Showing posts with label freddie mercury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freddie mercury. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

The Top 100 Singers of All Time

Singers:

Top 100

This list has been updated several times, most recently in 2026 after the Consequence.net ranking of the top 100 vocalists of all time. More than 70 lists – some of which focus on singers and some of which focus on greatest frontmen and women – have been aggregated to create this list.

Lists which purport to be “the best of all time” are usually flawed in several ways. First of all, they tend to focus on the rock era, oblivious that there was music before the 1950s. Second, they not only lean on that era, but tend to favor rock and roll artists. Third, those artists are overwhelmingly from English-speaking countries, namely the United States and the United Kingdom. While the third circumstance is still overwhelmingly obvious on this list, I have done my best to pull lists to represent different genres and eras as much as possible. It still isn’t perfect, but it does offer more diversity and representation than you’ll typically find on a best-of list.

See other lists of Acts/Music Makers by Categories.

Queen’s Freddie Mercury, image from Britannica.com

1. Freddie Mercury
2. Frank Sinatra
3. Aretha Franklin
4. Elvis Presley
5. Robert Plant
6. Janis Joplin
7. Stevie Wonder
8. Michael Jackson
9. Whitney Houston
10. David Bowie

Even though the sources behind this list heavily favor white male singers who front rock bands, the list makers still showed “Respect” to Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Image from rollingstone.com.

11. Marvin Gaye
12. Ella Fitzgerald
13. Ray Charles
14. Mariah Carey
15. John Lennon
16. Paul McCartney
17. Prince
18. Mick Jagger
19. Billie Holiday
20. Sam Cooke

Many of the names on this list wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for “The King of Rock and Roll.” Image from fanpop.com.

21. Bono
22. Jim Morrison
23. Elton John
24. James Brown
25. Otis Redding
26. Axl Rose
27. Tina Turner
28. Céline Dion
29. Bob Dylan
30. Roy Orbison

Divas like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Christina Aguilera show they deserve a place on this rock-heavy list.

31. Kurt Cobain
32. Nat “King” Cole
33. Stevie Nicks
34. Louis Armstrong
35. Johnny Cash
36. Roger Daltrey
37. Karen Carpenter
38. Bruce Springsteen
39. Smokey Robinson
40. Patsy Cline

Even a rock-heavy list can’t hold back jazz singer icons like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James. Image from music-wallpapers.net.

41. Nina Simone
42. Little Richard
43. Al Green
44. Etta James
45. Steven Tyler
46. Luther Vandross
47. Christina Aguilera
48. Steve Perry
49. Dolly Parton
50. Barbra Streisand

R&B legends like James Brown, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke make the list. Image from johannasvisions.com.

51. Beyoncé
52. Joni Mitchell
53. Thom Yorke
54. Iggy Pop
55. Björk
56. Chris Cornell
57. Bing Crosby
58. Morrissey
59. Jeff Buckley
60. Neil Young

Pre-rock era crooners like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, and Nat “King” Cole couldn’t be denied. Image from queens-politics.com.

61. Bob Marley
62. Van Morrison
63. Adele
64. Tony Bennett
65. Ozzy Osbourne
66. Gladys Knight
67. Dusty Springfield
68. Amy Winehouse
69. Madonna
70. Eddie Vedder

Country stars like Johnny Cash, Dolly PartonGeorge Jones, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams made the cut even without rock and roll credentials. Image from abcnewsradioonline.com.

71. Dean Martin
72. Ann Wilson
73. Jimi Hendrix
74. Rod Stewart
75. George Michael
76. Maria Callas
77. Perry Como
78. Diana Ross
79. Hank Williams
80. Michael Stipe

Despite the shortcomings of lists such as these, don’t let that take away from rock gods like Robert Plant, Jim Morrison, and Mick Jagger who absolutely belong on this list. Image from thehelplessdancer.wordpress.com.

81. Patti Smith
82. Jon Bon Jovi
83. Debbie Harry
84. Ronnie James Dio
85. Joe Strummer
86. Bon Scott
87. Luciano Pavarotti
88. Bruce Dickinson
89. Lou Reed
90. George Jones

World music gets almost no love from the list makers, but at least Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley and French singer Edith Piaf make the list. Image from aarkangel.wordpress.com.

91. Tom Waits
92. Mary J. Blige
93. Judy Garland
94. Jackie Wilson
95. Tom Jones
96. Curtis Mayfield
97. Mel Tormé
98. Edith Piaf
99. Chuck Berry
100. Brian Wilson

Resources/Related Links:

First posted 7/17/2012; last updated 4/28/2026.

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Thursday, August 5, 2021

The Top 50 Queen Songs / Studio Albums Ranked

Queen

Top 50 Songs

Queen was a glam-rock/classic rock group that formed in England in 1972 with Freddie Mercury on vocals, Brian May on guitar, John Deacon on bass, and Roger Taylor on drums. They kept their lineup intact until 1992 when Mercury died from AIDS. The group continued to tour and record with other singers, including Paul Rodgers (best known for his work with Bad Company) and American Idol contestant Adam Lambert.

Click here to see other best-of lists from performers and here to see other best-of lists from songwriters and/or producers.

Awards:

Top 50 Songs

Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards.

DMDB Top 1%:

1. Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)
2. Another One Bites the Dust (1980)
3. We Will Rock You (1977) 4. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (1979)
5. We Are the Champions (1977)
6. Under Pressure (with David Bowie, 1981)

DMDB Top 5%:

7. Somebody to Love (1976)
8. Killer Queen (1974)
9. You’re My Best Friend (1976)

DMDB Top 10%:

10. Don’t Stop Me Now (1979)
11. Fat Bottomed Girls (1978)
12. Radio Ga Ga (1984)
13. Thank God It’s Christmas (1984)
14. The Show Must Go On (1991)
15. I Want to Break Free (1984)
16. Body Language (1982)
17. Bicycle Race (1978)

DMDB Top 20%:

18. Who Wants to Live Forever? (1986)
19. One Vision (1985)
20. Somebody to Love (live with George Michael, 1992)
21. A Kind of Magic (1986)
22. Flash (1980)
23. Play the Game (1980)
24. Tie Your Mother Down (1977)
25. These Are the Days of Our Lives (1991)
26. I Want It All (1989)
27. Love of My Life (1975)
28. Hammer to Fall (1984)

Beyond the DMDB Top 20%:

29. Innuendo (1991)
30. Calling All Girls (1982)
31. It’s a Hard Life (1984)
32. Head Long (1991)
33. Keep Yourself Alive (1973)
34. Seven Seas of Rhye (1974)
35. Princes of the Universe (1986)
36. Save Me (1980)
37. Life Is Real (Song for Lennon) (1982)
38. The Miracle (1989)
39. Now I’m Here (1975)
40. Need Your Loving Tonight (1980)

41. It’s Late (1978)
42. ’39 (1975)
43. Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy (1977)
44. I’m Going Slightly Mad (1991)
45. Too Much Love Will Kill You (1996)
46. Dear Friends (1974)
47. Friends Will Be Friends (1986)
48. Breakthru (1989)
49. The March of the Black Queen (1974)
50. Stone Cold Crazy (1974)

Queen: Studio Albums Ranked

Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by album’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, critics’ ratings, and awards. Also factored in are the status of each album’s songs in Dave’s Music Database for songs.

1. A Night at the Opera (1975)
2. The Game (1980)
3. News of the World (1977)
4. Innuendo (1991)
5. A Day at the Races (1976)
6. Queen I (1973)
7. A Kind of Magic (1986)
8. Jazz (1978)
9. Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
10. Made in Heaven (1995)

11. Queen II (1974)
12. The Works (1984)
13. Hot Space (1982)
14. The Miracle (1989)
15. Flash Gordon (soundtrack, 1980)
16. The Cosmos Rock (with Paul Rodgers, 2008)

Resources and Related Links:

First posted 9/8/2011; updated 8/5/2021.

