocals, guitar (born: David John Gilmour; 6 March, 1946; Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK). In 1968, Gilmour replaced Syd Barrett.
Roger Waters: vocals, bass guitar (born: George Roger Waters; 6 September, 1943; Great Bookham, Surrey, England, UK). In 1983, he left the band.
Richard Wright: keyboards, back-up vocals (born: 28 July, 1943; Hatch End, England, UK). Was fired from the band in 1979, rejoined in 1986 as a session player and was officially reinstated in 1992. The second member who did every tour. Richard died on 15 September, 2008 at age 65 from cancer.
Nick Mason: drums, percussion (born: Nicholas Berkeley Mason; 27 January, 1944; Birmingham, England, UK). The only member to have appeared on every album. One of two members who did every tour.Favorite songs:
Money (The Dark Side of the Moon; 1973)
Wish You Were Here (Wish You Were Here; 1975)
Another Brick in the Wall (Part II) (The Wall; 1979)
Comfortably Numb (The Wall; 1979)
Have a Cigar (Wish You Were Here; 1975)
Summer '68 (Atom Heart Mother; 1970)
Time (The Dark Side of the Moon; 1973)
High Hopes (The Division Bell; 1994)
Brain Damage/Eclipse (The Dark Side of the Moon; 1973)
Us and Them (The Dark Side of the Moon; 1973)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
The Police were a British rock band formed in London in 1977. For most of their history the band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar, primary songwriter), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s and are generally regarded as one of the first new-wave groups to achieve mainstream success, playing a style of rock influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. They are also considered one of the leaders of the Second British Invasion of the United States. They disbanded in 1986, but reunited in early 2007 for a one-off world tour that ended in August 2008.Favorite songs:
Wrapped Around Your Finger (Synchronicity; 1983)
Fields of Gold (S; Ten Summoner's Tales; 1993)
Invisible Sun (Ghost in the Machine; 1981)
Every Breath You Take (Synchronicity; 1983)
Message in a Bottle (Reggatta de Blanc; 1979)
Roxanne (Outlandos d'Amour; 1978)
Don't Stand So Close to Me (Zenyatta Mondatta; 1980)
Mad About You (S; The Soul Cages; 1991)
If I Ever Lose My Faith in You (S; Ten Summoner's Tales; 1993)
Synchronicity II (Synchronicity; 1983)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Music Department
Favorite songs:
Sour Times (Dummy; 1994)
Glory Box (Dummy; 1994)
Only You (Portishead; 1997)
Humming (Portishead; 1997)
All Mine (Portishead; 1997)
Elysium (Portishead; 1997)
The Rip (Third; 2008)
Silence (Third; 2008)
Numb (Dummy; 1994)
Roads (Dummy; 1994)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
The Pretenders are an English-American rock band formed in Hereford, England, in March 1978. The original band consisted of initiator and main songwriter Chrissie Hynde (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums, backing vocals, percussion). Following the drug-related deaths of Honeyman-Scott and Farndon, the band has experienced numerous subsequent personnel changes, with Hynde as the only consistent member, and Chambers returning after an absence of several years.Favorite songs:
Brass in Pocket (Pretenders; 1979)
Never Do That (Packed!; 1990)
Back on the Chain Gang (Learning to Crawl; 1982)
I'll Stand by You (Last of the Independents; 1994)
Don't Get Me Wrong (Get Close; 1986)
Alone (Alone; 2016)
Talk of the Town (Pretenders II; 1980)
Middle of the Road (Learning to Crawl; 1983)
977 (Last of the Independents; 1994)
2000 Miles (Learning to Crawl; 1983)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actor
Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Mattie Shaw, a jazz singer and social worker, and John L. Nelson, a lyricist and pianist. His father's stage name was "Prince Rogers". His parents were both from African-American families from Louisiana. They separated during his youth, which lead him to move back and forth. Prince had a troubled relationship with his step-father which lead him to run away from home. Prince was adopted by a family called the Andersons. Prince soon after became friends with the Anderson's son, Andre Anderson (Cymone) together along with Charles Smith they joined a band called Grand Central. The band later renamed themselves Champagne and were a fairly successful live band, however soon diminished.
Prince at the age of eighteen started working on high-quality demo tracks with Chris Moon. With these demo tracks Prince eventually ended up signing a recording contract with Warner Brothers Records and was the youngest producer associated with the label. Prince made his debut on the record label with his 1978 album, For You. It wasn't a strong successful album, however it was fair for a beginning artist and ranked 163 on the U.S. Pop Charts. Prince's next releases would tend to do much better on the charts with his singles, "Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" and I Wanna Be Your Lover in 1979. This would start to introduce Prince as a person who presented sexually explicit material into the music industry. However Prince didn't begin to attract mainstream artists until he release his single, 1999. This single began to be noticed by M.T.V. viewers and this would make him a part of the main-stream music media. Prince released two more singles called Little Red Corvette and Delirious. The album featured Prince's new band, The Revolution. In 1984 Prince would release what would be seen as an admired and profound masterpiece the feature film/sound-track album, Purple Rain in 1984. Prince's father contributed to this album, by cowriting the chord sequence for a couple of his songs. Prince continued to give cowriting credit to his father on several other albums, as his famous chord sequence would be used in several of Prince's singles and albums.
A lot of Prince's songs did not agree with listeners and one of his songs, Darling Nikki prompted a group of people to start a censorship organization called, Parents Music Resource Center (P.M.R.C.) as the track implemented grinding ludicrous acts such as masturbating, which stunned listeners. Prince however continued to release various other singles with the same platform his memorable releases being, Around The World In A Day, Parade, Love Sexy, and Batman.
Prince released a sequel to Purple Rain in 1990 called Graffiti Bridge, a soundtrack album accompanied this movie entitled, Graffiti Bridge. The film did terrible in box-office and was nominated for several Razzie awards. Many people saw the sound-track album, as the high point of the film.
In 1991, Prince assembled a new band called, The New Power Generation with this band he would release singles such as Diamond And Pearls, Cream, and Gett Off. Prince eventually changed his stage name from Prince to a symbol, which lead people to call him, "The Artist Formerly Known As Prince". Prince soon took back his old stage name.
In the 1990s, Prince continued to release singles such as Came, The Gold Experience, Chaos And Disorder, and Emancipation. With the rise of the new millennium, Prince released material such as a religious album called The Rainbow Children,One Nite Alone,The Chocolate Invasion,The Slaughter House, and had a collaboration with Stevie Wonder on Stevie's single called, What The Fuss in 2005.
Prince died on April 21, 2016 in Chanhassen, Minnesota, at his Paisley Park recording studio complex. He was 57.