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Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Musicians – Their Stage Names and Their Real Names

First posted 7/13/2012; updated 2/21/2018.

This post was originally inspired in July 2012 when Billboard magazine put up a post on their website about musicians’ real names. The link annoyingly forces one to scroll through 150 pics to see the full list, so I’ve redone it here and added more names. In November 2013, I updated the list and am reposting it, inspired by Matthew Wilkening’s “Stage Name Origins” article at UltimateClassicRock.com.

First, a few thoughts. Some music stars might have had a tough go with their original names. How far would George Michael have gone with the unwieldy moniker of Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou? Queen’s Freddie Mercury would have spent a career explaining how to pronounce Farrokh Bulsara. Certainly Stevland Judkins doesn’t roll off the tongue as smoothly as Stevie Wonder. Would the rap world have taken Queen Latifah seriously as Dana Owens?

Still, I question why some of these stars changed their names. Come on, Marc Anthony. Didn’t you think Marco Muniz had a ring to it? Frankly, I like the name Cameron Thomaz just fine, Wiz Khalifa. And when you’ve got a great first name like Terius or Jayceon, why not work with that? I’m looking at you The-Dream and The Game.

There are also stars who understandably thought their given name wasn’t catchy enough, but probably should have searched a little longer for a better stage name. Admittedly, if my name were Wouter De Backer, I’d want something catchier, too – although I’m not sure Gotye is the best answer. And as for you, Adam Wiles, I get it. You wanted something that popped, that zinged, that people wouldn’t forget – so you went with Calvin Harris?? Keep trying.

Some stars’ names sound made up, but if you check their birth certificates, Madonna, Prince, and Ke$ha (sans dollar sign) really are their names. My favorite, though, is Neil Diamond. Guess what his real name is? Neil Diamond. Anyway, here’s a list of what I have gathered thus far. Stage names are listed first (alphabetically) followed by given names. Parentheses indicate a group with which the musician is closely identified.

A

  • Aaliyah: Aaliyah Dana Haughton
  • Johnny Ace: John Alexander Jr.
  • Cannonball Adderley: Julian Edwin Adderley
  • Adele: Adele Laurie Blue Adkins

    Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, image from cnn.com

  • Trace Adkins: Tracy Darrell Adkins
  • Gaye Adverts: Gaye Black
  • Aesop Rock: Ian Matthias Bavitz
  • Afrojack: Nick van de Wall
  • Afroman: Joseph Foreman
  • Clay Aiken: Clayton Holmes Grissom
  • Akon: Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam
  • G.G. Allin: Jesus Christ Allin
  • Ed Ames: Ed Urick
  • Tori Amos: Myra Ellen Amos
  • Anastacia: Anastacia Lyn Newkirk
  • Trey Anastasio (Phish): Ernest Joseph Anastasio III
  • André 3000 (Outkast): André Lauren Benjamin
  • Julie Andrews: Julia Elizabeth Wells
  • Horace Andy: Horace Hinds
  • Rodney Anonymous: Rodney Linderman
  • Marc Anthony: Marco Antonio Muniz
  • Adam Ant: Stuart Leslie Goddard
  • apl.de.ap (Black Eyed Peas): Allan Pineda Lindo, Jr.
  • Apollonia: Patricia Kotero
  • Fiona Apple: Fiona Apple Maggart
  • Harold Arlen: Hyman Arluck
  • Claudio Arrau: Claudio Arrau León
  • A$AP Ferg: Darold D. Brown Ferguson
  • A$AP Rocky: Rakim Mayers
  • Ashanti: Ashanti Shaquoya Douglas
  • Fred Astaire: Frederick Austerlitz
  • Chet Atkins: Chester Burton Atkins
  • A-Trak: Alain Macklovitch
  • Gene Austin: Lemeul Eugene Lucas
  • Gene Autry: Orvon Grover Autry
  • Frankie Avalon: Francis Thomas Avallone
  • Avicii: Tim Bergling
  • Iggy Azalea: Amethyst Amelia Kelly
  • Charles Aznavour: Shahnour Vaghinag Aznavourian

    B

  • Cardi B: Belcalis Almanzar
  • Eric B: Louis Eric Barrier
  • Babyface: Kenneth Brian Edmonds
  • Erykah Badu: Erica Wright
  • Chet Baker: Chesney Henry Baker
  • Ginger Baker: Peter Edward Baker
  • Josephine Baker: Frida Josephine McDonald Carson
  • LaVern Baker: Delores Evans
  • Marty Balin: Martyn Jerel Buchwald
  • Hank Ballard: John Henry Kendricks
  • Afrika Bambaataa: Kevin Donovan
  • Moe Bandy: Marion Franklin Bandy, Jr.
  • Lloyd Banks: Christopher Lloyd
  • David Banner: Levell Crump
  • Syd Barrett: Roger Keith Barrett
  • Jeff Barry: Joel Adleberg
  • Count Basie: William James Basie
  • Toni Basil: Antonia Basilotta
  • Stiv Bators: Steven John Bator
  • Nora Bayes: Eleanora Sarah Goldberg
  • Beck: Bek David Campbell
  • Beenie Man: Anthony Moses Davis
  • Bix Beiderbecke: Leon Bismark Beiderbecke
  • Pat Benatar: Patricia Mae Andrejewski
  • Tony Bennett: Anthony Dominick Benedetto

    Anthony Dominick Benedetto, image from Wikimedia.org

  • Brook Benton: Benjamin Franklin Peay
  • Daisy Berkowitz: Scott Mitchell Putesky
  • Milton Berle: Mendel Berlinger
  • Irving Berlin: Israel Beilin
  • Ben Bernie: Bernard Anzelevitz
  • Beyoncé: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles
  • Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys): Eric Reed Boucher
  • Bo Bice: Harold Elwin Bice III
  • Big Boi: Antwan Andre Patton
  • The Big Bopper: Jiles Perry Richardson
  • Big Daddy Kane: Antonio Mortimer Hardy
  • Big Pun(isher): Christopher Lee Rios
  • Big Sean: Sean Michael Anderson
  • Big Youth: Manley Augustus Buchanan
  • Birdman: Bryan Williams
  • Biz Markie: Marcel Hall
  • Björk: Björk Guðmundsdóttir
  • Black Francis (Pixies): Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV
  • Cilla Black: Priscilla Maria Veronica White
  • Eubie Blake: James Hubert Blake
  • Bobby “Blue” Bland: Robert Calvin Brooks
  • Blind Blake: Arthur Blake
  • Blondie: Deborah Harry
  • Kurtis Blow: Curtis Walker
  • B.O.B.: Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr.
  • Marc Bolan: Marc Feld
  • Rachel Bolan (Skid Row): James Southworth
  • Michael Bolton: Michael Bolotin
  • Bon Iver: Justin Vernon
  • Jon Bon Jovi: John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.
  • Gary “U.S.” Bonds: Gary Anderson
  • Bizzy Bone: Bryon Anthony McCane
  • Krayzie Bone: Anthony Henderson
  • Layzie Bone: Steven Howse
  • Wish Bone: Charles Scruggs
  • Bono: Paul David Hewson

    Paul Hewson, image from bonoonline.com

  • Sonny Bono: Salvatore Philip Bono
  • Pat Boone: Charles Eugene Boone
  • Victor Borge: Borge Rosenbaum
  • Grim Borknagar: Eric Brødreskift
  • Bounty Killer: Rodney Basil Price
  • David Bowie: David Robert Hayward Stenton Jones

    David Robert Hayward Stenton Jones, image from telegraph.co.uk

  • Bow Wow: Shad Gregory Moss
  • Boy George: George Alan O’Dowd
  • Bonnie Bramlett: Bonnie Lynn O’Farrell
  • Michelle Branch: Michelle Jacquet DeSevren Branch-Landau
  • Brandy: Brady Rayana Norwood
  • Scooter Braun: Scott Samuel Braun
  • Moya Brennan: Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin
  • Teresa Brewer: Teresa Breuer
  • Big Bill Broonzy: William Lee Conley Broonzy
  • Charles Brown: Tony Russell Brown
  • Foxy Brown: Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand
  • Luke Bryan: Thomas Luther Bryan
  • Felice Bryant: Matilda Genevieve Scaduto
  • Peabo Bryson: Robert Peapo Bryson
  • BT: Brian Wayne Transeau
  • Buckethead: Brian Carroll
  • Budgie: Peter Clark
  • Solomon Burke: James Solomon McDonald
  • T-Bone Burnett: Joseph Henry Burnett III
  • Burning Spear: Winston Rodney
  • Henry Burr: Harry Haley McClaskey
  • Busta Rhymes: Trevor George Smith, Jr.