Prince will be remembered as a musician and artist who inspired millions through his music, and set an inspirational platform which others still abide by.Favorite songs:
When Doves Cry (Purple Rain; 1984)
Little Red Corvette (1999; 1982)
Sexy MF (Love Symbol; 1992)
1999 (1999; 1982)
Sign o' the Times (Sign o' the Times; 1987)
Kiss (Parade; 1986)
Purple Rain (Purple Rain; 1984)
Let's Go Crazy (Purple Rain; 1984)
Raspberry Beret (Around the World in a Day; 1985)
Delirious (1999; 1982)- Actor
- Soundtrack
The Psychedelic Furs is known for Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), Call Me by Your Name (2017) and Pretty in Pink (1986).Favorite songs:
Sister Europe (The Psychedelic Furs; 1980)
Pretty in Pink (Talk Talk Talk; 1981)
Love My Way (Forever Now; 1982)
Am I Wrong (LSL; Love Spit Love; 1994)
Heartbreak Beat (Midnight to Midnight; 1986)
Don't Be a Girl (World Outside; 1991)
The Ghost in You (Mirror Moves; 1984)
Until She Comes (World Outside; 1991)
All That Money Wants (All of This and Nothing; 1988)
Book of Days (Book of Days; 1989)- Actor
- Music Department
- Writer
Public Enemy is known for Do the Right Thing (1989), Star Trek Beyond (2016) and End of Watch (2012).Favorite songs:
Sophisticated Bitch (Yo! Bum Rush the Show; 1987)
Fight the Power (Fear of a Black Planet; 1990)
By the Time I Get to Arizona (Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black; 1991)
Bring tha Noize (Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black; 1991)
Can't Truss It (Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black; 1991)
911 Is a Joke (Fear of a Black Planet; 1990)
Terminator X to the Edge of Panic (It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back; 1988)
Don't Believe the Hype (It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back; 1988)
Can't Do Nuttin' for Ya Man (Fear of a Black Planet; 1990)
Welcome to the Terrordome (Fear of a Black Planet; 1990)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Pulp were an English rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978. Throughout the 1980s, the band struggled to find success, but gained prominence in the UK in the mid-1990s with the release of the albums His 'n' Hers in 1994 and particularly Different Class in 1995, which reached the number one spot in the UK Albums Chart. The album spawned four top ten singles, including "Common People" and "Sorted for E's & Wizz", both of which reached number two in the UK Singles Chart. Their last performance was on The Jonathan Ross Show on 9 February 2013.Favorite songs:
Sorted for E's & Wizz (Different Class; 1995)
Common People (Different Class; 1995)
A Little Soul (This Is Hardcore; 1998)
Babies (His 'n' Hers; 1992)
Do You Remember the First Time? (His 'n' Hers; 1994)
Countdown (Separations; 1991)
The Fear (This Is Hardcore; 1998)
Razzmatazz (Single; 1993)
This Is Hardcore (This Is Hardcore; 1998)
Mis-Shapes (Different Class; 1995)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Queen were one of the longest-lasting and most commercially successful bands to emerge from the British heavy rock scene of the early 1970s, but unlike their contemporaries such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, they soon became just as popular with pop fans as fans of hard rock and heavy metal, beginning with "Killer Queen" from their third album "Sheer Heart Attack" in 1974.
Formed in London in 1970 following the demise of the band Smile, Queen originally consisted of vocalist Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor before being joined by bassist John Deacon. The band became popular with audiences via their hit singles, live performances, originality and showmanship, being voted the greatest British band of all time in a national BBC poll. Their Live Aid (1985) performance was voted the best live rock performance of all time in an industry poll. According to the BBC, Queen have sold more than 300 million albums as of 2009.
Queen's first album "Queen" was a commercial flop in 1973, failing to chart and producing no hit single, but their second album "Queen II" produced a top ten hit, "Seven Seas of Rhye". It was with the release of "Sheer Heart Attack" in 1974 and "A Night at the Opera" the following year that the band gained international success. They have released fifteen studio albums, five live albums and numerous compilation albums. Since Mercury's death and Deacon's retirement, May and Taylor have performed infrequently together at special events and programs as members of other ensembles. Between 2004 to 2009 the duo collaborated with Paul Rodgers under the moniker Queen + Paul Rodgers, and between 2011 to 2015 with Adam Lambert under the moniker Queen + Adam Lambert.Favorite songs:
Bohemian Rhapsody (A Night at the Opera; 1975)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (The Game; 1979)
Under Pressure (Hot Space; 1981)
Killer Queen (Sheer Heart Attack; 1974)
We Are the Champions (News of the World; 1977)
Somebody to Love (A Day at the Races; 1976)
We Will Rock You (News of the World; 1977)
Another One Bites the Dust (The Game; 1980)
You're My Best Friend (A Night at the Opera; 1975)
I Want It All (The Miracle; 1989)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group consists of vocalist Zack De la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk. Rage Against the Machine is well known for the members' revolutionary political views, which are expressed in many of the band's songs. As of 2010, they had sold over 16 million records worldwide.Favorite songs:
Bulls on Parade (Evil Empire; 1996)
Killing in the Name (Rage Against the Machine; 1992)
No Shelter (Godzilla: The Album; 1998)
People of the Sun (Evil Empire; 1996)
Renegades of Funk (Renegades; 2000)
Guerrilla Radio (The Battle of Los Angeles; 1999)
Vietnow (Evil Empire; 1996)
Sleep Now in the Fire (The Battle of Los Angeles; 1999)
Testify (The Battle of Los Angeles; 1999)
Down Rodeo (Evil Empire; 1996)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Punk Rock band formed in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, USA, in 1974. They are known as one of the pioneers of the punk rock sound. All the band members have adopted the fake surname "Ramone" alongside their stage name. School friends John Cummings (Johnny Ramone ) and Thomas Erdelyi (Tommy Ramone ) were together in a band called "Tangerine Puppets" between 1966-1967. They befriended Douglas Colvin (Dee Dee Ramone ) and former glam rock band "Sniper" lead singer, Jeffrey Hyman (Joey Ramone ). In 1974, John (lead guitar) and Douglas (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) invited Jeffrey to join them to form a band as a drummer. Douglas soon change to bass guitar and adopted the stage name of Dee Dee Ramone inspired by a 50's gangsters film, with brothers who shared the same last name. He convinced his band mates to adopt the same surname. They became Johnny Ramone, Joey Ramone and the band Ramones. Dee Dee realized he couldn't sing and play the bass so Joey took the lead singing. But he also realized he couldn't sing and play the drums, so he quit the drums and became the lead singer, as Dee Dee continued to count each song's tempo, originating the Ramones trademark "1, 2, 3, 4!" shout between songs. Thomas Erdelyi was working as the band's manager, and while the band was auditioning drummers, he often demonstrate to the candidates how to play the drums. It was natural he became the new drummer, as Tommy Ramone. Ramones first gig was on March 30, 1974, at Performance Studios. They debuted on renowned club CBGB on August 16, 1974. Their fast sound and lanky look cause a great impact on the audience, and soon they became regular performers at CBGB. In 1975 they signed a record contract with Sire Records, and their debut album, "Ramones", was released on April, 1976. The longest song lasted 2 1/2 minutes, another characteristic from Ramones, fast and short songs, full of energy. The album wasn't a commercial success, but after a brief tour in England (where they meet members of Sex Pistols and The Clash ), their live performances outside New York began to be very successful. In 1977 they released two more albums: "Leave Home" and "Rocket to Russia". In early 1978, Tommy Ramone quit his drummer position, exhausted of touring. He didn't leave the band, though, staying as their record producer under his real name, Erdelyi. Former Richard Hell & The Voidoids drummer, Mark Bell, enters as Marky Ramone on drums. With the new line up, they recorded their fourth album, "Road to Ruin", which includes one of their most popular songs, "I Wanna Be Sedated". Ramones debuted on the screen with Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979), from producer Roger Corman. Record producer Phil Spector got interested in the band and produced their 1980 album "End of the Century". The band had serious disagreements with Spector, though the album was the most successful on charts. They keep recording and playing live. In 1983, drummer Marky Ramone leaves the band, because of alcohol abuse. He was replaced by Richard Reinhardt (Richie Ramone ), who contributed with songwriting and lead vocals. After 4 years, he quit the band because he never receive money for merchandising selling. He was briefly replaced by Blondie drummer Clem Burke. It didn't work, and Marky Ramone, who was sober, returned to his position. With Marky's return the Ramones started to record their 11th studio album, "Brain Dead", but soon Dee Dee Ramone quit the band. The bass parts were recorded by other musicians and the album released in 1989. Christopher Ward enters as the new bass player under the stage name "C.J. Ramone". In 1992 the band released "Mondo Bizarro" and embarked in a world tour. They released the covers album "Acid Eaters" in 1993. Ramones released their last studio album, "¡Adios Amigos!" in 1995, followed by a world tour and a farewell tour in USA as part of the Lollapalooza Festival. Their final gig was on August 6, 1996 at The Palace, in Hollywood, CA.Favorite songs:
Sheena Is a Punk Rocker (Rocket to Russia; 1977)
Chinese Rock (End of the Century; 1980)
I Wanna Be Sedated (Road to Ruin; 1978)
The KKK Took My Baby Away (Pleasant Dreams; 1981)
I Wanna Live (Halfway to Sanity; 1987)
Bonzo Goes to Bitburg (Animal Boy; 1985)
Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones; 1976)
California Sun (Leave Home; 1977)
Psycho Therapy (Subterranean Jungle; 1983)
Beat on the Brat (Ramones; 1976)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk rock and psychedelic rock. Currently, the band consists of founding members vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, longtime drummer Chad Smith, and former touring guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the best-selling bands of all time with over 80 million records sold.Favorite songs:
Under the Bridge (Blood Sugar Sex Magik; 1991)
Otherside (Californication; 1999)
Soul to Squeeze (Coneheads soundtrack; 1993)
Scar Tissue (Californication; 1999)
Californication (Californication; 1999)
By the Way (By the Way; 2002)
Dark Necessities (The Getaway; 2016)
Give It Away (Blood Sugar Sex Magik; 1991)
Dani California (Stadium Arcadium; 2006)
Around the World (Californication; 1999)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Producer
Reginald Noble better known by his stage name Redman, is an American rapper, DJ, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame in the early 1990s as an artist on the Def Jam label. He is well known for his collaborations with his close friend Method Man, as one-half of the rap duo Method Man & Redman, including their starring roles in films and sitcoms. He was also a member of the Def Squad in the late 1990s.Favorite songs:
How High (MM & R; The Show soundtrack; 1995)
Tonight's Da Night (Whut? Thee Album; 1992)
Da Rockwilder (MM & R; Blackout!; 1999)
Time 4 Sum Aksion (Whut? Thee Album; 1992)
It's Like That (My Big Brother) (Muddy Waters; 1996)
Whateva Man (Muddy Waters; 1996)
I'll Bee Dat! (Doc's da Name 2000; 1998)
Tear It Off (MM & R; Blackout!; 1999)
Well All Rite Cha (Doc's da Name 2000; 1998)
Can't Wait (Dare Iz a Darkside; 1994)- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Favorite songs:
I Will Dare (Let It Be; 1984)
I'll Be You (Don't Tell a Soul; 1989)
Hold My Life (Tim; 1985)
Alex Chilton (Pleased to Meet Me; 1987)
Waitress in the Sky (Tim; 1985)
Skyway (Pleased to Meet Me; 1987)
Left of the Dial (Tim; 1985)
Bastards of Young (Tim; 1985)
Here Comes a Regular (Tim; 1985)
Can't Hardly Wait (Pleased to Meet Me; 1987)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Music Department
The Rolling Stones are the legendary British rock band known for many popular hits, such as Paint it Black, Lady Jane, Ruby Tuesday, and (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction. Almost everyone who attended their shows is quick to comment on their ability to start you up and shake your hips. Their song "Satisfaction" (1965) was composed by Keith Richards in his sleep, and with the addition of provocative lyrics by Mick Jagger it became the greatest hit and their calling card on each and every show.
In 1966, after The Beatles stopped giving live performances, The Rolling Stones took over as the unofficial "biggest touring band in the world" for the next few years. During 1966-1969 they toured the world, and constantly updated their song-list with many great hits like "Lets Spend the night together" (1967), "Sympathy for the Devil" (1968) and "Honky tonk woman" (1969). The incredible international success of the Stones came with a sad side, caused by Brian's drug and alcohol abuse that impaired his speech and appearance, so the band-mates had to replace him. In July 1969, Brian Jones died of drowning in his swimming pool while having signs of drug overdose. Upon Richards's and Jagger's approval, guitarist Mick Taylor took Brian's place. Brian's death at age 27 made him one of the first members of the infamous "27 Club" of rock stars who died at that age. Although Brian's estrangement from his band-mates, and his numerous arrests were caused by his personal problems with drugs, both Richards and Jagger were blamed at the time for Brian's death. The loss of one of their founding members was a painful moment for the Stones. However, at the end of the 1960s their creativity reached the new highs. Their albums "Beggars Banquet" (1968) and "Sticky Fingers" (1971) were among the most popular albums they ever made, having such hits as "Wild Horses" and "Brown Sugar."
During the 1970s The Rolling Stones remained the biggest band in the world, albeit they were rivaled by the Led Zeppelin. The Stones made thousands of live performances and multi-million record sales with hits like "Angie" (1973), "It's Only Rock and Roll" (1974), "Hot Stuff" (1976) and "Respectable" (1978). At that time both Keith Richards and Mick Jagger had individual ambitions, and applied their untamed creativity in various projects outside the Stones. Keith released his own single. In 1974 Ron Wood had replaced Mick Taylor on guitar and Keith and Ron both played lead guitars. During the decade Keith Richards had a family crisis on his hands, and suffered through emotional pain and drug abuse, albeit it didn't stop him from being himself. In 1980 the group released "Emotional Rescue" which Keith Richards didn't care for, and the group didn't even tour to promote the album. In 1981 with the release of 'Tattoo You', the group went on a major world tour filling stadiums in the US and in Europe. In 1983 the Stones recorded the album "Undercover" at the Compass Point in Nassau and during this time Mick and Keith were having arguments over rights of the group. After having created tens of albums and over a hundred popular songs together, their legendary song-writing partnership was undergoing the most painful test: the bitter rivalry between two enormously talented and equally ambitious superstars.
Mick Jagger is the heart of "The Stones" and Keith Richards - the soul. The two had carried on their early image of unkempt youth, had survived ups and downs in their careers and personal lives, and remained the core of the band since they shared a flat with the late Brian Jones in London in 1962. Two other remaining members are drummer Charlie Watts and guitarist Ron Wood. "The Stones" were part of the "British Invasion" in international culture during the 1960s, and has been extremely popular and famous for their 60s craze, hot stuff and sex drive. Since the 1970s they remained one of the biggest entertainment acts touring the world with a retinue of jet-set hangers-on. Their inimitable shows, no matter the best, or the worst, has been played with fire and emotion, giving their audiences the kind of music they do best - it's only rock'n roll.