    C

  • Cadence Weapon: Rollie Pemberton
  • Sammy Cahn: Samuel Cohen
  • Maria Callas: Cecilia Sophia Anna Maria Kalogeropoulos
  • Cab Calloway: Cabell Calloway
  • Cam: Camaron Marvel Ochs
  • K. Camp: Kristopher Campbell
  • Cam’ron: Cameron Giles
  • Canibus: Germaine Williams
  • Freddy Cannon: Frederick Anthony Picariello
  • Blu Cantrell: Tiffany Cobb
  • Captain Beefheart: Don Van Vliet
  • Hoagy Carmichael: Hoagland Howard Carmichael
  • Alessia Cara: Alessia Caracciolo
  • Irene Cara: Irene Escalera
  • Eric Carr (KISS): Paul Charles Caravello
  • Vicki Carr: Florencia Cardona
  • Benny Carter: Bennett Lester Carter
  • Betty Carter: Lillie Mae Jones
  • Cassidy: Barry Adrian Reese
  • Cat Power: Charlyn Marie Marshall
  • Chamillionaire: Hakeem Seriki
  • Chance the Rapper: Chancelor Jonathan Bennett
  • Gene Chandler: Eugene Dixon
  • Ray Charles: Ray Charles Robinson
  • Charli XCX: Charlotte Emma Aitchison
  • Charo: Maria Rosario Pilar Martinez Molina Baeza
  • Chubby Checker: Ernest Evans
  • Neneh Cherry: Neneh Mariann Karlsson
  • Cher: Cherilyn Sarkisian
  • Leonard Chess: Lejzor Shmuel Czyż
  • Phil Chess: Fiszel Czyż
  • Childish Gambino: Donald McKinley GLover
  • Johnny Christ (Avenged Sevenfold): Jonathan Lewis Seward
  • Lou Christie: Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco
  • Chilli: Rozonda Ocielian Thomas
  • Chingy: Howard Bailey, Jr.
  • Charlotte Church: Charlotte Maria Reed
  • Eric Church: Kenneth Eric Church
  • Eric Clapton: Eric Patrick Clapp
  • Buddy Clark: Samuel Goldberg
  • Gene Clark (Byrds): Harold Eugene Clark
  • Petula Clark: Sally Olwen Clark
  • David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat & Tears): David Thomsett
  • Van Cliburn: Harvey Lavan Cliburn Jr.
  • Jimmy Cliff: James Chambers
  • Patsy Cline: Virginia Patterson Hensley

    Virginia Patterson Hensley, image from patsymuseum.com

  • Joe Cocker: John Robert Cocker
  • Commander Cody: George Frayne
  • J. Cole: Jermaine Lamarr Cole
  • Nat “King” Cole: Nathaniel Adams Coles
  • Cy Coleman: Seymour Kaufman
  • Ornette Coleman: Randolph Denard Ornette Coleman
  • Albert Collins: Albert Gene Drewery
  • Bootsy Collins: William Collins
  • Jessi Colter: Miriam Johnson
  • Common: Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr.
  • Perry Como: Pierino Ronald Como
  • Ry Cooder: Ryland Peter Cooder
  • Sam Cooke: Samuel Cook
  • Coolio: Artis Leon Ivey Jr.
  • Alice Cooper: Vincent Damon Furnier

    Vincent Damon Furnier, image from arts.blogs.pressdemocrat.com

  • Chick Corea: Armando Anthony Corea
  • Don Cornell: Luigi Variaro
  • Elvis Costello: Declan Patrick McManus
  • John Cougar: John Mellencamp
  • Peter Criss (KISS): George Peter John Criscuola
  • Bing Crosby: Harry Lillis Crosby, Jr.
  • Christopher Cross: Christopher Geppert
  • Celia Cruz: Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso
  • Taio Cruz: Adetayo Ayowale Onile-Ere
  • Miley Cyrus: Destiny Hope Cyrus

    D

  • Chuck D: Carlton Douglas Ridenhour
  • Mike D: Michael Diamond
  • Da Brat: Shawntae Harris
  • Daddy Mack: Chris Harrison Olsen Smith
  • Daddy Yankee: Ramon Ayala
  • Dick Dale: Richard Anthony Monsour
  • Vic Damone: Vito Rocco Farinola
  • Dan the Automator: Daniel Nakamura
  • Dana Dane: Dana McLeese
  • D’Angelo: Michael Eugene Archer
  • Danger Mouse: Brian Joseph Burton
  • Terence Trent D’Arby: Terence Trent Howard
  • Bobby Darin: Walden Robert Cassotto
  • Dimebag Darrell: Darrell Abbott
  • Mac Davis: Morris Davis
  • Skeeter Davis: Mary Frances Penick
  • Doris Day: Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff
  • Daya: Grace Tandon
  • Taylor Dayne: Leslie Wonderman
  • Deadmau5: Joel Thomas Zimmerman
  • Jimmy Dean: Seth Ward
  • Chris DeBurgh: Christopher John Davison
  • Kiki Dee: Pauline Mathews
  • Dej Loaf: Dej Trimble
  • Desmond Dekker: Desmond Adolphus Dacres
  • Lana Del Rey: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant
  • Del tha Funky Homosapien: Teron Delvon Jones
  • John Denver: Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.
  • Rick Derringer: Richard Zehringer
  • Jason Derulo: Jason Desrouleaux
  • Jackie DeShannon: Sharon Lee Myers
  • Neil Diamond: Neil Diamond
  • Bo Diddley: Ellas Otha Bates (name upon adoption: Ellas McDaniel)
  • Dido: Dido Florian Cloud De Bounevialle O’Malley Armstrong
  • Ronnie James Dio: Ronald James Padavona
  • Dion: Dion Francis DiMucci
  • Diplo: Thomas Wesley Pentz
  • Dizzee Rascal: Dylan Mills
  • DJ Jazzy Jeff: Jeffrey A. Townes
  • DJ Krush: Hideaki Ishii
  • DJ Shadow: Josh Davis
  • DJ Snake: William Grigahcine
  • DJ Spooky: Paul D. Miller
  • DMC: Darryl McDaniels
  • DMX: Earl Simmons
  • Thomas Dolby: Thomas Morgan Robertson
  • Mickey Dolenz (The Monkees): George Michael Braddock
  • Plácido Domingo: José Plácido Domingo Embil
  • Fats Domino: Antoine Dominique Domino, Jr.
  • Donovan: Donovan Phillip Leitch
  • Drake: Aubrey Clark Graham
  • Dr. Demento: Barret Hansen
  • Dr. Dre: Andre Romelle Young
  • Dr. John: Malcolm John Rebennack
  • Dr. Luke: Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald
  • Dr. Octagon: Keith Matthew Thornton
  • The-Dream: Terius Youngdell Nash
  • Jermaine Dupri: Jermaine Dupri Maudlin
  • Fred Durst: William Frederick Durst
  • Dwele: Andwele Gardner
  • Bob Dylan: Robert Allen Zimmerman