Mick Jagger dropped out of college and his every move on-stage and off-stage seemed to signal a challenge to "respectable" standards. He never received a formal musical education, and even could not read music. However, he worked hard and emerged as the lead singer and songwriter in partnership with Richards, following the example of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's songwriting for The Beatles. Outside of the Rolling Stones, Jagger released solo albums with his original songs, as well as his versions of such hits as 'Use Me' by songwriter Bill Withers. Jagger also starred in several films, such as Freejack (1992), Bent (1997), and The Man from Elysian Fields (2001). Mick Jagger fathered seven children from four women, donated to numerous school and charities, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace in 2003.
Keith Richards, was a schoolmate of Mick Jagger since the primary school. In 1960 they contemplated starting up a band together. Since the formation of the Rolling Stones in 1962, Richards has been the principal songwriting partner with Jagger, and most of the songs on all Rolling Stones albums are credited to Jagger/Richards. Outside of the Rolling Stones, Richards toured with The New Barbarians, and also was the front-man of the X-pensive Winos in the 1980s. Besides his music career, Richards made a cameo appearance as the father of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) filmed by his friend, director Gore Verbinski.
Other members of The Rolling Stones has been also enjoying their individual careers outside of the band. Multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Wood collaborated with such performers as Prince, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, and Aretha Franklin, among others. His collaboration with Rod Stewart resulted in a hit album. Wood is also an accomplished artist who sold about $10 million worth of his artworks. Drummer Charlie Watts, who has been ever faithful to his one and only wife, Shirley, is known for his consistency in refusing sexual favors from groupies. He is also a jazz band-leader, and commercial artist, who had solo shows and successfully auctioned his artworks.
The Rolling Stones have released 55 albums of original work and compilations, and sold over 200 million records word-wide during their career spanning over 45 years. "The Stones" played in all kinds of spaces from small clubs to big stadium arenas. In 2007 they even rocked the Tsar's Winter Palace with fifty thousand fans in St. Petersburg, Russia, where the communist revolution took place. They gave more large-scale shows internationally than any other existing band in the world, culminating in their 2005-2007 "A Bigger Band" tour with 147 concerts, the highest grossing tour of all time with $559 million earned.
Come on, Stones, give us more of your respectable shows, get us rocking, we can make it if we try.Favorite songs:
Paint It Black (Aftermath; 1966)
Sympathy for the Devil (Beggars Banquet; 1968)
Gimme Shelter (Let It Bleed; 1969)
Start Me Up (Tattoo You; 1981)
Beast of Burden (Some Girls; 1978)
You Can't Always Get What You Want (Let It Bleed; 1969)
Time Is on My Side (12 X 5; 1963)
Wild Horses (Sticky Fingers; 1971)
I Got the Blues (Sticky Fingers; 1971)
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (Out of Our Heads; 1965)- Actress
- Writer
- Director
Siouxsie and the Banshees were an English punk rock band, formed in London in 1976 by vocalist Siouxsie Sioux and bass guitarist Steven Severin. They have been widely influential since their debut album The Scream was released in 1978 to critical acclaim. During their career, Siouxsie and the Banshees released 11 studio albums and 30 singles. The band experienced several line-up changes, with Siouxsie and Severin being the only constant members. They disbanded in 1996.Favorite songs:
Cities in Dust (Tinderbox; 1985)
Arabian Knights (Juju; 1981)
Kiss Them for Me (Superstition; 1991)
Spellbound (Juju; 1981)
Israel (Single; 1980)
Happy House (Kaleidoscope; 1980)
Christine (Kaleidoscope; 1980)
Dear Prudence (Hyæna; 1983)
Dazzle (Hyæna; 1984)
This Wheel's on Fire (Through the Looking Glass; 1987)- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Actor
Favorite songs:
1979 (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness; 1995)
Tonight, Tonight (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness; 1995)
Today (Siamese Dream; 1993)
Disarm (Siamese Dream; 1993)
Bullet with Butterfly Wings (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness; 1995)
Rhinoceros (Gish; 1991)
Zero (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness; 1995)
Pug (Adore; 1998)
Eye (Lost Highway soundtrack; 1996)
Thirty-Three (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness; 1995)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
The Smiths is known for Bumblebee (2018), 500 Days of Summer (2009) and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008).Favorite songs:
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (The Queen Is Dead; 1986)
This Charming Man (Single; 1983)
Panic (The World Won't Listen; 1986)
How Soon Is Now? (Hatful of Hollow; 1984)
A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours (Strangeways, Here We Come; 1987)
William, It Was Really Nothing (Hatful of Hollow; 1984)
I Want the One I Can't Have (Meat Is Murder; 1985)
Handsome Devil (Hatful of Hollow; 1984)
Bigmouth Strikes Again (The Queen Is Dead; 1986)
Suedehead (M; Viva Hate; 1988)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Producer
Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, media personality, entrepreneur, and actor.
His music career began in 1992 when he was discovered by Dr. Dre and featured on Dre's solo debut, "Deep Cover", and then on Dre's solo debut album, The Chronic. He has since sold over 23 million albums in the United States and 35 million albums worldwide.
Snoop's debut album, Doggystyle, produced by Dr. Dre, was released in 1993 by Death Row Records. Bolstered by excitement driven by Snoop's featuring on The Chronic, the album debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Selling almost a million copies in the first week of its release, Doggystyle became certified quadruple platinum in 1994 and spawned several hit singles, including "What's My Name?" and "Gin & Juice". In 1994 Snoop released a soundtrack on Death Row Records for the short film Murder Was the Case, starring himself. His second album, Tha Doggfather (1996), also debuted at number one on both charts, with "Snoop's Upside Ya Head" as the lead single. The album was certified double platinum in 1997.
After leaving Death Row Records, Snoop signed with No Limit Records, where he recorded his next three albums, Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), No Limit Top Dogg (1999), and Tha Last Meal (2000). Snoop then signed with Priority/Capitol/EMI Records in 2002, where he released Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss. He then signed with Geffen Records in 2004 for his next three albums, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, and Ego Trippin'. Malice 'n Wonderland (2009), and Doggumentary (2011) were released on Priority. Snoop Dogg has starred in motion pictures and hosted several television shows. He also coaches a youth football league and high school football team.
Snoop has 17 Grammy nominations without a win. In March 2016, the night before WrestleMania 32 in Arlington, Texas, he was inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame, having made several appearances for the company, including as Master of Ceremonies during a match at WrestleMania XXIV. On November 19, 2018, Snoop Dogg was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He released his seventeenth solo album, I Wanna Thank Me in 2019.Favorite songs:
Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang (DD; The Chronic; 1992)
Gin and Juice (Doggystyle; 1993)
Still D.R.E. (DD; 2001; 1999)
What's My Name? (Doggystyle; 1993)
Doggy Dogg World (Doggystyle; 1993)
Beautiful (Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss; 2002)
Lodi Dodi (Doggystyle; 1993)
Deep Cover (DD & SD; Deep Cover soundtrack; 1992)
The Next Episode (DD; 2001; 1999)
Drop It Like It's Hot (R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece; 2004)- Composer
- Actor
- Music Department
Sonic Youth is known for If I Stay (2014), The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) and Demonlover (2002).Favorite songs:
Starpower (Evol; 1986)
Sugar Kane (Dirty; 1992)
Silver Rocket (Daydream Nation; 1988)
100% (Dirty; 1992)
Kool Thing (Goo; 1990)
Bull in the Heather (Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star; 1994)
Sunday (A Thousand Leaves; 1998)
Teen Age Riot (Daydream Nation; 1988)
Little Trouble Girl (Washing Machine; 1995)
Shadow of a Doubt (Evol; 1986)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Soundgarden are an internationally successful American alternative rock band, who first appeared from amidst the damp and misty city of Seattle, Washington. Along with Alice in Chains, Mudhoney, Nirvana and the Screaming Trees, they formed what was referred to as the 'Grunge' movement of the early 1990s. The band members are lead vocalist Chris Cornell, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Hiro Yamamoto, and drummer Matt Cameron.
They produced five studio albums between 1988 and 1996, 'Superunknown' (1994) and 'Down on the Upside' (1995) being the most successful and charting at No.1 and No.2 respectively. The band split in 1997 and Chris Cornell went on to form Audioslave with Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine. Cornell also concentrated on a number of solo projects. Matt Cameron joined Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam where he has remained ever since.
Soundgarden supported Guns N' Roses on their 1991 tour and played the 1992 Lollapalooza tour with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and Ministry. They starred in - and contributed to the soundtrack of the Matt Dillon film Singles (1992) along with a host of alternative bands including The Smashing Pumpkins. Other notable film soundtracks include Pacific Heights (1990), Wayne's World (1992) and True Romance (1993).
In 2010, Soundgarden reformed, although Matt Cameron has also remained with Pearl Jam.Favorite songs:
Hands All Over (Louder Than Love; 1989)
Fell on Black Days (Superunknown; 1994)
Burden in My Hand (Down on the Upside; 1996)
Seasons (CC; Singles soundtrack; 1992)
Spoonman (Superunknown; 1994)
Rhinosaur (Down on the Upside; 1996)
Black Hole Sun (Superunknown; 1994)
Can't Change Me (CC; Euphoria Morning; 1999)
Sunshower (CC; Great Expectations soundtrack; 1998)
Outshined (Badmotorfinger; 1991)- Soundtrack
Favorite songs:
Slow Fast Hazel (Emperor Tomato Ketchup; 1996)
Cybele's Reverie (Emperor Tomato Ketchup; 1996)
Infinity Girl (Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night; 1999)
Super Falling Star (Peng!; 1992)
Surrealchemist (Peng!; 1992)
French Disko (Single; 1993)
Ping Pong (Mars Audiac Quintet; 1994)
Brakhage (Dots and Loops; 1997)
Ronco Symphony (Space Age Bachelor Pad Music; 1993)
The Free Design (Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night; 1999)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Steve Winwood was born on 12 May 1948 in Great Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK. He is a music artist and actor, known for Blues Brothers 2000 (1998), Flight of the Phoenix (2004) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). He has been married to Eugenia Crafton since 18 January 1987. They have four children. He was previously married to Nicole Tacot Weir.Favorite songs:
The Finer Things (Back in the High Life; 1986)
Higher Love (Back in the High Life; 1986)
Night Train (Arc of a Diver; 1980)
Valerie (Talking Back to the Night; 1982)
Roll with It (Roll with It; 1988)
Gimme Some Lovin' (TSDG; Single; 1966)
Feelin' Alright (T; Traffic; 1968)
Can't Find My Way Home (BF; Blind Faith; 1969)
Back in the High Life Again (Back in the High Life; 1986)
Hidden Treasure (T; The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys; 1971)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Actor
Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan, United States, to Calvin Judkins and Lula Mae Hardaway. Due to being born six weeks premature, Stevie Wonder was born with a condition called retinopathy of prematurity, which made him blind. Stevie Wonder, even with this disability, made his landmark to be a pioneer and innovator in the music industry.
Stevie Wonder's mother, Lula Mae Hardaway left her husband and moved herself and her children to Detroit. Due to her leaving Lula Hardaway Judkins changed her name to Lula Hardaway and changed Stevie's surname to Stevland Morris. Stevland Morris growing up played various instruments such as the piano, harmonica, drums, and bass. Stevland Morris never played a lot of outdoor activities due to his protective mother. Stevland Morris due to his musical talent was also strongly apart of the church choir. Stevland Morris was originally discovered by Gerald White who often persuaded his brother, soul singer Ronnie White to visit the talented Stevland Morris. Ronnie White after seeing Stevland Morris brought Stevland and his mother to MoTown Records to visit Berry Gordy. Berry Gordy stated he was not impressed by Stevland's singing,or drumming,bongo skills and then he played the harmonica, which astounded Berry Gordy and Stevland Morris in 1961 at the age of eleven signed onto MoTown Records with the stage name, Little Stevie Wonder. The reason why Stevie Wonder had gotten that stage name was because many people were astounded by his ability to play numerous instruments and his ability to sing doing both at the same time, and people called Stevie "A Little Wonder".
Stevie Wonder released his first album called,The Jazz Soul Of Little Stevie at the age of twelve followed by an additional album, Tribute To Uncle Ray dedicated to Ray Charles.
In 1963, Stevie Wonder released a hit-song called, Fingertips Pt(2). The song reached number one on the Billboard Pop Charts. Stevie Wonder became the first singer to have a number one album and single simultaneously. In the song were several percussion instruments played by Stevie Wonder and this song was added to the album,Recorded Live: The Twelve Year Old Genius. Stevie Wonder was then referred to as the child prodigy. Stevie Wonder in 1964 made in film debut in the movie, Muscle Beach Party as well as the sequel Bikini Beach both directed by William Asher. In this movie Stevie Wonder shows off his musical talent singing the songs, Happy Street and Happy Feeling (Dance And Shout).
Stevie Wonder also dropped "Little" from this stage name as his voice started to change and he could no longer sing songs which Clarence Paul had written for him, as they were all written in a higher pitched note. Stevie Wonder then started focusing more on songwriting and came out with genuine hits like Uptight (Everything's Alright),With A Child's Heart, Blowing In The Wind, and a song which he wrote for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Tears Of A Clown. Several other songs which were smashing hits in the 60's and 70's were I Was Made To Love Her, Signed Sealed And Delivered I'm Yours, which Stevie stated was an idea he had gotten from his mother,and For Once In My Life.
In 1970 Stevie Wonder left MoTown and recorded two independent albums by himself. Berry Gordy was shocked to hear this by Stevie Wonder and Berry Gord agreed to Stevie Wonder's demand of more independence and full creative control and rights to all his songs. In 1972 Stevie Wonder returned to MoTown records and signed a thirteen million dollar contract with MoTown Records. This entitled Stevie Wonder to a higher royalty rate and more full creative control and the rights to his own songs, which few artists had gotten at that time period. This contract unleashed Wonder's songs to now talk about controversial issues such as poverty,war,drugs, and politics.Stevie is known for writing and performing political songs such as, You Haven't Done Nothing, which took a political stab at Richard Nixon. The first album he had released with his new agreement with MoTown was, Music Of My Mind in 1972. In late 1972 Stevie Wonder released an album which today is known as a historic piece in music,Talking Book. Which included the number one hit-song, Superstition. This song featured the clavinet which Stevie Wonder was credited pioneer of, he later used the electric amplified keyboard instrument in many of his other albums along with the synthesizer. The song Superstition was seen as a significant contribution to the Funk genre. Talking Book also featured, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life which also peaked at number one. Stevie Wonder also toured with The Rolling Stones in 1972 which contributed to his album's success. Stevie Wonder struck a controversial issue with the album, Innervisions in 1973 with singles such as Living For The City which talked about poverty and was credited to African Americans.The album also included singles such as Golden Lady, and All Love Is Fair.