    Robert Allen Zimmerman, image from judithpordon.tripod.com

    E

  • Sheila E.: Sheila Escovedo
  • Sheena Easton: Sheena Shirley Orr
  • Eazy-E: Eric Wright
  • The Edge: David Howell Evans
  • Duke Ellington: Edward Kennedy Ellington
  • Mama Cass Elliot: Ellen Naomi Cohen
  • Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott: Melissa Arnette Elliott
  • Eminem: Marshall Bruce Mathers III

    Marshall Bruce Mathers III, image from npr.org

  • Brian Eno: Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno
  • Enya: Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin
  • Gloria Estefan: Gloria Maria Milagrosa Fajardo
  • Gil Evans: Ian Ernest Gilmore Green
  • Eve: Eve Jihan Jeffers
  • Everlast: Erik Schrody

    F

  • Shelley Fabares: Michelle Fabares
  • Fabian: Fabiona Forte Bonaparte
  • Fabolous: John David Jackson
  • Falco: Johann Hölzel
  • Fantasia: Fantasia Monique Barrino
  • Donna Fargo: Yvonne Vaughan
  • Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction): Perry Bernstein
  • Fat Joe: Joseph Antonio Cartagena
  • Fatboy Slim: Quentin Cook, aka Norman Cook
  • Feist: Leslie Feist
  • José Feliciano: José Monserrate Feliciano García
  • Freddy Fender: Baldemar Garza Huerta
  • Fergie: Stacy Ann Ferguson
  • Fetty Wap: Willie Maxwell
  • Shep Fields: Saul Feldman
  • 50 Cent: Curtis James Jackson III
  • Lupe Fiasco: Wasalu Muhammad Jaco
  • Fieldy (Korn): Reginald Quincy Arvizu
  • Fish (Marillion): Derek William Dick
  • Flavor Flav: William Jonathan Drayton, Jr.
  • Flea: Michael Peter Balzary
  • Flo Rida: Tramar Dillard
  • Klaus Flouride: Geoffrey Lyall
  • Red Foley: Clyde Julian Foley
  • Mary Ford: Iris Colleen Summers
  • Samantha Fox: Stacia Micula
  • Jamie Foxx: Eric Marlon Bishop
  • Connie Francis: Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero
  • Ace Frehley (KISS): Paul Daniel Frehley
  • Doug E. Fresh: Douglas E. Davis
  • Lefty Frizzell: William Orville Frizzell
  • Blind Boy Fuller: Fulton Allen
  • Future: Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn

    Kenneth Gorelick, image from jazzchill.blogspot.com

    G

  • Kenny G: Kenneth Bruce Gorelick
  • Shock G: Greg Jacobs
  • Warren G: Warren Griffin III
  • Madonna Wayne Gacy: Stephen Gregory Bier, Jr.
  • Liam Gallagher: William John Paul Gallagher
  • The Game: Jayceon Terrell Taylor
  • Jan Garber: Jacob Charles Garber
  • Jerry Garcia: Jerome John Garcia
  • Judy Garland: Frances Ethel Gumm
  • Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold): Brian Elwin Haner Jr.
  • Marvin Gaye: Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr.
  • Crystal Gayle: Brenda Gail Webb
  • Gloria Gaynor: Gloria Fowles
  • G-Eazy: Gerald Earl Gillum
  • Bobbie Gentry: Roberta Lee Streeter
  • George Gershwin: Jacob Gershowitz
  • Ira Gershwin: Israel Gershowitz
  • Stan Getz: Stanley Gayetski
  • Ghostface Killah: Dennis Coles
  • Dizzy Gillespie: John Birks Gillespie
  • Ginuwine: Elgin Baylor Lumpkin
  • Gary Glitter: Paul Gadd
  • Lesley Gore: Lesley Sue Goldstein
  • Gorilla Zoe: Alonzo Mathis
  • Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam): Stone Carpenter Gossard
  • Gotye: Wouter De Backer
  • Jean Grae: Tsidi Ibrahim
  • Bill Graham: Wulf Wolodia Grajonca
  • Grandmaster Flash: Joseph Saddler
  • Dobie Gray: Leonard Victor Ainsworth
  • Glen Gray: Glenn Gray Knoblauch
  • Macy Gray: Natalie Renee McIntyre
  • Al Green: Albert Leornes Greene
  • Cee Lo Green: Thomas DeCarlo Callaway
  • Peter Green: Peter Allen Greenbaum
  • Ferde Grofé: Ferdinand Rudolph von Grofé
  • Gucci Mane: Radric Davis
  • David Guetta: Pierre David Guetta
  • Guitar Slim: Eddie Jones
  • Buddy Guy: George Guy
  • GZA the Genius: Gary Grice

    H

  • Daryl Hall: Daryl Franklin Hohl
  • Johnny Hallyday: Jean-Philippe Smet
  • Halsey: Ashley Nicolette Frangipane
  • Hardwell: Robbert van de Corput
  • E.Y. “Yip” Harburg: Isidore Hochberg
  • Slim Harpo: James Isaac Moore
  • Calvin Harris: Adam Richard Wiles
  • Marion Harris: Mary Ellen Harrison
  • Freddie Hart: Frederick Segrest
  • PJ Harvey: Polly Jean Harvey
  • Havoc: Kejuan Muchita
  • Screamin’ Jay Hawkins: Jalacy J. Hawkins
  • Gibby Haynes: Gibson Jerome Haynes
  • Head (Korn): Brian Phillip Welch
  • Hell Rell: Durell Mohammed
  • Richard Hell: Richard Meyers
  • Fletcher Henderson: James Fletcher Hamilton Henderson Jr.
  • Jimi Hendrix: born Johnny Allen Hendrix, renamed James Marshall Hendrix
  • Herb (Peaches & Herb): Haer Feemster
  • Faith Hill: Audrey Faith Perry
  • Scotti Hill: Scott Lawrence Mulvehill
  • Billie Holiday: Eleanora Fagan Gough

    Eleanora Fagan Gough, image from worldofwonder.net

  • J. Holiday: Nahum Grymes
  • Buddy Holly: Charles Hardin Holley
  • Lightnin’ Hopkins: Samuel John Hopkins
  • Son House: Eddie James House Jr.
  • Cissy Houston: Emily Drinkard
  • Howlin’ Wolf: Chester Arthur Burnett
  • Engelbert Humperdinck: Arnold George Dorsey
  • Tab Hunter: Arthur Gelien
  • Mississippi John Hurt: John Smith Hurt

    I

  • Janis Ian: Janis Eddy Fink
  • Ice Cube: O’Shea Jackson
  • Ice-T: Tracy Marrow
  • Billy Idol: William Michael Albert Broad
  • Enrique Iglesias: Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler
  • Julio Iglesias: Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva
  • iHeartMemphis: Richard Colbert
  • India.Arie: India Arie Simpson
  • Indio: Gordon Peterson
  • Infernus: Roger Tiegs
  • Inspectah Deck: Jason Hunter
  • I-Roy: Roy Reid
  • Burl Ives: Icle Ivanhoe Ives
  • Iyaz: Keidran Jones

    J

  • Ja Rule: Jeffery Bruce Atkins
  • Randy Jackson: Steven Randall Jackson
  • Tito Jackson: Toriano Adaryll Jackson
  • Jadakiss: Jayson Tyrone Phillips
  • Mick Jagger: Michael Phillip Jagger
  • Jam Master Jay: Jason Mizell
  • Ahmad Jamal: Frederick Russell Jones
  • Jamelia: Jamelia Niela Davis
  • Elmore James: Elmore Brooks
  • Etta James: Jamesetta Hawkins
  • Joni James: Giovanna Carmella Baddo
  • Rick James: James Ambrose Johnson, Jr.
  • Skip James: Nehemiah Curtis James
  • Sonny James: James Hugh Loden
  • Tommy James: Thomas Gregory Jackson
  • Jay-Z: Shawn Corey Carter
  • Blind Lemon Jefferson: Lemon Harry Jefferson
  • Lyfe Jennings: Chester Jennings
  • Joan Jett: Joan Marie Larkin
  • Jewel: Jewel Kilcher
  • Jidenna: Jidenna Theodore Mobisson
  • Jimmy Jam: James Samuel Harris III
  • J-Kwon: Jarrell Jones
  • Antonio Carlos Jobim: Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim
  • Joe: Joe Lewis Thomas
  • John 5: John Lowery
  • Holly Johnson: William Johnson
  • JoJo: Joanna Noëlle Levesque
  • Jo-Jo: Joel Lamont Hailey
  • Elton John: Reginald Kenneth Dwight

    Reginald Kenneth Dwight, image from abcnews.com

  • Little Willie John: William Edward John
  • Al Jolson: Asa Yoelson
  • Grace Jones: Grace Mendoza
  • John Paul Jones: John Richard Baldwin
  • Norah Jones: Geetali Norah Shankar
  • Spike Jones: Lindley Armstrong Jones
  • Tom Jones: Thomas John Woodward
  • Naomi Judd; Diana Ellen Judd
  • Wynonna Judd: Christina Claire Ciminella
  • Juvenle: Terius Gray
  • Naeem Juwan: Naeem Juwan Hanks

    K

  • Kaskade: Ryan Raddon
  • John Kay (Steppenwolf): Joachim Krauledat
  • Sammy Kaye: Samuel Zarnocay Jr.
  • KC: Harry Wayne Casey
  • K-Ci: Cedric Renard Hailey
  • Toby Keith: Toby Keith Covel
  • Kelis: Kelis Rogers
  • R. Kelly: Robert Sylvester Kelly
  • Ke$ha: Kesha Rose Sebert
  • Alicia Keys: Alicia Augello Cook
  • Wiz Khalifa: Cameron Jibril Thomaz
  • Chaka Khan: Yvette Marie Stevens
  • Kid Cudi: Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi
  • Kid Ink: Brian Todd Collins
  • Kid Rock: Robert James Ritchie
  • Lemmy Killmeister: Ian Frasier Kilmister
  • Albert King: Albert Nelson
  • B.B. King: Riley B. King
  • Ben E. King: Benjamin Earl Nelson
  • Carole King: Carol Joan Klein
  • Pee Wee King: Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski
  • King Ad-Rock: Adam Keefe Horovitz
  • King Tubby: Osbourne Ruddock
  • Sean Kingston: Kisean Jamal Anderson
  • Koala Kid: Eric San
  • Kool Keith: Keith Matthew Thornton
  • Kool Moe Dee: Mohandas Dewese
  • Al Kooper (Blood Sweat & Tears): Alan Peter Kuperschmidt
  • Kris Kristofferson: Kris Carson
  • KRS-One: Lawrence Krisna Parker
  • Fela Kuti: Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti
  • Talib Kweli: Talib Kweli Greene
  • Kay Kyser: James Kern Kyser

    L

  • Patti LaBelle: Patricia Louise Holt-Edwards
  • Lady Gaga: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

    Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, image from thefactsite.com

  • Lady Saw: Marion Hall
  • Lady Sovereign: Louise Amanda Harman
  • Frankie Laine: Francesco Paolo LoVecchio
  • Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
  • Burton Lane: Morris Hyman Kushner
  • Jani Lane: John Kennedy Oswald
  • k.d. lang: Kathryn Dawn Lang
  • Mutt Lange: Robert John Lange
  • Mario Lanza: Alfredo Arnold Cocozza
  • Steve Lawrence: Sidney Liebowitz
  • Lead Belly: Huddie William Ledbetter
  • Brenda Lee: Brenda Mae Tarpley
  • Geddy Lee: Gary Lee Weinrib
  • Peggy Lee: Norma Deloris Egstrom
  • Left Eye: Lisa Nicole Lopes
  • John Legend: John Stephens
  • Julian Lennon: John Charles Julian Lennon
  • Gary Lewis: Gary Levitch
  • Huey Lewis: Hugh Anthony Cregg III
  • Ted Lewis: Theodore Leopold Friedman
  • Liberace: Władziu Valentino Liberace

    Władziu Valentino Liberace, image from telegraph.co.uk

  • Alex Lifeson: Alexander Zivojinovich
  • Lights: Valerie Annie Poxleitner
  • Lil Flip: Wesley Eric Weston, Jr.
  • Lil Jon: Jonathan Mortimer Smith
  • Lil’ Kim: Kimberly Denise Jones
  • Lil’ Mo: Cynthia Loving-Bryant
  • Lil’ Scrappy: Darryl Kevin Richardson II
  • Lil Uzi Vert: Symere Woods
  • Lil Wayne: Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr.
  • Lil Yachty: Miles Park McCollum
  • Limahl (Kajagoogoo): Christopher Hamill
  • Little Anthony: Anthony Gourdine
  • Little Eva: Eva Narcissus Boyd
  • Little Milton: James Milton Campbell, Jr.
  • Little Richard: Richard Wayne Penniman
  • Little Walter: Walter Jacobs
  • LL Cool J: James Todd Smith
  • Lloyd: Lloyd Harlin Polite, Jr.
  • LMFAO’s RedFoo and SkyBlu: Stefan Kendal Gordy and Skyler Austen Gordy
  • Lobo: Roland Kent LaVoie
  • Carole Lombard: Jane Alice Peters
  • Guy Lombardo: Gaetano Alberto Lombardo
  • Lorde: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor
  • Courtney Love: Courtney Michelle Harrison
  • Darlene Love: Darlene Wright
  • Patty Loveless: Patricia Lee Ramey
  • Lene Lovich: Lili-Marlene Premilovich
  • Ludacris: Christopher Brian Bridges
  • Lulu: Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie
  • Lupe Fiasco: Wasalu Muhammad Jaco
  • Loretta Lynn: Loretta Webb
  • Lyn-Z: Lindsay Ann Ballato

    M

  • Harry Macdonough: John Scantlebury Macdonald
  • Macklemore: Ben Haggerty
  • Madlib: Otis Jackson Jr.
  • Madonna: Madonna Louise Ciccone
  • Magic Sam: Samuel Gene Maghett
  • Taj Mahal: Henry Saint Clair Fredericks
  • Miriam Makeba: Zensi Miriam Makeba
  • Yngwie Malmsteen: Lars Johann Yngwie Lannerback
  • Henry Mancini: Enrico Nicola Mancini
  • Barry Manilow: Barry Alan Pincus
  • Barry Mann: Barry Imberman
  • Manfred Mann: Manfred Lubowitz
  • Marilyn Manson: Brian Hugh Warner
  • Mantovani: Annunzio Paolo Mantovani
  • Little Peggy March: Margaret Battavio
  • Teairra Mari: Teaiira Maria Thomas
  • Teena Marie: Mary Chrstine Brocket
  • Marley Marl: Marion Williams
  • Ziggy Marley: David Marley
  • Johnny Marr: John Martin Maher
  • Bruno Mars: Peter Gene Hernandez