On August,6, 1973 Stevie Wonder was in a car accident. The twenty-three year old Stevie Wonder was in the passenger seat of a 1948 Dodge Flatbed Truck,he was sleeping and had his headphones on, the driver distracted by something, and failed to notice the truck ahead of them and crashed. This sent Stevie Wonder into a coma for several days. In a biography entitled, The Miraculous Journey Of Lula Mae Hardaway she retells the story, "There was a great, grinding screech as metal hit metal and, then, impossibly, as if in some lavishly produced Hollywood action movie, one of the great logs disencumbered itself of the truck and came crashing through the windshield, spearing Stevie square in the forehead." Wonder was sent to a hospital immediately after the accident, and was placed under intensive care, with what they described a "bruise on the head" Wonder then made a successful recovery and in 1974 released Fullfillingness' First Finale and which song topped number one on the Billboard Pop Charts was the political song, You Haven't Done Nothing. By the age of twenty-five he was a multiple Grammy-Award winner, winning Grammies for albums such as Talking Book, Inner Vision, and Fullfillingness' First Finale and at the age of twenty-five with several talent musicians he was on the verge of making what came to be one of this most admirable masterpieces, an album called, Songs In The Key Of Life.
The double-album, Songs In The Key Of Life was released in 1976 and the album became the first of an American artist to debut straight at number one where it remained for fourteen consecutive weeks. The album contained two tracks which rose to number one on the Billboard Charts,I Wish and Sir Duke. The album also contained an extraordinary sentimental song about his daughter Aisha Morris called,Isn't She Lovely". It also contained the song which focused strongly on poverty called, Village Ghetto Land. Rolling Stones listed the album as the 56th Greatest Album Of All Time out of 500.
In 1979, Wonder released a soundtrack album called Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants. It was featured in the film The Secret Life Of Plants. Wonder also wrote the song,Let's Get Serious for Jermaine Jackson who left The Jacksons and was starting his own solo career. The song was ranked by Billboard to be the number one rhythm and blues song of 1980.
In 1980, Stevie Wonder released the album called Hotter Than July. On this album was a song called Happy Birthday. That song was dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr, and Stevie Wonder was one of the pioneers to getting Martin Luther King Jr a national holiday. Stevie Wonder in 1985 received an Academy Award for his song, I Just Called To Say I Love in the film, The Woman In Red. In 1986, Stevie Wonder made a guest appearance on the hit-show The Cosby Show. It was during this episode in which people were astounded toward what the synthesizer could really do. In 1987 Stevie Wonder made a duet with Michael Jackson on his Bad album with the single, Just Good Friends. In the same year Michael Jackson did a duet on Stevie Wonder's characters album. In 1991, Stevie Wonder recorded a soundtrack album for Spike Lee in his new movie, Jungle Fever. The album was entitled, Jungle Fever and the hit-song on it was entitled Jungle Fever. Other singles that came from this album were Gotta Have You,Feeding Off The Love Of The Land,and These Three Words. Stevie Wonder continued releasing new material throughout the 90's such as Natural Wonder, and Conversation Piece. In 1996 Stevie Wonder's A Song In The Key Of Life album became a documentary subject, and several of the musicians who contributed to the success of the album had a reunion. In 1997 Stevie Wonder collaborated with Babyface on the single, How Come How Long.
In 2000 Stevie Wonder contributed to two sound track songs for Spike Lee's film Bamboozled. The two soundtrack songs were Misrepresented People and Some Years Ago. In 2006, Stevie Wonder's inspiration of his life, his mother, Lula Mae Hardaway died on May,31,2006. Stevie Wonder then in 2007 announced his tour, A Wonder's Summer Night 13 concert tour- this was his first in over ten years, and he states, he wants to take all the sadness he feels,turn it around and celebrate. Stevie Wonder in 2008 was very involved in the Presidential Campaign, and why he thinks Obama will be a great president for America. Stevie Wonder talked at several press conferences about Obama and why America should vote for him. Stevie Wonder in 2009 was named the United Nations Messenger Of Peace.On February 23,2009 Stevie Wonder received the Gershwin Prize For Pop Music awarded to Stevie Wonder by Barack Obama. On June,25,2009 one of his best friends,Michael Jackson had died. Stevie Wonder attended the memorial and performed the song, Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer at the Staple's Center. Stevie Wonder recently in 2011 can be heard playing harmonica on Drake Graham's album Take Care.
Stevie Wonder's songs have been sampled by artists such as Jon Gibson,Red Hot Chilli Peppers,Mary J Blige and several other artists were inspired by Stevie's musical talent. Stevie Wonder will forever be known as a pioneer in music a philanthropist, and a messenger of peace addressing controversies in music which very few artists did at that time. Stevie Wonder has touched the hearts of millions through his music and his philanthropic generosity.Favorite songs:
Living for the City (Innervisions; 1973)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours (Signed, Sealed & Delivered; 1970)
Knocks Me Off My Feet (Songs in the Key of Life; 1976)
For Once in My Life (For Once in My Life; 1968)
Superstition (Talking Book; 1972)
Happier Than the Morning Sun (Music of My Mind; 1972)
Lately (Hotter than July; 1980)
Sir Duke (Songs in the Key of Life; 1976)
Something Out of the Blue (Where I'm Coming From; 1971)
Part-Time Lover (In Square Circle; 1985)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
Stone Temple Pilots is an American alternative rock band from San Diego, California that were formed in 1989 under the name Mighty Joe Young. They have released seven studio albums and has become one of the most commercially successful bands of the 1990s, selling more than 18 million albums in the United States and 35 million worldwide.Favorite songs:
Interstate Love Song (Purple; 1994)
Plush (Core; 1992)
Creep (Core; 1992)
Big Empty (Purple; 1994)
Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart (Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop; 1996)
Vasoline (Purple; 1994)
Pretty Penny (Purple; 1994)
Unglued (Purple; 1994)
Big Bang Baby (Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop; 1996)
Sex Type Thing (Core; 1992)- Producer
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
The Stooges is known for Predestination (2014), Smokin' Aces (2006) and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004).Favorite songs:
I Wanna Be Your Dog (The Stooges; 1969)
Lust for Life (IP; Lust for Life; 1977)
Search and Destroy (Raw Power; 1973)
Real Wild Child (Wild One) (Blah-Blah-Blah; 1986)
The Passenger (IP; Lust for Life; 1977)
Bang Bang (IP; Party; 1981)
Down on the Street (Fun House; 1970)
My Idea of Fun (The Weirdness; 2007)
1969 (The Stooges; 1969)
1970 (Fun House; 1970)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
Favorite songs:
Santeria (Sublime; 1996)
Seed (Sublime; 1996)
Badfish (40oz. to Freedom; 1992)
Wrong Way (Sublime; 1996)
Doin' Time (Sublime; 1996)
What I Got (Sublime; 1996)
Date Rape (40oz. to Freedom; 1992)
Smoke Two Joints (40oz. to Freedom; 1992)
Work That We Do (Robbin' the Hood; 1994)