    Peter Gene Hernandez, image from nme.com

  • Mick Mars (Motley Crue): Robert Alan Deal
  • Martika: Martha Marrero
  • Dean Martin: Dino Paul Crocetti
  • Ricky Martin: Enrique Martin Morales
  • Tony Martin: Alvin Morris
  • Al Martino: Jasper Cini
  • Mase: Mason Durrel Betha
  • Masta Killa: Elgin Turner
  • Master P: Percy Miller Sr.
  • Matisyahu: Matthew Paul Miller
  • Maxwell: Gerald Maxwell Rivera
  • MC Hammer: Stanley Kirk Burrell
  • MC Lyte: Lana Michelle Moorer
  • MCA: Adam Nathaniel Yauch
  • Martina McBride: Martina Mariea Schiff
  • C.W. McCall: William Fries
  • Brownie McGhee: Walter Brown McGhee
  • Blind Willie McTell: William Samuel McTier
  • Meat Loaf: Marvin Lee Aday
  • Joe Meek: Robert George Meek
  • Meek Mill: Robert Williams
  • Melanie: Melanie Anne Safka
  • Memphis Minnie: Lizzie Douglas
  • Felix Mendelssohn: Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
  • Freddie Mercury: Farrokh Bulsara

    Farrokh Bulsara, image from theguardian.com

  • Ethel Merman: Ethel Agnes Zimmermann
  • Bob Merrill: Henry Robert Merrill Levan
  • Method Man: Clifford Smith
  • MF Doom: Daniel Dumile
  • MF Grimm: Percy Carey
  • M.I.A.: Mathangi Arulpragasam
  • George Michael: Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou
  • Bret Michaels: Bret Michael Sychak
  • Luis Miguel: Luis Miguel Gallego Basteri
  • Glenn Miller: Alton Glenn Miller
  • Mitch Miller: Mitchell William Miller
  • Nicki Minaj: Onika Tanya Maraj
  • Carmen Miranda: Maria Do Carmo Miranda Da Cunha
  • Guy Mitchell: Albert George Cernick
  • Joni Mitchell: Roberta Joan Anderson
  • Moby: Richard Melville Hall
  • Pharoahe Monch: Troy Donald Jamerson
  • Eddie Money: Edward Mahoney
  • Monica: Monica Denise Arnold
  • French Montana: Karim Kharbouch
  • Patsy Montana: Ruby Rose Blevins
  • Wes Montgomery: John Leslie Montgomery
  • Gary Moore: Thomas Garrison Morfit
  • Van Morrison: George Ivan Morrison
  • Morrissey: Steven Patrick Morrissey
  • Jelly Roll Morton: Ferdinand Joseph LaMenthe Morton
  • Mos Def: Dante Terrell Smith-Bey
  • Nana Mouskouri: Ioánna Moúschouri
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart
  • Mr. Lif: Jeffrey Haynes
  • Ms. Dynamite: Niomi McLean-Daley
  • Munky (Korn): James Christian Shaffer
  • Anne Murray: Morna Anne Murray
  • Mya: Mya Marie Harrison
  • Mystikal: Michael Lawrence Tyler

    N

  • Nas: Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones
  • Nate Dogg: Nathaniel Dawayne Hale
  • Me’shell N’degeocello: Michelle Johnson
  • Nelly: Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr.
  • Vince Neil: Vince Neil Wharton
  • Ozzie Nelson: Oswald George Nelson
  • Ricky Nelson: Eric Hilliard Nelson
  • Juice Newton: Judy Kay Newton
  • Ne-Yo: Shaffer Chimere Smith
  • Stevie Nicks: Stephanie Lynn Nicks
  • Nicky Jam: Nick Rivera Caminero
  • Nico: Christa Paffgen
  • Nilsson: Harry Edward Nilsson III
  • Nokio: Tamir Ruffin
  • Noodles: Kevin John Wasserman
  • Notoriou B.I.G.: Christopher George Latore Wallace

    Christopher Wallace, image from latimes.com

  • Aldo Nova: Aldo Caporuscio
  • Gary Numan: Gary Anthony James Webb
  • Laura Nyro: Laura Nigro

    O

  • Ric Ocasek (The Cars): Richard Otcasek
  • Billy Ocean: Leslie Sebastian Charles
  • Frank Ocean: Christopher Breaux
  • Ol’ Dirty Bastard: Russell Tyrone Jones
  • Omarion: Omari Ishmal Grandberry
  • OMI: Omar Samuel Pasley
  • William Orbit: William Mark Wainwright
  • Tony Orlando: Michael Anthony Orlando Cassivitis
  • Eugene Ormandy: Jenő Blau
  • Benjamin Orr: Benjamin Orzechowski
  • Roland Orzabal: Raoul Jaime Orzabal de la Quintana
  • Ozzy Osbourne: John Michael Osborne
  • Gilbert O’Sullivan: Raymond Edward O'Sullivan
  • Johnny Otis: John Alexandres Veliotes
  • Buck Owens: Alvis Edgar Owens, Jr.
  • Owl City: Adam Young

    P

  • Patti Page: Clara Ann Fowler
  • Colonel Tom Parker: Andreas Cornelius van Kujik
  • Junior Parker: Herman Parker, Jr.
  • Gram Parsons: Cecil Ingram Connor III

    Cecil Ingram Connor III, image from theworldinapapercup.com

  • Jaco Pastorius: John Francis Anthony Pastorius III
  • Les Paul: Lester William Polsfuss
  • Johnny Paycheck: Donald Eugene Lytle
  • Peaches (Peaches & Herb): Francine Barker
  • Minnie Pearl: Sarah Ophelia Colley
  • Katy Perry: Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson
  • Lee “Scratch” Perry: Rainford Hugh Perry
  • Pharaohe Monch: Troy Donald Jameson
  • Michelle Phillips: Holly Michelle Gilliam
  • Philthy Animal: Phil Taylor
  • Edith Piaf: Edith Giovanna Gassion
  • Pink: Alecia Beth Moore
  • Pitbull: Armando Christian Perez
  • Plies: Algernod Lanier Washington
  • Buster Poindexter: David Johansen
  • Doc Pomus: Jerome Solon Felder
  • Iggy Pop: James Newell Osterberg, Jr.
  • Post Malone: Austin Richard Post
  • Bud Powell: Earl Rudolph Powell
  • Cozy Powell: Colin Flooks
  • Pras: Samuel Prakazrel Michel
  • André Previn: Andreas Ludwig Priwin
  • Maxi Priest: Max Elliot
  • Prince: Prince Rogers Nelson
  • Prince Far-I: Michael James Williams
  • Prince Paul: Paul Huston
  • Freddie Prinze: Frederick Karl Pruetzel
  • Prodigy: Albert Johnson
  • Professor Longhair: Henry Roeland Byrd
  • Professor X: Lumumba Robert Carson
  • PSY: Park Jae-sang
  • Tito Puente: Ernesto Antonio Puente
  • Puff Daddy (aka P. Diddy & Diddy): Sean John Combs

    Sean John Combs, pick a name already and stick with it! Image from newsday.com.