Chica Me Tipo (40oz. to Freedom; 1992)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Started performing in the New York club, CBGBs. They released their first album, "Talking Heads: 77," in 1977. They recorded the film, Stop Making Sense (1984), in 1984, with director Jonathan Demme. After releasing their 1988 album, "Naked," the group broke up. In 1992, they released "Popular Favorites: Sand in the Vaseline," a 2-disc set of greatest hits with rarities and never-before-released hits. After 1992, the group never got together again until 1999, to record the commentary for the special edition "Stop Making Sense" DVD. They played for the first time in a decade in 2002, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They played four early hits there: "Psycho Killer," "Life During Wartime," "Burning Down the House" and "Take Me to the River." Now, in 2005, they will be re-releasing all their albums remastered to perfection in a box-set complete with unreleased songs, included. Thus far, no reunion date has been set for them to play.Favorite songs:
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) (Speaking in Tongues; 1983)
Once in a Lifetime (Remain in Light; 1980)
Road to Nowhere (Little Creatures; 1985)
Wild Wild Life (True Stories; 1986)
The Lady Don't Mind (Little Creatures; 1985)
Cities (Fear of Music; 1979)
Psycho Killer (Talking Heads: 77; 1977)
Burning Down the House (Speaking in Tongues; 1983)
And She Was (Little Creatures; 1985)
Take Me to the River (More Songs About Buildings and Food; 1978)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Tears for Fears are an English pop rock band formed in Bath in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Their debut album, The Hurting, released in 1983, reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, while their second album, Songs from the Big Chair, released in 1985, reached number one on the US Billboard 200, achieving multi-platinum status in both the UK and the US. Their second album contained two Billboard Hot 100 number ones: "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"', the latter winning the Brit Award for Best British Single in 1986.Favorite songs:
Head over Heels (Songs from the Big Chair; 1985)
Shout (Songs from the Big Chair; 1984)
Mad World (The Hurting; 1982)
Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Songs from the Big Chair; 1985)
Sowing the Seeds of Love (The Seeds of Love; 1989)
Break It Down Again (Elemental; 1993)
Closest Thing to Heaven (Everybody Loves a Happy Ending; 2004)
Mother's Talk (Songs from the Big Chair; 1984)
Pale Shelter (The Hurting; 1982)
Raoul and the Kings of Spain (Raoul and the Kings of Spain; 1995)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
The Temptations are an American vocal group who released a series of successful singles and albums with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. The group's work with producer Norman Whitfield, beginning with the Top 10 hit single "Cloud Nine" in October 1968, pioneered psychedelic soul, and was significant in the evolution of R&B and soul music. The band members are known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and dress style. Having sold tens of millions of albums, the Temptations are among the most successful groups in popular music.
Featuring five male vocalists and dancers, the group formed in 1960 in Detroit under the name The Elgins. The founding members came from two rival Detroit vocal groups: Otis Williams, Albridge Bryant, and Melvin Franklin of Otis Williams & the Distants, and Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams of the Primes. In 1964, Bryant was replaced by David Ruffin, who was the lead vocalist on a number of the group's biggest hits, including "My Girl" (1964), "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (1966), and "I Wish It Would Rain" (1967). Ruffin was replaced in 1968 by Dennis Edwards, with whom the group continued to record hit records such as "Cloud Nine" (1969) and "Ball of Confusion" (1970). The group's lineup has changed frequently since the departures of Kendricks and Paul Williams from the act in 1971. Later members of the group have included singers such as Richard Street, Damon Harris, Ron Tyson, and Ali Woodson, with whom the group scored a late-period hit in 1984 with "Treat Her Like a Lady".
Over the course of their career, the Temptations released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles and fourteen R&B number-one singles. Their music has earned three Grammy Awards. The Temptations were the first Motown recording act to win a Grammy Award - for "Cloud Nine" in 1969 - and in 2013 received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Six of the Temptations (Edwards, Franklin, Kendricks, Ruffin, Otis Williams and Paul Williams) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. Three classic Temptations songs, "My Girl", "Just My Imagination", and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone", are among The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The Temptations were ranked at number 68 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of all time.Favorite songs:
Ain't Too Proud to Beg (Gettin' Ready; 1966)
My Girl (The Temptations Sing Smokey; 1964)
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone (All Directions; 1972)
The Way You Do the Things You Do (The Temptations Sing Smokey; 1964)
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep (Single; 1964)
Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) (Sky's the Limit; 1971)
Get Ready (Gettin' Ready; 1966)
I Wish It Would Rain (The Temptations Wish It Would Rain; 1967)
The Girl's Alright with Me (The Temptin' Temptations; 1964)
All I Need (The Temptations with a Lot o' Soul; 1967)- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were an American rock band from Gainesville, Florida formed in 1976. The band was part of Southern rock but also at the forefront of the heartland rock movement, alongside artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and John Mellencamp who arose in the late 1970s and 1980s. The genre eschews the synthesizer-based music and fashion elements popular in synth pop and New Romanticism in favor of a straightforward classic rock sound, and lyrics based on blue collar issues.Favorite songs:
Free Fallin' (Full Moon Fever; 1989)
You Don't Know How It Feels (Wildflowers; 1994)
Mary Jane's Last Dance (Greatest Hits; 1993)
Refugee (Damn the Torpedoes; 1979)
Don't Come Around Here No More (Southern Accents; 1985)
Runnin' Down a Dream (Full Moon Fever; 1989)
I Won't Back Down (Full Moon Fever; 1989)
Into the Great Wide Open (Into the Great Wide Open; 1991)
Rebels (Southern Accents; 1985)
Learning to Fly (Into the Great Wide Open; 1991)- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Favorite songs:
Ask of You (RS; Higher Learning; 1995)
If I Had No Loot (Sons of Soul; 1993)
Whatever You Want (The Revival; 1990)
Anniversary (Sons of Soul; 1993)
Feels Good (The Revival; 1990)
Let's Get Down (House of Music; 1996)
(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow (Sons of Soul; 1993)
It Never Rains (In Southern California) (The Revival; 1990)
Leavin' (Sons of Soul; 1993)
The Blues (The Revival; 1990)- Music Artist
- Composer
- Music Department
Born in New York City, Tupac grew up primarily in Harlem. In 1984, his family moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he became good friends with Jada Pinkett Smith. His family moved again in 1988 to Oakland, California. His first breakthrough in music came in 1991 as a member of the group Digital Underground. In the same year he received individual recognition for his album "2Pacalypse Now," but this album was also the beginning of his notoriety as a leading figure of the gangster permutation of hip-hop, with references to cop killing and sexual violence. His solo movie career also began in this year with Juice (1992), and in 1992 he co-starred with Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice (1993).