    Q

  • Suzi Quatro: Suzi Quatrocchio
  • Q-Bert: Richard Quitevis
  • Q-Tip: Kamaal Ibn John Fareed
  • Queen Latifah: Dana Elaine Owens

    Dana Elaine Owens, image from thelavalizard.com

  • ? (? & The Mysterians): Rudy Martinez
  • ?uestlove: Ahmir-Khalib Thompson
  • Q-Tip: Jonathan Davis

    R

  • Sun Ra: Herman Poole Blount
  • Raekwon: Corey Woods
  • Ma Rainey: Gertrude Pridgett
  • Rakim: William Michael Griffin, Jr.
  • Twiggy Ramiez: Jeordie Osborne White
  • C.J. Ramone: Chris Ward
  • Dee Dee Ramone (Ramones): Douglas Colvin
  • Joey Ramone (Ramones): Jeffery Hyman
  • Johnny Ramone (Ramones): John Cummings
  • Marky Ramone (Ramones): Mark Bell
  • Phil Ramone: Philip Rabinowitz
  • Richie Ramone (Ramones): Richie Reinhart
  • Tommy Ramone (Ramones): Tom Erdelyi
  • Shabba Ranks: Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon
  • Boots Randolph: Homer Louis Randolph
  • Dizzee Rascal: Dylan Mills
  • Collin Raye: Floyd Collin Wray
  • Chris Rea: Christopher Anton Rea
  • Redman: Reginald Noble
  • RedOne: Nadir Khayat
  • Jerry Reed: Jerry Reed Hubbard
  • Martha Reeves: Martha Lavaille
  • Django Reinhardt: Jean Reinhardt
  • The Rev (Avenged Sevenfold): James Owen Sullivan
  • Martin Rev: Martin Reverby
  • Bebe Rexha: Bleta Rexha
  • Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran): Nicholas James Bates
  • Buddy Rich: Bernard Rich
  • Rich Homie Quan: Dequantes Devontay Lamar
  • Cliff Richard: Harry Rodger Webb
  • Rihanna: Robyn Rihanna Fenty

    Robyn Fenty, image from thetimes.co.uk

  • Tex Ritter: Woodward Maurice Ritter
  • Johnny Rivers: John Henry Ramistella
  • Marty Robbins: Martin David Robinson
  • Robbie Robertson: Jaime Royal Klegerman
  • Smokey Robinson: William Robinson, Jr.
  • Rikki Rockett: Richard Allan Ream
  • Rockwell: Kennedy Gordy
  • Johnny Rodriguez: Juan Raoul Davis Rodriguez
  • Roy Rogers: Leonard Franklin Slye
  • Henry Rollins: Henry Garfield
  • Sonny Rollins: Walter Theodore Rollins
  • Axl Rose: William Bruce Rose, Jr. (raised as William Bruce Bailey)
  • Diana Ross: Diane Ernestine Earle
  • Rick Ross: William Leonard Roberts II
  • Tino Rossi: Constantin Rossi
  • Johnny Rotten: John Joseph Lydon
  • Kelly Rowland: Kelendria Trene Rowland
  • Art Rupe: Arthur Goldberg
  • Leon Russell: Claude Russell Bridges
  • Bobby Rydell: Robert Louis Ridarelli
  • Mitch Ryder: William Levise Jr.
  • Bobby Rydell: Robert Lugi Ridarelli
  • RZA: Robert Diggs

    S

  • Raphael Saadiq: Charlie Ray Wiggins
  • Sade: Helen Folasade Adu
  • Salt-N-Pepa: Cheryl James and Sandra Denton
  • Santigold: Santi White
  • Sasha: Alexander Coe
  • Leo Sayer: Gerald Hugh Sayer
  • Boz Scaggs: William Royce Scaggs
  • Scarface: Brad Jordan
  • Schoolboy Q: Quincy Matthew Hanley
  • Bon Scott (AC/DC): Ronald Belford Scott
  • Travis Scott: Jacques Webster
  • Seal: Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel
  • Son Seals: Frank Seals
  • Jay Sean: Kamaljit Singh Jhooti
  • Selena: Selena Quintanilla-Perez
  • Senor Coconut: Uwe Schmidt
  • David Seville: Ross Bagdasarian
  • M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold): Matthew Charles Sanders
  • Shaggy: Orville Richard Burrell
  • Shaggy2Dope: Joseph Utsler
  • Shakira: Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
  • Tupac Shakur: Lesane Parish Crooks
  • Del Shannon: Charles Weedon Westover
  • Edward Sharpe: Alexander Michael Tahquitz Ebert
  • Artie Shaw: Arthur Jacob Arshawsky
  • Sheek Louch: Sean Divine Jacobs
  • T. G. Sheppard: William Neal Browder
  • Nat Shilkret: Naftule Schüldkraut
  • Shinehead: Edmund Carl Aiken
  • Michelle Shocked: Karen Michelle Johnson
  • Dinah Shore: Fannye Rose Shore
  • Shyne: Jamal Barrow
  • Sia: Sia Kate Isobelle Furler
  • Jean Sibelius: Johan Julius Christan Sibelius
  • Silento: Ricky Lamar Hawk
  • Beverly Sills: Belle Miriam Silverman
  • Silkk the Shocker: Vyshonn King Miller
  • Gene Simmons (Kiss): Chaim Klein Weitz

    Stanley Harvey Eisen and Chaim Klein Weitz, image from johnjsimpson.wordpress.com

  • Nina Simone: Eunice Kathleen Waymon
  • The Singing Nun: Jeanine Deckers
  • Siouxsie Sioux: Susan Jane Ballion
  • Sir Mix-a-Lot: Anthony Ray
  • Sisqo: Mark Althavan Andrews
  • Sista Souja: Lisa Williamson
  • Nikki Sixx: Franklin Carlton Serafino Ferranno
  • Roni Size: Ryan Williams
  • Sizzla: Miguel Orlando Collins
  • Skrillex: Sonny John Moore
  • Luke Skyywalker: Luther Campbell
  • Slash: Saul Hudson
  • Grace Slick: Grace Barnett Wing
  • Slick Rick: Richard Martin Lloyd Walters
  • Slim Thug: Stayve Jerome Thomas
  • Connie Smith: Constance June Meador
  • Whistling Jack Smith: Billy Moeller
  • Snoop Dogg: Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr.
  • Snow: Darrin O’Brien
  • Hank Snow: Clarence Eugene Snow
  • Phoebe Snow: Phoebe Laub
  • Solé: Tonya Michelle Johnston Lumpkin
  • Trey Songz: Tremaine Aldon Neverson
  • Musiq Soulchild: Talib Johnson
  • Soulja Boy: DeAndre Cortez Way
  • Joe South: Joseph Alfred Souter
  • Bubba Sparxxx: Warren Anderson Mathis
  • Ronnie Spector: Veronica Bennett
  • Baby Spice (Spice Girls): Emma Lee Bunton
  • Ginger Spice (Spice Girls): Geraldine Estelle Halliwell
  • Posh Spice (Spice Girls): Victoria Caroline Adams [Beckham]
  • Scary Spice (Spice Girls): Melanie Janine Brown
  • Sporty Spice (Spice Girls): Melanie Jayne Chisholm
  • Spinderella: Deidre Roper
  • Dusty Springfield: Mary Isabel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien
  • Rick Springfield: Richard Lewis Springthorpe
  • St. Vincent: Annie Clark
  • Frank Stanley: William Stanley Grinsted
  • Paul Stanley (KISS): Stanley Harvey Eisen
  • Kay Starr: Katherine Laverne Starks
  • Ringo Starr: Richard Starkey
  • Isaac Stern: Isaak Solomonovich Shtern
  • Cat Stevens: Steven Demetre Georgiou
  • Ray Stevens: Harold Ray Ragsdale
  • Shakin’ Stevens: Michael Barratt
  • Sting: Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner

    Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, image from npr.org

  • Angie Stone: Angela Brown
  • Joss Stone: Joscelyn Eve Stocker
  • Sly Stone: Sylvester Stewart
  • Chris Strachwitz: Christian Alexander Maria Strachwitz
  • Izzy Stradlin: Jeffrey Dean Isbell
  • Joe Strummer: John Graham Mellor
  • Levi Stubbs: Levi Stubbles
  • Styles P.: David Styles
  • Jule Styne: Julius Kerwin Stein
  • Donna Summer: LaDonna Adrian Gaines
  • Super Cat: William Maragh
  • Swizz Beatz: Kasseem Mike Dean
  • SZA: Solana Imani Rowe

    T

  • Booker T.: Booker T. Jones
  • Taboo (Black Eyed Peas): Jamie Luis Gomez
  • Taco: Taco Ockerse
  • Tampa Red: Hudson Woodbridge
  • Tank: Durrell Babbs
  • Hound Dog Taylor: Theodore Roosevelt Taylor
  • Koko Taylor: Cora Anna Walton
  • T-Boz: Tionne Watkins
  • Terminator X: Norman Rogers
  • Sonny Terry: Saunders Terrell
  • Tammi Terrell: Thomasina Montgomery
  • Joe Tex: Joseph Arrington Jr.
  • Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Rosetta Nubin
  • B.J. Thomas: Billy Joe Thomas
  • Hank Thompson: Henry William Thompson
  • Big Mama Thornton: Willie Mae Thornton
  • Johnny Thunders: John Anthony Genzale, Jr
  • T.I.: Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr.
  • Mel Tillis: Lonnie Melvin Tillis
  • Tiësto: Tijis Michiel Verwest
  • Tiffany: Tiffany Renee Darwish
  • Timbaland: Timothy Zachery Mosley
  • Tiny Tim: Herbert Buckingham Khaury
  • Tone Loc: Anthony Terrell Smith
  • Too $hort: Todd Shaw
  • Peter Tork (Monkees): Peter Halston Thorkelson
  • Tico Torres: Hector Samuel Juan Tico Torres
  • Peter Tosh: Winston Hubert Macintosh
  • Tove Lo: Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson
  • T-Pain: Faheem Rasheed Najm
  • Randy Travis: Randy Bruce Traywick
  • Trick Daddy: Maurice Young
  • Trina: Katrina Le’verne Taylor
  • Triple H: Paul Michael Levesque
  • Ike Turner: Izear Luster Turner, Jr.
  • Tina Turner: Anna Mae Bullock
  • Tommy Tutone: Tommy Heath
  • Shania Twain: Eileen Regina Edwards

    Eileen Regina Edwards, image from inmagazine.ca

  • T-Wayne: Tyshon Dwayne Nobles
  • Tweet: Charlene Keys
  • 21 Savage: Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph
  • Twista: Carl Terrell Mitchell
  • Conway Twitty: Harold Lloyd Jenkins
  • 2 Chainz: Tauheed Epps
  • Ty Dolla $ign: Tyrone William Griffin, Jr.
  • Tyler, the Creator: Tyler Gregory Okonma
  • Bonnie Tyler: Gaynor Hopkins
  • Steven Tyler: Steven Victor Tallarico

    U

  • U-God: Lamont Hawkins
  • Uncle Kracker: Matthew Shafer
  • Midge Ure: James Ure
  • Little Jimmy Urine: James Euringer
  • U-Roy: Ewart Beckford
  • Usher: Usher Raymond IV

    V

  • Jerry Vale: Genaro Vitaliano
  • Ritchie Valens: Richard Steven Valenzuela
  • Bobby Valentino: Robert Wilson
  • Rudy Vallee: Hubert Prior Vallée
  • Frankie Valli: Frank Castelluccio
  • Vangelis: Evangelos Papathanassiou
  • Vanilla Ice: Robert Van Winkle
  • Vanity: Denise Katrina Smith
  • Eddie Vedder: Edward Louis Severson III

    Edward Louis Severson III, image from perthnow.com.au

  • Bobby Vee: Robert Thomas Velline
  • Alan Vega: Alan Bermowitz
  • Zacky Vengeance (Avenged Sevenfold): Zachary James Baker
  • Billy Vera: William McCord Jr.
  • Tom Verlaine: Thomas Miller
  • Sid Vicious (the Sex Pistols): Simon John Ritchie
  • Butch Vig: Bryan David Vig
  • Gene Vincent: Vincent Eugene Craddock
  • Vinnie Vincent (KISS): Vincent John Cusano
  • Bobby Vinton: Stanley Robert Vinton, Jr.
  • Violent J: Joseph Bruce
  • Vitamin C: Colleen Fitzpatrick
  • Vortex: Simen Hestnæs

    W

  • Bunny Wailer: Neville O’Riley Livingston
  • Waka Flocka Flame: Juaquin Malphursd
  • Wale: Olubowale Victor Akintimehin
  • Junior Walker: Autry DeWalt Walker Jr.
  • T-Bone Walker: Aaron Thibeaux Walker
  • Paul Wall: Paul Gideon Manry
  • Sippie Wallace: Beulah Belle Thomas
  • Fats Waller: Thomas Wright Waller
  • Dee Dee Warwick: Delia Mae Warrick
  • Don Was: Donald Fagenson
  • Dinah Washington: Ruth Lee Jones
  • Muddy Waters: McKinley Morganfield

    McKinley Morganfield, image from jango.com

  • Roger Waters: George Robert Waters
  • Fee Waybill (Tubes): John Waldo
  • Chick Webb: William Henry Webb
  • The Weeknd: Abel Tesfaye
  • Ted Weems: Wilfred Theodore Wemyes
  • Dean Ween (Ween): Mickey Melchiondo
  • Gene Ween (Ween): Aaron Freeman
  • Bob Weir (Greatful Dead): Robert Hall
  • Paul Weller: John William Weller, Jr.
  • Junior Wells: Amos Wells Blakemore , Jr.
  • Kitty Wells: Ellen Muriel Deason
  • Dottie West: Dorothy Marie Marsh
  • Leslie West (Mountain): Leslie Westein
  • Peetie Wheatstraw: William Bunch
  • Barry White: Barry Eugene Carter
  • Bukka White: Booker T. Washington White
  • Jack White: John Anthony Gillis
  • Slim Whitman: Otis Dewey Whitman, Jr.
  • Kim Wilde: Kim Smith
  • will.i.am: William James Adams, Jr.
  • Big Joe Williams: Joseph Lee Williams
  • Hank Williams: Hiram Williams
  • Hank Williams, Jr.: Randall Hank Williams
  • Mary Lou Williams: Mary Elfrieda Scruggs
  • Paul Williams: Billy Paul
  • Roger Williams: Louis Jacob Weertz
  • Sonny Boy Williamson #1: John Lee Williamson
  • Sonny Boy Williamson #2: Alex Ford
  • Nicky Wire (Manic Street Preachers): Nicholas Allen Jones
  • Wiz Khalifa: Cameron Jibril Thomaz
  • Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band): Peter Blankfield
  • Wolfman Jack: Robert Weston Smith
  • Stevie Wonder: Stevland Hardaway Judkins

    Stevland Hardaway Judkins, image from nostalgie.fr

  • Link Wray: Fred Lincoln Wray Jr.
  • Zakk Wylde: Jeffery Phillip Wiedlandt
  • Bill Wyman: William Perks
  • Tammy Wynette: Virginia Wynette Pugh

    X-Y

  • Xzibit: Alvin Nathaniel Joiner IV
  • Yabby You: Vivian Jackson
  • Weird Al Yankovic: Alfred Matthew Yankovic
  • Yanni: Yiannis Chrysomallis
  • Tony Yayo: Marvin Bernard
  • YG: Keenon Daequan Ray Jackson
  • Young Buck: David Darnell Brown
  • Young Dro: D’Juan Hart
  • Young Jeezy: Jay Jenkins
  • Young MC: Marvin Young
  • Young Thug: Jeffrey Lamar Williams
  • Yung Joc: Jasiel A. Robinson
  • Yung Wun: James Anderson

    Z

  • Dweezil Zappa: Ian Donald Calvin Euclid Zappa
  • Frank Zappa: Francis Vincent Zappa, Jr.
  • Zedd: Anton Zaslavski
  • Warren Zevon: Warren William Zevon
  • Rob Zombie: Robert Bartleh Cummings
  • Buckwheat Zydeco: Stanley Dural, Jr.

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