However, law confrontations were soon to come: A 15-day jail term in 1994 for assault and battery and, in 1995, a conviction for sexual assault of a female fan. After serving 8 months pending an appeal, Shakur was released from jail.Favorite songs:
Keep Ya Head Up (Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z...; 1993)
Thug Luv (BTnH; The Art of War; 1997)
California Love (All Eyez on Me; 1995)
Dear Mama (Me Against the World; 1995)
Hail Mary (M; The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory; 1996)
Me and My Girlfriend (M; The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory; 1996)
Do for Love (R U Still Down? (Remember Me); 1997)
How Do U Want It (All Eyez on Me; 1996)
If My Homie Calls (2Pacalypse Now; 1991)
I Get Around (Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z...; 1993)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
U2 has been perhaps the biggest music act in the world since the late 1980s to the current day. They take prominent stands on human rights issues, expressed through their lyrics and other public statements and actions. The band's lead singer, Bono, has become quite prominent in charity movements and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The band consists of Bono, lead singer and songwriter; The Edge, lead guitar, keyboards, vocals; Adam Clayton, bass guitar; Larry Mullen Jr., drums. Their manager is Paul McGuinness (1978-2013).
The band formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1976. The three members who strongly identified themselves as Christians (all except Clayton) decided to pursue and promote the band's career in a manner that would be consistent with their religious beliefs, which are heavy on social action. Theology professor Eugene Peterson says the band has "little patience with media-driven aspects of the Christian religion and a church and culture that shows little concern for justice and poverty and sickness".
The band's popular 1983 song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" commemorated the slaughter of innocent civilians during the Irish troubles. It called for a renunciation of violence, a sentiment that resonated greatly with the people of Ireland. Throughout the 1980s, the band used this song to campaign against the Irish Republican Army's (IRA) efforts to raise money to fuel continued armed conflict. The IRA sent a threat to U2 that if they continued their campaign, they would be kidnapped. The band continued anyway. The band's 1984 album "Unforgettable Fire" was named after paintings made by the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs. The album's songs "Pride" and "MLK" were both tributes to the modern-day leader they most admire, Martin Luther King. Another song, "Bad", was about heroin addiction, which was a serious problem in their hometown of Dublin at that time.
U2 were major participants in the historic and seminal "Live Aid" concert of 1985, which raised funds for relief from a severe drought in Ethiopia. The band was seen by many of the 1.5 billion people who viewed the concert on live television, and Bono's unscripted leap into the crowd captured the imagination of all. The more than 75 performing groups raised some $250 million for the charity. In the months following the concert, U2's record sales skyrocketed and have never come back down. In 1986, the band headlined a promotional tour to support Amnesty International, and the effort reportedly tripled the organization's membership.
In the 1990s, the band's music and concerts mocked the excesses of commercialism. Some critics failed to understand that Bono's exaggerated on-stage personas during the "Zoo TV" tour were parodies, and thus concluded that the band had given in to what they in fact were criticizing. In the early 2000s, U2 shifted from stadium extravaganzas to performing in smaller arenas where they were closer to their audiences. In 2004, the band teamed up with iPod for an innovative promotional campaign.
U2 continues their work for charity and social action. They promoted the Northern Ireland Peace Accords, raised money for the survivors of the Omagh bombing, played in devastated Sarajevo following the war there, helped bolster the shaky economy of New York City by playing there following the September 11 terrorist attacks, participated in the Live 8 series of concerts to relieve Third World debt, and continue to promote the Make Poverty History campaign. Bono has become prominent in efforts to end poverty and seek relief from AIDS and promote trade for Africa. He has become quite celebrated for these efforts apart from his music and he often finds himself publicly hobnobbing with presidents and finance ministers to promote these charitable ends.
U2 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. By that year, they had won 22 Grammy awards, a historic record surpassed only by Stevie Wonder.Favorite songs:
With or Without You (The Joshua Tree; 1987)
Pride (In the Name of Love) (The Unforgettable Fire; 1984)
New Year's Day (War; 1983)
Sunday Bloody Sunday (War; 1983)
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (The Joshua Tree; 1987)
Fly (Achtung Baby; 1991)
Mysterious Ways (Achtung Baby; 1991)
Desire (Rattle and Hum; 1988)
I Will Follow (Boy; 1980)
One (Achtung Baby; 1991)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band went on to become major stars, and by the early 1980s they were one of the most successful rock acts of the time. 1984 was their most successful album. The lead single, "Jump", became an international hit and their only single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The following singles, "Panama" and "I'll Wait", both hit number 13 on the U.S. charts. The album went on to sell over 12 million copies in the U.S. alone.Favorite songs:
Jump (1984; 1983)
Panama (1984; 1984)
Runnin' with the Devil (Van Halen; 1978)
In a Simple Rhyme (Women and Children First; 1980)
Why Can't This Be Love (5150; 1986)
Dance the Night Away (Van Halen II; 1979)
Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody (DLR; Crazy from the Heat; 1985)
California Girls (DLR; Crazy from the Heat; 1985)
Hot for Teacher (1984; 1984)
Dreams (5150; 1986)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
Favorite songs:
Bitter Sweet Symphony (Urban Hymns; 1997)
Lucky Man (Urban Hymns; 1997)
History (A Northern Soul; 1995)
Sonnet (Urban Hymns; 1997)
The Drugs Don't Work (Urban Hymns; 1997)
Slide Away (A Storm in Heaven; 1993)
Valium Skies (Forth; 2008)
Gravity Grave (Verve; 1992)
Virtual World (A Storm in Heaven; 1993)
Blue (A Storm in Heaven; 1993)- Actor
- Composer
- Music Department
Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop group formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its original members include RZA, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa. Close affiliate Cappadonna later became an official member. Wu-Tang Clan are regarded as a highly influential group in hip hop, helping to popularize and develop the East Coast hip hop and hardcore hip hop styles.Favorite songs:
C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) (Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers); 1993)
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit (Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers); 1993)
Can It Be All So Simple (Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers); 1993)
Triumph (Wu-Tang Forever; 1997)
Cold World (G; Liquid Swords; 1995)
Winter Warz (GK; Ironman; 1996)
Beneath the Surface (G; Beneath the Surface; 1999)
How High (MM & R; The Show soundtrack; 1995)
Shimmy Shimmy Ya (O; Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version; 1995)
Release Yo' Delf (MM; Tical; 1994)- Actor
- Director
- Writer
XTC was an English rock band, formed in Swindon in 1972 and eventually disbanded in 2006. They achieved only sporadic commercial success in the UK and US, but attracted a considerable cult following. They had a total of 12 albums and 6 singles that reached the UK top 40. XTC also released 2 EP's of 60's inspired psychedelic rock under the alias "Dukes of Stratosphear". XTC have since been recognized for their influence on Britpop and later power pop acts.Favorite songs:
Senses Working Overtime (English Settlement; 1982)
Dear God (Skylarking; 1986)
Generals and Majors (Black Sea; 1980)
The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead (Nonsuch; 1992)
Mayor of Simpleton (Oranges & Lemons; 1989)
I'd Like That (Apple Venus Volume 1; 1999)
The Disappointed (Nonsuch; 1992)
Ten Feet Tall (Drums and Wires; 1979)
Making Plans for Nigel (Drums and Wires; 1979)
Outside World (Drums and Wires; 1979)- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Favorite songs:
Sharp Dressed Man (Eliminator; 1983)
La Grange (Tres Hombres; 1973)
Gimme All Your Lovin' (Eliminator; 1983)
Tush (Fandango!; 1975)
Cheap Sunglasses (Degüello; 1979)
Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers (Tres Hombres; 1973)
It's Only Love (Tejas; 1976)
I Gotsta Get Paid (La Futura; 2012)
Brown Sugar (ZZ Top's First Album; 1971)
Legs (Eliminator; 1983)